The “temporary” loan limit increases for FHA jumbo loans expires at the end of 2008 (that’s loans that are above the “regular” FHA loan limits, which vary from area to area).  So what’s that mean for 2009?  Well, regular FHA loan limits have increased permanently *in some areas*, but they are a little lower than before (at least in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, DC).  While there is no specific FHA Jumbo program and all loan amounts now fall under regular FHA, don’t expect the rate to be exactly the same.  FHA sees more risk in the higher loan limits, and the rate will be just a little higher to compensate for the risk.

Here are the new FHA loan limits for single family homes for the areas I typically serve:

Baltimore Metro Area: $494,500
Washington DC Metro including Metro Virginia, Maryland: $625,500
Wilmington Deleware including Cecil Co. MD: $379,500
Western Maryland/Eastern Shore: $271,050
York/Adams Counties, Pennsylvania: $271,050

You can look up limits at this site: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm  (just be sure to change limit year to 2009)