HUD/FHA INCREASES MORTGAGE LIMITS IN LAKE AND EAGLE COUNTIES, COLORADO

DENVER - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development raised FHA Mortgage Limits in Eagle and Lake Counties to a new high for the area as of February 7, 2006. This is in direct response to the current upward trend
in home prices.

Purchasers may now borrow up to $362,790 for a one-unit, single family home in Eagle and Lake Counties using a
loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The previous limit was $312,895 for a one-unit, single
family home.

Median home prices in the two counties have increased dramatically within the last few years. In many cases, we
find that purchasers are well qualified from the standpoint of income and credit, but they lack sufficient funds for
the size of down payment required on a conventional loan. Since the FHA program requires less of a down payment,
it affords more consumers the opportunity to purchase their dream home. The increased loan limits effectively open the market to more of those consumers. Local housing and mortgage professionals were instrumental in gathering
data on Edwards MSA housing prices and delivering the research to HUD to effect the change in the loan limit.

HUD Regional Director John Carson said, "Homeownership plays a vital role in creating strong communities by giving families a stake in their neighborhoods and helping them to build wealth. Increasing mortgage limits and providing
more relaxed requirements for FHA loans removes two major obstacles for many first-time homebuyers."

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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