The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced new maximum conforming loan limits for 2019. The new limits set by the FHFA reflect the increase in home prices across the country, making it easier for more borrowers to qualify for financing and achieve the goal of homeownership.
New loan limits
Baseline maximum conforming loan limits are increasing from $453,100 to $484,350 in 2019 for most of NH. Because Strafford and Rockingham counties are considered “high-cost areas,” the loan limit has increased to $688,850 in those two counties.
Why are loan limits increasing?
According to the FHFA U.S. House Price Index report, home prices rose in every state between Q3 2017 and Q3 2018, increasing an average of 6.9%. As home prices rise, the maximum loan limit needs to rise so homebuyers can borrow enough to cover the cost of their new home purchase. Raising the conforming loan limits for mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reflects the continuing recovery of the U.S. housing market.