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Didier Malagies • March 24, 2025

The difference between warrantable and non-warrantable condos primarily relates to whether a condominium project meets the eligibility requirements set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or other government-backed entities like the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veterans Affairs). These classifications impact the availability of financing for buyers.


Warrantable Condos

A warrantable condo meets the lending guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making it easier for buyers to secure conventional financing. To be considered warrantable, a condo project typically must meet the following criteria:


Owner-Occupancy Ratio – At least 50% of the units must be owner-occupied or second homes (not rentals or investment properties).

HOA Financial Health – The homeowners' association (HOA) must have sufficient budget reserves (at least 10% of the annual budget).

No Litigation – The condo project must not be involved in major litigation that could affect its financial stability.

Commercial Space Limits – No more than 35% of the building can be used for commercial purposes (like retail or office spaces).

Single-Entity Ownership Limits – No single entity (like an investor or company) can own more than 20% of the total units.

Project Completion – The development must be fully completed (not under construction or in a phased build-out).

Non-Warrantable Condos

A non-warrantable condo does not meet one or more of the guidelines above, making it riskier for lenders and harder for buyers to secure traditional financing. Common reasons a condo is considered non-warrantable include:


A high percentage of investment units (e.g., more than 50% of units are rented out).

The HOA has low reserves or is financially unstable.

The condo is involved in litigation, especially if it affects safety or structural integrity.

A single investor owns too many units (e.g., one person owns more than 20%).

Excessive commercial space within the building.

The condo is in a new development or still under construction.

Financing Differences

Warrantable condos qualify for conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, often with lower interest rates.

Non-warrantable condos may require portfolio loans, jumbo loans, or non-traditional lending with higher interest rates, larger down payments, and more stringent requirements.

Why It Matters

If you're buying, a warrantable condo is easier to finance with better loan options.

If you're selling, having a warrantable condo increases the pool of potential buyers.

If you're an investor, a non-warrantable condo might provide rental income opportunities but may require cash or specialized financing.


Tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog


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By Didier Malagies March 31, 2025
1. FHA Loan (Federal Housing Administration Loan) Credit Score Requirement: As low as 500 (with 10% down) or 580+ (with 3.5% down). Best For: First-time homebuyers and those with lower credit. Pros: Low down payment, flexible credit requirements. Cons: Requires mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). 2. VA Loan (Veterans Affairs Loan) (For eligible military members & veterans) Credit Score Requirement: No official minimum, but lenders may require 580-620+. Best For: Veterans, active-duty military, and qualifying spouses. Pros: No down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates. Cons: VA funding fee required. 3. USDA Loan (United States Department of Agriculture Loan) Credit Score Requirement: 580+ preferred, some lenders may allow lower. Best For: Buyers in rural or suburban areas with low-to-moderate income. Pros: No down payment, lower mortgage insurance costs. Cons: Must meet income and location eligibility. 4. Subprime or Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM Loans) Credit Score Requirement: 500-620+ (varies by lender). Best For: Borrowers who don’t qualify for conventional loans. Pros: Flexible underwriting standards, alternative income verification. Cons: Higher interest rates and fees. 5. Conventional Loan (With a Non-Traditional Lender) Credit Score Requirement: Typically 620+, but some lenders allow lower with compensating factors. Best For: Borrowers with a higher down payment or strong income history. Pros: No upfront mortgage insurance if you put 20% down. Cons: Stricter credit requirements, PMI required if <20% down. Tips to Improve Mortgage Approval with Low Credit Increase your down payment (higher down payments can offset low credit). Work on improving your credit score before applying. Look for lenders specializing in low-credit borrowers. Consider a co-signer or joint application with someone with better credit. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 I
By Didier Malagies March 20, 2025
​On March 19, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced that it would maintain the federal funds rate within the existing range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach amid heightened economic uncertainties, particularly those arising from recent tariff implementations.​ The Fed's updated projections indicate a downward revision in economic growth, with the 2025 GDP forecast adjusted from 2.1% to 1.7%. Concurrently, inflation expectations have been raised to 2.7%, primarily due to the impact of tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the challenges posed by these trade policies, noting that tariffs contribute to higher inflation and dampen economic growth. ​ Despite these adjustments, the Fed anticipates implementing two 25-basis-point rate cuts later this year, contingent upon evolving economic conditions. The next Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled for May 6-7, during which policymakers will reassess the economic landscape and adjust monetary policy as necessar Financial markets responded positively to the Fed's announcement. Major indices, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, experienced gains, reflecting investor optimism regarding the central bank's measured stance. ​  In summary, the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady underscores its commitment to navigating economic uncertainties with a balanced approach, aiming to foster sustainable growth while keeping inflation in check.​ Business Insider
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The Urban Institute has highlighted significant challenges facing older Americans, particularly concerning housing affordability and financial security as life expectancies rise. A recent report indicates that the housing market is increasingly failing to meet the needs of older adults, leading to a growing number of cost-burdened senior households. HousingWire The share of older households experiencing housing cost burdens has risen notably. In 2000, 11.5% of these households reported such burdens; by 2016, this figure had increased to over 16%. https://kaizengroup.net This trend underscores the escalating financial pressures on seniors, many of whom rely heavily on fixed incomes like Social Security. Even those who own their homes outright face substantial expenses related to utilities, maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. Urban Institute The implications of these housing cost burdens are profound. Older adults forced to allocate a significant portion of their income to housing often have to cut back on other essential needs, including food and healthcare. For instance, severely cost-burdened households aged 50 and over in the bottom expenditure quartile spend 43% less on food and 59% less on healthcare compared to those living in affordable housing. Novogradac Moreover, the rising financial insecurity among seniors is prompting many to re-enter the workforce. Economic pressures, such as increasing inflation and living costs, have made it challenging for seniors to rely solely on Social Security, pushing many back into part-time or seasonal jobs. Midland Daily News In summary, while rising life expectancies are a positive development, they present financial challenges for older Americans, particularly concerning housing affordability. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies to ensure that seniors can maintain a reasonable standard of living without compromising other essential needs. Maybe time to think about getting a Reverse Mortgage? Didier Malagies nmls212566 DDA Mortgage nmls324329
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