...

2022 Housing Market Forecast

I think we can all agree we are ready for some familiarity and to put these unprecedented times behind us.

However, while we hate to say it, we must; there was nothing predictable about 2021, including the housing market. Interest rates hit record lows and we saw the strongest yearly growth in single-family home prices ever. Foreclosure rates were at historic lows and home sales hit their highest level in 15 years. Continuously, homeowners were able to sell their homes quickly and usually well above asking price. Potential buyers grew fatigued attempting to secure the winning bid after losing out on numerous homes. In short, 2021 brought one of the most competitive housing markets in recent U.S. history. 

Housing Forecast 2022

In regards to 2022… Again, there’s a lot we don’t know and frankly cannot predict. There are still many factors at play, like the pandemic and general economic uncertainty, that will continue to drive the unpredictable housing market. With that in mind, in the following paragraphs, we’ve done our best to lay out where we expect the housing market to go next year. Please remember, we cannot guarantee what will happen with the 2022 housing market. The following predictions are just that, a prediction… An educated guess of what we may expect for the housing market in the coming year. With all that in mind, read on and enjoy!

Home Prices
OUR PREDICTION: Home prices will continue to rise but at a slower pace.
The rate in which home prices were accelerating in 2020 and 2021 simply cannot be compared to any other year. This past year, we saw home appreciation levels at the highest they’ve ever been. Next year we’re predicting more homes to come on the market, which should help to forego such intense multiple offer situations and should take the pressure off of high home prices. Home appreciation is expected to increase, just not so dramatically next year. In fact, as we round out 2021, home prices are already decelerating toward a healthier housing market for 2022. Looking forward, buyers should remain prepared for a competitive market but can expect to have more breathing room.

Inventory & Demand
OUR PREDICTION: Inventory of homes will slowly rise while demand remains high.
In 2022, we predict the market will remain strong, but the pace at which homes are selling will decrease; this in turn should bring an increase in the number of homes available to buyers. Over the past year, it felt like there was no inventory. When in reality, there was inventory, just a lack of ongoing supply. When a home hit the market, it was snatched up in record time. In 2022, we expect that trend to dwindle with less bidding wars and more time for buyers to make decisions. In addition, with the flexibility of the option to work remotely for many, we believe home buyers will have wider options as to where they can feasibly live. Without needing to live within a certain distance from the office, buyers will have an expanded area to shop in, making inventory feel more abundant. 

Interest Rates
OUR PREDICTION: Interest rates will rise, while still remaining historically low.
If we were to choose just one phrase to sum up the 2021 housing market, we would choose “historically low interest rates”. This next year should be no different. While rates are expected to rise, they should still remain historically low. Inflation is climbing, and the main way the FED fights inflation is by raising interest rates; it feels inevitable that with rates so low, they must go up at least a litte. The impact of rising rates will mean rate term refinances will dwindle, and cash out refinances will take their place. Buyers should still feel the urgency to lock in a low rate, as the impact of rock bottom rates are long-lasting.

Bottom Line
Overall, we predict that the housing market will slow down slightly, but really only in comparison to the fast-paced market 2020 and 2021 brought us. The combination of historically low interest rates, a low rate of unemployment and a strengthening job market will continue to cultivate a solid housing market with homeownership becoming more and more accessible to a wider number of people. If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that things can always change and to expect the unexpected. What will come in 2022 is a mystery, but whatever it may be, Cambria Mortgage is here to guide you through it. 

(651) 552-3681 / JoeMetzler.com. NMLS 274132. Serving MN, WI, IA, ND, and SD.

SOURCES:

Brock, M. (2021, December 16). Guide To 2022 Housing Market Predictions And Forecasts. Retrieved December 28, 2021, from
https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/2022-housing-market-predictions

KCM Crew (2021, December 29). Expert Insights on the 2022 Housing Market. Retrieved December 28, 2021, from
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2021/12/29/expert-insights-on-the-2022-housing-market/?utm_campaign=Blog_Promo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email-automated&utm_content=DailyBlogSubscription&utm_term=BlogPost

LePard, C. (2021, December 09). Real Estate Experts Expect Slightly Better Inventory, Double Digit Home Appreciation In 2022 Housing Market. Retrieved December 28, 2021, from
https://www.news5cleveland.com/marketplace/real-estate/real-estate-experts-expect-slightly-better-inventory-double-digit-home-appreciation-in-2022-housing-market

Meyer, D. (2021, December 10). 2021 Housing Market Recap (& What To Watch for in 2022). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from
https://youtu.be/fW-Ry9b4lYM

Richardson, B. (2021, December 13). Experts Predict What The Housing Market Will Look Like In 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2021, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2021/12/13/experts-predict-what-the-housing-market-will-look-like-in-2022/?sh=37af5f023942

Schuffet, H. (2021, December 16). 2022 Housing Market Predictions: What To Expect. Retrieved December 28, 2021, from

How much credit card use can effect your credit score

How much credit card use can effect your credit score

Minneapolis, MN: Why does how much credit you’re using matter?  Simple, lenders look for signs of responsible credit usage, and the better you are at living within your means, the better it is for your credit score.
Many people think that simply never being late on your credit card is all you need to have a great credit score, but this is far from true. Everyone is viewed under what is know as the law of large numbers.  If most people in similar situations do similar things, you probably will too. If you constantly carry a balance, especially a high balance, you are considered high risk.  This because historically, those who carry high credit card balances tend to default at a higher rate. Therefore the assumption is you will too if you carry a high balances.
If you are using most of your credit, it may be difficult for you to get additional credit or other credit with a good interest rate.  Plan on getting a mortgage loan anytime soon? Mortgage interest rates on conventional loans can vary as much as 3/4 of a percent higher for someone with a 640 credit score versus someone with an 800 credit score.
Simply put, who tends to carry high credit card balances?  Those in good shape financially, of those maybe more living on the edge of their means?? Your credit score reflects the risk.
On the other hand, if you carry low or no balance, this generally means you are in good shape financially, and either don’t need to use the credit, or only a tiny bit of your available credit.

credit card usage
Credit Score Tips

As you can see in the graphic above, using less than 30% of your available credit is a good goal, but less than 10% is better. Keep in mind that never ever using credit can also have a negative effect, because they don’t know how to judge you.  Therefore using some available credit every once in awhile, and then paying it off quickly is generally a very good idea versus never using any credit cards at all.

Sharp spike in mortgage rates hurting real estate sales?

Saint Paul, MN: A sharp spike in mortgage rates since the Presidential election is showing minor signs of hurting home sales.

Mortgage interest rates have jumped from around 3.625% for the weeks leading up to the election, and now are averaging about 4.125% for the best clients on a standard 30-yr fixed rate loan.images999888

This quick jump does psycological damage for anyone currently in the market who were initially quoted the lower rates. But most buyers are not going to stop looking over this rate increase, as they generally are able to financially handle this quick jump.

The loan payment on a $200,000 home at 3.625% for 30-years is $912.10 a month, but at 4.125%, the payment is now $969.30 a month, or $57.20 per month more.

Another way of looking at it, is that with the slightly higher rate, a person would need to have a $190,000 to keep the same payment as the $200,000 loan they could have gotten a few weeks ago.

The rate jump has motivated many buyers to act now, especially as predictions are for rates to move a bit higher, before leveling off again. Of course no one knows for sure, but assuming rates will go a bit higher is the smarter assumption.

First time home buyers will generally be the ones most concerned and most effected by rate increases, but should be reminded that while rates are up slightly from just a month ago, from an historical standpoint, current mortgage rates are still some of the best ever in history!

 

 

Interest Rates Post Trump Election

Interest rates post Trump election have surprised just about everyone.

It’s been a long time since anyone lender was quoting conventional conforming 30-yr fixed mortgage rates at 4% or higher for their best customers, but as of yesterday, every mortgage lender is doing so.

images999888What a difference a week makes, last Monday, the day before the election, rates averaged 3.625%.  Over the past 3 days business day (Friday the markets were closed for Veterans Day), rates have moved higher and faster than the last big 3-day move back in 1987, where rates moved higher more quickly on an outright basis.

If you were on the fence for a refinance. You just lost, and should seriously consider locking now if it even remotely still makes sense.

If you were in the market to buy a house, rates are still great, and there is no reason not to buy a home. But consider the average $230,000 home here in Minnesota will cost you $50 more per month at a 4.00% rate versus a 3.625% rate.

Why have mortgage interest rates gone up?

There are a lot of factors, but the biggest is simply the markets are feeling good about the direction of the country with the Donald Trump election. This has sparked the stock market, which has seen very nice gains. When stocks are good, mortgage rates are bad.  When stocks are bad, mortgage rates are good.

 

Mortgage loans. Why all the paperwork?

Mortgage loans – Why all the paperwork?

Loan PaperworkAs a Loan Officer serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, I am constantly asked why is there so much paperwork required to get a mortgage loan today. It seems that the lender wants to know everything about you these days, and you would be correct. Your mortgage lender does want to know a lot about you.  If you were to give a complete stranger a huge loan, for a 30-year commitment, what would YOU want to know about them?

To make it feel worse than it really is, from about 1999 until 2007 during the housing boom, there were many programs available that allowed for limited documentation, or even no proof of income. Many people took advantage of those programs. Unfortunately, a large number of those people were allowed to bite off more loan than they would have been allowed if they proved income, contributing to the real estate collapse starting in 2007.

Loan Documentation Requirements Today

No one wants foreclosures and bad loans. It isn’t good for the home buyer, the neighborhood, or the economy.  For that reason, mortgage companies need to verify and double check everything on the application, and to make sure you are a good risk.

There are three very good reasons that the loan process is much more onerous on today’s buyer than perhaps any time in history.

  1. The mortgage industry was a bit too trusting in the past. Lenders for example asked for a pay stub, but we took what you provided at face value, and there was no double check. This allowed fraud to become rampant. How hard would it be to scan a W2 that said you made $30,000 a year into a computer, then use Photoshop to change that the 3 to an 8, and now you make $80,000 a year income.
  2. Even without fraud, during the run-up in the housing market, many people qualified for mortgages that they realistically could never pay back. The government has mandated new guidelines that now demand that the mortgage lender  prove beyond any doubt that you are indeed capable of affording the mortgage. The rule is called ATR, or the “Ability to Repay” rule. So no more stated income, or limited income loans.
  3.  The lenders have never wanted to be in the real estate holding business. Since the collapse, lenders suffered huge losses that came close to destroying the economy, and were were forced to take on the responsibility of liquidating millions of foreclosures,  and negotiating millions of more homes in short-sales.

The Good News About Mortgage Loans

The friends and family who bought homes ten or twenty ago experienced a simpler mortgage application process. If you got a loan ten to 20-years ago, yes, it was easier. But at the same time, if you never experienced that in the past, your fame of reference is that it really isn’t all that difficult today.

Instead of complaining about the paperwork required, be thankful that that you can get a loan, and get it at these amazingly low mortgage interest rates.

Think you know your credit score? You are wrong!

Minneapolis / St Paul, MN:  These days, everyone seems to know their “credit score”.  Many people subscribe to one or all  3 credit services, or get a score from a place like CreditKarma.com.

Before you get too excited about that credit score, understand that the score numbers you just received most likely was based on the “Advantage Score” model. While that IS a credit score, that is NOT the same scoring model mortgage companies use.

Mortgage Credit Score
Mortgage Credit Score

There are many different ‘types’ of credit scores.

Mortgage lenders care about how you handle mortgages, credit card companies care about how you handle credit cards. The reports these industries pull tend to be weighted towards their industry.  The Advantage score you get when you look at your score, or from your credit card statement simply is NOT the same scoring model lenders use.

Another way to look at is is think about buying a car. You tell someone you bought a new Ford. Great, but what model Ford? Did you get a Ford Focus, or was in a new Ford Truck?

Getting your credit score somewhere?? Great, what scoring model is is based on? They are generally all FICO scores, but what scoring model is it based on?? Advantage score, Beacon Score?   Typically the Advantage Score is noticeably higher than your mortgage score.

If the credit score you are looking at is from a mortgage company, then that should be accurate if any other mortgage company pulls your credit…  Or at least until something changes, and credit scores can potentially change everyday.  I’ll save that for another article…

Ultimately, the ONLY credit score that matters is the credit score your Loan Officer obtains on the day you start your mortgage application!

For most people, the score you see and get on your own, or through your credit card statement are close, and give you a ballpark idea of your lender score, but don’t be surprised when we tell you a different number.

3% down payment mortgage loans back

Minneapolis, MN:  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have recently announced they are bringing back 3% down payment options.ff

Currently, most conventional conforming loans require a minimum down payment of 5%, while FHA Loans still allows for just a 3.50% down payment.

FHA VS CONFORMING CONVENTIONAL Loans

FHA used to be the low down payment champion, but changes to the program made after the housing market meltdown have really taken a lot of steam out of the program.  The two biggest changes being the huge increase in the cost of FHA mortgage insurance, and that with a small down payment, the homeowner would have FHA mortgage insurance for the life of the loan!

If you have good credit, and could come up with a little more down payment, a conforming conventional loan would be much better.

CONFORMING CONVENTIONAL NOT ALWAYS BETTER

There are many differences between the two programs.

FHA loans are more liberal in terms of lower credit scores, and weaker borrower profiles.  It also has a shorter waiting period after major negative events, like a foreclosure or bankruptcy. FHA interest rates are pretty much the same for everyone. But you pay for this with the high cost of mortgage insurance.

Conventional loans are almost always better if you have good credit scores, but can be nearly as costly for those with weaker credit. Conventional mortgage interest rates and mortgage insurance costs both climb significantly as your credit scores go down.

NEW 3% DOWN PAYMENT MORTGAGE GUIDELINES

Understand, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac DO NOT DO LOANS. They buy loans from lenders after the fact. Therefore lenders can, and very often do, add additional rules and restrictions to the guidelines of what Fannie and Freddie say they will buy.  Always check with your mortgage lender for your specific qualifications:

Fannie Mae Rules:
 ⇒ Effective Date: December 13, 2014
⇒ One person must be a first time homebuyer
⇒ MyCommumity Mortgage Purchase Transactions — must undergo prepurchase housing counseling
⇒ Standard purchase and limited cash out refinances of existing Fannie Mae loans.
⇒ Fixed rate loans only — no adjustable
⇒ No high balance loans
Freddie Mac Rules:

⇒ Effective Date: March 23, 2015.
⇒ Called Home Possible Advantage Program
⇒ Manually underwritten mortgages–660 minimum score purchase/680 refinances with maximum 43% back ratio.
⇒ Owner occupied purchase and no cash out refinances.
⇒ Maximum income limitations for all mortgages.
⇒ Fixed rate loans only — no adjustable

NEW MN FHA Loan Limits for 2015

HUD has announced their NEW MN FHA Loan Limits for 2015.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Announces 2015 Maximum Loan Limits

FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing published Mortgagee Letter 2014-25, which provides FHA’s single family housing loan limits for Title II Forward Mortgages and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), and provides loan limit instructions for streamline refinance transactions without an appraisal.

The loan limits published in this Mortgagee Letter are effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2015, and remain in effect through December 31, 2015.

Minnesota
Area   
Single Family
Duplex
Tri-Plex
Quad
Metro
$322,000
$412,200
$498,250
$619,250
Out-State
$271,050
$347,000
$419,425
$521,250

The maximum FHA loan limit “ceiling” for most areas remains at the 2014 level of $625,500 for a one-unit property. The minimum FHA loan limit “floor” for all areas remains at the 2014 level of $271,050 for a one-unit property.

There are no jurisdictions with a decrease in loan limits from the 2014 levels. To enable Mortgagees to easily identify areas with loan limit increases, FHA has published a separate list of counties with loan limit increases.
Refer to Mortgagee Letter 2014-25 for complete loan limit information.

Mortgage rates have dropped. Should I refinance?

Mortgage rates in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD have dropped recently to their lowest level in sometime.  Mortgage company telephones, which had been fairly quiet the past few months are ringing like crazy as homeowner call to check mortgage rates, and decide should I refi or not?

Refinancing is most often used to lower your current interest rate.

If rates have dropped since you last financed your home, you may want to consider refinancing. Other common reasons to refinance include paying off a balloon payment, converting an adjustable rate loan to a fixed rate loan, or to take cash out. A few reasons for cashing out include: home improvement, an education fund, and consolidating debt.

Just imagine what you could do with an extra $100, $300 or more each and every month.

You might decide to apply the savings toward your balance and build equity faster. Or maybe you just might want to put the money in your savings account or portfolio and watch it GROW! The best thing is – you’re in control . You decide what is best for your family!

DROP PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)

Many homes can take double advantage of today’s interest rates.  Obviously the lower mortgage rate, but many homes have also seen a significant increase in value. You may now have a loan-to-value lower than 80%, which means you can also drop your mortgage insurance, increasing the refinance savings even more!

In order to refinance your existing home, or to simply help you decide if refinancing makes sense, just call or click. A quick application tells us what we need to know, and let’s us “run the numbers”.

 MN, WI, SD – REFINANCE APPLICATION   (651) 552-3681

A standard refinance will require an application, appraisal, and a verification of your income and assets, as well as most of the same paperwork required when you originally financed your home. Adequate property insurance and new title insurance is necessary.

STREAMLINE REFINANCE – MN, WI, SD

A streamline refinance is available for many home owners. As the name implies, the process is streamlined, and generally does NOT require an appraisal. Available for both existing FHA Loans, and VA loans.

HARP REFINANCE – MN, SD, WI

A HARP refinance is for existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans, that were closed prior to June 1, 2009.  Usually no appraisal is required, and you could have lost some value, or even be significantly underwater on your existing loan and still be able to refinance.

 

Benefits:
  • Reduce Your Interest Rate
  • Cash Out Equity for Home Improvements
  • Consolidate Debt
  • Lower Monthly Payments

To Refinance You’ll Need:

Equity gained – just 10% of homes still underwater

U.S. homeowners gained or regained more than $1 trillion in equity over the year that ended on June 30, 2014.  Less homes underwater according to Core-Logic’s 2nd quarter 2014 analysis, 44 million homes in the country now have positive equity, a gain of 950,000 homes during the quarter.

The number homes which are still “upside-down” or “underwater,” that is the owner owes more on the mortgage than the market value of the home, is now 5.3 million or 10 percent of all homes with a mortgage.  In Minnesota, just 7.8% of homes, and  Wisconsin 10.9%.

In the preceding quarter (Q1) there was a negative equity share of 12.7 percent or 6.3 million homes and in the second quarter of 2013 there were 7.2 million homes or 14.9 percent that were underwater.  This is a year-over-year decline of 1,962,435 or 4.2 percent.

Regaining equity is very important, as it allows many more people to list and sell their existing homes, moving up (or down) to something else, and others to refinance and save on their current homes loans – especially those who want to refinance, but did not qualify for programs like a  HARP Refinance.

READ the FULL STORY

Worst high priced mortgage lenders, and why

Worst high priced mortgage lenders, and why

Here is a basic list of some of the worst mortgage lender choices, and why:

YOUR BANK

Your bank is generally a poor choice because they understand that you believe simply because you’ve had a checking account there for years, that they will treat you better and give you a good deal. The reality is just the opposite. Because they know you are already comfortable with them, you are not likely to shop for a mortgage loan elsewhere. The reality is this means they know they can get away being higher priced. They also have higher expenses, like advertising and all the buildings they own, so their margins need to be higher.

BIG INTERNET LENDERS

internet lendersJust because you’ve seen them on TV or hear their radio advertising a million times saying how Quick In Loans they are, does not make them a good choice. Actually what makes them a bad choice is because of their advertising. You see, all lenders get their money from the same source on the same day at the same time.  All lenders have essentially the exact same closing costs, and all lenders are basically going to underwrite to the same guidelines. If they spend millions of dollars everyday advertising, and I don’t, who needs to have a higher profit margin?

YOUR REALTOR’S IN HOUSE LENDER

Real estate companies over the past 15-years or so have all started adding their own mortgage divisions, and have their real estate agents aggressively push you to use their affiliated companies (mortgage and title). They use convenience (they are across the hall), or fear (other lenders won’t close on time) to get you to use their internal mortgage company. Rarely is the real estate agents internal mortgage company the best deal, because again, they know you are now less likely to shop.

GOOD VERSUS BAD REALTOR REFERRALS

It is completely OK for your real estate agent to suggest a mortgage Loan Officer to you. But if they are suggesting their own company, be very suspicious of their motivation for doing so. If they are suggesting an out side mortgage company, it is usually because they know, through experience that this Loan officer does a great job, has low costs, and great interest rates.

Mortgage rates down slightly for week ending July 17, 2014

Minnesota mortgage ratesMinneapolis, MN: Freddie Mac  today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey(R) (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates moving down slightly to remain near historic lows for the week ending July 17, 2014.

Mortgage Rate Averages

  • 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 4.13 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending July 17, 2014, down from last week when it averaged 4.15 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.37 percent.
  • 15-year fixed rate mortgage this week averaged 3.23 percent with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.24 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.41 percent.
  • 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) averaged 2.97 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.99 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.17 percent

Quotes

Attributed to Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac.

“Mortgage rates were little changed amid a week of light economic reports. Of the few releases, industrial production rose by 0.2 percent in June, below the market consensus forecast. Also, the producer price index for final demand rose 0.4 percent in June, rebounding from a 0.2 percent decline the prior month.”
——————

Freddie Mac’s survey is the average of loans bought from lenders  last week, including discount points. Applicants must pay all closing costs at these rates. No cost loan rates higher.  Follow this link to view today’s best MN, WI, IA, ND, SD mortgage interest rates.

Tips to Improve Your Mortgage Approval and Credit Score

Tips to Improve Your Mortgage Approval and Credit Score

When you are looking to purchase a home, or refinance your exiting home, your credit score is very important.  One of the first things your lender will do is check your credit report to assess your creditworthiness.

As everyone knows,  the better your credit score, the more options you have, and the lower the mortgage interest rates will be available to you.

fico_graph

However, if you have a very bad credit score, it could be causing you to be offered high interest rates on your mortgage that could cost you thousands more in higher payments over the years, and worse yet, cause you to be denied.

Improving your credit score before getting a mortgage loan will ensure that you get the best interest rate possible.

But what can you do to improve your credit score?

Here are a few tips that can help you improve your credit score:

Be Patient – Fixing Credit Takes Time

A good analogy for improving credit is a little bit like losing weight. You might see a big jump right away, then getting to your full goal may take awhile. But the long term benefit of your new good habits that will make all the difference in the future

When it comes to all of the ways to improve your credit score, there can sometimes be something you can do quickly, and other take a long time. Just like weight loss, there are no magic quick-fixes.  The best way to rebuild your credit is to be responsible over time.

Check Your Credit Report For Errors

Your first step is to review your credit report.  Your loan officer is a good place to start, or you can get a copy from www.CreditKarma.com or www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Check it over carefully for errors, and contact the original creditor to correct those errors.

Pay Down debt

Credit cards cause a lot of score damage. This is primarily because the scoring model looks at your credit limit, and then how much you have currently on the card. Think of it in terms of 1/4 percent.   If you have less than 25% of the limit used, this is considered good utilization of credit.  If you are over 75%, or worse yet, max’ed out, you are killing your credit score.

Set Up Payment Reminders

Late payments spread all over your report can be one of the biggest negative factors bringing down your score.  If you have issues paying in a timely manor, simply set up automatic payments, and set up alerts on your accounts to be notified by email or a text whenever your payments are due.

Major Derogatory Items, like Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Needless to say, these items serious hurt your credit score.  The most important thing to do to restore your credit is to get or maintain current and active credit. You see, the scoring model will see the old nasty negative items.  But they want to see how you are TODAY.  Have you gotten back on track?  If you don’t have current credit, your score will never recover.

 

Mortgage rates near 11 month low – May 15th, 2015

Mortgage rates kept Mortgage ratesmoving lower today as European markets continued to provide an unexpectedly large boost in demand for domestic bond markets.  Those markets include mortgage-backed-securities that most directly affect mortgage rates, and higher demand pushes prices higher, which in turn makes mortgage rates rates lower.

The most prevalently quoted conforming 30yr fixed rate for best-case scenarios (best-execution) is now centered on 4.125%.  Some borrowers will see the improvements in the form of lower closing costs or higher lender credits.

Read the Full Story Here

.

Mortgage Buzz Words to Watch Out For

Getting a mortgage loan?  Here are some fancy buzz words and popular phases that you should be aware of:

First, understand that all lenders are essentially the same when it comes to programs, interest rates, and closing costs. If we advertised “USE ME – I AM THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE”, it would be pretty hard to get anyone to call.  So the lender game is to use creative buzz words, and creative quoting games to make themselves “appear” better than everyone else, and get you to call:

1) NO Closing Costs: All lenders have costs to close a mortgage loan, and most of the costs are from third parties like appraisers, title company, credit reports and state taxes. The ONLY way for a lender to reduce or claim no closing costs is they simply INCREASE your interest rate to offset your costs.  No Lender Fee, No Origination also apply here.

2) FREE Quote: I don’t know a single lender that charges to quote someone, so this isn’t anything special.

3) QUICK Closings:  There is no such thing anymore. New mortgage disclosure rules mandate minimum numbers of days after disclosure before closing a loan (so you can think about it). Furthermore all the new  rules also seriously slow down the process of getting appraisal, verifying your information with the IRS, and making you prove just about everything has turn a fast loan closing into at least 30-days.

4) In House Underwriting:  Pretty much all lenders have their own underwriting teams, and pretty much all brokers do not.

5) Competitive Rates: Simply “competitive”?  Not the lowest, not the cheapest… but, competitive?  Why don’t they show you the rates?

Trick to pay off your mortgage in 1/2 the time

Pay your home off in half the time…

It isn’t a trick to pay off your mortgage in half the time, it is not some scam, it is actually really simple. Most homeowner don’t think they can do this, but the reality is, most actually can pull it off if you simply put your mind to it.

How?  Dump your 30-year mortgage for a 15-year mortgage. By switching to a 15-year mortgage, the average person will pay somewhere around 64% less over a 30-year loan.

Financially savvy homeowners are capitalizing on the savings they can reap by refinancing to a shorter loan term. Last quarter, nearly 40% of U.S. homeowners refinanced out of an existing 30-year fixed rate mortgage and into a shorter 15 or 20-year loan term.

With 15-year mortgages being near their cheapest levels in history, refinancing to a 15-year term is a very smart decision. Prior to 2012, 15-year mortgage rates were 0.52 percentage points lower than a 30-year loan. However, in last year’s fourth quarter they were averaging about 0.97 percentage points lower that a 30-year loan.

According to Freddie Mac, current 15-year loans require just $28,000 of mortgage interest per $100,000 borrowed. A 30-year mortgage costs $81,000 per $100,000 borrowed. Never in history have savings of this capacity been possible!!

Of course a shorter term loan is going to cost you more money per month today. But generally speaking, many people never ask, and don’t even know what the 15-year mortgage payment would be.

house_calcToday, a $150,000 loan:

– A 30-yr fixed at 4.625% would run $771.21 a month and interest of $131,539 over the life of the loan.

– A 15-yr fixed at 3.375% would run $1,063.14 a month and interest of $45,191 over the life of the loan

The vast majority of people with a slight modification to their financial priorities could easily afford the difference, save themselves a fortune in interest, and own their home in half the time.

View live mortgage rates in MN and WI, calculate your savings, and apply today.