by Irene Moustakas | Apr 12, 2011 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Featured, Loan Programs and Products
This 3.5% assistance applies to Homepath properties, but it is available only during a small window of time. Homepath is an excellent financing program available for Fannie Mae-owned homes. Check out the features of Homepath in my previous blog, but as a quick...
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 | 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 | 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...
by Irene Moustakas | Apr 14, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, General Market News
There is a small window of opportunity for first time homebuyers to get a combination federal and state tax credits of up to $18,000 (state tax credit is for California). Please make sure those in your life know about this! Federal Tax Credit Rules: (up to $8000 tax...