Not directly. I think your question is "Can I roll my closing costs into my mortgage?". The best answer is no, but with certain exceptions. USDA's rural development program allows you to roll in closing costs above the purchase price, should the appraisal come in higher, but that is unusual. USDA allows closing costs, prepaid and other allowable items to be financed in that instance.
In most cases, the seller should be asked to pay your closing costs, prepaid items and points prior to contract ratification. It theoretically can be done after, but the seller is under no obligation to assist you after you've come to an agreement. Reference back to the lender's limits on the percentage of closing costs the seller can pay, per the loan type you are receiving. And, remember, the gross sales price is the number that the appraisal must reach.
The lender can pay your closing costs - in a form called "premium pricing." Lets say that the current market for a 0+0 quote is 5.25%. If your loan officer offered you 6%, but paid 2% of your loan amount towards your closing costs, then the lender is effectively rolling the closing costs into the mortgage in the form of a higher return to them. Their bet is that you don't use the prepayment option on the mortgage - either through the sale or refinance of the property in the short term, as they will show a loss on that mortgage. And, you must qualify for the higher rate.
In most cases, you can not roll closing costs, prepaid items or points into the loan, as it will cause the loan to value to exceed the maximum for the loan program. Now, if you are not at the maximum loan to value, then you may simply place a smaller down payment in order to reallocate your funds towards the closing costs, and accomplish the same goal.
Answer Submitted on Thu, Aug 27 2009
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