วันพุธที่ 30 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Mortgage-Refinance Loan Measurment 101 -- Evaluate Your Own Ability to Pay

We live in a society where people are losing their homes at an alarmingly high rate. There are several reasons for this, but one could certainly be avoided -- buying a house that creates a loan that is too large for you to handle. This article will examine how to decide your loan size -- whether you are purchasing or refinancing. We'll look at this issue from the point of view of lenders and from the standpoint of what is actually best for you.

In a conventional, conforming loan -- one in which you have good credit and good job history -- a lender will look at what he calls "debt-to-income ratio." Many mortgage brokers refer to it as DR (debt ratio). They also break it into two categories -- front end ratio and back end ratio.
A front end debt ratio calculates your gross monthly income against your new house payment. Conventional lenders want this number to be at 28 percent or less. So, if you make $3,500 each month in gross income (before taxes and other withdrawals), just take this number and divide by 28 percent. This new number is $980.00, which is the number the lender will use as your front end ratio. So in the lender's mind, you can afford a house payment of $980.00 or less.

Remember, though, this is only half of the equation. Now, the lender will look at your overall debt scenario. When calculating your back end debt ratio, the lender takes your new mortgage and all other monthly credit debts -- car payments, credit card payments, other loans, cell phones, etc. Items like insurance and utilities are not included. Conventional, conforming lenders want this ratio to be at 36 percent or less.

So, to calculate your back end or overall debt-to-income ratio, take your gross monthly income and divide by 36 percent. Again, let's assume you make $3,500 monthly. When divided by 36 percent, you get $1,225.00. Now, add up all your monthly minimum payments, plus your new house payment, and this new number needs to be less than $1,225.00. So, if you have very little debt, you can afford to go all the way to the $980.00 for a new mortgage. If you have a couple of cars, several credit cards and a cell phone, you'll likely have to get much less house.

Now, these ratios are very conservative. In most cases, lenders will allow you to break one or both of these guidelines, based on other factors -- things like A+ credit, good liquid assets or a large down payment.
Or, you may need a loan program that is non-conforming. This would involve a lender who increases these ratios as high as 50 percent, meaning your debt can be half of your gross monthly income. Lenders, you see, want to make loans. That's why they are so rich, because they are doing trillions of dollars in loans each year, and getting back even more in interest payments.

In order to assure yourself of getting a loan that you can afford, you should qualify yourself. It's important to remember that when calculating debt to income ratios, lenders don't take many important factors into account. For example, they allow you to use gross income -- instead of net income. We pay our bills with our net, not our gross. When deciding what you can qualify for, consider your net income.

In other words, add up all your debts and look at the money you have after taxes, retirement, savings, other investments, etc. Also, account for debts lenders do not, such as insurance, groceries, utilities, the probability that taxes on your home will go up, clothing, and spending money for fun and hobbies. After all, you want having a home to add to your life -- not make it more difficult. Lenders leave this part out.


Mark Barnes is the author of the new novel, The League, the first work of fiction, based on fantasy football. He is also an investment real estate and home loan finance expert. Learn more about his suspense thriller at http://www.sportsnovels.com. Get his free mortgage finance course at http://www.winningthemortgagegame.com

วันอังคารที่ 29 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

The CalPERS Home Loan Program Has Mortgage Loans With Special Mortgage Rates and Benefits

The CalPERS Home Loan Program offers multiple loan programs ranging from Conforming adjustable and fixed rate loans to an FHA Loan. CalPERS mortgage rates in Sacramento are exactly the same as CalPERS mortgage rates all over the state. The PERS program has set fees, float down opportunities, required education for originators, & down payment assistance. These home loan program benefits are just for CalPERS members.

PERS rates are the same from one lender to the next. This is because CalPERS actually sets the rates daily and they do not change throughout the day. They can, but I have never seen them change during the day once they are set. The rates are also structured so that a CalPERS member can pay some of their closing costs through premium pricing if they choose. PERS setting the rates is great because it gives members the ability to chose a loan officer based on service rather than being concerned about mortgage rates in Sacramento companies vs. rates from other area mortgage companies.

The CalPERS home loan program also set's the fees that are allowed on their loans. Lender fees are limited and so are the origination and processing fees. Escrow companies will also discount their fees for a CalPERS loan even though they are not required to. Borrowers don't have to be concerned about loan fees with CalPERS setting them for all loan programs. This, again, allows the borrower to chose their loan officer based on the service that they provide rather than talking with multiple lenders in an attempt to obtain the "best deal possible" on a home loan.

Float down opportunities are another fantastic feature about this program. A float down is simply where a lender drops your rate down to a lower rate after it has already been locked. PERS allows members with locked mortgage rates to be floated down on two specific days. The day the loan is formally approved by underwriting and again on the day that the loan documents are drawn. If the CalPERS rate is lower than the day that the loan was locked then the member's rate will be lowered at no cost. This is why it's called an opportunity, because it must occur on those two days but still a very nice perk with the CalPERS home loan program. If rates are lower on both the approval day and on the day docs are drawn then the member will receive both float downs.

CalPERS also requires originating loan officers to be certified before originating PERS home loans. LO's have to take a course and if they pass will receive their certification and the ability to originate PERS loans. CalPERS Certified Loan Officers have to re-certify every year to make sure that all certified LO's are knowledgeable about the program and can properly assist PERS members. CalPERS also uses this as a way to keep track of the LO's in the program and allows PERS to refer members to quality loan officers who are certified.

Another great feature is one of the last remaining Down Payment Assistance Programs that actually does provide the down payment. This is done using the CalPERS Personal loan which is a loan against the borrower's CalPERS retirement. This is fantastic for members because they can borrow up to 5% of the purchase price. It can be used for down payment ,to cover closing costs or both. With this personal loan, a PERS member can still get 100% financing on a home purchase--something that is not customarily available in this market. If you or your client are a PERS member you really should look into it. The CalPERS home loan program is fantastic, offering its members universally set rates and fees, educated & certified loan officers, float down opportunities, and down payment assistance.


http://mortgageratessacramento.com

วันจันทร์ที่ 28 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Obamas Mortgage Loan Modification

Loan Modification happens to somebody who is having financial issues and cannot pay for mortgage payments, having issues with foreclosure, dealing with their lender to adjust the conditions of their mortgage that will help them to pay for the fees easily and affordable.

US President Barack Obama made a goal of "Make Home Affordable" and announced last February 18, 2009. This is to help the homeowners to lessen the amount of mortgage that they pay monthly. In this plan the lender should lower down the monthly interest rates lower than 38% of the borrowers' income. The lenders should be competent in lower down the monthly fees by decreasing the principal owed mortgage with Treasury sharing in the amount of mortgage.

Application for the Mortgage Loan Modification Plan is not that easy. You should be qualified for their criteria in order for you to get approved. To be qualified you should:

1. Have started off your mortgage before 1st of January 2009.2. Have to be an owner or an occupant.3. Have unpaid balance that is equal to or lower than $729,750 for a single family4. Having problems in paying for mortgages due to low family income or the amount of mortgage increased.5. Have monthly mortgage payment should be more than 31% of your gross monthly earnings.

There are also reasons why you may not be qualified for the Mortgage Loan Modification if:

1. You bought the house for additional home or investment purpose.2. You cannot pay for the mortgage because you loss the job for any instance.3. Your mortgage is higher than conforming loan limits.4. You are not an owner or the occupant.

In this plan more people have the opportunity to pay for their home with lower monthly payments and keep their home.


Click here to learn how to get qualified for a mortgage loan modification.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 27 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Obamas New Home Mortgage Loan Modifications Allow Homeowners to Breathe Easier

A lot of homeowners have a good reason to be excited right now. The current economic recession has been tough on many hard-working homeowners, but President Obama's new Making Home Affordable plan may help them to lower their monthly payments.

Announced in mid-February, the Making Home Affordable plan went into effect March 4th, 2009. The plan is twofold. On the one hand, it will make refinancing a viable option for up to 4 or 5 million homeowners who currently don't qualify for refinancing. On the other hand, it will allow for home mortgage loan modifications.

Many people are either facing foreclosure on their home or are beginning to have trouble making payments. As more and more workers are laid off or are forced to reduce their hours or salary, the percentage of their total income that goes into their mortgage is increasing beyond their ability to pay. The plan will grant these loan modifications to eligible homeowners to reduce their monthly payments to 31% of their gross monthly income.

This new lower monthly payment must be kept frozen for a minimum of five years. After five years' time is up, the monthly payment may gradually increase to the conforming loan rate at the time of modification. It is important to note that homeowners do not have to be late on current mortgage payments in order to qualify for the home loan modifications.

Homeowners who take advantage of this type of loan modification are offered an additional incentive by the U.S. government. For every payment that they make on time, participants will get a payment that goes toward reducing the principal balance of their home loan. A homeowner who continues to make regular payments for five years, for example, can receive up to $1,000 per year under the home loan modification incentive plan.

There are a few stipulations about exactly who can qualify. The person must be a homeowner who lives in that property. That is, no "house flippers" or speculators can take advantage of the loan modifications. The participant must also provide proof of gross income and have a loan that was originated before January 1st, 2009. There can only be one loan modification per homeowner under this plan. Modifications can be initiated until December 31st of 2012. This program is currently open only to homeowners who have loans owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.


For additional information on home mortgage loan modifications, please visit the #1 loan modification resource on the net: http://home-loan-modifications.info

วันเสาร์ที่ 26 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Use the Smartest Ways to Get a Mortgage Loan

In today's housing market, it has never been so difficult to secure financing The end of the rainbow is knowing who to consult with and when the optimal time is to start the process.

When homes loans were readily available for any Ted, Shelly or Henry and easier than making apple pie, people could come home feeling relieved on the signing of their new mortgage. However in the current real estate market with skittish banks, all paths for locating a home loan come with their own guidelines and limitations.

The majority of banks have adamantly fastened their lending guidelines so tight and trimmed down their offerings it is tough. There are some banks that will not use the services of mortgage brokers, due to some bad companies for pushing bad loans during the boom years. As a result, this makes securing a home loan more than just a few hours one day retrieving documents and becoming approved. If a borrower wants to get an attractive rate, they will need to research at a minimum the following sources.

Search the Internet

Searching online for a mortgage loan has changed from the days of almost everyone qualifying for a home loan. At some websites, you can browse without giving your identity and receive specific rates for your situation. One must remember that most of these sites are referral services, so in the end you'll more than likely complete your transaction with a bank or mortgage broker.

Pros: If you know the type of mortgage loan you want, the internet should be your starting point; understanding the current rates and closing costs will assist you in knowing if you're getting a competitive rate when you discuss your situation with a mortgage broker or bank representative during the process.

On the other hand, if you are totally new to the process and unsure of what type of mortgage you need, you'll want to discuss everything with an actually loan officer as soon as you can. Watch out for site that want your private personal information; websites which ask for your Social Security number and address right away. They may access your individual credit report, which could affect your score even if you don't get a mortgage with them. Additionally, make certain that all the costs involved are properly disclosed from the company you are dealing with when you receive a rate quote. If not, you may be unpleasantly surprised as you review the closing documents from the lender.

One way to get the best rate and terms is when inserting your information into the online mortgage application; do not approximate your salary or income, credit history score, or other significant data. Information submitted inaccurately will probably get you an inaccurate rate quote as well. Garbage in equals garbage out.

Get a mortgage with the bank directly

Banks are still lending these days, although with the utmost precautions. People who want a conforming loan which is a home loan below $417,000 in all areas, except high-cost areas, since some banks and lenders ceased taking applications on jumbo loans.

Another way to get the most attractive rate available is to do business with a loan officer who works mainly in the local housing market and may have greater access to niche programs for you at a lower rate than a company located somewhere else.

Consult with a broker

Mortgage brokers may have made lots of questionable loans at second glance during the good times. But a good and trusted broker can guide borrowers more thoroughly than you could do on by yourself. If you're actively searching for a jumbo mortgage loan or investment property financing, or your situation will not fit into the conforming category, a broker will have or find lenders who do approve loans such as yours. There are some brokers which specialize in certain niches and that is just why you may need to close your deal.


Ray Heinson is an investor in real estate and sees the current cycle beginning to curve upwards and suggests these resources for Jumbo Home Mortgages and or to Find Low Mortgage Rates from trusted lenders in your area.

วันศุกร์ที่ 25 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

New Fannie Mae Mortgage Loan Guidelines Contain Some Good News And Some Bad News For Marginal Credit

I got this announcement in an email from a lender. =>Fannie Mae Guidelines contain some good news and some bad news for marginal credit borrowers. These changes will take effect May 19th

Seems as though Fannie Mae may be getting a little more conservative on their approvals for the High Risk, High LTV/CLTV loans. What does that mean? Quite simply, some high risk loans will be getting approvals with 'Levels' attached. Which means that they will be paying .5% to 1.5% higher rates than a low risk client. I see this as prudent and very fair for the borrowers. These levels have always existed, so that is nothing new. But the higher risk stuff will be getting 'leveled' more often now.

Another announcement, and this is a biggie, is that they do not require collections be paid regardless of amounts. Remember the "collections allowed up to $5,000"? They will now allow unlimited collections that do not affect title. So, the guy who has a 6yr old chargeoff for $5,500 can get into a conforming loan without paying off his collection. Fannie Mae used to require all collection paid if they added up to over $5,000. The presence of collections will still go into the risk analysis of the loan.

I could speculate on why these changes are being made..... but it would only be a guess. Who knows what all goes into their risk analysis thinking. But I suspect that Fannie is learning what we knew all along. Some borrowers with old collections can still pay their mortgages on time. And that an arbitrary $5K limit did not make sense. The net result is going to be a little higher rate for the 100% loans as a result of the Expanded Level Approval. And some folks with great recent credit may be able to get into conforming rates regardless of old collections.

Is your loan officer running EVERY FILE through Automated Underwriting? They should be..... because a lot of these people in subprime loans probably would have qualified for something better..... a Conforming Loan.


Tom Burris

DallasLoanGuy.com

Dallas, TX

Texas Home Loans

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 24 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Understanding the Benefits of a VA Mortgage Loan

Veterans Administration (VA) mortgage loans in Wisconsin are becoming very popular. Mainly, because of the lack of no down payment mortgages available. Home buyers are facing the reality that qualifying for home loans are becoming more difficult. This specific government mortgage loan program proves home buyers with another option.

Just to recap, a person that is currently active in the military or is a veteran of the military, is eligible for a VA mortgage loan.

Here are the benefits for a VA loan in Wisconsin:

1. No Down Payment Is Allowed - Yes, this is a true no down payment mortgage loan that allows you to finance 100% of the purchase price.

2. No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) Payment - With just about any other mortgage loan, if you don't have a 20% down payment, you are required to pay PMI as part of your total monthly payment. Combined with no down payment, not having to pay PMI allows many home buyers to qualify for a larger VA mortgage loan.

3. Not Credit Score Driven - Credit scores are normally a major factor in determining whether or not you are approved for a mortgage loan. VA mortgage loans are approved based on the ability to repay the mortgage payment. Along with this, compensating factors are used to help strengthen your loan application, which helps in getting you approved with lower credit scores. There is no particular credit score that will or will not approve your VA mortgage loan, so don't let this hold you back.

4. Favorable Fixed Interest Rates - Now, interest rates are determined on a variety of factors, so every situation will be different. What to remember is how favorable a VA mortgage loans fixed interest rates are. These fixed interest rates can rage anywhere from only 0.25% - 1% higher than regular conforming fixed rates. So, a veteran or active military borrower will be approved for rates that are not much higher than some one that has great credit and a large down payment.

5. Multiple VA Mortgage Loans - This program is well know for first time home buyers, but what many don't know is that this program can be used a second and sometimes a third time by the same borrower. Whether it is a refinance or the purchase of another home in the future, the VA mortgage loan in Wisconsin, can be used multiple time. This is determined by your certificate of eligibility. Once your certificate of eligibility is received, it will state if you are eligible for another VA mortgage loan in Wisconsin.

Whether you, your family, friends, or co-workers are active in the military or are a military veteran, please share this valuable information. Many people do not understand the benefits of a VA mortgage. Education is important when deciding what mortgage best fits your situation.

Read more mortgage advice to help with any mortgage related questions.


For more help in getting approved for a VA mortgage loan in Wisconsin, go to http://www.homeloanwisconsin.com

Joshua Bucio
Senior Loan Officer

วันพุธที่ 23 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Mortgage Loan Terminology: Types of Mortgage Loans

Your mortgage is one of the largest investments you make. Choosing the right loan is important and will help you avoid making a 15 or 30 year mistake. Before applying for a mortgage it is important to familiarize yourself with basic mortgage terminology; here are the basic types of mortgage loans to help you get started on the right foot.

When your parents applied for a mortgage there was typically only one option available to them: a traditional 30 year mortgage with a fixed interest rate. Today there are dozens of choices and options for your loan, ranging from fixed to adjustable interest rates, jumbo mortgages, and option loans. Here are the basics you need to know.

Fixed Interest Rate Mortgage Loans

The most popular variety of mortgage is the traditional loan with a fixed interest rate. Fixed means the interest rate and monthly payment do not change over time. Homebuyers who want predictable payment amounts with little or no risk will find a 30 year fixed rate mortgage to be their best option.

Adjustable Interest Rate Mortgage Loans

Adjustable rate mortgage loans come with lower interest rates than a comparable fixed rate mortgage, at least initially. Adjustable rate mortgages typically come with an introductory interest rate that will change at the end of the introductory period. This type of mortgage is “adjustable” because the mortgage lender will change your interest rate and payment amount at regular intervals specified in your loan contract. The interest rate is tied to a financial index and will rise and fall based on changes in the index when the lender adjusts your mortgage, often every year on your loan’s anniversary date. You should only consider an adjustable rate mortgage if you can handle changing interest rates and payment amounts.

Jumbo Mortgages

There is a limit that traditional mortgage lenders well lend. This amount is called the conforming mortgage limit and is set by the institutions in the United States that regulate the mortgage industry, known as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. In 2006 this limit is $417,000. If the home you are purchasing is over this limit you may be required to seek your mortgage from a specialty mortgage lender. These specialty mortgages are called “Jumbo” mortgages. Jumbo mortgages come with higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgage loans so it pays to shop around from a variety of Jumbo lenders.

Balloon Mortgages

Balloon mortgages are a special type of loan intended to provide short term financing only. The term length of a balloon loan is very short, often only five to seven years. At the end of the term the entire loan balance is due. This large payment is referred to as a “balloon” payment. This type of mortgage is useful for real estate investors and homeowners in certain situations; however, it is often abused by predatory mortgage lenders. Unless you know exactly what you are getting yourself into you should avoid this type of mortgage.

You can learn more about your mortgage options, terminology, and common mistakes to avoid by registering for a free mortgage guidebook.


To get your free mortgage guidebook visit RefiAdvisor.com using the link below.

Louie Latour specializes in showing homeowners how to avoid common mortgage mistakes and predatory lenders. For a free copy of "Mortgage Refinancing: What You Need to Know," which teaches strategies to find the best mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the process, visit Refiadvisor.com.

Claim your free guidebook today at: http://www.refiadvisor.com

Mortgage Loan Terminology

วันอังคารที่ 22 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Mortgage Loan Interest Rate Comparison

Mortgage interest rates have been increasing in all areas of the country, according to a survey by Best Syndication. The city survey includes: Buffalo New York, Miami Florida, Dallas Texas, Chicago Illinois, Seattle Washington and Los Angeles California (see the link to the survey below).

The rates were based on a new home purchase mortgage from $300,000 to $417,000. In last month's survey on July 20th 2008 we found an average rate of 6.520 percent. This month it was higher at 6.718 percent.

We eliminated the national lenders like Quicken and Countrywide from our survey because we wanted a local feel for the rates. In the past we have found that local lenders were usually lower than the national ones. In August of 2008 we found that for the most part, the national lenders were lower.

The Subprime mortgage disaster has affected the availability of loans. A person's credit history and ability to pay off the loan will weigh greatly on their chances of getting a loan.

Just because a lender advertises their rates does not mean that everyone will qualify for them. Non-conforming loans are harder to get nowadays. Lenders love loans they can sell and recoup their money with. The crash of the mortgage industry has made this more difficult to sell non-conforming loans. No one wants to buy these high risk loans.

A non-conforming loan may be a loan above the maximum amount offered in the secondary market. The conforming market includes Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both institutions are in financial trouble right now. Interest only loans and adjustable rate mortgages are also very hard to sell to investors.

Lenders also want to see a bigger down payment with documentation verifying the income. Lower home prices are a double edged sword. Lower prices are more attractive for investors. But since values are still dropping no one wants to buy.


Interest Rates Comparison

วันจันทร์ที่ 21 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Jumbo Mortgage Loan: Why You Should Refinance If You Have Not Already

Did you purchase your home several years ago with a Jumbo Mortgage? If your answer is yes, you should seriously consider refinancing. The 2006 conforming loan limit has allowed many homeowners to qualify for traditional financing, saving them thousands of dollars in the process, and you can too. Here is what you need to know about losing your Jumbo mortgage loan.

There are two organizations in the United States that regulate the mortgage industry. These organizations, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, set the upper limit for conventional mortgage lending. This limit is known as the “conforming limit” and if the home you are purchasing is over the limit many mortgage lenders will not approve your application. In the past homebuyers over this limit had to seek non-traditional financing in the form of Jumbo mortgages at a premium cost.

In 2006 the conforming limit was raised to $417,000 in the continental United States. This is a significant increase over prior years; if your Jumbo mortgage is less than $417,000 you should refinance as you will now qualify for a traditional mortgage loan. It is true that mortgage interest rates have been rising at the hand of the Federal Reserve; however, you can still find good deals if you take the time to do your homework and research mortgage lenders. You can learn more about your mortgage options, including strategies to find the best mortgage by registering for a free mortgage guidebook.


To get your free mortgage guidebook visit RefiAdvisor.com using the link below.

Louie Latour specializes in showing homeowners how to avoid common mortgage mistakes and predatory lenders. For a free copy of "Mortgage Refinancing: What You Need to Know," which teaches strategies to find the best mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the process, visit Refiadvisor.com.

Claim your free guidebook today at: http://www.refiadvisor.com

jumbo mortgage for dummies

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 20 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Choosing the Right Kind of Home Mortgage Refinance Loan

There are various kinds of home mortgage refinance loans having timeless appeal and it is important for an individual to select the right kind of loan for him. A wrong decision would lead to chaos and may even result in losing the property. Here are certain tips on how to determine the type of home mortgage refinance loan.

Fixed interest rates:

This kind of loan is the traditional one obtained by many of the individuals. The interest rate does not change in the future during the full tenure of the loan. It involves minimal risk and the monthly payments will be restricted to the monthly budget. For a person with steady flow of income, fixed rate of interest could be the right option.

Adjustable Interest Rates:

The interest rate is not fixed and comes with a lower interest rate. The fixing up of the interest rates will be determined by the lenders and they have the rights to hike or decrease the rates when ever they feel like. However, the period of notification will be intimated in the documents signed. Mostly, the rates will be determined by the market conditions. If the economy is doing great, the rates can be higher. In times of distress, the rates can be rock bottom.

Jumbo Mortgage Loans

The conforming loan limit determines the credit limit for traditional mortgage loans as $417,000. Any home owner who needs an amount more than this would opt for a jumbo mortgage loan. There are some of the non-traditional lenders who are ready to give such kinds of loans. However, these come with higher interest rates as the lenders have taken greater risk with the property.

The borrowers have to be very careful while choosing the right kind of loan for them. A free mortgage tutorial can be of timely help for the buyers.


If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit Home Loan Modification and Mortgage Refinance.

วันเสาร์ที่ 19 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Home Mortgage Loan Tips: History of Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae was chartered in 1938, as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), with the responsibility of creating a secondary market for home mortgages. It operated under direct federal control. In 1968, the Federal National Mortgage Association was partitioned into two separate entities- one wholly owned by the government and known as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the other to retain the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) name. It was privatized by legislation enacted in 1968 and became fully private in 1970.

Fannie Mae (along with Freddie Mac) sets the limit each year on the size of a conforming loan based on the October to October changes in mean home price. Mortgages above this limit are considered jumbo and super jumbo loans because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac only buy conforming loans to repackage into the secondary market, making the demand for non-conforming loans much less. Thus, interest rates for jumbo and super jumbo loans are higher than for conforming loans.

According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), borrowers see mortgage rates 25-50 basis points lower because of what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do. This is reflected in lowered interest rates of up to a half percentage on each individual homebuyer's mortgage, which translates to lower payments and increased consumer cash flow for other purposes. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also were the agencies that recommended that FICO scores be used in mortgage lending. Now, FICO scores are the mortgage industry standard for originating conventional loans, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) based on various prime rate indices, jumbo loans and 2nd home purchases as well as the popular cash out mortgage refinance loans.

Today, Fair Isaac estimates that more than 75% of all mortgage originations in the U.S. involve the FICO credit score. FICO scores are being used in almost every sector of the nation's economy, and largely determine whether or not you will be approved for credit (including mortgage loans), what interest rates you will pay and what loan terms are available to you. This is why it is important to maintain a high FICO. But, if you're a homeowner who's had credit issues in the past, a timely mortgage refinance or home equity loan (second mortgage) for debt consolidation can help raise your score substantially and save you a lot of money.


Mary is a highly regarded writer who has published many helpful articles about home mortgage loans. To learn more about home mortgages, and home equity loans, go to Smart Refinance Mortgages please visit the mortgage resource center at Mortgage Refinance Loans. If you need more advice from experts online, please visit, 100% Home Loan Financing.

วันศุกร์ที่ 18 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

What Type Of Mortgage Loan Is Right For You?

Homebuyers and homeowners need to decide which home Mortgage loan is right for them. Then, the next step in getting a mortgage loan is to submit an application ( Uniform Residential Loan Application ). Although we try to make the loan simple and easy for you, getting a mortgage loan is not an insignificant process.

Below is a short synopsis of some loan types that are currently available.

CONVENTIONAL OR CONFORMING MORTGAGE Loans are the most common types of mortgages. These include a fixed rate mortgage loan which is the most commonly sought of the various loan programs. If your mortgage loan is conforming, you will likely have an easier time finding a lender than if the loan is non-conforming. For conforming mortgage loans, it does not matter whether the mortgage loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or a fixed-rate loan. We find that more borrowers are choosing fixed mortgage rate than other loan products.

Conventional mortgage loans come with several lives. The most common life or term of a
mortgage loan is 30 years. The one major benefit of a 30 year home mortgage loan is that one pays lower monthly payments over its life. 30 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. A 15 year mortgage loan is usually the least expensive way to go, but only for those who can afford the larger monthly payments. 15 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. Remember that you will pay more interest on a 30 year loan, but your monthly payments are lower. For 15 year mortgage loans your monthly payments are higher, but you pay more principal and less interest. New 40 year mortgage loans are available and are some of the the newest programs used to finance a residential purchase. 40 year mortgage loans are available in both Conventional and Jumbo. If you are a 40 year mortgage borrower, you can expect to pay more interest over the life of the loan.

A Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan is a type of loan where the interest rate remains fixed
over life of the loan. Whereas a Variable Rate Mortgage will fluctuate over the life
of the loan. More specifically the Adjustable-Rate Mortgage loan is a loan that has a
fluctuating interest rate. First time homebuyers may take a risk on a variable rate for qualification purposes, but this should be refinanced to a fixed rate as soon as possible.

A Balloon Mortgage loan is a short-term loan that contains some risk for the borrower. Balloon mortgages can help you get into a mortgage loan, but again should be financed into a more reliable or stable payment product as soon as financially feasible. The Balloon Mortgage should be well thought out with a plan in place when getting this product. For example, you may plan on being in the home for only three years.

Despite the bad rap Sub-Prime Mortgage loans are getting as of late, the market for this kind of mortgage loan is still active, viable and necessary. Subprime loans will be here for the duration, but because they are not government backed, stricter approval requirements will most likely occur.

Refinance Mortgage loans are popular and can help to increase your monthly disposable income. But more importantly, you should refinance only when you are looking to lower the interest rate of your mortgage. The loan process for refinancing your mortgage loan is easier and faster then when you received the first loan to purchase your home. Because closing costs and points are collected each and every time a mortgage loan is closed, it is generally not a good idea to refinance often. Wait, but stay regularly informed on the interest rates and when they are attractive enough, do it and act fast to lock the rate.

A Fixed Rate Second Mortgage loan is perfect for those financial moments such as home improvements, college tuition, or other large expenses. A Second Mortgage loan is a mortgage granted only when there is a first mortgage registered against the property. This Second Mortgage loan is one that is secured by the equity in your home. Typically, you can expect the interest rate on the second mortgage loan to be higher than the interest rate of the first loan.

An Interest Only Mortgage loan is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be very effective choice for some individuals. This is yet another loan that must be thought out carefully. Consider the amount of time that you will be in the home. You take a calculated risk that property values will increase by the time you sell and this is your monies or capital gain for your next home purchase. If plans change and you end up staying in the home longer, consider a strategy that includes a new mortgage. Again pay attention to the rates.

A Reverse mortgage loan is designed for people that are 62 years of age or older and already have a mortgage. The reverse mortgage loan is based mostly on the equity in the home. This loan type provides you a monthly income, but you are reducing your equity ownership. This is a very attractive loan product and should be seriously considered by all who qualify. It can make the twilight years more manageable.

The easiest way to qualify for a Poor Credit Mortgage loan or Bad Credit Mortgage loan is to fill out a two minute loan application. By far the easiest way to qualify for any home mortgage loan is by establishing a good credit history. Another loan vehicle available is a Bad Credit Re-Mortgage loan product and basically it's for refinancing your current loan.

Another factor when considering applying for a mortgage loan is the rate lock-in. We discuss this at length in our mortgage loan primer. Remember that getting the right mortgage loan is getting the keys to your new home. It can sometimes be difficult to determine which mortgage loan is applicable to you. How do you know which mortgage loan is right for you? In short, when considering what mortgage loan is right for you, your personal financial situation needs to be considered in full detail. Complete that first step, fill out an application, and you are on your way!


For additional information about mortgage loan types, mortgage loan products or a bad credit mortgage loan and where to apply for a Bad Credit Mortgage Loan visit http://www.EZLendMortgage.com a popular website providing information, tips, mortgage advice and resources including information on independent help finding the best conventional mortgage, adverse mortgage lenders, subprime mortgages, and a Refinance Mortgage Loan

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 17 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Which is Better - FHA Mortgage Or Conventional Loan?

Scenario:

My husband and I have found a house and are looking for a mortgage between $180,000 to $200,000. We are yet to close on the home. We are looking at options like 80/20 mortgage but are interested in any other program. Our annual salary is $60,000. We are paying school and auto loans totaling $650 a month. There's no other debt payment. We have cash reserves worth $15000. We don't want to put much cash down or pay huge closing costs (we'll be buying furniture, keep some cash as emergency fund etc). Our assets are worth $40,000. This includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds etc. If you'd like to know our scores, well they're 715 and 800. I'd like to know about the best mortgage programs for me. I'm a first time buyer and have been renting so far.

Solution:

Congratulations on your decision to buy a home!

I must say, your credit scores are appreciable and you have good cash reserves as well. You can look out for 2 options - conforming mortgage loan and FHA programs. You can put less money down but you'll have to pay private mortgage insurance or PMI. Otherwise, you'll have to opt for an 80/20 mortgage loan. Such loans are no doubt quite expensive as compared to paying the PMI on a conventional loan.

However, in the current market scenario, 80/20 loans aren't that easy to obtain though you're in good financial and credit situation. Moreover, when you split 80/20 loans, the total payment can be quite higher compared to a 95% conforming loan with PMI. Also, if your property is situated in a deteriorating area, then it may be harder to get 100% financing in the form of 80/20 mortgage loan.

Considering the fact that 100% financing is not easily available, I feel FHA mortgage loan is the right option for you. FHA lenders offer around 95%-97% financing which requires 3-5% money down. You can make use of gift money for the down payment and negotiate with the seller to pay the closing costs. Moreover, you don't have too much of debt payments; so hopefully your debt ratio would meet the standards set up by the FHA.

Now, when you take out an FHA loan, you'll have to finance 1.5% upfront Mortgage Insurance (MI) into your loan and recurring monthly MI. The best thing about FHA loans is, they're easy to qualify for and the lenders are more willing to work with you in case you fail to make payments in future. Also, in declining markets, FHA is the only option that won't become hard to manage unlike other mortgages.

Apart from FHA loans, you can look out for bond programs available in your area. These are programs offered by the State Housing Finance Authority and are meant specifically for first time buyers.


Samantha Taylor is a contributing Financial Writer, Moderator and Community Mentor of Mortgagefit (World Largest Mortgage Community). She specializes in mortgage and real estate field. You can ask any mortgage/ real estate related problems to her in Mortgage Community Forums.

วันพุธที่ 16 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Home Mortgage Refinance Loan: The 2007 Conforming Loan Limit & Jumbo Mortgage Loans

The “Conforming Loan Limit” is the maximum amount traditional mortgage lenders will loan for your home mortgage refinance loan. If you need to borrow more than this amount you will need to refinance using a “Jumbo Mortgage Loan.” Here is what you need to know about the 2007 conforming loan limit and how it affects your home mortgage refinance loan.

The conforming loan limit for traditional mortgages in the United States is set by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight and the 2007 conforming loan limit is $417,000. What does this mean for your home mortgage refinance loan? If you need to borrow more than $417,000, traditional mortgage lenders will probably not approve your loan.

“Jumbo Mortgages” are home mortgage refinance loans for homeowners that need to borrow more than the conforming loan limit. Mortgage brokers can be a useful resource for finding Jumbo Mortgages if you watch them like a hawk. Your Mortgage Broker will overcharge you if you let them; mortgage brokers routinely mark up home mortgage refinance loan interest rates to make additional profit from your loan.

Because you can expect to pay a higher home mortgage refinance loan interest rate with a Jumbo Mortgage it is important to comparison shop from a variety of mortgage lenders and compare all parts of the loan offers you consider. Many homeowners mistakenly assume the home mortgage refinance loan with the lowest interest rate is the best deal. These homeowners frequently overpay for their closing costs and lender fees.

You can learn more about your home mortgage refinance loan options, including common mistakes to avoid by registering for a free mortgage tutorial.


To get your free mortgage tutorial visit RefiAdvisor.com using the link below.

Louie Latour specializes in showing homeowners how to avoid costly mortgage mistakes and predatory lenders. For a free copy of "Mortgage Refinancing - What You Need to Know," which teaches strategies to find the best mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the process, visit Refiadvisor.com.

Claim your free mortgage refinance information guide today at: http://www.refiadvisor.com

Home Mortgage Refinance Loan

วันอังคารที่ 15 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Average Florida Mortgage Loan Payments

Florida is a very interesting and lucrative marketplace for mortgage loans because of the number of players involved. This encourages competition and makes low interest rates possible. Competitive interest rates allow for lower mortgage loan amortization across all loan programs. If you are planning on getting a mortgage, be sure to obtain a list of the different mortgage companies and lenders to avail of the best rates. Here are some of the current rates in Florida that can help you determine the average rate. Please take note that rates change through time.

Fixed-rates in Florida

For a loan amount of up to $417,000 at a thirty-year period, average interest rate is pledged at 6.25 percent a month. The lowest could reach 5.875 percent. For the same conforming loan amount at a fifteen-year period, the average is at 6 percent and lowest could reach at 5.625 percent.

Fixed-rate jumbo

For loan amounts that exceed $417,000 at a thirty-year period, the average interest rate is at 6.5 percent and the lowest rate could go up to 6.25 percent. For a fifteen-year period that exceeds the same loan amount, the average is at 6.5 percent and could go as low as 6.125 percent.

Balloon payments

For balloon payments with a loan amount of up to $417,000 for a five-year period, the average interest rate is at 6.5 percent while the lowest could go up to 5.250 percent. For a seven-year period at the same range of loan amount, the average rate is also at 6.5 percent and could go as low as 5.5 percent.

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM)

For adjustable rates with a one year term and a loan amount up to $417,000, the average interest rate is at 5.5 percent and could go to as low as 1.25 percent. For adjustable rate mortgages that exceed a loan amount of $417,000 (also called an ARM jumbo), the average is at 5.6 percent and could go as low as 1.25 percent.


Florida Mortgage Loans provides detailed information on Florida Mortgage Loans, Bad Credit Florida Mortgage Loans, Florida Mortgage Loan Calculators, Florida Mortgage Loan Rates and more. Florida Mortgage Loans is affiliated with Second Home Equity Mortgage Loans.