May
30
Types Of Mortgage Rates
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Maitreyee Chowdhury
Types of Mortgage Rates
A mortgage loan is basically taken against a property. In case you own a property you can keep the house as collateral and avail a loan to help you in times of financial crisis. Though a property with a good value can guarantee you a good mortgage loan, rates of the loan are often dependent on various factors like your credit ratings, personal assurance, etc. We take a look at the various mortgage rates that are usually available to the customer and the advantages or disadvantages of each.
Mortgage rates may vary depending on the type of loan and the duration of the loan. There are basically three types of mortgage rates, these are-
# Adjustable Mortgage Rate
# Fixed Interest Rate
# Variable Interest Rate
There are numerous mortgage companies which offer refinance that involves obtaining a new mortgage loan on a property that is already owned - and that is often to replace existing loans against the property. It is a good time to refinance when the mortgage rates are low.
One of the major benefits involving refinancing is the fact that it can save the monthly payment of an existing loan. Lock-in rates are another very interesting schemes these companies offer.
The interest rate of a mortgage loan is fixed and that does not change, and based on the changes of an underlying interest rate index, a variable interest rate moves up and down.
An interest rate may change in case of an ARM based mortgage loan; which is usually in response to changes in the Treasury bill rate or prime rate. The mortgage holder gets the protection by a maximum interest rate, which is called a ceiling; that is usually reset annually. Adjustable mortgage rates or ARM usually starts with better rates than fixed rate mortgages.
Two most common mortgage interest rates are the adjustable rate mortgage and fixed rate mortgage-
Fixed Mortgage Rates:
In case of ‘fixed mortgage rates’, the monthly payments and the principle for interest do not change throughout the entire tenure of the loan. The interest rates remain the same as long as the borrower is in a fixed term agreement. The borrowers can keep a track of the exact amount of their payments, which is an advantage of this type of mortgage interest rate.
This way, through a fixed mortgage rate, borrowers can manage their personal budget very easily.
It is also advisable to have a fixed rate mortgage to protect oneself from the rising loan interest rate. The borrower cannot be sure that the loan rates will remain the same in the future, however, deciding on a fixed rate mortgage can save a lot of future headaches.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage:
On the basis of an index, the mortgage interest rates of an adjustable rate mortgage are adjusted from time to time. When there is a downward fluctuation in the interest rates, it is advisable to go for adjustable mortgage rates. For example, there might be a scenario when the adjustable mortgage rate is much lower than the fixed rate mortgage. In the above scenario, it is much better for a borrower to apply for an ARM mortgage rate, as the monthly payment would decidedly become much lower.
Types of Mortgage Rates
A mortgage loan is basically taken against a property. In case you own a property you can keep the house as collateral and avail a loan to help you in times of financial crisis. Though a property with a good value can guarantee you a good mortgage loan, rates of the loan are often dependent on various factors like your credit ratings, personal assurance, etc. We take a look at the various mortgage rates that are usually available to the customer and the advantages or disadvantages of each.
Mortgage rates may vary depending on the type of loan and the duration of the loan. There are basically three types of mortgage rates, these are-
# Adjustable Mortgage Rate
# Fixed Interest Rate
# Variable Interest Rate
There are numerous mortgage companies which offer refinance that involves obtaining a new mortgage loan on a property that is already owned - and that is often to replace existing loans against the property. It is a good time to refinance when the mortgage rates are low.
One of the major benefits involving refinancing is the fact that it can save the monthly payment of an existing loan. Lock-in rates are another very interesting schemes these companies offer.
The interest rate of a mortgage loan is fixed and that does not change, and based on the changes of an underlying interest rate index, a variable interest rate moves up and down.
An interest rate may change in case of an ARM based mortgage loan; which is usually in response to changes in the Treasury bill rate or prime rate. The mortgage holder gets the protection by a maximum interest rate, which is called a ceiling; that is usually reset annually. Adjustable mortgage rates or ARM usually starts with better rates than fixed rate mortgages.
Two most common mortgage interest rates are the adjustable rate mortgage and fixed rate mortgage-
Fixed Mortgage Rates:
In case of ‘fixed mortgage rates’, the monthly payments and the principle for interest do not change throughout the entire tenure of the loan. The interest rates remain the same as long as the borrower is in a fixed term agreement. The borrowers can keep a track of the exact amount of their payments, which is an advantage of this type of mortgage interest rate.
This way, through a fixed mortgage rate, borrowers can manage their personal budget very easily.
It is also advisable to have a fixed rate mortgage to protect oneself from the rising loan interest rate. The borrower cannot be sure that the loan rates will remain the same in the future, however, deciding on a fixed rate mortgage can save a lot of future headaches.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage:
On the basis of an index, the mortgage interest rates of an adjustable rate mortgage are adjusted from time to time. When there is a downward fluctuation in the interest rates, it is advisable to go for adjustable mortgage rates. For example, there might be a scenario when the adjustable mortgage rate is much lower than the fixed rate mortgage. In the above scenario, it is much better for a borrower to apply for an ARM mortgage rate, as the monthly payment would decidedly become much lower.
May
29
Need Cash for a Home Closing? Consider a Gift
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
I saw a cartoon the other day that was pretty funny, but also pretty sad when you think about it. It showed a couple sitting across from a mortgage lender, and the caption read, “We’re here to apply for a tank of gas.” With increases in prices for just about everything, it gets more and more difficult to stash away a nest egg for a down payment. And pretty much every loan requires some part of down payment, even if you get a 100% financing loan. After all, you still are generally going to be required to put down some earnest money on your contract and in most cases, pay for an appraisal up front. You may have been trying to save it up on your own, but it may be time to accept some help from your family.
Most loan programs, be it Conventional, FHA, VA or Rural Housing, require the borrower to pay for something. In particular, FHA and Conventional home purchases want a minimum of 3% to come out of the borrower’s pocket. If you are doing a Conventional loan, you still can’t receive a gift for your 3% down payment, but you can use a gift to help with closing costs. However, FHA will allow your source of down payment to be a gift. So, if you find yourself a bit short on cash, you may need to ask someone to gift you the down payment or closing costs (or if your really lucky, and it’s allowed – both!).
All lenders are particular about just who can give you a gift for your down payment or closing costs. Pretty much across the board, the gift must be from a blood relative. You may have to prove that the gifter is a relative thru birth certificates, christening records, etc. Strange but true. Conventional loans will also allow an employer to give you a gift. But in any case, the most important factor is that whoever is giving the gift does not expect to be paid back. A certification to that effect will be required to be signed by the donor. Otherwise, it’s really a loan, now isn’t it? And as a responsible lender, we’re going to include that payment in your debt to income ratio, and we’ll probably want a bunch of documentation to prove the terms, etc. So, make sure it truly is a gift.
As of the date I’m writing this article, FHA will allow for down payment assistance programs, such as Nehemiah or Ameridream. Lenders view these products as “gifts” in a sense. They are basically seller concessions funneled through the down payment assistance channels. However, by the time this article is published, they may be null and void. It’s currently being reviewed and could go away. Or it may still be there, but just know it’s under review.
Lenders are very particular about how the gift funds reach the closing table. If you deposit the gift before closing, you have to show it coming out of the donor’s account and depositing into your account. It’s a lot of paper to collect. The easiest method is for Grandpa or your Great Aunt to just send a cashier’s check payable to you and your title company to the closing table. Smoother, quicker, simpler.
Gifts are a wonderful thing, and a gift of a down payment is a useful gift. After all, I think it’s safe to say that homeownership is one gift that keeps on giving, wouldn’t you?
I saw a cartoon the other day that was pretty funny, but also pretty sad when you think about it. It showed a couple sitting across from a mortgage lender, and the caption read, “We’re here to apply for a tank of gas.” With increases in prices for just about everything, it gets more and more difficult to stash away a nest egg for a down payment. And pretty much every loan requires some part of down payment, even if you get a 100% financing loan. After all, you still are generally going to be required to put down some earnest money on your contract and in most cases, pay for an appraisal up front. You may have been trying to save it up on your own, but it may be time to accept some help from your family.
Most loan programs, be it Conventional, FHA, VA or Rural Housing, require the borrower to pay for something. In particular, FHA and Conventional home purchases want a minimum of 3% to come out of the borrower’s pocket. If you are doing a Conventional loan, you still can’t receive a gift for your 3% down payment, but you can use a gift to help with closing costs. However, FHA will allow your source of down payment to be a gift. So, if you find yourself a bit short on cash, you may need to ask someone to gift you the down payment or closing costs (or if your really lucky, and it’s allowed – both!).
All lenders are particular about just who can give you a gift for your down payment or closing costs. Pretty much across the board, the gift must be from a blood relative. You may have to prove that the gifter is a relative thru birth certificates, christening records, etc. Strange but true. Conventional loans will also allow an employer to give you a gift. But in any case, the most important factor is that whoever is giving the gift does not expect to be paid back. A certification to that effect will be required to be signed by the donor. Otherwise, it’s really a loan, now isn’t it? And as a responsible lender, we’re going to include that payment in your debt to income ratio, and we’ll probably want a bunch of documentation to prove the terms, etc. So, make sure it truly is a gift.
As of the date I’m writing this article, FHA will allow for down payment assistance programs, such as Nehemiah or Ameridream. Lenders view these products as “gifts” in a sense. They are basically seller concessions funneled through the down payment assistance channels. However, by the time this article is published, they may be null and void. It’s currently being reviewed and could go away. Or it may still be there, but just know it’s under review.
Lenders are very particular about how the gift funds reach the closing table. If you deposit the gift before closing, you have to show it coming out of the donor’s account and depositing into your account. It’s a lot of paper to collect. The easiest method is for Grandpa or your Great Aunt to just send a cashier’s check payable to you and your title company to the closing table. Smoother, quicker, simpler.
Gifts are a wonderful thing, and a gift of a down payment is a useful gift. After all, I think it’s safe to say that homeownership is one gift that keeps on giving, wouldn’t you?
May
22
Your Home Appraisal –what’s the Big Deal?
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
Think about why this is true. A good appraisal is the best reassurance that the lender won’t lose its pants on the transaction. If the borrower defaults, the lender still has a marketable property that can be sold to recoup its losses. All of which makes it understandable why lenders are so picky about appraisals. And with recent changes in the industry, the focus by lenders to obtain good appraisals is at the forefront.
Appraisals typically cost anywhere from $350 to $400. However, if the house is gigantic, multi-unit or in the boondocks, it could run more. The cost varies on property type, location and square footage.
The most common type of appraisal is the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR). It consists of interior and exterior photos and sometimes (depending on the age of the home), a complete cost breakdown of the property and comps (comparison sales of homes nearby that meet the proper criteria). These comps help determine the “market” approach. Each comp sale is adjusted in value when stacked against the home being evaluated (the one you’re buying or refinancing). Usually you will see a comp below the value of your home, in line with the value of your home, and a third above the value of your home. Kind of like the three bears. But if the valuation gets tricky, you can see fourth, fifth and sixth comps. The net value of the comps is estimated based upon the approaches used to come up with the appraised value of your property (meaning the appraiser performs some type of calculation that’s kind of like an average, but not necessarily a true average. Confused yet?)
URARs also, typically but not always, reflect a cost approach, which determines what the value would be based upon what is estimated it would cost to rebuild the home, less depreciation. The final estimated value of the home is then determined by using a melding of the market approach described above and cost approach (if applicable).
Lori Babb, Staff Appraiser for Mortgage Investors Group of Knoxville, TN, further explains comparables. “The best comparables are those similar in size, style (ranch, basement rancher, 2 story, etc.), age, and are close in proximity to the dwelling being appraised,” she explains. “Unique properties will typically require more adjustments than the average properties.”
So, say you’re Bill Gates and want to secure a mortgage on a $200,000 home (I know, it’s ridiculous, but I’m trying to make a point). He’s got the best credit profile a lender could imagine, yet the house appraises for $175,000. Deal or no deal? You better believe it’s no deal. The sales price will have to be lowered, or Mr. Gates will just have to pay cash for his new home (you think he can afford it?). The point is, your average Joe won’t go ahead with the deal without a price adjustment, and he will be obligated to pay for the appraisal regardless of the outcome of value.
Dan Tyrell, principal of Knoxville area’s Tyrell Appraisal Service, Inc., has this comment about value, “When determining value of a single family house, beauty is more than ‘skin deep’. Fresh paint, new carpet, new appliances, and nice landscaping all enhance the marketability of a house. Not so obvious items also impact the appraised value of a house. For instance older houses that have replaced plumbing/electrical systems, updated HVAC systems, newer roofs, replacement windows, etc. lower the effective age of the property which in turn increases the appraised value.”
There are other types of appraisals that are not as common, like an Automated Valuation Model (or AVM). In this case, different factors combine to ensure the value of the home (it’s worth $200K, but your loan amount is only $100K) and your unbelievable credit worthiness (800 credit score!), allowing you to skip purchasing a typical appraisal. You may also only be required to get a “drive by” appraisal, where the appraiser just inspects the exterior of the subject for size, looks at the lot and makes you wonder who that person standing by your mailbox is.
Most lenders control what appraiser is used to determine the value of your home. After all, it’s their money on the line. The appraisal is such an important factor to the mortgage transaction – make sure you’re satisfied with the results. Your lender will make sure it is satisfied!
Think about why this is true. A good appraisal is the best reassurance that the lender won’t lose its pants on the transaction. If the borrower defaults, the lender still has a marketable property that can be sold to recoup its losses. All of which makes it understandable why lenders are so picky about appraisals. And with recent changes in the industry, the focus by lenders to obtain good appraisals is at the forefront.
Appraisals typically cost anywhere from $350 to $400. However, if the house is gigantic, multi-unit or in the boondocks, it could run more. The cost varies on property type, location and square footage.
The most common type of appraisal is the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR). It consists of interior and exterior photos and sometimes (depending on the age of the home), a complete cost breakdown of the property and comps (comparison sales of homes nearby that meet the proper criteria). These comps help determine the “market” approach. Each comp sale is adjusted in value when stacked against the home being evaluated (the one you’re buying or refinancing). Usually you will see a comp below the value of your home, in line with the value of your home, and a third above the value of your home. Kind of like the three bears. But if the valuation gets tricky, you can see fourth, fifth and sixth comps. The net value of the comps is estimated based upon the approaches used to come up with the appraised value of your property (meaning the appraiser performs some type of calculation that’s kind of like an average, but not necessarily a true average. Confused yet?)
URARs also, typically but not always, reflect a cost approach, which determines what the value would be based upon what is estimated it would cost to rebuild the home, less depreciation. The final estimated value of the home is then determined by using a melding of the market approach described above and cost approach (if applicable).
Lori Babb, Staff Appraiser for Mortgage Investors Group of Knoxville, TN, further explains comparables. “The best comparables are those similar in size, style (ranch, basement rancher, 2 story, etc.), age, and are close in proximity to the dwelling being appraised,” she explains. “Unique properties will typically require more adjustments than the average properties.”
So, say you’re Bill Gates and want to secure a mortgage on a $200,000 home (I know, it’s ridiculous, but I’m trying to make a point). He’s got the best credit profile a lender could imagine, yet the house appraises for $175,000. Deal or no deal? You better believe it’s no deal. The sales price will have to be lowered, or Mr. Gates will just have to pay cash for his new home (you think he can afford it?). The point is, your average Joe won’t go ahead with the deal without a price adjustment, and he will be obligated to pay for the appraisal regardless of the outcome of value.
Dan Tyrell, principal of Knoxville area’s Tyrell Appraisal Service, Inc., has this comment about value, “When determining value of a single family house, beauty is more than ‘skin deep’. Fresh paint, new carpet, new appliances, and nice landscaping all enhance the marketability of a house. Not so obvious items also impact the appraised value of a house. For instance older houses that have replaced plumbing/electrical systems, updated HVAC systems, newer roofs, replacement windows, etc. lower the effective age of the property which in turn increases the appraised value.”
There are other types of appraisals that are not as common, like an Automated Valuation Model (or AVM). In this case, different factors combine to ensure the value of the home (it’s worth $200K, but your loan amount is only $100K) and your unbelievable credit worthiness (800 credit score!), allowing you to skip purchasing a typical appraisal. You may also only be required to get a “drive by” appraisal, where the appraiser just inspects the exterior of the subject for size, looks at the lot and makes you wonder who that person standing by your mailbox is.
Most lenders control what appraiser is used to determine the value of your home. After all, it’s their money on the line. The appraisal is such an important factor to the mortgage transaction – make sure you’re satisfied with the results. Your lender will make sure it is satisfied!
May
19
Advantages of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Brian Jenkins
Adjustable rate mortgages have taken a bad rap in the latest mortgage crisis. Financial pundits from all ends of the spectrum blame the irresponsible use of adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages for the increasing number of home owners who are delinquent or in foreclosure on their mortgages.
That’s unfortunate, since adjustable rate mortgages can offer real benefits to home buyers in many situations. Here’s the scoop on the pros of an adjustable rate mortgage.
What an adjustable rate mortgage is
There are many kinds of mortgages, but all of them fit into one of three different types - fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid mortgages which use features of both adjustable and fixed rate mortgages.
A fixed rate mortgage is one in which the interest rate for the mortgage remains the same for the entire life of the loan, no matter what market interest rates do.
An adjustable rate mortgage is one with an interest rate that can fluctuate up or down. It is usually tied to a specified market index, and has specific rules for when and how much the rate can be adjusted.
The most common hybrid mortgage type features an initial low fixed rate that remains the same for two, three or five years, then adjusts to the market and becomes and adjustable rate mortgage.
Pros of an adjustable rate mortgage
There are a number of advantages to choosing an adjustable rate mortgage. Some of them are advantageous for only one type or buyer or another, others are an advantage for everyone.
1. An adjustable rate mortgage may help you afford a bigger mortgage than a fixed rate mortgage.
Because adjustable rate mortgages often have lower initial interest rates than fixed rate mortgages, they can allow you to qualify for a larger mortgage than a fixed rate mortgage. That means that you can buy a more expensive home because your monthly payments start out smaller. If you’re a young home buyer just starting in a career, this can be a major advantage because it allows you to pay smaller monthly payments in the first years when your salary is smaller.
2. The initial payments are lower than they would be with a fixed rate loan because the interest rate is lower.
With a fixed rate loan, lenders accept that if interest rates rise, they will make less money on the mortgage than they would with an adjustable rate mortgage. They offset that ‘loss’ by charging higher interest rates on fixed rate mortgages than they do on adjustable rate mortgages. That means that you start out with a lower monthly payment. As long as interest rates don’t rise, you’ll continue to pay lower monthly payments.
3. If the interest rates go down, your interest rate and monthly payments will adjust down automatically.
If you have a fixed rate mortgage and the market interest rates drop significantly, you can only take advantage of that by refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing incurs early repayment fees and other costs that you avoid by having a mortgage that adjusts automatically to the prevailing interest rates.
4. An adjustable rate mortgage can save you a considerable amount if you only intend to stay in your new home for a short time.
Because the interest rate and monthly payments are likely to be considerably lower for an adjustable rate mortgage, If the difference between the rate for a fixed rate mortgage and an adjustable rate mortgage (the spread) is considerable, you could save several thousand dollars a year in those first few years.
In order to figure out if an adjustable rate mortgage is right for you, it’s important for you to consider all of the facts about the loan. You should know the following about the mortgage that you’re considering:
How often does the rate adjust? Most adjustable mortgage rates adjust annually, but the adjustment period is up to the individual lender. Some may adjust as often as once a month.
What is the cap on single adjustments? No matter how much the index used to determine adjustments rises, your mortgage agreement will place a cap on how much the interest rate can increase in a single adjustment.
What is the annual cap on adjustments? If your mortgage adjusts more often than once a year, what is the most that the lender can raise your interest rates in a single year?
What is the lifetime cap on adjustments? In addition to the annual cap, your mortgage agreement will also spell out the lifetime cap on adjustments. Can you afford the monthly payment at the cap?
What adjustment index does the lender use to determine rate increases? A lender can link the adjustment rate to any index that it chooses, and may be allowed to change the index according to the terms of your loan.
What is the margin? The interest rate that your lender charges will be a certain percentage above the index. This is called a margin. You should know what the margin is so that you can decide if it’s fair.
Adjustable rate mortgages have taken a bad rap in the latest mortgage crisis. Financial pundits from all ends of the spectrum blame the irresponsible use of adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages for the increasing number of home owners who are delinquent or in foreclosure on their mortgages.
That’s unfortunate, since adjustable rate mortgages can offer real benefits to home buyers in many situations. Here’s the scoop on the pros of an adjustable rate mortgage.
What an adjustable rate mortgage is
There are many kinds of mortgages, but all of them fit into one of three different types - fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid mortgages which use features of both adjustable and fixed rate mortgages.
A fixed rate mortgage is one in which the interest rate for the mortgage remains the same for the entire life of the loan, no matter what market interest rates do.
An adjustable rate mortgage is one with an interest rate that can fluctuate up or down. It is usually tied to a specified market index, and has specific rules for when and how much the rate can be adjusted.
The most common hybrid mortgage type features an initial low fixed rate that remains the same for two, three or five years, then adjusts to the market and becomes and adjustable rate mortgage.
Pros of an adjustable rate mortgage
There are a number of advantages to choosing an adjustable rate mortgage. Some of them are advantageous for only one type or buyer or another, others are an advantage for everyone.
1. An adjustable rate mortgage may help you afford a bigger mortgage than a fixed rate mortgage.
Because adjustable rate mortgages often have lower initial interest rates than fixed rate mortgages, they can allow you to qualify for a larger mortgage than a fixed rate mortgage. That means that you can buy a more expensive home because your monthly payments start out smaller. If you’re a young home buyer just starting in a career, this can be a major advantage because it allows you to pay smaller monthly payments in the first years when your salary is smaller.
2. The initial payments are lower than they would be with a fixed rate loan because the interest rate is lower.
With a fixed rate loan, lenders accept that if interest rates rise, they will make less money on the mortgage than they would with an adjustable rate mortgage. They offset that ‘loss’ by charging higher interest rates on fixed rate mortgages than they do on adjustable rate mortgages. That means that you start out with a lower monthly payment. As long as interest rates don’t rise, you’ll continue to pay lower monthly payments.
3. If the interest rates go down, your interest rate and monthly payments will adjust down automatically.
If you have a fixed rate mortgage and the market interest rates drop significantly, you can only take advantage of that by refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing incurs early repayment fees and other costs that you avoid by having a mortgage that adjusts automatically to the prevailing interest rates.
4. An adjustable rate mortgage can save you a considerable amount if you only intend to stay in your new home for a short time.
Because the interest rate and monthly payments are likely to be considerably lower for an adjustable rate mortgage, If the difference between the rate for a fixed rate mortgage and an adjustable rate mortgage (the spread) is considerable, you could save several thousand dollars a year in those first few years.
In order to figure out if an adjustable rate mortgage is right for you, it’s important for you to consider all of the facts about the loan. You should know the following about the mortgage that you’re considering:
How often does the rate adjust? Most adjustable mortgage rates adjust annually, but the adjustment period is up to the individual lender. Some may adjust as often as once a month.
What is the cap on single adjustments? No matter how much the index used to determine adjustments rises, your mortgage agreement will place a cap on how much the interest rate can increase in a single adjustment.
What is the annual cap on adjustments? If your mortgage adjusts more often than once a year, what is the most that the lender can raise your interest rates in a single year?
What is the lifetime cap on adjustments? In addition to the annual cap, your mortgage agreement will also spell out the lifetime cap on adjustments. Can you afford the monthly payment at the cap?
What adjustment index does the lender use to determine rate increases? A lender can link the adjustment rate to any index that it chooses, and may be allowed to change the index according to the terms of your loan.
What is the margin? The interest rate that your lender charges will be a certain percentage above the index. This is called a margin. You should know what the margin is so that you can decide if it’s fair.
May
18
Jumbo Loans and White Elephants: Will the Pace Pick Up?
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
According to Wikipedia, the definition for a white elephant is “a valuable possession which the owner cannot dispose of, but whose cost (particularly of upkeep) exceeds its usefulness.” Hmmm. Sounds like some of the higher priced homes we hear may be sitting on the market a little bit longer than usual. According to the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors (KAAR), the number of homes valued at $500K+ which sold in May 2008 was 34. But there were 205 new listings.
Ok, so I have to give you a little bit of history about the origin of the phrase white elephant. It really has nothing to do with mortgage lending, but it’s a cool information nugget to know. Per Wikipedia (yes, again), in the tales from the Buddhist scriptures, Buddha’s mother dreamt of a white elephant giving her a lotus flower on the eve of Buddha’s birth. Thus, in Southeast Asia, it became a status symbol to own a white elephant (basically a requirement if you were some type of royalty). However, due to being sacred and all, the owner couldn’t have the white elephant actually do any work or labor to offset its keep. Ever wonder how much food an elephant can consume a day? Think of the clean up after it eats! You not only get to feed the beast constantly, but you also have nothing to show for it when you’re done. You get the picture.
So, my analogy of there being a few white elephants in the real estate market right now is due in part to the jumbo rates not being so hot as of late. Loans below $417,000 are sold into mortgage backed securities. But jumbo loans are sold into private backed securities. And unfortunately due to the debacle in the mortgage industry that occurred in markets such as Florida, Nevada and California (where a lot of loan sizes are above $417K), there’s not a great appetite for the jumbo loan. It’s kind of like jumbo loans are liver and spinach on the menu. A few people will buy that stuff, but it’s not as popular as the cheeseburger.
So what to do if you need a jumbo loan? Make sure you work with a lender who knows their stuff and can present you with options. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) may suit your needs as long as they are fixed for a decent amount of time and won’t paint you into a corner. An ARM may buy you enough time to refinance at a later date when the market calms down. You might also be able to wrangle a first and a second so the first loan fints under the conforming loan size umbrella and the second part of your financing is at a smaller loan amount with a higher interest rate. Just be smart and make sure your lender is smart. And if you’re selling your home, sit tight. These homes are moving, however it might be at an elephant’s pace. Don’t fret, though. An elephant’s top speed can reach 25 mph.
According to Wikipedia, the definition for a white elephant is “a valuable possession which the owner cannot dispose of, but whose cost (particularly of upkeep) exceeds its usefulness.” Hmmm. Sounds like some of the higher priced homes we hear may be sitting on the market a little bit longer than usual. According to the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors (KAAR), the number of homes valued at $500K+ which sold in May 2008 was 34. But there were 205 new listings.
Ok, so I have to give you a little bit of history about the origin of the phrase white elephant. It really has nothing to do with mortgage lending, but it’s a cool information nugget to know. Per Wikipedia (yes, again), in the tales from the Buddhist scriptures, Buddha’s mother dreamt of a white elephant giving her a lotus flower on the eve of Buddha’s birth. Thus, in Southeast Asia, it became a status symbol to own a white elephant (basically a requirement if you were some type of royalty). However, due to being sacred and all, the owner couldn’t have the white elephant actually do any work or labor to offset its keep. Ever wonder how much food an elephant can consume a day? Think of the clean up after it eats! You not only get to feed the beast constantly, but you also have nothing to show for it when you’re done. You get the picture.
So, my analogy of there being a few white elephants in the real estate market right now is due in part to the jumbo rates not being so hot as of late. Loans below $417,000 are sold into mortgage backed securities. But jumbo loans are sold into private backed securities. And unfortunately due to the debacle in the mortgage industry that occurred in markets such as Florida, Nevada and California (where a lot of loan sizes are above $417K), there’s not a great appetite for the jumbo loan. It’s kind of like jumbo loans are liver and spinach on the menu. A few people will buy that stuff, but it’s not as popular as the cheeseburger.
So what to do if you need a jumbo loan? Make sure you work with a lender who knows their stuff and can present you with options. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) may suit your needs as long as they are fixed for a decent amount of time and won’t paint you into a corner. An ARM may buy you enough time to refinance at a later date when the market calms down. You might also be able to wrangle a first and a second so the first loan fints under the conforming loan size umbrella and the second part of your financing is at a smaller loan amount with a higher interest rate. Just be smart and make sure your lender is smart. And if you’re selling your home, sit tight. These homes are moving, however it might be at an elephant’s pace. Don’t fret, though. An elephant’s top speed can reach 25 mph.
May
14
Mortgage Loan Approval Sometimes Need a Human Touch
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
In the mid 1990’s, the mortgage industry saw the credit score and its predictive power to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage step into the limelight as one of the most indicative factors for loan approval. After conducting statistical test after statistical test, Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie, the 3 big lending institutions, mandated that the credit score should be used in conjunction with manual underwriting to assess loan approval. Not too long after, automated underwriting systems (AUS) were developed that expedited and streamlined the underwriting process even further for lenders. A loan officer today simply inputs a borrower’s key information into the preferred underwriting automatic engine, such as his/her credit score, income, amount being borrowed, cash reserves, employment and housing history, and the value of the property. A response is returned by the underwriting engine recommending approval or denial for the loan.
If your loan receives a denial from an AUS, the buck doesn’t necessarily stop there. Life happens to people, and oftentimes it’s going to take a real live person understanding the nuances of a file to make an underwriting decision. That’s when your lender may suggest submitting your file to underwriting for a manual review. After all, not everything in life can be automatic, right?
A perfect scenario for a manually underwritten file would be someone who has no credit scores. No credit scores? Yes, it is possible. I’ve had customers who, being old school and always having paid for everything in cash, had never established traditional credit lines that reported to credit reporting bureaus. In a case such as this one, I had to submit non-traditional lines of credit to underwriting, something a machine can’t assess. This means I had my customer bring in bills he had paid on time for the past year to create a credit history. Typical ones used are car insurance, utility bills, cell phone bills and cable bills. You can expect to have to provide 3-4 different trade lines if you haven’t established a traditional credit history and score.
“The most typical reason we see a file submitted to us for manual underwriting is for either no credit score or an error reported on a credit report,” reflects Patricia Haynes, onsite Government Underwriter at Mortgage Investors Group. “For instance a judgement that doesn’t really belong to the borrower. Maybe it’s really Dad’s judgement reflected on the son’s report because Junior and Dad have the same name. That’s when I can overwrite an AUS decision because I have the documentation to support my decision to do so in front of me.”
Another very common reason to submit a loan for a manual underwrite is when your customer’s credit score is below 620 and gets an AUS denial. If this is the case with your loan, be prepared to provide more than average documentation about your credit history, as well as written explanations as to why your credit score has suffered recently. Maybe two years ago you had a financial meltdown due to a medical illness, but in the last twelve months, you can prove you are back on your game and have been repaying debt. However, your credit scores haven’t exactly caught up with your actions. An underwriter is going to piece together the different aspects of your file and see if it makes sense. Your home lender should be able to review your file and guide you as to what documentation an underwriter will want from you to grant you loan approval.
Naturally, if your credit score is really low and you have very little explanation for your state of credit affairs other than you failed to pay your bills on time, don’t hold your breath for loan approval. An underwriter can see through smoke and mirrors. After looking at files as long as they have, they can basically sniff out a loan that has merit from the ones that are too risky.
So, even as our world gets more and more automated every day, it’s nice to know that you can’t replace genuine common sense, even in the mortgage industry. And it’s nice to know that you can plead your case for credit worthiness to a real live human being.
In the mid 1990’s, the mortgage industry saw the credit score and its predictive power to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage step into the limelight as one of the most indicative factors for loan approval. After conducting statistical test after statistical test, Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie, the 3 big lending institutions, mandated that the credit score should be used in conjunction with manual underwriting to assess loan approval. Not too long after, automated underwriting systems (AUS) were developed that expedited and streamlined the underwriting process even further for lenders. A loan officer today simply inputs a borrower’s key information into the preferred underwriting automatic engine, such as his/her credit score, income, amount being borrowed, cash reserves, employment and housing history, and the value of the property. A response is returned by the underwriting engine recommending approval or denial for the loan.
If your loan receives a denial from an AUS, the buck doesn’t necessarily stop there. Life happens to people, and oftentimes it’s going to take a real live person understanding the nuances of a file to make an underwriting decision. That’s when your lender may suggest submitting your file to underwriting for a manual review. After all, not everything in life can be automatic, right?
A perfect scenario for a manually underwritten file would be someone who has no credit scores. No credit scores? Yes, it is possible. I’ve had customers who, being old school and always having paid for everything in cash, had never established traditional credit lines that reported to credit reporting bureaus. In a case such as this one, I had to submit non-traditional lines of credit to underwriting, something a machine can’t assess. This means I had my customer bring in bills he had paid on time for the past year to create a credit history. Typical ones used are car insurance, utility bills, cell phone bills and cable bills. You can expect to have to provide 3-4 different trade lines if you haven’t established a traditional credit history and score.
“The most typical reason we see a file submitted to us for manual underwriting is for either no credit score or an error reported on a credit report,” reflects Patricia Haynes, onsite Government Underwriter at Mortgage Investors Group. “For instance a judgement that doesn’t really belong to the borrower. Maybe it’s really Dad’s judgement reflected on the son’s report because Junior and Dad have the same name. That’s when I can overwrite an AUS decision because I have the documentation to support my decision to do so in front of me.”
Another very common reason to submit a loan for a manual underwrite is when your customer’s credit score is below 620 and gets an AUS denial. If this is the case with your loan, be prepared to provide more than average documentation about your credit history, as well as written explanations as to why your credit score has suffered recently. Maybe two years ago you had a financial meltdown due to a medical illness, but in the last twelve months, you can prove you are back on your game and have been repaying debt. However, your credit scores haven’t exactly caught up with your actions. An underwriter is going to piece together the different aspects of your file and see if it makes sense. Your home lender should be able to review your file and guide you as to what documentation an underwriter will want from you to grant you loan approval.
Naturally, if your credit score is really low and you have very little explanation for your state of credit affairs other than you failed to pay your bills on time, don’t hold your breath for loan approval. An underwriter can see through smoke and mirrors. After looking at files as long as they have, they can basically sniff out a loan that has merit from the ones that are too risky.
So, even as our world gets more and more automated every day, it’s nice to know that you can’t replace genuine common sense, even in the mortgage industry. And it’s nice to know that you can plead your case for credit worthiness to a real live human being.
May
11
Fixed Rate Mortgage - Security In Turbulent Times
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Michael Marchese
Fixed rate mortgage at the name suggests is a mortgage whose interest rates cannot be altered. Fixed rate mortgages are usually a characteristic of a mainstream mortgage and thus are offered to people with good credit ratings. People who are sure of their method of repayment and people who prefer certainty usually take the fixed rate mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages usually have a high rate of interest though the borrower is sure of the overall payment at the end of the mortgage period.
Fixed rate mortgages allow the borrower to plan their payment installments and are stress free since the borrower is always aware of the installment obligation. Fixed mortgage rate is also advisable for people with good liquidity since it takes a shorter period to complete the mortgage plan. The borrower is allowed to pay the principal amount early and this is to their advantage since they reduce the level of interest payment. This characteristic tends to alter the title of the mortgage but the ‘fixed’ title is due to the fixed repayment period.
The interest rates of fixed rate mortgage increase with the increase in the repayment period. Fixed rate mortgage for a short period will have lower interest than that of a longer period. In the United States, people prefer fixed rate mortgages that have a period between 10 to 30 years, which is a considerable period for the loan repayment. It is advisable that the borrower pays the principal as fast as they can to ensure that that they pay lower interest rates in the subsequent years. The fixed rate mortgage is suitable for people who want to have their dream home. This is because they can take a big mortgage and fund it over a long period at a constant installment rate.
In addition to this certainty, a fixed rate mortgage is advantageous more so when one gets a salary increase since the interest rate remains the same and thus, there is an increase in one’s disposable income. They are also good mortgages when the interest rates are low since there is no pressure in paying the installments. In case the market mortgage rates increase, the fixed mortgage rate interest does not increase and this is an advantage to the borrower. It is one of the best mortgage plans for people who are not risk takers since they are certain of the payments unlike the adjustable mortgages that move with the market trend.
The fixed rate mortgage is a disadvantage since as market trends change, there are better rates and custom mortgages that are coming up allow one to take full advantage of this. Moreover, people like changing with the financial times. The fixed rate mortgage interest is rigid thus even when there are better mortgage rates, its rates cannot be adjusted. The fixed rate mortgage is also a disadvantage more so when the interest rates are high since there are no adjustments that can be made.
It is advisable that before one takes up a fixed rate mortgage, they should calculate the overall cost that they would have to pay to ascertain that they are able to fund the costs.
Fixed rate mortgage at the name suggests is a mortgage whose interest rates cannot be altered. Fixed rate mortgages are usually a characteristic of a mainstream mortgage and thus are offered to people with good credit ratings. People who are sure of their method of repayment and people who prefer certainty usually take the fixed rate mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages usually have a high rate of interest though the borrower is sure of the overall payment at the end of the mortgage period.
Fixed rate mortgages allow the borrower to plan their payment installments and are stress free since the borrower is always aware of the installment obligation. Fixed mortgage rate is also advisable for people with good liquidity since it takes a shorter period to complete the mortgage plan. The borrower is allowed to pay the principal amount early and this is to their advantage since they reduce the level of interest payment. This characteristic tends to alter the title of the mortgage but the ‘fixed’ title is due to the fixed repayment period.
The interest rates of fixed rate mortgage increase with the increase in the repayment period. Fixed rate mortgage for a short period will have lower interest than that of a longer period. In the United States, people prefer fixed rate mortgages that have a period between 10 to 30 years, which is a considerable period for the loan repayment. It is advisable that the borrower pays the principal as fast as they can to ensure that that they pay lower interest rates in the subsequent years. The fixed rate mortgage is suitable for people who want to have their dream home. This is because they can take a big mortgage and fund it over a long period at a constant installment rate.
In addition to this certainty, a fixed rate mortgage is advantageous more so when one gets a salary increase since the interest rate remains the same and thus, there is an increase in one’s disposable income. They are also good mortgages when the interest rates are low since there is no pressure in paying the installments. In case the market mortgage rates increase, the fixed mortgage rate interest does not increase and this is an advantage to the borrower. It is one of the best mortgage plans for people who are not risk takers since they are certain of the payments unlike the adjustable mortgages that move with the market trend.
The fixed rate mortgage is a disadvantage since as market trends change, there are better rates and custom mortgages that are coming up allow one to take full advantage of this. Moreover, people like changing with the financial times. The fixed rate mortgage interest is rigid thus even when there are better mortgage rates, its rates cannot be adjusted. The fixed rate mortgage is also a disadvantage more so when the interest rates are high since there are no adjustments that can be made.
It is advisable that before one takes up a fixed rate mortgage, they should calculate the overall cost that they would have to pay to ascertain that they are able to fund the costs.