When our automobile needs a tune-up, it provides us with plenty of clues: hard to start, rough running, poor gas mileage, etc. But when a mortgage needs a tune-up it gives no warning.

If you have been following this column all month, you would know that I have been writing about the fix and flip business as well the fix and rent business. If you would like to re-read any of those columns, you can do so at www.coloradodreamhouse.com/news.

Here we are, only three weeks into the New Year and already my phone is ringing off the hook with that old familiar question, “Dan, what is the real estate market going to do this year in Denver?”

Effective October 4th, 2010, FHA will lower the upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and raise the annual mortgage premium. Upfront MIP will decrease from 2.25% of the loan amount to 1 percent.

We usually think of a reverse mortgage as a way to help people over 62 use the equity in their homes to upgrade their quality of life. But what if they want to buy a new home?

In my previous 2 Blogs on DPA, I discussed and tried to dispel some of the myths surrounding down payment assistance. In addition, I highlighted some of the key factors in determining what it takes to qualify for DPA. Today, I will address who are the agencies out there who offer DPA and how doing a little research can help in deciding which program you should consider and how to find out if your lender works with that agency.

So you think you want to buy a home. You have a good job and reasonably good credit but you don’t have the 3.5, 5%, or 10% down payment that is required in order to purchase these days. You’ve heard rumors about different down payment assistance programs (DPA) and how you can get in for as little as $100 or $1000.

HUD announced this week several major changes for FHA loans later this year. Some of this items will not go into effect for several months but are worth noting. Overall, HUD is doing the right thing to keep themselves in business and help consumers be able to purchase homes.