FHFA has put in some layers that can increase your interest rate on a FNMA/FHMC mortgage

Didier Malagies • March 6, 2023


When it comes to getting a mortgage loan, interest rates are one of the most important factors to consider. The interest rate you receive will directly impact the amount of money you pay in interest over the life of your loan. This is especially true for loans backed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHMC). In this article, we will discuss how interest rates impact FNMA/FHMC loans and when an FHA loan might be a better option.


FNMA/FHMC Loans will be Affected by the Rate due to LTV, Credit Scores, and Income/Debt Ratio


The interest rate you receive on a FNMA/FHMC loan is determined by several factors, including your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), credit score, and income-to-debt ratio. LTV is the amount of your loan divided by the appraised value of your home. The lower your LTV, the less risk there is for the lender, and the lower the interest rate you will likely receive.


Your credit score is another critical factor that will impact your interest rate. A higher credit score generally means a lower interest rate, as it shows that you are a lower risk borrower. On the other hand, a lower credit score can result in a higher interest rate or even a denial of your loan application.


Lastly, your income-to-debt ratio is an essential factor in determining your interest rate. If your income-to-debt ratio is too high, it shows that you may have difficulty making your mortgage payments. This may result in a higher interest rate, or the lender may deny your loan application altogether.


Will it be Better in Some Cases to go FHA?

In some cases, an FHA loan may be a better option than a FNMA/FHMC loan. FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to help people with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. The interest rates on FHA loans are typically lower than those on conventional loans, and you may be able to qualify for an FHA loan with a lower credit score or a higher LTV ratio.


However, FHA loans come with some drawbacks as well. First, they require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) that can add to the cost of your loan. Second, FHA loans have strict guidelines on the condition of the property you are purchasing. If the property is in poor condition, you may not be able to get an FHA loan.


A Higher Than 40% Income Debt Ratio Affect Your Rate

Having an income-to-debt ratio higher than 40% can impact your interest rate or even lead to a denial of your loan application. Lenders want to ensure that you can comfortably make your mortgage payments, and a high debt-to-income ratio indicates that you may have difficulty doing so.


If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, you may want to consider paying off some of your debts before applying for a mortgage loan. This will lower your ratio and increase your chances of getting a lower interest rate.


Down Payment Can Affect Your Rate

The amount of your down payment can also impact your interest rate. A larger down payment means less risk for the lender, so you may be able to get a lower interest rate. On the other hand, a smaller down payment can result in a higher interest rate or require you to pay for mortgage insurance.



Conclusion

When it comes to getting a mortgage loan, interest rates are a critical factor to consider. For FNMA/FHMC loans, your interest rate will be impacted by your LTV ratio, credit score, and income-to-debt ratio. In some cases, an FHA loan may be a better option,







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By Didier Malagies December 1, 2025
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