Good news for homebuyers: It’s becoming easier to get a mortgage.

Relaxed government regulations, new offerings from federal loan programs, and new jumbo-loan options helped raise the Mortgage Bankers Association’s monthly Mortgage Credit Availability Index by an average 0.5 percent from March to April — the sixth straight month of increased access to home loans.

“Mortgage credit availability increased on net in April,” Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s chief economist, said in a statement. “The increase was driven by new offerings of FHA’s 203K home improvement program, new VA offerings, and new jumbo products.  The increase was partially offset by some investors tightening underwriting criteria on conventional cash out offerings.”

The good news from the MBA follows recent announcements from the federal government of programs designed to improve access to home loans, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac‘s decision to back 3 percent down-payment loans, as well as the Federal Housing Administration’s move to reduce its mortgage insurance premiums.

Improved mortgage options for homebuyers

Also, a recent survey of real estate professionals by the National Association of Realtors shows improved mortgage options for homebuyers, with lenders reportedly more willing to accept slightly lower FICO scores. In August 2013, most homebuyer FICO scores were 740 or higher, NAR said, but last month the majority of scores ranged from 620 to 740. Real estate professionals also reported an increase in the number of their clients obtaining a loan while making zero to 6 percent down payments.

Access to home loans has been steadily improving for three years, according to the MBA. According to the report, access to loan programs from government agencies such as the FHA, Veterans Administration, and U.S. Department of Agriculture improved 1.1 percent from March. Access to jumbo loans improved by 0.8 percent in April and access to conforming loans rose by 0.2 percent, while conventional loan access declined by 0.6 percent.

Jumbo loans — generally, those above $625,000 — are a key element of the high-priced Bay Area real estate scene, and improved access to these loans bodes well for homebuyers.

“We’re seeing lots of new investors coming into the jumbo market,” Dennis Kowalski, branch manager at Pacific Union joint venture Mortgage Services Professionals, said. “That’s a good sign for homebuyers.”

Contact Keith Katzman: 925.376.7776

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lamorinda community? Contact Keith Katzman–a Moraga native with more than 30 years of industry experience.