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Archive for ga mortgage rates

The Future of Interest Rates

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Most don’t realize that without all the Feds efforts mortgage interest rates would be much higher and economy worse off that were we are today.  Today processes are at work to bring the mortgage market back.  As much as most want to say how hard it is to get a loan there is a reason for this.  Investors who buy mortgages need to feel confident that the loans they are buying are good quality(solid appraisals, good credit, stable income).  We desperately need these investors to come back into the market and begin to buy these securities.  Simply put if they don’t buy - mortgage rates will need to rise to a level that makes it attractive.  We need to do our part to make sure the mortgages they buy are the best quality.

The Fed said they are going to ration out the remaining commitment of Mortgage Backed Security purchases through the first quarter of 2010. There will be no additional buying, but instead, a longer weaning off of the program. There was some speculation about the Fed increasing the amount of buying above the $1.25T committed to, and last week’s statement is the Fed’s nice way of saying “no.” They will not be buying more in quantity, but what they will do is attempt to provide a smoother transition to normal market conditions.

It is a given that once the Fed ceases its purchases, that interest rates will most likely climb higher…most likely back above the 6% area. Next year this time we could be in the mid to low 6′s.  So instead of a hard transition with a large bump in rates, the Fed is attempting to allow rates to gradually rise. This means that waiting to purchase or refinance will very likely mean a higher interest rate.

Now is the time to take action.

MORTGAGE RATES

Loan Programs Interest Rates*
30 Year Conv. Mid – low 5′s
30 Year FHA/VA Mid – low 5′s
Rural Development Mid 5′s
5/1 Arm Conv. Low 4′s
5/1 Arm Jumbo Mid 5′s

Please contact us for specific situations and specific rates.

*Risk Based Pricing will affect rate offered.

MORTGAGE RATE TRENDS


DAILY RATE LOCK ADVISORY


For an in depth explanation and daily update click on The Daily Rate Lock Advisory.

HA Appraisal Changes / HVCC Strategies

Monday, September 21st, 2009

With all the HVCC changes to conventional loans - FHA released some of their new appraisal guidelines.  Lets look at them

FHA Appraisal Changes

1- Changes effective January 1st, 2010.

2- Mortgage brokers and commission based lender staff are now PROHIBITED from selecting the FHA appraiser.

3- Lenders are not required to use Appraisal Management Companies.

4- When a borrower switches lenders FHA prohibits the 2nd lender for ordering additional appraisals to obtain a higher value unless:
-The FHA DE underwriter determines the 1st appraisal is deficient
-The appriaser of the 1st appraisal is the other lenders exclusionary list
-The first lender delayed the trasfer of appraisal to cause harm

5- Appraisals are now valid for only 120 days for all existing and proposed or under construction properties.
Please remember that this has just been released and that most lenders have not created policy to handle this.  Just like most other regulatory changes this year I am sure most lenders will create their own policy on how to comply with these guidelines.  The good news is that everyone has some time to prepare.  I don’t believe this will be difficult to work with and will update you as things continue to develop.

Strategies and Tips for Realtors on working with Appraisers and the HVCC:

Remove the lockbox off of the home before the appraiser comes out to generate a phone call from the appraiser asking to gain entry (make sure you enter “call before showing” in listing info).  When the appraiser calls, politely ask them to get a sense of their competency. Here are some suggestions: Where are they based? Have they ever appraised in the area before? What data sources will they be utilizing? Do they have enough time to complete the appraisal?

  1. If you feel that the appraiser is not knowledgeable about the area, politely ask them to hold off. Next contact the lender and see about having someone else assigned. Rely heavily on the USPAP(page2)rules regarding appraising only in geographical areas in which an appraiser is competent (familiar).
  2. Provide comps of your own before the appraiser comes out. This is important as appraisers have to take pictures and will want to avoid making a second trip. It is also important that the comps you offer have closed in the last 3 months. Comps closing longer than 3 to 6 months will likely be adjusted downwards for date of closing. (Comps closing longer than 6 months ago are unacceptable).
  3. Download this helpful document from the NAR regarding the HVCC and educate yourselves.

MORTGAGE RATES

Loan Programs Interest Rates*
30 Year Conv. Mid – low 5′s
30 Year FHA/VA Mid – low 5′s
Rural Development Mid 5′s
5/1 Arm Conv. Low 4′s
5/1 Arm Jumbo Mid 5′s

Please contact us for specific situations and specific rates.

*Risk Based Pricing will affect rate offered.

MORTGAGE RATE TRENDS


DAILY RATE LOCK ADVISORY

For an in depth explanation and daily update click on The Daily Rate Lock Advisory.