Guaranty Fee Increase

Payroll Taxes

The U.S. Congress recently passed a two-month payroll tax cut extension. The $33 billion package is funded by a 10-year increase in the Guaranty Fees that Fannie Mae (Fannie) and Freddie Mac (Freddie) charge lenders to guarantee home loans.

This change is effective for all loans delivered to Fannie and Freddie at the beginning of the second quarter of 2012. For example, the cost of a $200,000 mortgage will go up about $11 per month. Over the life of the loan, these costs are anticipated to be about $4,000.

These changes will also increase the cost of FHA and VA loans. However, the government has not released information as to the timing of these changes.

All lenders — by law — will be adding this increase to their pricing.

Source: Prospect Mortgage