On July 29th 2016, President Barack Obama has signed H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act. H.R. 3700 is now federal law. This law reforms the process used by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to determine if condominium unit owners qualify for a mortgage with FHA insurance. FHA does not originate mortgage loans, but instead insures mortgage against default. In 2009 FHA changed its condominium qualification rules which left the majority of condominium home-buyers ineligible for FHA-insured mortgages. H.R. 3700 is expected to expand the number of condominiums where borrowers can us an FHA insured mortgage to purchase a home. The FHA must now begin to implement H.R. 3700 which will involve changes to FHA regulations and existing agency guidelines. We look forward to the changes in the current condominium re-certification process and how it is a positive change for those looking to purchase a condominium.
