by Irene Moustakas | Feb 16, 2009 | General Market News, Industry News
Many of you know that the high balance conforming loan limit decreased from $729,750 to $625,500 in January 2009. This has hurt many people whose loans fall into that bracket. But there is good news! The House and Senate passed the American Recovery and...
by Irene Moustakas | Feb 11, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Tips
Many home buyers take a look at their proposed total homeowner payment responsibilities (mortgage, property taxes, insurance and Mortgage Insurance, if applicable), and think, “There’s no way I can make that payment; I barely have enough take-home pay from...
by Irene Moustakas | Feb 6, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Miscellaneous
I’ve added a new page! “Mortgage Terminology” can be found in the sidebar underneath “About / References.” I’ll add terms periodically and as they come up. If there’s anything missing that you’d like me to define,...
by Irene Moustakas | Feb 4, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News, Loan Programs and Products, Tips
I received a lot of additional questions to my January 26th post regarding the 5% down payment option, so I would like to go over down payment requirements for other property types and loan amounts. The following is limited to conventional loans. Down payment...
by Irene Moustakas | Jan 30, 2009 | Loan Programs and Products, Tips
I’ve received many calls recently from referrals and new clients asking about refinancing out of their ARM and into a Fixed Rate Mortgage. Depending on the value of their house, their credit score and qualifying, sometimes I can help them, sometimes I can’t. But...