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Home Buyers

Information and news for home buyers, especially first time homebuyers

Ways to pay off your mortgage debt faster

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St Paul, MN: If you surf the cable TV channels, listen to talk radio, or search online, you will find numerous financial and debt management experts offering tips and tricks on managing debt such as mortgage, credit card debt, student loan and so on.

However, it is important to evaluate one’s own personal financial situation before implementing any such debt relief tips. This is to ensure that you benefit from such advice and not further pile up debts that you become responsible for. So, here are 5 strategies to repay your Minnesota  mortgage faster.

Make Extra Payments: If there is no pre-payment penalty, you can make extra payments on the mortgage loan. The extra amount of money is taken off from the principal mortgage amount. For example, a $400,000 loan at 4% rate for 30 year fixed will pay off in only 25 years if you make $200 extra payment every month.

Make Bi-Weekly Payments: Bi-weekly payments on Minnesota mortgage loans are better than a monthly payment. In doing so, at the end of the financial year, you are paying one month extra payment. Therefore, the extra month’s payment will shorten the term of the mortgage. Every penny counts when you’re repaying any sort of debt. For example – Using the same numbers as above, by making bi-weekly payment you would pay off the loan is 25.8 years instead of a regular 30 years.

Get a shorter-term refinance loan: This financial strategy has gained in popularity among the borrowers in Minnesota. The rate of interest has nose-dived and it is much simpler for the homeowners to repay their mortgage debts. The advantage of this refinance loan is that by paying high monthly payments you pay off the loan in considerably shorter period of time. For example – Instead of taking a regular 30 Year Fixed mortgage, consider taking a 20, 15 or a 10 year mortgage. If you can afford the payment, you save on interest cost and also pay off the loan much quicker. A few mortgage lenders even let you pick whatever mortgage amortization term you want, from 8 – 30-years. For example, if you have only 12-years left, you can get a new 12-year mortgage loan.

Make a One Time Big Payment: If you get inheritance, gift or a big bonus, you can make one large lumpsum payment. That will reduce your principal balance substantially and thus pay off the loan quicker. You can also ask the lender to “recast” the loan and reduce the monthly payment without refinancing. Don’t just make the extra payment. Talk to your lender first.

The ideas mentioned here are not meant to be a tax advice. You are encouraged to contact your CPA/Financial Adviser before making any significant money decision.

 

How soon after a short-sale can I get a new mortgage?

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How Soon Can You Get A Mortgage After a Short-Sale or Foreclosure

Depending on which lending institution you ask you will receive different time-frames allowed to purchase again after a short sale or foreclosure. The reason is most lenders have credit overlays, which translates into stricter underwriting guidelines than Fannie Mae and FHA have published.

There are lesser time-frames allowed if there are documented Extenuating Circumstances involved beyond the control of the borrower, such as serious illness or death of a wage earner, and the borrower has re-established good credit since the foreclosure.

Divorce, loss of employment, inability to sell the property and job transfer or relocation does not qualify for extenuating circumstances. All other events are known as Financial Mismanagement.

  • Conventional – Foreclosure – 7 years
  • FHA – Foreclosure: 3 years.  Exception: No waiting Period if the borrower was current on their mortgage and all other installment debt for the 12 months preceding the short sale, the new subject property is not in the same geographical area as the short sale, and the short sale lender accepted the short sale as payment in full.
  • USDA – 3 years. You may read of significantly less time, but the rules are so tough, it will never happen.
  • VA – 2 years minimum. Score over 640, otherwise 3-years
  • Conventional Short-sale 2-7 years: 2 years with 20% down, 4 years with 10% down (2 years with 10% with  extenuating Circumstance) and 7 years with less than 10% down or financial mismanagement.

I am using the current Fannie Mae conventional guidelines to close loans for Short Sale as of 6/20/2012.

 

30-year Fixed-rate Mortgage Moves Up, Averages 3.55 Percent

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30-year Fixed-rate Mortgage Moves Up, Averages 3.55 Percent

For the week ending Aug. 2, 2012

Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing fixed mortgages rates breaking their streak of record-breaking lows and moving higher on mixed Eurozone and domestic economic data. Before this week, the average rate on the 30-year fixed had fallen to or matched record-low levels in 13 of the past 14 weeks.

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.55 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 2, 2012, up from last week when it averaged 3.49 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.39 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.83 percent with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.80 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.54 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.75 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.74 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.18 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.70 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.71 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.02 percent.

Freddie Mac’s survey is the average of loans bought from lenders last week, including discount points. Follow this link to view today’s MN and WI mortgage interest rates.

How to pick an expert Mortgage Loan Officer

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With today’s super low mortgage rates, many people are looking to refinance or buy a home.  Everyday, they call lenders and ask “What is your rate.”  A seeming logical question to ask – but the reality is, the #1 most important aspect of a successful mortgage transaction is the quality of the Loan Officer.

When selecting a Mortgage Loan Officer, most people mistakenly call their local bank first and assume the banks have hired qualified people.  The reality is, most banks hire relatively new, and have low paid people as mortgage loan officers. Bank Loan Officers are NOT required to have any education, nor do they have to pass any sort of mandatory state or federal tests to be labeled a loan officer. Many of the big banks staff their 1-800 phone numbers with temps.  Yes, you heard me – temps!

The secret to selecting an expert is a combination of experience and training.

An experienced Loan Officer can help you understand the entire mortgage process and will be able to determine the best loan for you based on your individual goals. The right loan for someone who plans to stay in a home for three years and who has increasing income, may not be the right loan for someone who wants to have the loan paid off within 15 years and can afford a higher payment. The first borrower may find a five year adjustable rate mortgage the best option, while the second borrower may realize a 15 year low fixed rate mortgage matches her needs best.

Many borrowers find the mortgage process very frustrating. They feel they are kept in the dark about the process and problems that arise which cause delays. An experienced Loan Officer does not over promise, but rather explains the type of problems you may experience and the solutions to those problems. By keeping you informed and protected, an experienced loan consultant reduces your stress.

A poor inexperienced application clerk (loan officer) may suggest you fudge information on your loan application, or may not get a complete application out of laziness. The more complete and accurate your loan application is from the beginning, the faster and smoother your loan underwriting will be. The industry has evolved to the extent that fraudulent or misleading information is almost always uncovered by fraud alert systems that scrutinize employment and residency information. You are required to be honest in completing a loan application. Do not do business with any loan officer who tells you otherwise.

Lastly, an experienced loan officer can explain how closing costs and interest rates are dependent on one another. The more fees you are willing to pay, the lower your rate. The less fees you are willing to pay, the higher the rate. Many loan officers will tell you they have the best rate only to surprise you with unreasonable closing costs. It is best to work with a loan officer who explains all of your rate options with you, and who will suggest a rate and fee combination that works best to meet your long term goals. The right loan officer will always get an exact title fee quote so that the Good Faith Estimate provided to you is accurate.

Once you’ve started talking with a Loan Officer – verify their credentials.  All Loan Officers are required to have and display an NMLS number (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry). Go to www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org, and type in your Loan Officers name or number.

You can see their employers, and work history – but more importantly, you can see if they are simply a registered but unlicensed Loan Application Clerk, or an actual Licensed, and Tested Loan Officer.  It is a bit trick to tell, but at the very bottom of their NMLS information page, it will say one of two things:

1) Federal Registration – then Federal Mortgage Loan Originator. This person is a unlicensed application clerk

2)  State Licenses / Registrations – They list one or more individual state licenses. This person is licensed and tested both Federally, and in each state listed.

For the largest financial transaction of your life, it is smart to NEVER WORK WITH JUST AN APPLICATION CLERK

 

Mortgage Rates break record low

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30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Averages a Record-Breaking 3.49 Percent

Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing fixed mortgages rates continuing their streak of record-breaking lows. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.49 percent, more than a full percentage point lower than a year ago when it averaged 4.55 percent. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, a popular choice for those looking to refinance, also set another record low at 2.80 percent.

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.49 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 26, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.53 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.55 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.80 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.83 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.66 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.74 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.69 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.25 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.71 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.69 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.95 percent.

Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage.

Freddie Mac’s survey is the average of loans bought from lenders last week, including discount points. Follow this link to view today’s MN and WI mortgage interest rates.

What is Homepath and Homesteps?

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You’ve seen the logo’s, but what is HomePath and HomeSteps?

Fannie Mae HomePath lender in MN and WIThe HomePath and HomeSteps programs allows a person to buy a specially designated Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owned foreclosed property with a low down payment, flexible mortgage terms, no lender-requested appraisal and no mortgage insurance. Expanded seller contributions to closing costs are allowed as well making the buyers

Freddie Mac HomeSteps lender in MN and WIHow Does It Work?
Simple. Just follow these steps:

  • Apply with a lender. Get Pre-Approved. Just qualify for a traditional financing with at least 3% down.
  • Meet with a Realtor – Look at homes, buy your dream house.  You MUST select a home to buy from a special list of available foreclosed properties
  • Close and move in!

Where can I see the list of available houses?
Easy. Contact a Real Estate Agent,  and they’ll show you a list of qualified HomePath and HomeStep properties.

What about closing costs?
Closing costs can be rolled into the transaction, up to 6% of the loan amount.

How do I get started?
It all starts with a no obligation application, and a visit to a special lender offering the programs.

Investors Welcome. Investors can participate in the program too!

Buying a home in MN or WI?  Click here for a HomePath, HomeSteps lender in MN and WI, or call (651) 705-6261, where one of their specially trained Loan Officers will assist you.

Low Mortgage Rates Continue

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Low Mortgage Rates Continue

Minneapolis, MN: Week over week mortgage rates continue to remain at or near historic lows, offering home buyers and mortgage owners interested in refinancing a chance to get amazing interest rates on their home loans.

According to the weekly survey by Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed rate mortgages have reached an average of 3.53% this week, a 0.03% decline under last week’s 3.56% average, and almost a full percent drop from this time last year’s rate, which was 4.52%. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed rate mortgages also dropped, reaching an average of 2.83% under last week’s 2.86% average, and well below last year’s average at this time which was 3.66%.

Treasury-indexed hybrid 5-year adjustable rate mortgages averages 2.69% under last week’s average of 2.74% and below last year’s average at this time which was 3.27%. 1-year treasury-indexed adjustable rate mortgages are at 2.69%, under last year’s average rate of 2.97%.

Vice president and chief economist for Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft made a statement about the continued drop in mortgage interest rates, indicating a correlation between U.S. Treasury bond yields staying “in check” by the Federal Reserve’s “Operation Twist.”

Freddie Mac’s survey is the average of loans bought from lenders last week, including discount points. Follow this link to  view today’s MN and WI mortgage interest rates.

 

Another Week Of Record-Breaking Lows For Fixed Rate Mortgages

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News Release Issued: July 12, 2012 10:00 AM EDT

Another Week Of Record-Breaking Lows For Fixed-Rate Mortgages

MCLEAN, Va., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates continuing to find new all-time record lows amid easing bond yields following June’s lackluster employment report. Both the average 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hit new lows. The average 30-year fixed has been below 4.00 percent for 16 weeks. The average 15-year fixed has been below 3.00 percent for 7 weeks.

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.56 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 12, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.62 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.51 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.86 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.89 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.65 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.74 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.79 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.29 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.69 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.68 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.95 percent.

Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following links for Regional and National Mortgage Rate Details and Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

In Real Estate, When you snooze, you lose

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In Real Estate – When You Snooze, You Lose!

Minneapolis / St Paul, MN: A big shift in the housing market in our area has taken many by surprise. Any qualify house under $200,000 is selling in just days, with multiple offers, and above asking price.

With dwindling inventory, mostly from fewer foreclosures, increased demand with more competition because of terrific interest rates, we are seeing more and more multiple offers. This often happening soon after a property hits the market. It brings to mind the popular axiom “when you snooze you lose.” Wait too long to look at a great, well-priced property, or to make a strong offer, and you’ve lost your opportunity.

The problem some of you must confront is that even once you learn NOT to snooze and to move fast, you still might lose.

Why?? 

  1. The offer isn’t strong enough even at list price
  2. There are many offers (sometimes 10 and more)
  3. Cash buyers are too plentiful
  4. Lending rules on homes needing a little work

Is this the case with all properties? Certainly not. But we are seeing more competing offers at many price points, and new listings moving more quickly than in the past few years. This is not intended to scare you, and or make you feel that you cannot compete effectively. Simply understand the market has shifted in some significant ways and you need to be aware so you can react accordingly when you find a home you really like.

PAUSE – if you aren’t ready to jump, then you shouldn’t.  Just because things have heated up and there are “bidding wars” does not mean you should get bent out of shape or move quickly on an offer when you are really not ready. It’s a huge decision and an expensive one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Make the decision that is right for you. And be prepared to live by it. 

Tips to help you win the deal: 

  • Be SURE to discuss any offer with your mortgage lender BEFORE writing the offer
  • Paying Cash? Have Proof of Funds ready to supply with your offer.
  • Know the comparable properties – this is what you pay a Realtor for.
  • Do not delay in making an appointment to see a hot new listing. Go now. Take time off work.
  • Do NOT assume a listing you like that has been languishing on the market will continue to sit there while you ponder. Remember…NEW BUYERS are hitting the market all the time and they might like the same house YOU do and be prepared to make a move
  • Know your budget (not just what you qualify to borrow) and make SURE you know what you are and are NOT willing to spend
  • Be ready to make an offer immediately if you like the house. Taking a night or two to “think about it” might be the kiss of death. REMEMBER THE TITLE OF THIS POST?!
  • Don’t get caught up in the auction-like atmosphere that can happen with multiple bids
  • Just because the tax value is significantly higher than the asking price DOES NOT mean you are getting a deal on the house.
  • Know that the home still has to appraise if you are getting a mortgage loan. Just because you are willing to spend more does not mean the bank will.

 

Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

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It happens every day. First-time home buyers, partly due to enthusiasm or partly due to ignorance, make costly mistakes during the home buying process.  Like buying more house than you can reasonably afford, or simply buying the wrong house because they thought they were getting a deal.

To help you keep your sanity and your cash, become an educated consumer and avoid the mistakes others have made before you. Here are a few common mistakes new home buyers should avoid:

Big Mistake #1

Not planning ahead. From the moment you think about buying a home, start planning. Start by requesting a copy of your credit report. Carefully examine it for errors and be prepared to answer questions about items on your credit report. Talk to your MN based mortgage lender before you attempt to rectify errors on your report – in some cases your attempts to rectify credit report errors can cause a delay in the approval of your loan.  Talking with a licensed Mortgage loan professional (not an unlicensed bank application clerk) can provide you valuable guidance when it comes to improving your credit score or correcting errors.

Are you currently renting? Check your lease for an early release clause. If you’ll be subject to penalties, try to time your closing with the expiration of the lease.

During this planning phase, consider your life over the next five to seven years. Do you plan to start a family? Will an in-law eventually move in with you? Will you be working from home? The number and layout of the rooms you require will depend on your answers. If you qualify for financing based on a dual income, will you be able to survive on one salary in order to fulfill a long-range plan, such as one parent staying home to raise a child? Once you’ve answered these questions, establish a plan. Then direct the process with reference to the plan. Don’t let the process dictate to you.

Big Mistake #2

Failing to understand the home buying process. First-time home buyers need to ask questions, lots of questions. Choose a real estate agent and licensed mortgage professional who each have experience working with new home buyers. Experienced Realtors and financing professionals should be willing to explain the entire home buying process – from viewing homes, to negotiating, to financing, to escrow and closing in detail, and explain it again until you understand it. Do NOT tolerate a Realtor or Loan Officer you are not comfortable with or someone who treats you like a number.

Big Mistake # 3

Getting in too deep. It can happen when home buyers shop outside their budgets or over-extend themselves. What can you do to avoid getting hooked? Monitor your expenses for a couple of months. Then, based on your findings, develop a budget that truly reflects your lifestyle. Talk to a real estate agent who can provide insight into new home expenses and taxes. Then revise your budget.

Don’t buy a home thinking you’re getting a deal because the previous tax value was high, and the current price is low. If it was worth the previous tax value, that is what it would be seller for!

 

Prepare for your mortgage loan application

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Prepare For Your Mortgage Application
 
St Paul, MN:  A few days ago, I took a loan application  for some first time home buyers. I’d talked multiple times with both the husband and wife leading up to the time of their full sit down application.Following my habit, I’d included a link to my mortgage website in every email to them, along with my other contact info.   I’d also emailed a link to my website page regarding the financial documents required for mortgage application,  then reviewed that list with them in detail prior to their appointment.

I always do this in the hopes that all the steps taken on my part will motivate my clients to do their part.  That they’ll organize, gather the documents needed, and be fully-prepared for our appointment together.  It makes for a far more smooth and quick application appointment and gets us both off to a good start.

Assurances had been received from this couple that “they had it under control”. They’d have all the required documentation in hand for our meeting.

And you know where this is going …

Instead the entire appointment was bogged-down while this couple rummaged through old paperwork and bills, searching for the documents they needed. And of course, they never found.

During the time they were rummaging, both were very distracted, unable to pay attention to what I was saying.  I’m betting, they didn’t retain half of what was said.

As they became more and more rattled, they sniped at one another … and then their comments to me started to take on an “edge” too. As their situation became more overwhelming to them and their frustrations grew, it was clear the appointment needed to end.  Directions were given to E-Mail and fax the remaining info I needed and then the application was over.

Why do I relate this story?

Because so much of the success to be found within mortgage financing, rests upon how well borrowers are prepared for the process. That preparation takes time, no doubt. Takes effort. Takes organization on the applicant’s part.   It demands their attention.

Today’s mortgage application and underwriting process is challenging. But much of the challenge can be overcome by home buyers if they follow the advice I give them.  Both verbally and above.

Taking the time to prepare, get organized, pay attention, make the effort … it all pays off in big ways.   Not least of all in how pleasurable the process of financing ends-up being.

Not do or see to these things?  You WILL encounter problems and big frustrations for sure. You will rob yourself of the enjoyment of buying your home.  And certainly, that’s not what you want.

Avoid that outcome. Right from your first inquiry, call, or contact with your mortgage lender and agent.  Be thoroughly involved.  Be prepared.  Be organized … or get yourself organized.   Follow-up on all requests made of you in a timely fashion.

Do these things and you will feel and be much more in control of the direction your mortgage processing takes, as well as its outcome. You’ll also greatly improve your chances for a more enjoyable mortgage process and home buying experience along the entire way.

Of course, working with a mortgage professional with over 20 years of experience and expertise helps a lot too!

The Truth about Short Sales

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SHORT SALES: TOP 10 MYTHS DEBUNKED!

Myth #1: The homeowner must fall behind on mortgage payments in order to qualify for a short sale.   Truth: Years ago this may have been true, but not today

  • A financial hardship must exist, such as the ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) increasing in monthly payments.
  • Loss of job or income.
  • Health or medical issues.
  • Extraordinary loss in home value (which may be considered a hardship).

No one should be advised to miss a mortgage payment.

Myth #2: Banks would rather foreclose on a property than approve a short sale. Truth: Many still believe this myth to be true, but more accurately, banks would prefer not to foreclose on a property due to the $50-70k it may cost the bank per transaction. Banks lose less money on a short sale than on a foreclosure.

Myth #3: Homeowners must be pre-approved by their lender to be eligible for a short sale. Truth: Absolutely not true. By and large, most lenders will consider short sale offers. However, each lender may have unique and specific processes to follow, from listing the home to the acceptance of a short sale. Bypassing any part of this process may result the sale not closing, so be sure to follow each lenders’ processes closely.

Myth #4: Short sales never close. Truth: Obviously not true. In some areas of the U.S., nearly 50% of all closings are considered to be “distressed” properties, meaning REOs and short sales.

Myth #5: Short sales take months (and months) to close. Truth: The short sale processes must be learned. Once mastered, it may not be uncommon to close a short sale in 30 days. However, certain idiosyncrasies may slow the process and each lender presents their own unique set of specific challenges. No two short sale transactions are identical.

Myth #6: Damage to the homeowner’s credit standing is comparable in a short sale and a foreclosure. Truth: In many cases, credit repercussions and deficiency protections are more damaging with a foreclosure. Short sale transactions can often lead to faster financial recovery for the homeowner and should be carefully considered. Note: If the homeowner missed no mortgage payments, they may be eligible to finance the purchase of a home immediately following a short sale transaction.

Myth #7: Following a short sale, the homeowner will be ineligible to purchase another property for the next 7 years.
Truth: Not true. Using conventional lending guidelines, some consumers may obtain a Fannie Mae backed mortgage a short 24 months after the close of their short sale with 10% down payment. FHA loans is three years.

Myth #8: After a short sale transaction, the homeowner will receive a 1099 and be forced to declare the loss as income.
Truth: The owner may indeed receive a 1099, but due to the 2007 Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, among other considerations, the homeowner may not owe any taxes on their transaction. Note: This Act is due to expire at the end of 2012.

Myth #9: The lender will sue the homeowner after the close of a short sale (or foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure) for the deficiency.
Truth: Each state and each transaction is different. Many states have anti-deficiency protections in place for short sales and foreclosures.

Myth #10: Real Estate Agents don’t need additional training to learn all of the ins and outs of the short sale process.
Truth: Only work with agents experienced in short-sales.

USDA Home Loans are Zero Down Payment

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USDA 100% Home Loan Financing – Best Kept Mortgage Secret! 

7 out of the 11 Twin City County Areas are eligible. These properties are closer than you think!

The USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Mortgage Program offers individuals and families 100% financing for semi-rural to rural properties throughout the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

  • 100 % Financing – ZERO down payment
  • No Cash From Buyer
  • Cheap Mortgage Insurance (especially compared to FHA loans)
  • No Assets Needed – No Money left in the bank needed
  • Relaxed Credit Requirements
  • Finance Closing Costs into the Loan

VA Streamline Refinance Loan

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Mortgage Rates are at Historic Lows. Start saving money now on your VA Home Loan!

Minneapolis, MN: If you are a veteran, you are eligible for a great benefit, the VA Home Loan. If you currently have a VA Home Loan, you may qualify for another great benefit, the VA Streamline Refinance Loan.

Officially known as The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), it is one of the easiest refinance loans available today.  The VA Streamline Refinance is the second best programs offered to you through your housing benefits from the Veterans Affairs (the first was buying the home with a VA Home Loan!)

Potential NO Appraisal (upside down might be OK)
Lower Credit Scores
NO Qualifying Debt Ratios
NO Income Verification
NO Out of Pocket Expenses

A good local VA Mortgage Leader will show you how to utilize your Certificate of Eligibility and lower your rate and start saving money today.

VA guaranteed Loans are originated by private approved and authorized lenders. VA Mortgage Home Loans must be used for their own personal occupancy. The VA will guarantee a portion of the mortgage to the lender reducing their risk and allowing opportunity for lower interest rates. The VA Guaranty minimizes the risk to the lender which results in better financing terms.

What you MAY NOT know about home insurance

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Home Car Boat Insurance MN St Paul Minneapolis
You actually SAVE, when you get a quote from a person, not a computer!

What you MAY NOT know about insurance

There are many considerations in selecting home insurance.  One you may or may not know of is “Family liability protection coverage”.  This protects you for medical expense in the event that someone is seriously injured on your property.

Many people choose $100,000 in protection, but an accident resulting in someone who has to be in intensive care for a week, or who has an extended hospital stay on top of intensive care may eat up that $100,000 in protection rather quickly.  Once the $100,000 is exhausted, a client is personally on the hook for anything above that, and the home typically ends up with a lien.

An increase in protection to $300,000 can cost as little as an additional $35 per year.  It’s the kind of options that a good insurance agent points out to clients to ensure the client’s assets are protected, and something the online quoting systems just can’t show you!

Also, you may want to cover yourself with at least a Million Dollar umbrella policy. Sounds exotic and expensive, but is actually awesome and inexpensive.

Mortgage Interest Rates Hit All Time Low

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Average 15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Breaks Barrier, Falls To 2.97 Percent

MCLEAN, Va., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ —  Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing fixed mortgage rates following bond yields lower to new all-time record lows. The 30-year fixed averaged 3.75 percent setting a new all-time record low for the fifth consecutive week. The 15-year fixed averaged an unprecedented 2.97 percent bringing three of the four benchmark mortgage rates below 3 percent for the first time in Freddie Mac’s weekly survey.

NOTE: Rates reported by Freddie Mac are averages from last week, and may or may not be reflective of actual interest rates available today, nor your individual situation

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.75 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending May 31, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.78 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.55 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.97 percent with an average 0.7 point, down changed from last week when it averaged 3.04 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.74 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.84 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.83. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.41 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.75 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, unchanged from last week. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.13 percent.