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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.

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Misconceptions sideline new home buyers

Misconceptions sideline first time home buyers

Lack of knowledge and misinformation may be discouraging Americans from buying a home according to a recent survey sponsored by Wells Fargo.  The survey, conducted in June by Ipsos Public Affairs, found that many prospective homebuyers do not take the plunge because of uncertainty about their ability to qualify for a mortgage or about navigating the homebuying process.

The survey, “How America Views Homeownership,” found that many Americans say their financial houses are in order, but serious misconceptions keep them sitting on the side lines.

Read the full story here.

 

Tired of paying rent?

Tired of paying rent?  Want to finally own a home of your own?

Below is a chart of the most common reasons people continue to rent versus buying a house. Many of the most common reasons make sense, but the number one reason, a lack of a large down payment, is easy to get around.

From true no down payment loans (like VA loans, and USDA Rural Development Loans), to down payment assistance loans, we can often help most people become homeowners.

If you have OK credit, which means a middle credit score of 620 or higher, and at least $1,000 in the bank to spend on a home, you should call a first time home buyer program expect to discuss your options.

For homes in MN, WI, or SD, call (651) 552-3681, or visit a dedicated first time home buyer program web site for more information.

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Closing Costs on a Home Mortgage

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Closing Costs on a Home Mortgage

All home mortgage loans have fees knows as closing costs, which are required to process and obtain your home loan.

People involved include the lender, title companies, appraisers, credit bureau, county document recording fees, and even state mortgage deed taxes.

You also need to buy you first years home owners insurance, and pay pro-rated property taxes based on when taxes are due, how much they are, and what month you buy the home.

All of these closing costs can really add up, and are in ADDITION to your down payment. Your Loan Officer can give you a breakdown of what all these costs will add up to when you apply for your home loan.

HOW TO PAY MORTGAGE LOAN CLOSING COSTS

There are 4 basic ways to pay your loans closing costs:

  1. Pay cash out-of-pocket at closing
  2. Get a downpayment and closing cost assistance loan
  3. Roll the closing costs into the loan amount – This is commonly known as “Seller Paid Closing Costs”
  4. Roll the closing costs into your loan by taking a slightly higher interest rate (not available on all loans)

or a combination of any or all of these options

500off-75X75NOTE: All lenders have basically the same closing costs. Any lender quoting closing costs significantly less than anyone else is just doing option 4, but not telling you.

Paying your loans closing costs out-of-pocket is always best in the long-term, but simply not realistic for most first time home buyers. Between all the other options to pay closing costs, most people are able to buy a home with ONLY needing their down payment.

CLOSING COSTS AND FEES NEEDED UP FRONT

Some fees and closing costs are required up-front by your mortgage company when buying a home. The two most common items are:

Paying for a credit report at time of application. This runs between $10.00 to $20.00
Paying for the appraisal once your offer to buy a home is accepted. This runs between $375 to $500

COSTS REQUIRED TO BUY THE HOUSE

Of cost there is your down payment. Your Loan Officer will discuss how much you will need after reviewing your full loan application, and determining what mortgage program you qualify for, how much the house is you are buying, and if you are using any downpayment assistance programs.

There are two up-front costs many people don’t understand you need when buying a home.

The first is earnest money. This is required by the seller as good faith money when you make your offer to buy.

It can vary, so talk to your Real Estate Agent, but at least $1,000 is very common in Minnesota. The earnest money gets credited towards your down payment and closing costs.

The idea is if your offer is accepted, but then later you decide not to buy the home, they keep your earnest money for wasting the sellers time. So be sure you are serious when making an offer to buy a home.

The second is a Home Inspection. After your offer to buy the home is accepted, it is very common, and very smart to get an inspection on the home to make sure there are no hidden surprises. Talk to your Real Estate Agent to set up a home inspection. Home inspections generally run around $300 – $400.

THE INITIAL FEES WORKSHEET AND GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Talk to your Loan Officer about getting a full breakdown of how much money you will need out-of-pocket to buy your new home.

This detailed breakdown will show you everything you need to know, and the final amount of money needed at the actual closing.

It is show your down payment, and all your closing costs. Then it will show you any credits to these costs, including seller paid closing costs, lender credits for interest rate, and any items you have already paid, like credit reports, appraisal, and earnest money.

Before you have the exact house, you will get an initial fees worksheet – or a close estimate based on the ballpark price of the homes you are looking at.

Once you actually buy a house, and we know the exact address, exact purchase price, etc., you will receive a Good Faith Estimate, which while still an estimate, will be incredibly close to the exact penny you will need to finalize your home purchase.

As always, feel free to contact our first time home buyer expert Loan officers at (651) 552-3681 with ANY question whatsoever.  We lend in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD only.  For more accurate service, complete the online loan application first.