Genworth sent out a notice of tighter guidelines for mortgage insurance today effective Monday February 2nd. Some of the changes are pretty significant.
As an example, loans over $417K in California are ineligible for MI. Period. The same with attached housing in Florida - ineligible.
Here are some of the rules:
Underwriting Guideline Changes – Effective February 2, 2009
• Minimum Credit Score = 680
• Maximum Debt to Income (DTI) = 41% regardless of AUS or Submission Channel
• High Cost Loans (> $417,000) Minimum Credit Score = 740
o Loan amounts > $417,000 in CA – Ineligible
• Cash Out Refinance – Ineligible
• Second Homes – Ineligible
• Manufactured Homes – Ineligible
• Construction to Permanent – Ineligible
Declining/Distressed Markets Changes – Effective February 2, 2009
• Minimum Credit Score = 700
o AZ, CA, FL, NV = 720 (as per existing guidelines)