by Irene Moustakas | Jul 24, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Loan Programs and Products
A conventional loan is any standard, traditional loan that is not backed by the government. In contrast, an FHA loan is government-insured, meaning that the government will guarantee it. Because the government guarantees to the lender that your loan (your payments)...
by Irene Moustakas | Jul 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Making Home Affordable program will be increasing the maximum allowed Loan-to-Value ratio from 105% to 125% soon. I will keep you updated when this occurs, but this is will help give more homeowners the opportunity to refinance. The program does have stipulations,...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 25, 2009 | Rates
The 5/1 is coming out swinging. The following is a comparison of today’s 5/1 and 30 Year Fixed. The rate quote assumes 80% Loan-to-Value ratio, single family home, 720+ FICO, no impounds. Quote is based on a 30-day lock, and yes, I can close in 30 days. (Please note...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 22, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News
In March, Mortgage Insurance (MI) companies for conventional loans cut their max Debt-to-Income ratio from 55% down to 41% max. I blogged about it here. Now, the new and more strict requirement, which is going into effect next week, is an increase in minimum credit...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 18, 2009 | Industry News
I am very much a “roll with the punches” kind of person. Things change, new laws are implemented, new disclosures are required… it’s okay, I get it and I roll with it, explaining the “what” and the “why” without being bothered and understanding the reasoning behind...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 10, 2009 | Loan Programs and Products
With a few exceptions, the rules for buying a vacation home mimic many of the rules for buying a primary home (at least in conforming loan amount limits). Interest rates are the same (you don’t get “hit” in rate for buying a 2nd home) Must have a 720...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 5, 2009 | General Market News
Have you ever wondered where Jobs and Unemployment Rate unmbers come from? The short answer is “surveys,” but you may find this interesting. Economists were expecting a Jobs Report number of 520,000 jobs lost for the month of May. Everyone was pleasantly surprised...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 1, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News, Tips
I have to first preface this post by stating that I am not a tax advisor and cannot guarantee any of the following information. But I can let you know some of the requirements and stipulations for qualifying for the First Time Homebuyer tax credit. First time...
by Irene Moustakas | May 28, 2009 | General Market News, Rates
The mortgage bond market got pummeled yesterday and we got multiple interest rate increases. From yesterday morning to this morning, interest rates went up by a full quarter percent (.25%), which is a significant day-over-day increase. From Thursday of last week, they...
by Irene Moustakas | May 20, 2009 | Industry News, Loan Programs and Products
Up to $417,000: Conforming Loan Limit (the best interest rates and most “common-sense” underwriting). $417,000-$729,750: High-Balance Conforming loans (this reverted back to a $729,750 loan limit, but it is temporary. It will go back to $625,500 at some...