by Irene Moustakas | Mar 2, 2011 | Uncategorized
I’m actually pretty shocked that down payment requirements have loosened and not tightened. What do you think this means for the housing industry and the lending landscape? Do you think it’s prudent? The highlights of this 3% down payment, conventional loan option...
by Irene Moustakas | Feb 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development just released a new statement that FHA’s annual mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) are going to increase by .25% across the board. The change will be effective for FHA case numbers issued on and after April...
by Irene Moustakas | Jan 28, 2011 | Uncategorized
If you have gone through the refinance or purchase process in the past couple of years, you would have undoubtedly seen (and signed) the IRS 4506-T form at least two times, sometimes more. The 4506-T gives the lender authorization to request a copy of your tax return...
by Irene Moustakas | Jan 28, 2011 | Uncategorized
Happy New Year! The message is a little delayed, but I left for my honeymoon on January 1st and am just now settling back to work. We went to Thailand and Bali, which are two beautiful countries filled with wonderful people, incredible cultures and picturesque...
by Irene Moustakas | Dec 22, 2010 | Uncategorized
Fannie Mae just got a little more strict on their time period requirements for foreclosures. If you have been foreclosed upon, you cannot get a loan on a new home purchase for seven years. This went up from a minimum 5 year period. If you did a short-sale on your...
by Irene Moustakas | Dec 22, 2010 | Uncategorized
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your loved ones. Mortgage rates have trended upwards the past three weeks, with significant daily swings, both up and down. World economic concerns (in particular, the European Union debt and banking issues)...
by Irene Moustakas | Dec 10, 2010 | Tips
Today, 12/10, is the last day to pay your 1st installment of property taxes without being assessed a late fee. If your payment is postmarked after today, the county will assess a 10% penalty, so it isn’t cheap! Being late on property taxes is NOT reported to...
by Irene Moustakas | Nov 18, 2010 | Uncategorized
Homeowners insurance (sometimes called hazard or fire insurance) is required when you purchase and refinance your mortgage. Even if you own your home outright, it’s smart to have fire insurance, even if there is no lender actually requiring it. Proper coverage is...
by Irene Moustakas | Nov 3, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News
“I’m considering applying for a conventional loan. I have excellent credit, but my husband does not. Can I apply for the loan on my own?” This question comes up quite a lot, especially with newly married couples that come into their marriage with different...
by Irene Moustakas | Oct 13, 2010 | Uncategorized
If you are purchasing or refinancing, one of the biggest components to getting approved for your loan is the appraisal. For some, equity is a non-issue, but for others, the appraisal can make or break the deal. When the home’s appraised value comes in lower than...