Because the FHA is losing money on record foreclosures (their minimum reserves should be above 2% but were at 0.53% in November), they announced this week that they’re increasing the upfront premium from 1.75% to 2.25%. There has also been political pressure to increase the down payment (currently at 3.5%) to 5%, but as of now it’s still at the 3.5% level. FICO credit score minimums have been raised to 580 (lower FICOs will require a higher down payment). For complete details, here’s the HUD Mortgagee letter.

Ventura’s numbers of homes pending (in escrow) have increased for December and have held rather steady each quarter for 2009.

Oxnard’s homes for sale that are pending (in escrow) are down for this last quarter at 461 homes compared to the first quarter of 648 homes.

Camarillo’s number of single family homes and condos that are pending (in escrow) are down for the month of December and the 4th quarter, yet stronger than for 2008.

Ventura homes sold and Ventura condos sold are from the Ventura MLS listings. The numbers for single family homes spiked in October, declined in November and increased in December. Price and price per square foot increased.

Condos sold have similar numbers for October, November and December along with price and price per square foot.