Are you a homeowner in the United States looking for the American Dream? If so, you may be in trouble if you still have an ARM, or Adjustable Rate Mortgage. As you likely know, the last year or two has been very bad for the housing market and ARM rates are one area in which the problem got worse. Yet, many of those who did pick up a loan since 2002 have had that loan adjust already. This is the shock that has hit the housing market. There may be more shock coming.

What’s A Mortgage Reset?

Mortgage resets adjust the interest rate on the home loan a person with this type of loan has.  For example, let’s say that you have a home loan with an interest rate of 6 percent for the first three years.  You picked up that loan in 2006 and have since had no problems paying your mortgage loan. Now, the reset period is coming to an end and you are worried. When your loan resets, what is the likelihood that the loan will be too expensive for you?

There is a new wave of mortgage resets set to hit the country in the next months, and will likely continue through 2010 as a number of “option ARM’s” were put in place. These are subprime loans and some are not.  The point is, they are adjusting in the coming months which will cause a new wave of homeowners unable to pay their payments.

Do Something Now

If you are a homeowner with an option ARM or any other adjustable rate loan, now is the best time for you to make a change. What you will need to do is get that loan refinanced as soon as possible, before the loan is in fact adjusted.

FHA can help you to get into a more affordable loan if your loan has recent or will do so prior to the end of 2010.  This will be an outstanding opportunity for you to get a lower interest rate, fixed loan that likely could save you a substantial amount of money.

The worst thing you can do is wait it out. Right now, interest rates are very low. Even those with credit scores that are low may qualify (currently the FHA will accept credit scores at 580 or above.) You have the opportunity to save substantially.

Estimates are that some $500 billion worth of mortgages will be affected in the next four years by these adjustable rates. The FHA can help many to get out of this problem.

It used to be common that purchasing a home with little to even no money down was acceptable, especially when you were a first time homeowner with decent or better credit. This “used to be” was in fact just a handful of years ago. The problem is now that lenders are not willing to take on that level of risk any more.

As one of the problems of the current credit crunch, people from all walks of life are finding it more difficult to obtain the loan they need and want to buy a home. The only organization offering any type of mortgage loan under 20 percent down is the FHA. FHA loans with low down payment are becoming the best route for those homeowners who just want to find an affordable solution to buying a home.

Why Creditors Just Aren’t There

Over the course of the last two years, many lenders who typically provide home loans have faced a number of foreclosures on their properties. Some continue to lose money on these properties and are facing an incredible decision: risk losing more money or only lend to those less likely to default.  By requiring a larger down payment, the homeowner is less likely to walk away from their loan since they have a stake in the property. Therefore, these loans are less risky to lenders.

Here’s the kicker: in order for the credit markets and financial markets to get better, the housing market must improve.  In order for the housing market to improve, banks have to lend to borrowers so they can purchase the homes. The cycle is quite limiting and stressful.

What To Do If You Don’t Have 20 Percent

The American family just starting out may have a small amount of money set aside, but most do not have 20 percent for a home. They are struggling to find lenders who will qualify them for a home loan. If you are one of those looking for a home loan with a low down payment, one of the best places to look is the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA.

Here’s how you will benefit from an FHA loan:

• Down payments as low as 3%
• Low interest rates on home loans
• Easier qualifications for home loans than most traditional lenders
• Fixed rates: giving you stability in your repayment terms
• Help even with less than perfect credit
• A variety of programs for those who need help or have unique requirements

As a home loan provider, FHA loans continue to be the best place to go. They are federally backed loans, with a larger amount of flexibility. What is important is to note that the current credit freeze traditional banks are placing on the housing market is unlikely to change right away. But, FHA can help you to get the home you need and want.

Contact a professional to talk about your options. When 20% down is too much, these lenders can help.