HUD/FHA INCREASES MORTGAGE LIMITS IN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLORADO

DENVER - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development raised the San Miguel County mortgage limits to
a new high for the area as of July 19, 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 San Miguel County using a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The previous limit was $261,609 for a one-unit, single family home.

Median home prices in San Miguel County 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 San Miguel County 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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