As downpayment requirements increase, anecdotally, home buyers are tapping 401(k) plans for extra cash. Classified as a ”hardship withdrawal”, loans against your retirement funds can be cheap and simple. There’s no credit check or approval process There’s only a small set of...

Since 2007, mortgage lenders have clamped down in many areas of underwriting, but none more so than in the area of credit scoring. Minimum FICO levels are up 120 points or more and conforming mortgage lenders now levy large fees on borrowers whose scores are below 740. Keeping your credit scores high...

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),...

The first week of May is officially over, and Mortgage backed securities once again sold off at the end of the week giving up a total of 30bp this week (FNMA 30 YR 4% Chart). The selloff pushed Mortgage Rates higher for the first week of May. May 2009 Mortgage Rates. This week we saw the economy shed...

Both mortgage guidelines and the economy have tightened since 2006, bringing more attention to “joint homeowners” — non-spousal partners that buy and share a home as roommates. The practice is not new, but, anecdotally, co-purchasing is becoming more common. In the video above —...

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...

The Federal Reserve adjourned from its two-day meeting this afternoon.  It’s one of 8 scheduled meetings each year for the Federal Open Market Committee. Although the FED announced to keep the FED Funds target unchanged, MBS gave up ground with the 30 YR FNMA 4.0% pulling back 22bp.  Mortgage...

Monday April 27, 2009 was a great way to start the week, as the FNMA 30 YR 4.0% MBS posted a healthy 18bp improvement today.  If the past 4 weeks dictate the future, mortgage rates will start and end the week essentially unchanged. For active home buyers who have yet to find the “right home”,...

Mortgage rates ended the week of April 24, 2009 lower.  The MBS FNMA 30 YR 4.0% finished up 21bp higher for the week (higher is better for the MBS, price and interest are inverse).  The historically low rates for both conforming and FHA products are intended to help stimulate the economy by giving...

With reverse mortgages seniors now have some additional cash-flow alternatives. This type of loan allows mature borrowers to convert their home equity into tax-free income without leaving their current home or making mortgage payments – and they do not need an existing income to qualify. How does...