As lenders tighten mortgage guidelines for home buyers, minimum downpayment requirements are increasing.  Several years ago, you could finance a home with nothing down. Today, most conventional mortgages require at least 10 percent. Anecdotally, guideline changes have led to an increase in the number...

The economy’s improving but lending standards are not. Nationally, banks are making mortgage approvals harder to come by. Underwriting guidelines are tightening. The data comes from the Federal Reserve’s quarterly survey to its member banks.  The Fed asks senior bank loan officers around...

To: All Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Appraisers, Lenders, Home Builders, Title Agents, and Consumers From: Marc Savitt, President- National Association of Mortgage Brokers After more than a year of exhaustive negotiations with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, James Lockhart, Director of FHFA (GSE Regulator),...

Mortgage Rates improved Monday, regaining the majority of the losses posted Friday. If you are curious as to May 2009 Mortgage Rate Forecast visit the post. In short, rates will stay within the current range 4.5% – 4.875%. Early in the week, there’s not much data to sway markets, nor is...

They might be rebranding there name, although I am sure all the inexperienced and shady Loan officers from Country Wide will still be working their loans! This is the TRUE meaning of Lipstick on a Pig!  It is sad how BIG Marketing dollars can convince millions that you have a great Knowledgeable staff. Country...

Mortgage Rates regained their footing today as the 30 YR 4.0% FNMA MBS closed 9bp higher for the day.  If last week was the precursor to this week, we will see rate improve and stabilize Monday – Wednesday and turn negative Thursday – Friday. Mortgage rates ended last week exactly where they started. ...

Mortgage Rates increased today as the FNMA 30 YR MBS 4% gave up roughly 9bp.  This down tick in the MBS can be attributed to the late day mini rally in the equities market as JP Morgan Chase beats estimates as it releases earnings. Both Building Permits and Housing Starts were released today.  Building...

Have you ever completed your tax returns only to find out that you owe way more to Uncle Sam than you were expecting – or worse, that your tax bill is more than you can possibly afford to pay right now? Don’t worry. If this is the case, you’re not alone. And, more importantly, you’re...

With mortgage rates are hovering near all-time lows, lots of Americans are taking advantage of refinance and home buying opportunities. The downside of today’s unexpectedly-low rates, though, is that mortgage lenders are ill-equipped for the rush of new business. As a result, the process of underwriting...

With Mortgage Rates at historic lows and a Plethora of REO and Bank Owned homes, now there is no better time to buy a Second Home!