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Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899 Branch Manager, Loan Officer Academy Mortgage (NMLS 3113) Phone: (928) 247-9089 License: BK 0904081 derek.egeberg@academymortgage.com www.academymortgageyuma.com |
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October 2009
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The Importance of Acting Now Waiting Really Could Cost You Low interest rates this year have lulled many people into believing that home loan rates in the 5.00% and lower range are "normal". This is not the case and if you are in the position where you could refinance or are considering buying a home, complacency is not your friend. Stimulus provided by the Obama administration has been instrumental in creating the environment that has lowered rates, increased home sales and assisted distressed homeowners. Uncle Sam Lends a Temporary Hand Government programs in the housing and interest rate arenas are slated to end in coming months. The time to take advantage of these programs is now. Stimulus programs from Washington have led to incentives for first time home buyers (FTHB), artificially low interest rates, and typically unallowable refinance transactions. Infinite stimulus for the housing sector is not in the cards nor is it reasonable to expect. Deadlines are approaching. Whether you want to buy a home or need to refinance one, do not procrastinate. The best path is to investigate options now before you may find that none are available to you. First Time Home buyer Alert Home prices are down significantly across the country from their high points the past few years. However, median home prices in August were up 7.8% from their low point earlier this year. If you have been waiting for home prices to decline further, perhaps you should not. Great opportunities are available but many real estate agents report multiple contracts being offered on hot properties. If you wait, you may be disappointed. Check with your mortgage professional to see if he or she can accommodate you if you go under contract in the next two weeks. Many lenders will still be able to help you but only if you have all your paperwork in order. Rates Are Great – NOW! There is one reason that home loan rates are as low as they are. Last November the Federal Reserve announced a program to purchase up to $1.25 Trillion in mortgage backed securities. This effort lowered rates to the lowest level of all time and has kept rates, according to Freddie Mac, below 5.50% this year compared to rates as high as 6.48% last year for a 30 year fixed rate. This program was slated to end December 31st of this year but in September's Federal Open Market Committee meeting, it was announced that the program will be extended to the end of the first quarter of 2010. However, the amount the Fed will purchase will not change. Peter Hooper, chief economist at Deutsche Bank, told Bloomberg that a sudden end to the Fed purchases could cause rates to rise by a half to one percentage point. If you delay your financing, you could well see rates that are significantly higher than what is available today. Upside Down – Refinance to 125% of Value The Making Home Affordable program was initially structured to accommodate homeowners with a new loan to 105% of their home's value. This has recently been increased to 125%. There are requirements to qualify including whether your loan is currently owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. You can find out if your loan is held by either agency by going to the Loan Lookup section of the Making Home Affordable web site. According to First American Core Logic, more than 15.2 million homes had negative equity in June of this year. This represents nearly 33% of all mortgaged properties across the country. Where in the past, being upside down on your loan would have precluded your ability to seek relief, you now may have an opportunity. What Now? Contact your mortgage professional today to explore the best path to take. You may find that the best "treat" available is one that puts thousands of dollars in your pocket. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LO# 0915245 BK# 0904081 Corp NMLS# 3113 Corp CA# 4170013 CA-DOC180899 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. You are receiving a complimentary subscription to YOU Magazine as a result of your ongoing business relationship with Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899. While beneficial to a wide audience, this information is also commercial in nature and it may contain advertising materials. INVITE A FRIEND to receive YOU Magazine. Please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe. SUBSCRIBE to YOU Magazine. If you received this message from a friend, you can subscribe online. UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would like to stop receiving emails from Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899, you can easily unsubscribe. Academy Mortgage (NMLS 3113) |
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