Lenders prepare for lower loan limits, stop accepting certain applications

In anticipation of the expiration of current loan limits on Sept. 30, 2011, Bank of America has stopped accepting conventional and government applications for loan amounts that will exceed the permanent loan amounts. The deadline to submit loan applications was July 1.
According to an email from Bank of America, conventional loans that exceed the permanent loan limits will now be required to use non-conforming programs.
Barring congressional action, the maximum FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac conforming loan limit will decline to $625,500 beginning Oct. 1, 2011, from the current $729,750 limit, though the majority of counties will fall far below the $625,500 maximum.
The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) can buy or guarantee.
Non-conforming or jumbo loans typically carry a higher mortgage interest rate than a conforming loan and require a higher down payment, increasing the monthly payment and negatively impacting housing affordability for California home buyers.
California Association of Realtors will continue to provide information as it becomes available.