FHA raises reverse mortgage loan limits for the third year in a row

FHA raises reverse mortgage loan limits: The Federal Housing Administration has increased the maximum claim amount for reverse mortgages for the third consecutive year, announcing Friday that it will raise HECM claim amounts to $726,525 in 2019.

What does this mean for the HECM?  MORE HECM loans will be made in 2019 because of the increase!  Proprietary Reverse Mortgages, which target borrowers with higher value homes will now be able to consider the HECM loan!

I did a quick analysis of what this does for a 73 year old and they could receive $20,000 MORE equity from their HECM loans when compared to last years claim limit of $675,650.

If you are 62 years or older and want to explore "Equity Options", give me a call!
Marty
801-540-5108

2nd of 10 clever ways to save money on your mortgage!

2. Cut Out the PMI

PMI protects the lender in case of loan default

If you borrow more than 80% of the value of your home, you normally have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender. 

If your loan balance is around $140,000, you could be typically paying $720 and as much as $1,400 for PMI just this year.  You can "buy out" the PMI with an up front premium paid to the PMI company and you don't have a monthly PMI payment associated with your mortgage payment. 

There is another new feature that also allows for partial up front payment and a monthly payment amount.  Each has its benefit and requires analysis to see if it makes sense to do it and if you need help with the analysis, call me at 801-540-5108 and together we can find out which is the best way to go.


Avoid PMI!

A down payment is the most obvious way to avoid paying for PMI. If this amount is more than you have in savings or gift from relatives with the homes you're considering, Realtor.com suggests simply shopping for lower-priced homes for which you can make a down payment. For all the Dave Ramsey fans, he suggests down payment great enough to avoid PMI AND 15 year conventional loan financing as the ONLY way to go!  Whether you go with 30 or 15 year financing, avoiding PMI SAVES thousands of dollars annually!

If you've already bought your home, you can speed up those payments to get the balance below 80%, and then request that the PMI payments be dropped. The process of having your private mortgage insurance dropped EARLY is a process and I can go over the best way to approach this with your loan servicer.  Give me a call at 801-540-5108 and I can go over the best way to be successful getting your PMI dropped EARLY!   Lenders do not always agree to drop the insurance requirement, but at that point you could also refinance to get rid of the PMI.

Check for PMI cancellation at 78% loan to value!

The law says a lender has to drop the PMI at the point when you are scheduled to reach a balance of 78% of the home’s value at the time of purchase, as long as you're making the payments on time. If you are at that point, check to make sure the PMI has been dropped. 


Highlighting the balance you need to pay down to on the amortization schedule that you receive at closing from you lender is one of the best ways to REMEMBER when to check to make sure that your PMI is no longer part of your payment. 


Marty Qualls
801-540-5108
Professional Loan Services since 1991
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Today's rates and what it means for January 2018?

Today's Rates Mortgage rates today have opened unchanged, as investors ignored this morning's financial reporting and continued to wait for Friday's Employment Report. The Institute For Supply Management released its ISM Manufacturing Index for December. The index tracks where production managers in the US feel their business is heading -- anything over 50 means business is increasing. Experts anticipate that the index will drop slightly from last month's 58.2 to 58.0. We got a rise, however, to 59.7. This could hurt rates if anyone pays attention to it -- the report is known to be volatile.

Manufacturing and production output (as well as the feeling business has about the future of the economy) is a predictor or WHEN inflation will start.  In my experience over the years, I have seen this increase in the ISM a preview of increasing rates (inflation). 

Purchase or Refinance:online application

Marty Qualls
801-540-5108
mqualls@primeres.com


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Rate forecast for January 2018

 

It's a new year, but a similar story from years past is on repeat. Mortgage rates are low, but not for long. Just about every analyst out there is calling for higher rates in the new year. The economy is breaking records, and a freshly minted tax code could induce economic expansion, but also inflation. All these factors are bad for mortgage rates. The good news, though, is that rates are surprisingly steady in the face of overarching changes like the new tax law. A golden opportunity still exists for those who are looking to buy or refinance a home in 2018.

 

Marty Qualls  801-540-5108 mqualls@primeres.com

When are mortgage rates going to go up?

For the fourth straight month, the Rasmussen Reports Consumer Spending Update shows confidence in the economy trending upward - with an amazing 25-point overall increase in economic confidence and a 26-point increase in confidence in the direction of the economy since the 2016 presidential elections.

#1 wealth accumulator in America is to own real property!

What does this mean for interest rates?  Are they REALLY on the way up like everyone is talking about? 

Because the economic cycle predicts what will happen with interest rates relative to growth of wages, consumer confidence, Wholesale price escalation, etc., we have data which supports what will be happening in the future of the mortgage industry in 2017. 

Okay, so what is going to happen? 

As consumer confidence increases, our economy is expanding and workers (consumers) will buy more products, increasing demand which at a certain point, creates inflationary pressure (From our old days in Econ 101-Demand and Supply lecture). 

Mortgage bonds HATE inflation!  So, If bond prices go down, because they don't like inflation, rates go up.  Really, from my vantage point and from what I read from experts that are a whole lot smarter than I am, it's just a matter of time before the rates go up. 

Then you might be wondering by how much will the rates be increasing?  That's for another post. 

But for now? Our rates continue to hover at historic lows.  Great news for purchasing, building and refinancing.  

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I look forward to helping with mortgage questions and needs! 

Marty  801-540-5108

Rate lock recommendation and increases in home value benefits

Investors should not be too quick to write off an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December, despite market expectations increasingly looking to early next year as more likely, the former executive vice president at the New York Fed said today.



Rates continue to hover at a 28 week low and best execution for 30 year fixed rates at 3.75%-3.875% for borrowers with top tier scenarios.  I am recommending locking at these current rates for purchase and refinance as the market weighs in on China and other world economies to predict the direction the Federal Reserve will take in timing of the anticipated rate hike.

Home values continue their steady upward climb and my experience with multiple offers on correctly priced homes in the purchase market continues.  The highest success of offer acceptance in a competitive home sale market which we currently have is for clients who have a FULL credit approval letter, backed by a 3 bureau merged credit report, an Automated Underwriting System approval and supported with my underwriting teams review of income and asset documentation.

Mortgage rates and home values are also helping borrowers drop Private Mortgage Insurance on their conventional loans with a refinance to a new loan at lower 15 year rates and FHA borrowers convert their FHA loans to a new conventional loan with lower rate and no monthly mortgage insurance.

Call me at 801-540-5108 and we can review your purchase or refinance options!

What are Japanese Candlesticks? Why are they important?

I watch the bond market, stock market, futures, inflation, unemployment, housing demand, refinance and home purchase activity, world news, national news, political developments, gas prices and yes, I even watch the weather for signs of what the market will be doing in the future.

Giving reliable advice to my clients as to whether they should LOCK or FLOAT their interest rate when they have a mortgage application with me is a major goal of mine.  Their decision (based on my advice) has long term consequences and if they (and I) choose wisely so that they can maximize their investment return on their mortgage.

A mortgage is another form of investment strategy, but this is a whole blog post to come in the future.  I look forward to talking about the value of a "Big FAT 30 year mortgage" in a future Blog Post.

But today, what I want to talk about is what I use to gauge what is going on in the market TODAY, right this moment, and is something available to me and it's called "Japanese Candlesticks".  I would like to explain why this is valuable and important to me AND to my clients who are relying on my expertise and guidance,

What you see below is today's Japanese Candlesticks Chart (4%, 30 year bond yields) and it is showing lots of green "candles".  Green is Good!  It means that mortgage rates are improving or the market is favorable.  The last green candle on the far right of the chart (right next to the S1 in the blue box) is today's market activity.

Tomorrow's rates should (unless the market changes dramatically overnight or in the early hours of trading in New York tomorrow morning) be about the same, possibly better than they were today.

Yesterday's rates were worse than today's (the red candle shows a lower price, higher mortgage rate than today's), and so forth backwards.  Over the past 17 trading days the rates have been close to, above or just below the best rates in 17 months (best since May 8, 2013).

The S2 line, below the candlesticks, is the FLOOR of SUPPORT and with the rates close to this floor, if the bond prices begin to break below this floor, like happened yesterday for two hours, we COULD see the mortgage bond prices begin to deteriorate and we could see these great rates go away  (go up!) and this could be forever or temporarily, that is the gamble of NOT taking advantage of rates today.  

Call me today if I can help with analysis for your mortgage refinance or purchase.  :)

What's FHA financing all about?

FHA loans in 1991:
When I became a mortgage loan originator in 1991, I couldn't believe that there was a loan product which allowed all of the down payment to be gifted!  "Are you sure this is true?", I asked my mortgage lender buddy who had come over to the mortgage department at the bank we were with just 6 months before.  "It's true!  Can you believe how great of a program it is?"  That was my first impression of how great the FHA loan was because it lowered the barriers to home ownership for first time buyers.

FHA loans today: 
The FHA loan is a great fit for first time home buyer's and others with specific lending needs.  Since 1991 I have learned much about lending and about FHA.  I now know that FHA is a loan insurer not a lender, and that the loan is available to both first time home buyer's needing 100% financing (Utah Housing Loans/State Bond Programs), and it's a great alternative for buyer's who have less than perfect credit (my company, Primary Residential Mortgage, has a 580 credit score FHA loan program!).  FHA offers streamline loans to allow homeowners to lower their interest rate with NO COST (ZERO will be added to their existing loan balance, no appraisal required).

With FHA rates at their lowest in 17 months ( June, 2013), this is a great time for buyer's and current FHA loan holders to utilize purchase and refinance options!  Call me today for a more thorough analysis and discussion about what program's fit your needs the best.

Now that rates have fallen, HOW should I refinance my home loan?

Refinance today before rates go up!

It's an interesting study just completed and the findings released.  The average age of a refinanced loan is now 7.3 years, up two years from what it was last year and 3 times as long as the latest 10 year average.  In other words, there are over $800 million in mortgage loans today which have a higher than 5% interest rate!  Yours may be one of them.

With current 30 year rates hovering near 4% and 15 year at 3.5%, there can be substantial savings associated with refinancing.

But what about the cost associated with refinancing?
Does a homeowner REALLY need to save 1% on their mortgage to justify doing a refinance?
Why is 1% savings the "magic" number?

There are two ways to look at doing a refinance; 1) the rule of thumb 1% savings in interest rate, and 2) ZERO closing cost refinance-PURE savings because all you are doing is lowering your interest rate.

Hurry, inflation will usher in higher mortgage rates!

Economic data ramps up this week and ends with the "Big Enchilada" on Friday, August 1st, with the July Jobs Report.

In the first half of this year, there has been an average of 230,000 new jobs created per month, above the 203,000 recorded per month in the first half of 2013.

Can these numbers be sustained and perhaps even move higher in the second half of the year?

If the numbers remain constant or increase, we could see inflationary worries, the arch enemy of bond prices.  As bond prices suffer (go down) because of inflation, or inflationary worries, rates will go in the opposite direction (go up).  

Today's additional headline was, "Worker's raises are back in vogue", raises additional worries that products will cost more at the wholesale level.  The monthly wholesale inflation report can be a market mover, but so far has been tamed by the unsettled world military climate overseas.  

As the summer draws to a close, it may be the perfect time to consider purchasing a first home, selling and upgrading or downsizing or looking at the 2nd home or investment home market.  

Inflation worries mean higher mortgage interest rates?

Inflation is the arch enemy of mortgage bonds and erodes bond prices.  The lower the bond price goes, the higher the mortgage interest goes.  The Federal reserve has done an excellent job of balancing growth of the U.S economy and their bond purchasing program has kept demand for Mortgage bonds high and mortgage rates low.  

With the latest poll from the Rasmussen Reports confirming what is happening with prices that we are paying for groceries, consumers are not confident that the Government (the Federal Reserve) won't have success in controlling inflation once the economy gets into full swing again.  If this becomes true , rather than a survey of what American's think MIGHT happen, we will see mortgage rates go up in the future.  

The Federal Reserve will be exiting the bond purchase program in October, 2014-this is their most recent estimate) and with inflation worries, this may be the best and last time to see these mortgage rates at the lows they are currently at (today's rates are the lowest they have been in 15 months). 

The report said that the number of Americans who are paying more for groceries also has risen to its highest level in over two years. There's an increasing lack of confidence, too, that the Federal Reserve Board can keep inflation under control.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey (95% confidence) finds that 88% of American Adults say they are paying more for groceries this year than the year before. 

This finding is up six points from last month and the highest since May 2012. Only seven percent (7%) say they are not paying more than they were a year ago, the lowest finding since January 2012. Five percent (5%) are not sure. 

FHA Streamline Refinance-Great way to improve your rate or lower your payment

With mortgage rates at the best they have been for 15 months and the impending exit of the Federal Reserve from purchasing bonds (October, 2014 is the proposed date for tapering the bond purchase program), now may be the best time to consider an FHA streamline refinance.

The Streamline refinance program couldn't be simpler!  There is no appraisal required and the savings in monthly payments can be substantial especially if the current loan has been in existence for 5 years or more.

Information needed to begin to look at FHA streamline refinance options:

• Origination date of current loan
• Payment coupon or online payment information readily available-escrow payment, monthly mortgage insurance amount, balance of loan is on the payment coupon or online screen

Taking advantage of a lower interest rate or monthly payment savings can be something to take a look at to benefit person financial wealth with analysis of mortgage payment and payoff of higher credit card or installment loan debt.  

Also to be considered would be an increase in personal savings rate (into 401k, 403b, growth stock mutual funds, etc) with a decrease in the size of mortgage payments.  

Future Home Equity payments may be a shock

Lender Processing Services, Inc. (LPS) has released its October Mortgage Monitor which shows that 48 percent of outstanding second lien home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) were originated between 2004 and 2006.

Given that the vast majority of HELOCs originated during this time have draw periods of 10 years, they are set to begin amortizing over the next several years. As the payments on these HELOCs become fully amortizing, many borrowers may see monthly payments increase. According to LPS Senior Vice President Herb Blecher, recent increases in new problem loans among the HELOCs originated prior to 2004 (that have already begun amortizing) indicate increased risk of more delinquencies ahead.

"In the aggregate, the market is experiencing lower delinquencies," said Blecher. "However, among the HELOC population that has already begun amortizing, we are actually seeing an increase in new seriously delinquent loans. As of today, only 14 percent of second  lien HELOCs have passed this 10-year mark, leaving a very large segment of the market at risk of payment increases over the coming years.

Nearly half of all of these lines of credit were originated between 2004 and 2006, with the oldest set to begin amortizing next year. If this trend toward post-amortizing delinquencies carries over, we could be looking at significant risk to the home equity market over the coming years.

If you have a Home Equity Line of Credit, review your paperwork and know when your balance will be fully amortized and for what term.  While first mortgage rates are low, it may be worth looking into a refinance to consolidate the first and 2nd lien loans into one loan payment and prevent the shock of the future higher payment.  

Marty, you were spot on with details and you know your job! Loan Closing Testimonial December 13, 2012

"Marty, I have already referred you twice"

Marty, when I was working with you, I always knew that I was being told the truth and that you knew your job.   

 I have already shared my story about the other mortgage company who didn't do such a good job in this area and disgusted me to the point I wasn't going to refinance my home until Lindy Fuller encouraged me to call you.  She sure was right about what a great job you would do for me!  

You were spot on with details of the loan process and very quick with approval and closing.  I can tell that you care for your clients and I sure appreciated the confident and professional way that you helped me with my questions.

I have already referred you twice and will be sure and refer you again whenever I can. Thanks Marty!

Damon Long
Closing December 13, 2012  

Things to avoid when purchasing or refinancing

There are four major things to avoid doing before applying for a loan and during the loan process itself.  Any one of these four things can greatly impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan, so it is critical to avoid doing any of the following until AFTER your loan is closed. 

IMPORTANT: Your loan is funded and recorded (closed) when you get your keys on a purchase transaction and for a refinance transaction your loan is closed when you have gone through the 3 day right of rescission period and your loan has been funded and recorded (you will receive a phone call or an e-mail from me or my processing team that your loan has been completed!).  

Here are the 4 things to avoid when purchasing or refinancing: 

Post Card just went out to my clients! Refinance Opportunities!

Refinance opportunities have arrived again!  Call me to review your options!  801-540-5108

Mortgage rates to rise, slowly

After reaching record lows in 2012, mortgage rates are expected to creep up slowly in the year ahead, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicted on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. 

Mortgage rates predicted to rise in 2013, slowly

Rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are expected to average 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2012, rising to 3.9% in the first quarter of 2013 and eventually rising to an average 4.4% by the fourth quarter of next year, the MBA said. The 30 year mortgage rate is expected to average 4.1% for all of 2013.

Call me to review your purchase or refinance options at today's 'best rates in our lifetime!".  :)

Helpful personable guidance! Loan closing October 24, 2012

Brandon and Marty celebrating a great interest rate! 

Marty, your help when we bought our home 3 years ago was awesome and the help you have given us on this refinance was awesome as well!

When we call you we know we will get the most helpful guidance and this time was no exception!  The new FHA streamline refinance program with the special rates were perfect for us!  Thanks for the analysis, we are going to save a ton of interest!  :)

We appreciate how personable you are!  We will recommend you to our friends and family whenever we can!  Thanks, Brandon

I would also like to add how much we appreciate the time you take to keep us updated throughout the loan process. Thanks again for helping us with this refinance and getting us into this house to begin with!  We loved working with you both times. 

Thanks again,

Crystal



Brandon and Crystal Malby  Closing October 24, 2012

Why FHA Streamline Refinances are so great

The FHA Streamline Refinance has perks!

The FHA Streamline Refinance is a unique mortgage product, available to homeowners with existing FHA home loans. The program was built to be the fastest, simplest way for an FHA-insured homeowners to refinance their respective mortgages.

The FHA Streamline Refinance's big draw is its leniency.
For homeowners using the FHA Streamline Refinance program  -- according to the FHA rulebook--  income is not verified; employment is not verified; and, credit scores are not verified.

So long as an FHA-backed homeowners makes his mortgage on-time payments for a period of at least 12 months, a mortgage approval is all but guaranteed.  Call or e-mail me if you have an FHA loan that you would like to refinance and I can review your benefits. 


The FHA Streamline Refinance is an excellent program with lots of success stories. It remains the fastest, easiest mortgage refinance program in the country.

 

For portions of my Blog Post I would like to thank Dan Green (NMLS #227607) who is an active loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage and writes excellent daily Blog posts about the Mortgage Industry.  

Don't Procrastinate.

If you have a home loan call me for refinance analysis!

A post card hit my clients mailboxes today to remind them that rates are at near historic lows and if they have a home loan, they can probably see a significant savings each and every month by refinancing!

I'm encouraging my clients to call now to see how much they can save!

Gas Prices are UP.  Airline Travel is UP. 
Home Mortgage Refinance Rates are DOWN!