by Irene Moustakas | Aug 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
It was only a few months ago that HUD increased FHA’s Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) from 1.75% to 2.25%. HUD will now decrease the UFMIP down to 1.0%, but will increase the monthly mortgage insurance amount from .55% to .90%. Let’s see how this truly pans...
by Irene Moustakas | Aug 5, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News, Loan Programs and Products
For those of you in the market to purchase a home, you should definitely check out www.homepath.com This program is for the purchase of Fannie Mae-owned homes. Some of the program’s main highlights are: Low down payment (as little as 5% down on conforming loans or...
by Irene Moustakas | Jul 22, 2010 | Tips
Most people do not comment on the reality of a 30 Year Fixed mortgage. But every once in a while, someone will really think about it, or their eyes may widen when they see on their Promissory Note, “Last payment due August 1, 2040.” And think about it: where you will...
by Irene Moustakas | Jul 7, 2010 | Industry News
I just heard about these coming into play on all loans, and have already seen them implemented on some. FannieMae’s ultimate goal is to do whatever it can to reduce or eliminate mortgage fraud. Two things that are now expected on every loan are: 1. Confirm...
by Irene Moustakas | Jul 3, 2010 | Uncategorized
Have a happy and safe 4th of July! The markets will be closed on Monday, July 5th, as will Granite Financial. Celebrate well and safely. Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 22, 2010 | Industry News, Loan Programs and Products
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) have been extremely competitive in rate; often, a 5/1 ARM is a good 1.0%-1.25% below the 30 Year Fixed Rate mortgage. There are advantages and disadvantages to every loan, and as long as you fully understand the loan program you’re...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 15, 2010 | General Market News
I can’t believe nearly a month has gone by since my last post! What a whirlwind… I last wrote about how low rates were, and have been busy getting people locked in and closed during this time period. For a while, rates maintained their low levels, and then...
by Irene Moustakas | May 18, 2010 | Business Promotion, Rates
Rates have been on fire. Here’s a snapshot, based on today’s rates (5.18.10) after an afternoon price improvement: CONFORMING LOAN AMOUNT (up to $417k in loan amount): Assumes: Single Family Residence, Owner-Occupied home, 20% or more equity, 740+ FICO, no...
by Irene Moustakas | May 13, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News, Tips
If you are buying or refinancing a condominium unit in California and your loan is being backed by Freddie Mac, the development must have earthquake insurance or else you will pay a premium. Apparently, this Freddie Mac rule has been around since 1996. I have been...
by Irene Moustakas | Apr 28, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News
In March 2009, I blogged an update that Mortgage Insurance qualifying rules were tightening and that the maximum Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI) was decreasing from 55% to 41%. Then in June 2009, the minimum credit score requirement changed from 700 to 720. The credit...