With the current shortage of credit across the country, and many lenders requiring excellent credit and down payments of 5% or more, mortgage insurance programs from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are helping fill the void.  FHA now accounts for almost 15% of the mortgage market compared to less than 5% two years ago.

In 2009, FHA's market share is expected to increase to over 30%.

Many REALTORS® have not used FHA products in recent years.  So the National Association of REALTORS® has created an online toolkit to provide information on how to use FHA products and where to obtain them.

The NAR FHA Toolkit is also useful in helping clients understand the benefits of FHA-insured mortgages.

While all of the Toolkit information is useful, KCRAR particularly recommends the following:

• For REALTORS®: Come Home to FHA: How FHA Helps REALTORS® Sell Homes - a detailed look at one- to four-family homes, condo units, ARMs, manufactured homes and more.
• This video featuring three FHA experts
• For consumers and REALTORS®:  FHA Improvements Benefit You - a brochure which illustrates improvements in FHA programs.