Danny Salas

Archive for the 'Mortgage Industry Updates' Category

FHA MI Premium Increasing

1.75% Financed Premuim Is Going Away

Per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2010-02, the upfront mortgage insurance premium for FHA loans will increase to 2.25% on all loans for which the case number is assigned on or after April 5, 2010.

Chico, CA Interest Rates Market Report – Economic Influences – March 5, 2010

Nailed It!

Right on the Button!  We watched rates, yesterday, until the afternoon.  Gained 19 basis points…had a re-price for the better two times, for a total of .25% and Locked!  On a $200,000 loan that would save a client $500 in fees, to get into a loan.  Not to mention that it transitioned us into a lower interest rate, by .125%.  So, again, saving clients over $5,400 in monthly payments, through the life of a 30 year fixed rate loan.  That’s why we watch the market, so closely.  I LOVE saving clients money!

Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

The Labor Department reported that the U.S. Economy only lost 36,000 jobs, last month.  They expected well over 50,000 loses, however, the bigger surprise was that the unemployment rate held at 9.7%.  That was surprising, as there are so many claims for Emergency Unemployment Benefits.  So, we’ve dropped over 50 basis points, this morning.  That’s $1,000, on a $200,000 loan.  A lot of money, for a first time home buyer!

Turning To A Lock Mode

Locking Advice

I’d Lock

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Carry Trade…The Investment Opportunity of a Lifetime…

Loss of The Carry Trade...Why Rates Will Go Up This Year

More Writing On The Wall

So, we’ve been talking about interest rates, inevitably, moving up; that the writing’s on the wall.  What are some of the writings on the wall, and how do we know?  We’ve talked about the Government’s Mortgage-Backed Security Purchase Program drying up in March.  We’ve talked about some of the financial troubles occruing in Greece, and throughout the world;  that the safe-haven for US Treasuries and Mortgage-Backed Securities will eventually reverse.  But what’s the Carry Trade?  How does it work, and how will it effect rates?

The Fed Funds Rate

So, remember that the Fed Funds Rate has been significanly lower, for quite some time.  The Fed increased the Discount Rate, however, has been mentioning that the Fed Funds Rate will remain low, “for an extended period,” of time.  This “extended period” quote was lost, at a more recent meeting.  However, Good ‘Ole Ben Bernanke brought it up again, with his talk to Congress and the Senate, last week.  Why is this back and forth mentioning of “extended period” so important?

The Writing On The Wall

The Fed’s not in the business of tricking people.  They’re significantly more transparent than that!  They want you to get the writing on the wall comments.  Here’s what’s being said:  We’ve mentioned Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig, recently.  ”Fiscal policy is on an unsustainable course…”  Also, the Fed’s own Vice Chairman, Donald Kohn, has recently dissented from the Fed’s Policy, actually warning banks to be prepared for interest rate changes.

The Carry Trade Phenomenon

Think of it like this…You have $1 Million to invest and you’re interested in the 4.5% Mortgage Backed Security (which is currently being used to measure 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgages).  4.5% on $1 Million is $45,000.  The Government Allows you to only put 10% Down on your investment.  So you only have to write a check for $100,000.  So, you can borrow the other $900,000 at the current Fed Funds Rate, plus .25%.  That equates to 2.25% or $20,250.  So, $45,000 minus $20,250 is a profit of $24,750.  Or a 24.75% return on your investment.  Now, when the Fed Funds Rate Increases…even just 0.5%, think of this;  your profit is significantly jeopardized.  That 1/2 percent alone can cost you $27,000 cost, from $45,000 earnings, is only a profit of $18,000.  So your rate of return is leveraged down to an 18% gain.  Still significant, however, quite a loss, for just 0.5% in rate increases.

Come On People, Now…

So, with the MBS Purchase Program ending, dissenting Fed Members and Presidents warning of higher rates, Greece on the Path to a financial rescue, I just don’t see how much writing can be on the wall, before everyone understands that rates are moving up.  The temporary fixes WILL NOT LAST!

Must Short-Sale Your Home…Need To Relocate and Buy? We Can Help!

Short-Sales Can Be Depressing

Dire Straights

One of Access’ partners, on our warehouse line, is enabling us to fund loans for clients in dire need.  How dire?  Check this out!

Relocating?

Let’s say that you’ve had perfect mortgage payments and great credit all of your life. Unfortunately, you’re in a bind.  Your company has decided to relocate you and give you a nice promotion.  However, you’re upside down on your mortgage, meaning you owe $500,000 on your residence, yet the residence is only worth $300,000.

Do not fret!

Get in touch with a knowledgeable, experienced Real Estate Agent (we can help), and they can negotiate a short-sale for you.  Also, as long as you keep your payments current, until the short-sale is completed, you’re able to enter into a purchase contract and close, subject to FHA underwriting guidelines.  It’s a huge opportunity, that only some of our most experienced agents have taken advantage of, but YOU SHOULD TOO!

Late Mortgage Payments

So, you may ask, what if we just couldn’t keep up with the payments, at the end, and short-saled, but the last two payments didn’t get paid.  Twelve months from the final short-sale, you may purchase.  So, keep the faith!

Guidelines

FHA has put some restrictions on the program.  You’ll have to fill out a form that inquires into your reason for the short-sale and the distance from your current residence to your new residence.  As FHA does not want people taking advantage of a declining market place. Also, qualifying ratios are 36/45.  Not too shabby, actually.  So, call Access and earn a commission when you short-sale one property, and maybe another, or a referral, on the other property.

Related Must Reads

Understanding FHA-Why It’s King
Changes Occurring For FHA
Why Buy Now?
You STILL Qualify For $6,500 Primary Residence Tax Credit

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