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 1^st Mortgages – not to 1^st and 2^nd’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?