Category: Barrack Obama

INTEREST RATES STEADY / EMPLOYMENT REPORT THIS FRIDAY

INTEREST RATES STEADY    /    EMPLOYMENT REPORT THIS FRIDAY

September 3rd, 2013

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!!

Interest rates improved 4 of the 5 business days last week.  The Mortgage Backed Security Market closed the week trading up + 22 bps.  Unfortunately, the small gains of last week have been taken back with the market trading down – 27 bps on Tuesday morning. 

The 2 big things in the news this week that could affect interest rates are:

SYRIA

THE AUGUST EMPLOYMENT REPORT

Last week, both John Kerry and President Obama reiterated that any action against Syria would likely not result in troops on the ground.  With the White House trying to garner support for a strike against Syria, it appears something will happen at this point.  The market will keep close attention and pricing will move based upon the implications of any strike on the economy.

The all important employment report is released on Friday.  Pay more attention to job creation hitting their forecasts versus the unemployment percentage.  This August employment report is particularly important because it is the last employment report before the FED meeting on September 18th.  Strong numbers will definitely help the cause of tapering the stimulus.

LOCK RECOMMENDATION:

I still believe it is too risky to float right now especially with the Fed meeting coming up fast.  Even when we have seen rate improvement over the past 2 weeks, the gains have been small.  I don’t see any situation where rates will improve significantly from current levels outside of the FED announcing an extension of the stimulus. 

Make it a great week!!   

BEST VALUE OF THE WEEK:   

10 Year Fixed at 3.125% with .96 points        

TODAY’S RATES:

30 year fixed:     4.5% – .54 points,     4.625% – 0 points,     4.75% – $0 costs

20 year fixed:   4.25% – .52 points,     4.5% – 0 points,     4.625%  – $0 costs

15 year fixed:   3.5% – .73 points,     3.625% – 0 points,     3.875% – $0 costs

10 year fixed:   3.125% – .96 points,     3.5% – 0 points,     3.75% – $0 costs

5/1 ARM:   3.25% – .87 points,     3.75% – 0 points,     4.25% – $0 costs

7/1 ARM:    3.75% – .79 points,     4.25% – 0 points

30 year fixed FHA:    4% – .92 points,      4.25% – $0 costs

15 year fixed FHA:    3.5% – .77 points,     3.75% – $0 costs

30 year fixed VA:     4.25% – $0 costs

Today's Interest Rates - September 3rd, 2013

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Arizona Home Loans, California Home Loans, Colorado Home Loans.  Arizona refinance, California refinance, Colorado refinance.  Scottsdale, Arizona Mortgage Banker in McCormick Ranch.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline refinance mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinance, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

INTEREST RATES STEADY    /    EMPLOYMENT REPORT THIS FRIDAY

MERRY CHRISTMAS – 30 YEAR FIXED RATES REMAIN AT 3.375%

MERRY CHRISTMAS  –  30 YEAR FIXED RATES REMAIN AT 3.375%

December 26th, 2012

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!

Interest rates did not change much over the past week.  The mortgage backed security market closed last week trading down (-3 bps). This week the MBS market is trading up (+6 bps). 

All eyes remain on the fiscal cliff negotiations.  We are getting down to the deadline and the sides still appear to be very far apart.  Congress will reconvene on Thursday and the President will be back from Hawaii on Thursday.

Some insiders still believe a deal will get done, while others are more pessimistic.  Some think that going over the cliff will cause serious economic repercussions, some don’t.  So you are seeing conflicting points of view on all angles of the fiscal cliff.

Going over the fiscal cliff will cause taxes to go up for all Americans, but many believe a tax deal will get done before the new tables are released even if a Fiscal Cliff deal does not get done.  The market is most concerned with the tax rates, as more taxes equals less disposable income to spend on goods and services.   Unfortunately, it appears likely that the issue of deficit reduction and spending cuts will get kicked down the road. 

My personal belief is:

If the Fiscal Cliff or Tax deal get done, rates will go up slightly.

If they don’t, rates will go down slightly.

In other news, the Senate will be introducing bill S3678 this week.  This bill will be voted on before the end of the year.  If it passes, FHA will raise Mortgage insurance premiums again.  The rumored changes are:

FHA raising monthly mortgage insurance premiums .1%

FHA monthly mortgage insurance premiums to continue for life  

If you are planning to start a new FHA loan, or streamline your existing FHA loan – I wouldn’t wait. 

Have a great week!!

TODAY’S RATES:

30 year fixed:     3.375% paying .40 points,     3.5% paying 0 points,     3.625% – $0 costs

20 year fixed:   3.25% paying .73 points,     3.375% paying 0 points,     3.625%  – $0 costs

15 year fixed:   2.75% paying .26 points,     2.875% paying 0 points,     2.99% – $0 costs

5/1 ARM:   2.25% paying 1 point,     2.625% paying 0 points,     3% – $0 costs

7/1 ARM:    2.5% paying .88 points,     2.75% paying 0 points,     3%- $0 costs

30 year fixed High Balance Loan:    3.5% paying .99 points;     3.75% paying 0 points;    3.875% – $0 costs

30 year fixed FHA:    3.25% – $0 costs

15 year fixed FHA:    2.75% – $0 costs

30 year fixed VA:    3.25% – $0 costs

TR- 12-26-12

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Arizona Home Loans, California Home Loans, Colorado Home Loans.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinances, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

30 Year Fixed Rates remain at 3.375%

INTEREST RATES RISE SLIGHTLY – 30 YEAR FIXED PAR RATE STILL AT 3.25%

INTEREST RATES RISE SLIGHTLY  –  30 YEAR FIXED PAR RATE STILL AT 3.25%

November 19th, 201

Interest rates rose slightly last week with the stock market optimistic that a deal will get done to avoid the fiscal cliff.

The Mortgage backed security market closed last week down (-28 bps), and is currently trading on Monday down (-11 bps). 

On Friday, President Obama met with other political leaders to discuss the fiscal cliff.  Both sides seem to be softening their stance so the stock market is optimistic that a deal will get done – which is pushing stocks up and mortgage backed securities down.

This is a shortened week due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

On Monday, housing data was released that continues to show the housing market improving.  On Tuesday, The European Union is meeting with Greece regarding additional funds to avoid the country defaulting on it’s debt.  Ben Bernanke is also speaking at the NY Economics Club.  The market will be listening for clues on the Fed’s next move.

Rates are still trading in narrow ranges with the same rates available with fluctuating costs depending on how the market is moving.  30 Year Fixed rates at 3.25% are still available paying a point.  I see interest rates remaining in this range through the end of 2012. 

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!!

TODAY’S RATES:

30 year fixed:     3.25% paying 1 point,     3.5% paying 0 points,     3.625% – $0 costs

20 year fixed:   3.25% paying .38 points,     3.375% paying 0 points,     3.5%  – $0 costs

15 year fixed:   2.75% paying .42 points,     2.875% paying 0 points,     3.125% – $0 costs

5/1 ARM:   2.125% paying .89 points,     2.5% paying 0 points,     2.75% – $0 costs

7/1 ARM:    2.375% paying .74 points,     2.625% paying 0 points,     2.875%- $0 costs

30 year fixed High Balance Loan:    3.5% paying .34 points;     3.625% – $0 costs

30 year fixed FHA:    3.25% – $0 costs

15 year fixed FHA:    2.75% – 0 points,     2.875% – $0 costs

30 year fixed VA:    3.25% – $0 costs


Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Arizona Home Loans, California Home Loans, Colorado Home Loans.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinances, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

INTEREST RATES RISE SLIGHTLY  –  30 YEAR FIXED PAR RATE STILL AT 3.25%

INTEREST RATES HIT 3 WEEK LOW BEFORE ELECTION

INTEREST RATES HIT 3 WEEK LOW BEFORE ELECTION: 

November 5th, 2012

Rates improved to a 3 week low on the Monday before the election.

Last week the MBS market closed (+20 bps) for the week.  The markets were again helped by a  Friday rally that was somewhat unusual this time.  October’s unemployment report was released on Friday, and even though the unemployment rate went up to 7.9%, the job creation was higher than expected which will usually trigger higher stock prices and increasing rates.  This time it did the opposite. 

On Monday the MBS market closed (+18 bps) on the day, after trading up over 30 bps for most of the day. 

This week the market is focused on the election.  The general consensus is:

If Obama wins, rates will improve

If Romney wins, rates will increase

I don’t think there will be huge swings either way, but I do see some movement based on who wins.  What nobody wants is uncertainty over the results.  Hopefully the winner is confirmed Tuesday evening. 

Outside of the election – the Treasury is auctioning off 72 billion in notes this week.  There is concern that the European debt situation could creep back into the rate markets after being absent for some time.  Greece is having trouble meeting the terms of the country’s bail out.  There will likely be more news on this near the end of the week

Have a great election week and get out and vote. 

TODAY’S RATES:

30 year fixed:     3.25% paying .79 points,     3.375% paying 0 points,     3.625% – $0 costs

20 year fixed:   3.25% paying .25 points,     3.375% paying 0 points,     3.5%  – $0 costs

15 year fixed:   2.625% paying .82 points,     2.875% paying 0 points,     3% – $0 costs

5/1 ARM:   2.125% paying .99 points,     2.5% paying 0 points,     3% – $0 costs

7/1 ARM:    2.375% paying .98 points,     2.625% paying 0 points,     3.125%- $0 costs

30 year fixed High Balance Loan:    3.5% paying 0 points;     3.625% – $0 costs

30 year fixed FHA:    3.25% – $0 costs

15 year fixed FHA:    2.75% – $0 costs

30 year fixed VA:    3.25% – $0 costs

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Arizona Home Loans, California Home Loans, Colorado Home Loans.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinances, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

INTEREST RATES HIT 3 WEEK LOW BEFORE ELECTION

INTEREST RATES IMPROVE – UNCERTAINTY LOOMS WITH HURRICANE SANDY, THE ELECTION AND THE FISCAL CLIFF

INTEREST RATES IMPROVE – UNCERTAINTY LOOMS WITH HURRICANE SANDY, THE ELECTION AND THE FISCAL CLIFF:

October 31st, 2012

Happy Halloween!!

Interest rates improved slightly last week with the MBS market closing up (+ 9 bps).  Mortgage rate pricing was higher for most of the week – but a rally on Friday ended the week with the MBS market in positive territory. 

Markets have been closed the majority of this week due to Hurricane Sandy.  So far this week, the MBS market is trading up (+16 bps). 

MORTGAGE RATE OUTLOOK:

Above is a mortgage rate graph taken from bankrate.com which surveys the average mortgage rates funded every week.  Current rates are quite a bit lower than they were in August – but not as low as the end of September / early October.

Most experts agree that the lowest mortgage rates are past us.  I expect rates to stay in their current range through the end of the year – with some swings up and down in the process.

Even though I don’t expect rates to change much through 2012, there are a lot of events coming up that could cause movement.

CONFLICTING ECONOMIC DATA:

Rates typically go up when the economy improves.  Right now we are seeing a lot of conflicting economic data.

We have stronger retail sales reports, increasing construction and more applications for building permits.  But we are also seeing many large corporations reporting lower than expected earnings numbers. 

Hurricane Sandy will also likely slow economic growth in many parts of the country, which could cause investors to pull money from the stock market and into the bond market.

THE ELECTION:

Many consumers think that the Presidential election has a huge effect on the mortgage rate market.  I don’t really think it does nor will this time.

Regardless of who wins – the US economy doesn’t change overnight.  The bigger impact will be when Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney enact new economic policies that affect business profitability and growth.

THE FISCAL CLIFF:

I think this issue is probably the one event that can change interest rates the most. 

The US Treasury is set to hit their debt ceiling near the end of 2012 – and a deal needs to be completed for the US Treasury to be able to borrow money to meet their obligations.

If a deal is not completed – the government may have to stop providing Medicare benefits, Social Security benefits, military salaries, tax refunds, etc.

I think this is too much of a political issue for some type of deal to not get done, but the details of the deal and how it affects future government borrowing could have a big effect on the economic market. 

LOCK RECOMMENDATION:

I still recommend locking mortgage pricing.  There is more risk in rates going up than the benefit of them going down.

Rates are still very close to all time lows and experts don’t think that rates will hit that level again.  So there is not much room for rates to go down, and much more room for them to go up.

If a rate is beneficial, lock it.    

MY BEST VALUE OF THE WEEK:

30 Year Fixed at 3.625% with $0 costs

30 Year Fixed High Balance Loan at 3.625% with $0 costs

TODAY’S RATES:

30 year fixed:   3.25% paying .99 points,     3.5% paying 0 points,     3.625% – $0 costs

20 year fixed:   3.25% paying .66 points,     3.375% paying 0 points,     3.625%  – $0 costs

15 year fixed:    2.625% paying .82 points,     2.875% paying 0 points,     3.125% – $0 costs

5/1 ARM:   2.25% paying .9 points,     2.625% paying 0 points

7/1 ARM:   2.5% paying .54 points,     2.75% paying 0 points,     3.25%- $0 costs

30 year fixed High Balance Loan:   3.5% paying .16 points;     3.625% – $0 costs

30 year fixed FHA:   3.25% – $0 costs

15 year fixed FHA:   2.75% – $0 costs

30 year fixed VA:  3.25% – $0 costs

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Arizona Home Loans, California Home Loans, Colorado Home Loans.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinances, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

INTEREST RATES IMPROVE – UNCERTAINTY LOOMS WITH HURRICANE SANDY, THE ELECTION AND THE FISCAL CLIFF:

RATES REMAIN NEAR RECORD LOWS

RATES REMAIN NEAR RECORD LOWS

June 26th, 2012

The MBS Market closed last week trading down (- 22 bps).

Mortgage rates increased last week, but rebounded Monday with the bond market closing up +31 bps, taking back the losses from the previous week and then some.

The Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday issued a statement that they would continue “Operation Twist”, but would not issue a new round of buying mortgage backed securities. This shot the Mortgage Backed security market down, as many expected the FED to take more action.

The markets are still closely tied with Europe. Thursday begins another European Summit that is unlikely to yield any significant results. As long as Europe continues to drag down the world economy, mortgage rates will likely stay low.

NOTE: The rates quoted below are a picture in time. Rates and pricing change every single business day. Also the rate and pricing an individual will qualify for can be different based upon credit scores, loan to value, etc.

My best value of the week:

15 Year Fixed at 2.99% Paying 0 points

Below are rates available today paying a point or less:

30 year fixed: 3.5% paying .62 points, 3.625% paying 0 points

20 year fixed: 3.25% paying .99 points, 3.5% paying 0 points

15 year fixed: 2.875% paying .51 points, 2.99% paying 0 points

5/1 ARM: 2.375% paying .78 points, 2.625% paying 0 points

7/1 ARM: 2.5% paying .81 point, 2.875% paying 0 points

30 year fixed High Balance Loan: 3.75% paying .65 points, 3.875% paying 0 points

30 year fixed FHA: 3.25% paying .65 points; 3.5% paying 0 points

15 year fixed FHA: 2.75% paying .32 points, 2.875% paying 0 points

30 year fixed VA: 3.25% paying .53 points, 3.5% paying 0 points

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, 100%  Financing Mortgage, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages, No appraisal refinances, 0 point mortgages, 0 closing cost mortgages, paying a point mortgages, Refinance mortgages, purchase mortgages, and Jumbo Mortgages.

RATES REMAIN NEAR RECORD LOWS

HARP 2.0 GUIDELINES

HARP 2.0 GUIDELINES:

March 22nd, 2012

Below are my official guidelines for HARP 2.0 Lending.  Not every lender has the same guidelines, so just because you don’t qualify with one does not mean you do not qualify with another.

Remember that you can not qualify for a HARP loan without your loan being backed by FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC, and you must have taken the loan out before May of 2009 – no exceptions.  To find out if you are backed by FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC, please follow the links below the guidelines.

HARP 2.0 GUIDELINES:  
FANNIE MAE DU REFI PLUS II
OCCUPANCY MAX LTV MAX CLTV w/2nd
PRIMARY 150% Unlimited
SECOND 125% 125%
INVESTMENT 105% 105%
 
FREDDIE MAC RELIEF OPEN ACCESS II
OCCUPANCY MAX LTV MAX CLTV w/2nd
PRIMARY 105% Unlimited
SECOND 105% Unlimited
INVESTMENT 105% Unlimited
* If loan is serviced by Flagstar – We can loan 125% LTV/CLTV on all occupancies

—

FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC LOOK UP: 

FANNIE MAE: http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

or

FREDDIE MAC: https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

HARP 2.0, Barrack Obama, Updated HARP, New HARP, New HARP guidelines, DU REFI PLUS, FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC FORECLOSURE RELIEF, freddie mac open access, December 2011, Freddie Mac, No appraisal refinance, unlimited ltv, underwater, upside down, no equity, no appraisal refinance, Unlimited combined loan to value, 125% ltv, 105% ltv, 150% ltv, March 2012.  Refinancing for Arizona, Colorado, and California.

HARP 2.0 GUIDELINES

HARP 2.0 – IS IT FINALLY HERE?

HARP 2.0 – IS IT FINALLY HERE?

In November 2011, President Obama announced the existence of a HARP 2.0 product that was going to help more and more underwater home owners refinance into a lower interest rate loan. 

The release date was supposed to be in December 2011, but unfortunately no lenders would offer it.  Finally lenders will start offering this product..  I can offer Freddie Mac Harp 2.0 loans on Monday March 12th, and Fannie Mae Harp 2.0 loans on Monday, March 19th.  Here are the main details of HARP 2.0: 

HARP 2.0:

1.)  You must be in a FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC loan taken out before May of 2009.  You can check if you are here:

FANNIE MAE: http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

or

FREDDIE MAC: https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

2.)  The LTV allowable was originally announced as unlimited, but it appears lenders are afraid to offer that at this point.  I don’t have all the details yet, but I think the Loan to Value limit will either be 150% or 125%, and unlimited combined loan to value when subordinating a second.  HARP 2.0 is only for 1st Mortgages. 

3.)  Most HARP 2.0 loans will not need an appraisal.

4.)  Allows 1 30 day late in the past 12 months – as long as it is not within the most recent 6 months.

5.)  Before, you had to have the same occupancy as when you took out the original loan.  This has now been lifted.  For example, you could not complete a HARP loan on an original primary residence that is now a rental.  Now you can.

6.)  Fannie Mae is removing the waiting periods for short sales and foreclosures for this product.

This program will help the underwater homeowners that have stayed in their home and maintained their payment, to lower their interest rate to the current market levels.  This is a great product, and I think this is a step in the right direction for our industry.

HARP 2.0, Barrack Obama, Updated HARP, New HARP, New HARP guidelines, DU REFI PLUS, FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC FORECLOSURE RELIEF, freddie mac open access, December 2011, Freddie Mac, No appraisal refinance, unlimited ltv, underwater, upside down, no equity, no appraisal refinance, 125% LTV, unlimited CLTV, HARP 2.0 for March 2012, HARP 2.0 interest rates, eligibility for HARP 2.0, Today’s Interest Rates for Harp 2.0,  Refinancing for Arizona, Colorado, and California.

HARP 2.0 – Is it Finally Here?

30 YEAR FIXED AT 3.75% / WHAT DOES THE U.S. 25 BILLION BANK SETTLEMENT MEAN TO ME?

TODAY’S MORTGAGE RATES: 

February 13th, 2012

The MBS Market closed last week trading down (- 31 bps).   Mortgage rates haven’t seen much positive momentum since they hit their all time lows 2 weeks ago.  Pricing has slowly risen since then, as is typical when a very low rate/pricing is reached. The lowest rate pricing usually only lasts for a couple of days.  Rate shoppers and borrowers not ready to lock quickly will usually miss locking in at the best pricing. 

This is another week that should be relatively calm.

Below are rates available today paying a point or less:

30 year fixed: 3.75% paying .95 points, 4% paying 0 points

20 year fixed: 3.5% paying 1 point, 3.875% paying 0 points

15 year fixed: 3% paying .89 points, 3.375% paying 0 points

5/1 ARM: 2.625% paying 1 point, 3.125% paying 0 points

7/1 ARM: 3% paying .71 points, 3.25% paying 0 points

30 year fixed High Balance Loan: 4% paying .78 points, 4.25% paying 0 points

30 year fixed FHA: 3.75% paying 0 points

15 year fixed FHA: 2.875% paying .61 points, 3.125% paying 0 points

30 year fixed VA: 3.75% paying 0 points


THE U.S. 25 BILLION BANK SETTLEMENT – WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

Last week, The US and 5 major US banks reached a 25 billion settlement meant to help homeowners who are delinquent or pose a threat to go delinquent.  The deal is the result of the major banks settling to help make right some illegal/unethical processes that took place in many loans written during the boom. 

So who will this settlement help?

The reality is that the 25 billion dollar settlement will help very few homeowners.  There are an estimated 11 million homeowners in the country that are upside down on their mortgage and another 6 million currently behind on their payment or facing foreclosure.  The Obama administration estimates this could help 1 million homeowners.  I remain skeptical, especially with the multitude of other failed bills meant to help the housing market.

Here is how it works – the Major Banks:

  • BANK OF AMERICA
  • WELLS FARGO
  • CITI GROUP
  • CHASE
  • ALLY FINANCIAL (FORMERLY GMAC)

Will put money aside to help delinquent or risk to go delinquent borrowers lower their payments, possibly reduce their principal, and get into payment plans to help customers become current on their delinquent mortgage.

The only borrowers eligible will be serviced by the above 5 banks.  If you are not, you are not eligible.  You are also not eligible if you are currently in a FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC backed mortgage – the government agencies that back the majority of the mortgage in the country.

In all likelihood, the plan will not actually start for another 10-12 months. Eligible homeowners will be contacted by their servicer. 

So in conclusion – you will most likely not be eligible unless:

1.)     You are substantially upside down.  I talk to homeowners all the time that want to take advantage of government programs but have equity in their home and also have good credit and income.  If you could qualify for a refinance, you are not likely to ever qualify for these programs.

2.)    You are currently late or in danger of going late – typically homeowners that are upside down.

3.)    You current loan is with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, GMAC (Ally), Citigroup, or Chase.

4.)    Your loan is NOT backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

5.)     This settlement will likely only apply to 1st Mortgages – not to 1st and 2nd’s if you have 2 mortgages. 

A small portion of American homeowners will benefit from this settlement, but the vast majority will have to go by existing refinance guidelines to change their current loan.

 

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages,  and Jumbo Mortgages.

30 Year Fixed at 3.75% / What does the U.S. 25 billion bank settlement mean to me?

MORTGAGE RATES REMAIN STABLE – 30 YEAR FIXED AT 3.75%

MORTGAGE RATES REMAIN STABLE – 30 YEAR FIXED AT 3.75%

February 6th, 2012

The MBS Market closed last week trading up (+ 3 bps).   Rates were better for the majority of the week, but a large stock rally and MBS market downward trend caused rates to pull back on Friday. 

Overall, mortgage rates are a little higher than the previous week even though the MBS markets ended the week trading up. 

This week is a relatively calm week in regards to market news.  Interest rate movement will likely be determined by the demand for Treasury bonds from Tuesday through Thursday, when the treasury is set to auction off 72 billion in bonds.

Today is still a great time to lock with mortgage rates a little higher than their lowest levels ever. 

Below are rates available today paying a point or less:

30 year fixed: 3.75% paying .79 points, 4% paying 0 points

20 year fixed: 3.5% paying .95 points, 3.875% paying 0 points

15 year fixed: 3% paying .69 points, 3.375% paying 0 points

5/1 ARM: 2.375% paying .97 points, 2.75% paying 0 points

7/1 ARM: 2.75% paying .92 points, 3.125% paying 0 points

30 year fixed High Balance Loan: 4% paying ,49 points, 4.25% paying 0 points

30 year fixed FHA: 3.75% paying 0 points

15 year fixed FHA: 2.75% paying .892 points, 3.125% paying 0 points

30 year fixed VA: 3.75% paying 0 points

Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates.  Current Mortgage Interest Rates and APRs for refinancing and purchasing in Arizona, California, and Colorado.  Mortgage Rate Sheets for fixed mortgages, ARM mortgages, Variable Mortgages, Interest Only Mortgages, HARP mortgages, HARP 2.0 mortgages, DU Refi Plus Mortgages, Freddie Mac Open Access Mortgages, Freddie Mac Foreclosure Relief Mortgage, VA mortgages, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loans, FHA mortgages, FHA streamline mortgages, Conforming mortgages, Conventional Mortgages, High Balance Mortgages, Fannie Mae mortgages, Freddie Mac Mortgages,  and Jumbo Mortgages.

MORTGAGE RATES REMAIN STABLE – 30 YEAR FIXED AT 3.75%