September
18
2010
Are you thinking about purchasing a house that costs more than 400,000? Unless you are planning to make a significant cash down payment on your new home, it is likely that you will need to apply for a jumbo loan. A jumbo loan is simply a home loan for property in the continental United States that exceeds 417,000, whether the funds are used to purchase a new home or to refinance an existing mortgage. For residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, mortgages are not considered to be jumbo loans until they exceed 625,000.
Jumbo loans are simply mortgage loans made for amounts that exceed the limit for conforming home loans, as determined by Freddie Mae and Fannie Mac, government sponsored entities that are the two largest players in the secondary home loan market in the United States. For this reason, jumbo loans are sometimes referred to as nonconforming loans. Jumbo loans exceed the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) underwriting limits. This means that lenders who extend jumbo loans (1) cannot sell the notes to either of the two largest secondary market lenders in the United States are (2) not eligible for default protection from the FHA.
Not all lenders offer jumbo loans. If you are planning to apply for a jumbo loan, it is important to disclose your intent to your loan officer right away. Otherwise, you could find yourself wasting a significant amount of your time and that of the mortgage professional with which you are working if the lender he or she works for doesn’t process nonconforming home loans.
Costs and Risks of Jumbo Loans
Because jumbo loans are considered to be among the most risky types of mortgage loans, they are more expensive to get and to process than conforming mortgages. Lenders who write jumbo loans are assuming greater risk than with traditional loans, so they typically charge higher interest rates for these types of mortgages than they do for conventional home loans.
Lenders also incur higher underwriting expenses for jumbo loans than with smaller mortgages, and these costs are passed on to the borrower. Part of the reason that the cost of jumbo loan underwriting is so expensive is related to the fact that these loans are not eligible for FHA underwriting.
Additionally, organizations that underwrite jumbo loans are risking losing a large amount of money in the event of a borrower default. It can be very difficult for guarantors to recover their losses by selling foreclosure homes in this price range. There is a limited market for homes in the luxury price range, meaning that there is a very real chance that a foreclosure home won’t sell, or will have to be sacrificed for much less than the outstanding balance of the loan.
Because the consequences of jumbo loan foreclosure are so serious, getting approved for this type of loan can be difficult. It is not uncommon for lenders who do participate in the jumbo loan market to utilize very strict guidelines for approving loans in this category. Creditworthiness criteria are often more stringent for jumbo loans than for smaller, conforming loans that are eligible for FHA backing and can be sold in the secondary market relatively easily. Additionally, many jumbo loans require a minimum down payment of twenty percent.
Impact of the 2007 Mortgage Meltdown on the Jumbo Loan Market
The current state of the mortgage industry makes jumbo loans less appealing than ever to investors in the mortgage industry. One of the biggest concerns regarding the current status of jumbo loans is the fact that it may be even more difficult than usual for lenders to resell these types of loans to mortgage investors. With so many major players reeling from the mortgage meltdown of 2007, the additional risk factors associated with jumbo loans are making many private finance and investment firms hesitant to invest in the nonconforming loan market.
Jumbo Loan Status Implications for Home Buyers
In many parts of the country, the number of homeowners seeking jumbo loans is very limited. Throughout most of the United States, the median home price is less than 250,000, which means that only those shopping at the highest end of the housing market are likely to be candidates for jumbo loans.
However, in many large metropolitan areas, average home prices are significantly higher than the jumbo loan limit. In parts of New York, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and many other states with high costs of living, it is virtually impossible to find even a small home for less than the lower limit for jumbo loan programs.
In such areas, even buyers in the lower ends of the housing market face the challenges of jumbo loan financing if they want to become homeowners. Not only do they have to deal with the highest housing prices in the country, they must also pay a premium on mortgage funding even when selecting moderate dwellings.
September
11
2010
From a cursory survey of websites and brochures, youll see a myriad of different types of mortgage. The mortgages explored so far are a basic overview youll find any amount of types some combining several features and with added incentives to tempt you.
Basically, if you can imagine a mortgage, it probably exists. So, after doing your homework and boning up on mortgage terminology, how do you finally choose? Which deal is the best on the market today?
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all super mortgage that will be a perfect fit for everyones financial situation. What you need to do when choosing a mortgage is work out exactly what would suit you and this will depend on your individual circumstances. Once you have an idea of what youre looking for, you can let the lenders and brokers find the mortgage to fit.
Below are some examples of possible life situations, with ideas for mortgages that may be suitable:
The student
Young, single, and likely to be forever short of cash! Its unlikely youll be able to find a large lump sum for a mortgage, and your income probably comes from part time jobs hardly an enticing prospect for a lender. Your best bet is to approach family for help a loan for the deposit andor a guarantor mortgage (combined with proof of your responsible attitude) could help you get an early foothold on the property ladder.
Pushing 30
Youre paving the way to a successful career, and perhaps thinking of moving in with a partner. However, your salary is probably relatively modest, and you may not have much money saved. Ask lenders for their first time buyer deals, including 100% mortgages, and consider a joint mortgage with a partner to boost your buying power. Cashback may be useful for covering the costs of fees and buying furniture. Those willing to take a bit of a risk could consider an interest only mortgage combined with savings and investments.
Growing success
Perhaps you have a family or dependents now, and your career is fairly solidly established. You may want to make the most of your money by looking at flexible mortgages, or one that can be offset against your other accounts. Keep in mind your home may have accrued equity by now, which could be released by revaluing your home, and perhaps switching mortgage. If you run your own business and have some capital to invest, you might want to try a self-cert mortgage.
September
4
2010
If you are new to borrowing and are just looking for your first home, then you probably are unsure about how mortgages work, and what the various types of mortgages are. If you are about to get your first mortgage, then you need to know the basics of what mortgages are and their various features. Here is some useful advice on the basics of mortgage lending:
What is a mortgage?
A mortgage is the loan that you take out to pay for a property. The loan is split into the capital and interest. The capital is the amount you have actually borrowed to buy the property, and the interest is the amount the lender charges you for the privilege of borrowing. There are various types of mortgages, but in general the two main types are repayment mortgages and interest only mortgages. Repayment mortgages are ones that require you to pay back the capital and interest each month. Interest only mortgages require you to pay just the interest each month and then the final capital amount at the end of the mortgage term. Whatever type of mortgage you are looking for, there are a number of features you should consider:
Interest rate
The interest rate of the mortgage is very important, because the lower the interest rate, the less you will pay back over the loan term. Mortgage rates are lower than most other types of loans, at around 5 or 6%. However, you should shop around for the best interest rate, as even .5% difference can mean a lot more to pay back over 20 or 30 years.
Exit fees
When you take out a mortgage, you agree a length of time over which you will repay the loan, known as the mortgage term. Mortgage terms usually range from 15-25 years. However, during this long period of time you might find a better deal or want to change your mortgage terms. If you leave during the mortgage term to use another lender, then the current lender will often charge exit fees to allow you to leave. This amount can be quite high, and is usually a percentage of the amount you still owe. You want a mortgage with low interest rates, but also make sure that you are fairly free to change lenders if required.
Insurance
As with all loans, you will be offered insurance on your mortgage, in case you are ill, out of work or die and cannot make the payments on the mortgage. If you die, then having insurance will allow your family to continue to pay the mortgage even without your income. When getting mortgage insurance, make sure that you are not paying too much for it and that your other insurance policies do not already cover you. If you arent covered, then getting mortgage insurance is a good idea.
How do you get a mortgage?
Mortgages can be obtained from banks, specialist mortgage lenders and online lenders. If you are looking for a mortgage, you should shop around for the best deals before committing to one lender. In order to get the mortgage, you need to show proof of income, and how much the property you want to buy is worth. The lender will then determine how much they can afford to lend you. It is often a good idea to discuss the amount you can borrow before looking at property, because then you will have a maximum budget when looking for your new home.
August
28
2010
In recent years property values have soared, while investment returns have been modest. This has created a situation where a lot of seniors are finding themselves in the position of being house rich and cash poor. These cash strapped seniors are looking for ways to increase their retirement income while continuing to live in their homes. These retirees find that their options are limited, and in most cases require them to risk their home. Enter the reverse mortgage, which can provide many advantages over these other less desirable options.
No Payments With Reverse Mortgages
The biggest advantage of a reverse mortgages is not having to make payments as long as you continue living in your home. In fact, this is the number one reason that seniors choose to borrow reverse mortgages. Almost 80% of reverse mortgage borrowers use a reverse mortgage to pay off their current loans in order to eliminate their house payments. Let’s say you owe 50,000 on your first mortgage and borrow 80,000 with a reverse mortgage. This would pay off and eliminate the payment on the first mortgage and provide you with 30,000 to use as you please.
Live in Your Home as Long as You Like
The second advantage of reverse mortgages is the ability to live in your house as long as you like. The great thing about this is the amount you owe on the reverse mortgage can never be more than the house is worth. Let’s say you live to 115 and have selected to recieve a 300 a month payments for life from the reverse mortgage. The amount received from the reverse mortgage payments could be substantially higher than the value of your home, yet the amount owed will still only be the value of the home. In this situation, FHA insurance will cover the difference.
Reverse Mortgage Withdrawal Options
Another advantage of reverse mortgages is the different withdrawal options that a you are able to choose. These options include lump sum distributions, line of credit, monthly payments, or any combination of these three. So if you were eligible to borrow 100,000 on a reverse mortgage you could select to receive 30,000 up front to cover current expenses, and hold the rest as a line of credit that you can use whenever you need it. This flexibility of reverse mortgages can significantly improve you financial independence during retirement.
Tax-Free Nature of Reverse Mortgages
Another advantage of reverse mortgage is the tax-free nature of the loan proceeds. The American Bar Association guide to reverse mortgages advises that generally the IRS does not consider loan advances to be income. This means that all the money from the proceeds of the reverse mortgage end up in your pocket.
With these features, reverse mortgage are definitely an option to consider if you are looking for ways to supplement your current income. As with any financial decision, you should seek the advice of a trained professional, a reverse mortgage counselor, to evaluate and determine if a reverse mortgage is right for your situation.
August
21
2010
Wouldn’t it be great if everything in life came with a checklist? Unfortunately, for most of us we have to learn life’s lessons the hard way – by experiencing them! Fortunately, for home buyers there are some rules of the game that are well known and can help you avoid major pitfalls when buying a home or refinancing your mortgage. Let’s take a look at ten mistakes that can have detrimental affect on your mortgage so you can prepare yourself now to get the best terms possible on your next mortgage.
#1 – Not shopping around. Too many people go to their local bank or other financial institution for their mortgage and never shop around. As a result, they end up paying more over the life of the loan because they don’t realize what they could have had. Go to at least three mortgage providers when looking for a loan – make them compete and earn your business!
#2 – Using the mortgage broker the realtor recommends. Sure the realtor is the sweetest person you ever met and tells you not to worry because her friend over at ABC Mortgage will take care of you – what she isn’t telling you is that she is getting a kickback for recommending them. Realtors have one goal in mind – to earn commission on the sale. You can often get much better deals by shopping around yourself and saying “no thanks” to the recommendation.
#3 – Buying too much house. How many square feet do you need and how much can you afford? Don’t get yourself into a situation where you have too much house that you can’t afford over your lifetime. Remember, it’s not just the monthly payments you have to worry about. You also need to think about property taxes, insurance and heating and cooling costs.
#4 – Getting into the wrong mortgage. A quick scan of the newspapers will show you that a lot of people have gotten into the wrong mortgage. Make sure you know the differences between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages and seek the help of a trusted, third party to help you make the right decision. Be sure to review the prepayment penalties as well – why should you be penalized for paying off your loan ahead of time?
#5 – Credit. This one you probably already know about, but it is worth repeating again and again. Clean up your credit and don’t make any big purchases right before you go to take out a mortgage. Save the new car purchase or flat-screen TV purchase until after you have signed the loan paperwork!
#6 – Borrowing too much. This goes hand in hand with #3. Don’t anticipate future earnings and buy a house you simply cannot afford. Purchase a house you can afford now, even if it may not be your dream house. In a few years, if you are earning more, you can look into buying a bigger house. Start small and work your way up so that you know you can afford your mortgage and not get yourself into financial trouble down the road.
#7 – Missing out on programs for first time home owners. Many first time homeowners don’t take advantage of the various programs and discounts available for them. Check into local, state and federal programs that can help reduce your interest rate and potentially negotiate better terms.
#8 – Inaccurate information, or garbage ingarbage out! Don’t try and fool the lender – it isn’t worth it. Make sure you have supporting documentation for everything you put down on the mortgage application. Furthermore, never sign a mortgage document in which the lender hasn’t completely filled out all the fields. Insist on honesty on both sides of the desk!
#9 – Not locking in the rate. Rates can change in the blink of an eye. Get your rate locked in and don’t wait around until the last moment. Get your rate in writing with the complete terms spelled out from your mortgage lender when you lock it in.
# 10 – Not considering the other “charges” in your mortgage. Sure, you got a great rate on your mortgage, but did you carefully read about the other charges the lender has stuck in? Rates are important, but make sure you understand the full cost of your loan. Read (and question) all the charges listed. Sure, you might have to pay a quarter of a percent more by going somewhere else, but after you add up all the fees you may find that by going to a lender with a slightly higher rate can actually save you money.
August
14
2010
There are more than 19,000 mortgage companies in the U.S. and some of the largest and most reputable of them specialize in subprime mortgage refinancing.
Steven Frank, Senior Vice President of Marketing at FlexPoint Funding identifies a subprime borrower as someone with a FICO score below 620. He or she will pay between 1.5% and 2% higher interest for a mortgage, but there is no shortage of money or willing lenders in the subprime mortgage market.
What trends do you see in the subprime mortgage market for 2006 and beyond?
Steve: We went through the biggest refinancing boom in history from mid 2002 through September of 2005. As many as 80% of Americans refinanced their homes during that time. Interest rates on adjustable rate loans dropped to under 4% during the boom with some homeowners opting for fixed rates as low as 5%.
Now both fixed and adjustable are back around 6.5% and will probably reach 7% for an A-grade 30-year fixed mortgage and 9% for a subprime mortgage by the end of 2006. The rate of appreciation is a more normal 6% – 12% annually. A typical home in most parts of the country stays on the market about six months, which means its a balanced market favoring neither buyers nor sellers.
What type of mortgage would you recommend for subprime borrowers?
Steve: Most subprime borrowers wont qualify for a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit. They will have to refinance their first mortgage if they want to cash out some of their equity. Depending on their personal situation, a homeowner may be able to borrow up to 95% LTV (loan to value). More likely, it will be in the 75%-85% range. There are very few 125% LTV mortgages anymore, and subprime borrowers wont qualify for these.
Subprime borrowers should work with a company that understands their particular needs; one that sees more than their past problems and that specializes in flexible, affordable mortgage solutions.
Mortgage Refinancing Advice
Check your credit – According to the government loan agency, Freddie Mac, up to 15% of subprime borrowers have credit scores that qualify them for traditional loans. Dont settle for subprime rates if you can get prime-rate mortgage refinancing.
Watch your costs – Interest rates wont vary much among subprime mortgages, however, there are some aspects of the loan structure that will impact the bottom line, such as:
– length of the mortgage term; 10, 15 or 30 years
– if it is a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable-rate loan
– whether any points have to be paid ( a point equals one percent of the loan)
– what kind of processing fees and closing costs are required
Look for good customer service – A good lender will walk potential borrowers through the application process, verifying personal information and making sure all the terms of the loan are understood. The lender will also recommend whether to lock in an interest rate during the processing phase or let the rate float until the closing.
Get a free quote – Prospective borrowers looking for refinancing can take advantage of sites like www.badcreditmortgagerefinancingnow.comBad Credit Mortgage Refinancing Now.
August
7
2010
Sub-prime mortgages offer financing for those with poor credit to finance the purchase of a home. Todays sub-prime mortgages offer low down payment options with no private mortgage insurance (PMI). As a result, more people are finding it easier to buy a home.
Sub-prime Mortgage Options
Sub-prime mortgages come in as many flavors as conventional loans. Just like with a conventional loan, low down payments or zero down will increase your interest rate. However, you have no PMI premiums to pay.
Another option is to buy points to lower your interest rate as well, but this only makes sense if you plan to keep your mortgage for seven or more years. A better plan is to improve your credit score, and then refinance in two to three years for a conventional loan.
Sub-prime Lenders
More and more financing companies are offering sub-prime mortgages. Even Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae offer sub-prime programs. So to find the best rates and terms, you should request quotes from both conventional and poor credit lenders.
When you are comparing lenders, look at the APR for a quick check. The APR includes both interest rates, points, and fees. However, you will also want to look at terms, making sure there are no fees for refinancing or early payment.
To quickly gather this information, make use of the internet. Most lenders offer quotes online. You can also request quotes from a mortgage broker, who will provide you with several quotes at once. When you find a lender with a competitive bid, you can request more information or apply online for speedy approval.
Sub-prime Benefits
Subprime mortgages provide you the chance to purchase a home while improving your credit history. Instead of throwing your money away on rent, you are building up equity in your home that you can tap into latter. You can also deduct your interest from your taxes.
Regular mortgage payments will also improve your credit history. So not only will your rates improve with other types of credit, but you can also refinance your mortgage in a couple of years for lower interest payments.
July
31
2010
Subprime Mortgages How Large Of A Down Payment Do You Need?
Subprime mortgages offer more flexibility with down payments than conventional home loans. You can choose to put nothing or over 20% down. And with a subprime mortgage, you dont have to worry about paying private mortgage insurance.
Zero-Down Mortgages
Zero-down mortgages allow people with little money for initial costs to buy a home. Even with a zero-down mortgage you can expect to pay loan fees and points, which can still add up to a couple of thousands. However, there are financing plans that wrap loan costs into the mortgage.
The basic zero-down mortgage consists of one loan or two. If your lender decides to split your mortgage, you may need to find another lender to carry the second mortgage.
Zero-down mortgages come at a cost of higher interest rates. They also have larger monthly payments since the mortgage is for a larger amount.
Large Down Payments
A large down payment adds equity to your property quickly. You also have lower monthly payments by having a smaller mortgage. In some cases, a large down payment can qualify you for a loan, in spite of a poor credit record.
If you have the cash for a large down payment, you may also want to look at purchase points up front. You can lower your interest rate, saving you thousands if you keep the loan for several years. You can also waive prepayment fees, usually by paying a point.
Subprime Lenders
Subprime lenders offer a variety of financing solutions. If you are unsure how much you want to borrow, start by requesting quotes from lenders for different financing options. This way you can compare numbers and look for a lender who offers the best rates and terms.
You can use the internet to gather this information quickly. You can get quotes through websites or email. However, dont give a lender permission to submit a financing bid until you are ready to apply. Every time a financial company checks your credit history, your credit score takes a hit. Even if you dont follow through with the loan, it still affects you. Fortunately, most lenders are willing to provide quotes to allow you to make the best financial decision.
July
24
2010
Sub-Prime Mortgage Loans Who Qualifies For A Sub-Prime Loan?
Sub-prime mortgage loans are designed for those who dont qualify for A rated loans, typically those with a FICO score of less than 650. They also cater to those desiring unconventional terms, like a jumbo loan. As with any lender, to find the best financing, you have to compare mortgage loan offers.
Who Qualifies For Sub-Prime Loans?
Anyone can qualify for a sub-prime loan, no matter their credit history. Even people with excellent credit may choose to work with a sub-prime lender to work out special terms.
When it comes to mortgage loans, sub-prime lenders dont decline applications. Rather, they present terms, which you can choose to accept or decline.
For instance, a person could discharged a bankruptcy and apply for a mortgage the next day with a sub-prime lender. The lender would likely charge 12% above conventional rates and require a 50% down payment. The option is to either take the loan or wait two years for much better terms.
What Sub-Prime Lenders Offer?
Besides flexibility with terms, sub-prime lenders offer near conventional rates. On average, sub-prime lenders charge 1% to 2% above conventional rates for every drop in credit grade. However, large cash reserves or down payments can offset a negative credit history.
Sub prime lenders dont require private mortgage insurance a real savings if you dont plan on a down payment of 20% or more. Lenders also offer refinancing options in your mortgage, saving on closing costs in the future.
Who Provides Sub-Prime Loans?
It used to be that only unconventional financing lenders offered mortgages to those with poor credit. But now virtually all banks and financing companies deal with sub-prime loans. For the lowest credit ranks, you still need to work with a sub-prime lender.
To find the right sub-prime loan, compare financing offers from several companies. You can work with a mortgage broker online to evaluate quotes in minutes or go directly to lender sites.
When requesting a loan estimate, provide as much information as possible, including your credit score. But dont let the potential lender inspect your credit report unless you want to see your credit score go down. Only allow the most promising lead access your report to complete the loan application.
July
17
2010
Imagine landing your dream home. Your credit is a bit shaky, but you manage to get a subprime loan with an adjustable rate mortgage. A few years later the interest rates jump and you can no longer afford to pay. You see an ad for a business thats willing to helpitll pay your mortgage for a modest monthly fee while you get back on your feet. But heres the heartbreak: its a scam. The con artists just take your money and run
Its just one of the latest schemes and frauds being seen these days across the financial services industry.
These scamswhich include plenty of shenanigans with mortgages and subprime loansare costing the nation tens of billions of pounds a year.
Millions of homeowners are caught up in this subprime mess. The Federal Reserve has gotten involved in an attempt to bail out the mortgage loan companies. Criminal charges may be filed against these companies for falsifying records, loaning money to under-qualified home buyers, and not reporting the truth to investors.
These are all good reasons why the US government is squarely focused on cracking down on the largest of these financial crimes, launching proactive initiatives and shifting resources as trends emerge, all the while working hand-in-hand with a host of government and private sector partners.
Currently, investigators are actively pursuing mortgage companies and investment irregularities.
The government is investigating 14 corporations involved in subprime lending as part of our Subprime Mortgage Industry Fraud Initiative launched last year.
The companies come from across the financial services industry, from mortgage lenders to investment banks that bundle loans into securities sold to investors. Theyre also looking at insider trading by some executives.
Traditional mortgage fraud:
In one state alone, more than 1,200 cases open today (up about 40 percent from last year), mostly involving fraud for profit, where groups of straw buyers, realtors, etc. rig schemes to buy properties that are flipped or allowed to go into foreclosure.
Hotspots include California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Utah.
Suspicious activity reports that we review for potential mortgage fraud have grown from 3,000 in fiscal year 2003 to 48,000 in fiscal year 2007. This year, theyre on pace to receive more than 60,000 such reports.
A recent case: In November, the owners of a long-time Minnesota homebuilder called Parish Marketingalong with a bank officer, a closing agent, and otherspled guilty to a 100 million mortgage scheme involving some 200 homes.
If you are a victim of the subprime mortgage madness, contact your bank and see if there are any programs in place to alleviate the pain.
