Fannie Mae Broadens Access to Credit for Eligible Home Buyers. Home Buyers have long been overburdened by the mortgage application process and simplification of the lending regulations is long overdue. There have been a few policy shifts recently that make the mortgage process smoother, and in my humble opinion fairer, for qualified and qualifiable home… Read More
Mortgage and Finance
Video: Don’t be Left Behind. All the Reasons That Home Affordability is Here!
Any potential home buyer who’s been wondering “When will it be the right time?”, should be made aware that the right time is very likely now. There are 4 major factors that favor home buyers at this moment…
Mortgage Applications Drop 11 Percent
Mortgage Applications Drop 11 Percent Mortgage applications decreased 11.2 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending July 22, 2016. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 11.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one… Read More
Home Purchase Sentiment Rockets to New High
Home Purchase Sentiment Rockets to New High. First time buyers are not quite squeezed out of the market yet, but they are beginning to see more limited options. The real estate market in Arizona is healthy, with only a slightly lower inventory than would indicate “balanced”. We are still hovering in Seller’s Market territory, however… Read More
Video: Mortgage Closing Timeline Averages 50 Days
The number of days outlined in this video, to close a Real Estate Transaction, are accurate. Thanks to recent government regulations (TRID), the time to close a loan has indeed lengthened. Even though we always build this into the closing time frame in a Purchase Contract, I always explain to both Home Buyers and Home… Read More
Commentary: Thanks, Brexit! Well-Qualified U.S. Buyers Reap a Windfall
My advice? If you’re a potential Home Buyer and you’re on the fence, GET OFF! The new low for mortgage interest rates is unbelievable! ~Bill By Jonathan Smoke The surprise victory in Britain of the campaign to leave the European Union may be spurring panic across the Continent (and among some regretful British voters), but… Read More
Agents and Appraisers Express Concern Over FHA Appraisal Policies
Agents and Appraisers Express Concern Over FHA Appraisal Policies– I’d be curious to hear what your experience has been. I am absolutely one of the people who has expressed misgivings about a recent FHA appraisal or three, including accuracy, inflexibility and the snail’s pace. I don’t exactly find any of this surprising, just disappointing and… Read More
Mortgage Terminology 101
Mortgage Terminology 101– One of the most frequently asked questions for potential home buyers at the beginning of their process is “What’s the difference between a Mortgage Lender, Mortgage Banker and a Mortgage Broker, and which should I use? I always refer my clients to a mortgage professional for answers, but the article below does… Read More
Identifying Key Title and Closing Issues Early Can Make or Break a Deal
I’ve had some personal experience with a botched title and I can tell you, it’s no party clearing it up. It took almost 2 years and over thousands of dollars in attorney fees before we were able to sell our home, and mind you, this was someone else’s error, not our own. When you’re buying… Read More
New Federal Measure Would Offer Tax Deductions to Millions of Homeowners
New Federal Measure Would Offer Tax Deductions to Millions of Homeowners U.S. Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) have introduced a measure that would allow homeowners in community associations who earn $115,000 or less in annual income to deduct up to $5,000 of their community association fees and assessments from their federal… Read More