New
mortgage rules took effect on Friday that set out to protect borrowers against
risky lending practices. One of the biggest changes is that borrowers will
likely need to show more proof that they can actually afford the mortgage they
are applying for thanks to the "ability-to-repay" rule.
Another term REALTORS
need to learn is "qualified mortgage" or QM. A QM meets new
guidelines, and borrowers who get them are presumed to meet the
ability-to-repay requirements. If lenders make QM loans, they have more
protections against future lawsuits should the loans later go sour.
Click here to learn more.