Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

Mortgage markets worsened overall last week for the first time in 5 weeks.

Better-than-anticipated economic data plus dwindling concerns for Greece’s sovereign debt combined to a spark a bond sell-off. Conforming mortgage rates moved higher as a result.

Rate shoppers were hit especially hard last Tuesday.

At Monday’s close, conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages were posting their lowest levels of 2011, but by Tuesday’s market close, rates had climbed as much as 0.250 percent across the board. In some cases, more.

The spike highlights how quickly mortgage rates can change in a recovering economy, and why “floating” a rate can be costly.

This week, mortgage rates figure to be equally volatile. There’s a large set of market-changing data planned for release, and several Fed members have planned public appearances, including a 9:00 AM ET, Monday morning kickoff from Fed Chairman Bernanke.

•Monday : Bernanke speech; Homebuilder Confidence Survey
•Tuesday : Housing Starts; Building Permits
•Wednesday : FOMC Minutes
•Thursday : Existing Home Sales
In addition, Thursday brings a second rate shopper-risk.

The Initial Jobless Claims will be released at 8:30 AM ET and it will be closely watched by Wall Street. Initial claims are sharply higher since the end of April and investors believe the jobs market is key in a sustained economic recovery. If the data shows that initial claims receded, mortgage rates are expected to rise in response

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates

Ability is what you are capable of;
Motivation determines what you do;
Attitude determines how well you do it!

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, best realtors in town, cumming homes for sale

We are pleased to announce that Covenant Mortgage Corporation (our preferred Lender) and its associates are merging interest with Supreme Lending of Dallas, Texas

Why Are they Transitioning?
This merger will enable them to transition from their current "brokering" model to a "mortgage banking" model creating the solid foundation for superior customer service and increased speed in each transaction. Their goal is to establish the industries best "Customer Experience" for our clients.

Why Supreme Lending?
They explored a multitude of potential partners over the past two years. Supreme Lending
is a 2 Billion Dollar National Lender whose outstanding reputation with their bankers and customers has proven their attention to character, competency and chemistry in this industry.

What Does This Mean For You?
• Local Underwriting, Processing and Closing
• Local Decision Making...Common Sense Approach to Lending
• Coming Soon...7Day Approval, 10 Day Close
• Package to Attorney 48 Hours Prior to Closing
• Settlement Statements Delivered 24 Hours Prior To Closing
(With Covenant Chosen Firm)
• FHA, VA and Conventional

For More Information Call or Email our preferred loan officer
Phil Blankstein
Senior Loan Officer
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@supremelending.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, best mortgage, cumming homes for sale, thinking of buying a foreclosure

March 15th, 2011
Mortgage markets improved last week in a week of few economic releases. The one major data point - Retail Sales - showed stronger-than-expected, but markets reacted mildly. The report's strength was whispered in advance of the actual release; its reading validated Wall Street's growing faith in the U.S. economy.

Most action last week revolved around the Middle East:
• Libya's internal turmoil continued
• Bahrain clashes intensified
• Saudi Arabia's citizens planned a Day of Rage
In response to these events, Wall Street continued its flight-to-quality. Mortgage-backed bonds are now at their best levels since early-February. Mortgage rates have improved 4 straight weeks.

Unfortunately for rate shoppers, the gains have been meager. Conforming mortgage rates have only dropped slightly.

This week, however, the market could move in either direction.

The biggest news on tap is the Federal Open Market Committee's 1-day meeting, scheduled for Tuesday. The Fed is expected to leave the Fed Funds Rate near 0.000 percent, but that doesn't mean that mortgage rates won't change. The FOMC's post-meeting press release will be closely scrutinized on Wall Street. Any changes in theme, tone, or message will cause mortgage rates to dart.

This week also marks the return of housing data with Housing Starts, Building Permits, and Homebuilder Confidence due for release. Housing is believed to be key to the economic recovery so strength in these reports should lead mortgage rates higher.

In addition, several inflation-related data sets will be released including Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index. Inflation is generally bad for mortgage rates and with gas prices rising to a multi-year high, pressure will be on for mortgage rates to rise.

Lastly, there's Japan.

The nation's earthquake, tsunami, and (now) looming nuclear threat will have implications on the global bond market. Mortgage rates may benefit while the crisis remains unresolved.

If you've floated a mortgage rate over the past few weeks, it may be time to lock that rate down. Economic factors should be pushing rates higher, but geopolitics and natural disasters are keeping them low.

It's a perfect time to commit to a loan. Please call our preferred mortgage lender today if you have any questions.

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.75 %
15-yr Fixed = 4.00 %
Conforming ARMS*
Conforming 5/1 = 3.375%
Conforming 7/1 = 3.875%
Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM = 4.25%
10/1 ARM = 4.875%
30-year Fixed JUMBO = 5.50%
FHA Loans:*
30-yr Fixed = 4.50%
5/1 ARM = 3.875 %

Call Phil Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Monday, March 14th, 2010 at 12:00PM.
Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions.
This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee # 22745, Florida Licensee # CL0800186,
North Carolina Licensee # B-147025, Covenant NMLS # 144774


For More Information Call or Email
Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Labels: cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates, homes for sale in alpharetta

FHA: Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums To Rise April 18th, 2011
For the third time in 12 months, the FHA is changing its mortgage insurance costs.

Effective for all FHA case numbers assigned on, or after, April 18, 2011, annual mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) will increase 25 basis points.

The change will add $250 to an FHA-insured homeowner's annual loan costs per $100,000 borrowed, and applies to all borrower's equally. Current FHA borrowers are unaffected.

To understand the FHA is to understand why premiums are rising.

As an institution, the Federal Housing Administration plays a much larger role in the U.S. housing market today than it did just 5 years ago. According to its own records, the FHA's percentage of purchase money business nationwide expanded from 4 percent in FY 2006 to 19 percent in FY 2010.

Rapid growth like this has strained the FHA's capital and, indeed, in its official statement, the FHA alludes to this, stating that the MIP increase will "significantly strengthen" its reserves. By law, the FHA must maintain a certain minimum level of reserves.

FHA mortgage insurance varies by loan term, and by loan-to-value and, beginning April 18, 2011, the new insurance premiums are as follows:
• 15-year loan term, loan-to-value > 90% : 0.50% per year
• 15-year loan term, loan-to-value <= 90% : 0.25% per year
• 30-year loan term, loan-to-value > 95% : 1.15% per year
• 30-year loan term, loan-to-value <= 95% : 1.10% per year
To calculate your monthly mortgage insurance premium, multiply your starting loan size by your insurance premium, and divide by 12. There is no change planned to the 1 percent upfront mortgage insurance premium charged by the FHA.

Please call us if you have any questions.

Labels: cumming homes for sale, FHA, FHA mortgage insurance

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.875 %
15-yr Fixed = 4.250 %

Conforming ARMS*

Conforming 5/1 = 3.625 %
Conforming 7/1 = 4.000%

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.50%
7/1 ARM = 3.875%
30-year Fixed JUMBO = 5.50%

FHA Loans:*
30-yr Fixed Range = 4.875% - 5.00%
5/1 ARM = 3.75 % Qualify at Start Rate


*Based on pricing as of Friday, February 4th, 2010 at 12:00PM.
Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions.
This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee # 22745, Florida Licensee # CL0800186,
North Carolina Licensee # B-147025, Covenant NMLS # 144774


For More Information Call or Email Mike and Melodys preferred lender
Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Labels: cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates

Pre-Sale Renovation: Home Seller Do’s and Don’ts

You’ve probably seen those depressingly cheery home-themed TV shows: a couple needs to sell their house, they have an outdated kitchen, and a designer comes in and proceeds to convince them to renovate the kitchen into a stainless-steel-clad shrine to culinary greatness—for tens of thousands of dollars. In an ideal real estate market, that would add value, but in today’s market, expensive pre-sale renovations, for the most part, aren’t worth it. The numbers bear this out: In general, a home remodel will cost quite a bit more than you’ll get back when you sell; remodels done in 2010 will only recoup 60% of their price when the house is sold, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value survey, done in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Two of the areas that potential buyers are often most pressured to remodel before selling are the kitchen and bathroom. Here, we’ll tackle both of those rooms, and let you know what to do—and what to avoid—when considering a pre-sale renovation:

Kitchen
-Don’t put in expensive professional-grade cook’s appliances. You may choose a tricked-out, $10,000 Wolf stove, but the buyer may be a loyalist to Viking. Or, even worse, the potential buyer might be a take-out addict.

-Do, however, service the appliances you have, so that they work perfectly. And, if you have seriously outdated appliances that can be replaced for $1,000 or less (like swapping a dingy old fridge for a basic new one), that’s a good idea. Similarly, if there are any appliances that you lack, which most buyers consider essential, it makes sense to buy one (like a dishwasher—you can get a nice model for under $1,000).

-Don’t replace your cabinetry entirely—even if it’s a little outdated. It’s just too subjective. You might think sleek, white Scandinavian cabinets are the way to go, but you’ll be in a bind if your potential buyer prefers dark wood.

-Do invest in cabinet refacing if your cabinets are extremely outdated. Many refacing companies will give your cabinets a fresh façade for well under $2,000, and it’s a good investment in creating a positive impression of the room without doing a pricey knock-down.

-Don’t go granite crazy. Or marble. Or etched-Murano-glass-accented tile. Spending thousands of dollars on a new countertop and backsplash is downright dangerous, as there are so many different options these days, it’s impossible to find one that will please most people.

-Do hire a professional cleaning company to come in and make what you have sparkle. While this won’t magically make your tile look magazine-spread-worthy, it will certainly make it look a lot better, as discoloration from age often makes tile look even worse.

Bathroom
-Don’t do expensive tub/shower repairs or replacements. Just like with the big-ticket kitchen fixes, this is a matter of taste. If you put in a round jetted tub, what if the buyer wants square? And is an amethyst-crystal steam shower really something everyone will love?

-Do replace dated bath and shower fixtures; this can be done generally quite inexpensively. For instance, if you have a 30-year-old, tiny showerhead, replacing it with a large, rainwater-style model will lend a subtle spa-like quality without costing a lot.

-Don’t replace your smallish vanity with a new, built-in model. A lot of remodelers emphasize the intrinsically relaxing qualities of having all your toiletries, towels and even reading material beautifully organized in one big unit made of high-end wood, marble and chrome. And it is certainly beautiful. But it’s also a risky choice, and a matter of taste.

-Do freshen up the vanity area. Invest in a big mirror and put bright lights over it. And a few hundred dollars spent on a nice faucet is well worth it, as, like the showerhead, it’s a true basic—and updating the basics, in most homes and markets, is all you should be focusing on.

Other tips for redoing your kitchen and bathroom frugally

Kitchen:
-Declutter your counters. A disorganized kitchen is a buyer-deterrent. Clean up the counters and pare down countertop items to the essentials—toaster, microwave, coffee pot and not much more than that.

-Keep your pantry and cabinetry clutter-free too. You don’t have to alphabetize your cereals—just know that potential buyers will probably open those cabinets, so they won’t want a ladle falling out on their head.

-Give your kitchen table or breakfast bar some life. It’s simple—placemats, a colorful vase or two and a tasteful flower arrangement will reinforce the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Bathroom:
-If you want to add a little life to the wall, try a simple, straight-lined wood or stainless-steel floating shelf with a few candles on it. It’s an elegant, boutique-hotel touch that doesn’t cost much.

-Toss down a colorful floor mat. Bathrooms are often devoid of color; this is a great way to add that color, and a little warmth.

-Again, clear clutter. Even your beauty essentials shouldn’t be on the counter if you’re in the open house stage.


Article By Dan Steward
RISMEDIA, January 25, 2011

Call Mike and Melody if you are want to talk about selling your home.

Labels: cumming homes for sale, get your home ready for sale, presale renovations

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.625 % Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 4.00 % Purchase Only

NEW!
Conforming 5/1 = 3.375 % amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1 = 3.875% amortized
(Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes)

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 4.25%
7/1 ARM = 4.50%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO = 5.50%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range = 4.375% - 5.00%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM = 3.25 % Qualify at Start Rate


*Based on pricing as of Friday, January 14th, 2010 at 12:00PM.
Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions.
This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee # 22745, Florida Licensee # CL0800186,
North Carolina Licensee # B-147025, Covenant NMLS # 144774


For More Information Call or Email our Preferred Lender
Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates, milton homes for sale

Comparing Mortgage Rates For
Adjustable And Fixed Rate Mortgages
For some homeowners, electing to take an adjustable rate mortgage over a fixed rate one can be matter of budgeting. ARMs tend to carry lower mortgage rates and, therefore, lower monthly mortgage payment as compared to a comparable fixed rate loan.

Relative to fixed rate mortgages, current ARM pricing is excellent. Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey puts the 5-year ARM mortgage rate lower than the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate by 1.02 percent.

On a $250,000 home loan, a 1.02 differential yields a payment savings of $149 per month.

ARMs are not for everyone, of course. Over time their rates can change and that can frighten people. An ARM can finish its respective 30-year lifespan with a mortgage rate as much as 6 percentage points higher from where it started. Some homeowners won't like this.
Other homeowners, however, won't mind it. For this group, the ARM can be a terrific fit. Especially with the huge, relative discount in today's pricing.

A few scenarios that should warrant consideration of a 5-year ARM include homeowners that are:
1. Buying a new home with the intent to sell within 5 years
2. Currently financed with a 30-year fixed mortgage with plans to sell within 5 years
3. Interested in low payments; comfortable with longer-term rate and payment uncertainty
In addition, homeowners with existing ARMs due for adjustment may want to refinance into a new ARM, if only to push the first adjustment date farther into the future.

Before choosing to go with an ARM, speak with Phil Blankstein, our preferred Lender, about how adjustable rate mortgages work, and their near- and long-term risks. Payment savings may be tempting, but with an ARM, payments are permanent.

You can reach Phil at 678-938-7111 or email him at phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, fixed versus adjustable mortgages

Mortgage markets improved last week during a snow- and holiday-thinned series of sessions on Wall Street. Mortgage bonds improved on year-end profit-taking, mostly, leading conforming mortgage rates lower.

Last week marked the first calendar week in which mortgage rates dropped since early-November, a pleasing development for rate shoppers and home buyers. Falling rates means lower monthly mortgage payments.

But don't expect for rates to improve again this week, however. Last week's gains were the result of extremely low trading volume and a close-out of 2010 mortgage bond positions. With markets re-opened for 2011, and Wall Street back at full volume, mortgage rates may resume rising.

There will be a lot of data and information on which for mortgage bonds to trade, too.

The week starts with a growth report from the U.S. manufacturing sector. The Institute for Supply Management's monthly report has shown improvement over 16 straight months, and Monday's report is expected to show the same. Because manufacturing is key in U.S. economy, a stronger-than-expected value could send stock markets higher, and mortgage rates, too.

Then, Tuesday, the Federal Reserve releases the minutes from its December meeting. There won't be policy changes transcribed in the minutes, but Wall Street will scrutinize its pages for clues on the economy. A bullish bias from the Fed will push rates higher. A bearish bias will drag rates lower.
And lastly, Friday, the government will release its Non-Farm Payrolls report for December. This is a major market-mover because of how closely jobs are tied to the economy overall. Plus, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks Friday - another risk to mortgage rates.

The gravity of this week's economic releases and speeches should make shopping for a mortgage difficult. Stay in close touch with us about mortgage rates and how they're moving. There's no promise rates will ever go lower.

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, milton homes for sale, mortgage rates

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.25% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 3.50% Purchase Only

NEW!
Conforming 5/1: 3.125% amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1: 3.25% amortized
HOT PRODUCT Conforming 10/1: 4.00% amortized!!!**
(Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes)

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM =4.000%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO: 5.00%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range= 4.125% - 4.50%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM: 3.125% Qualify at Start Rate

Call Me Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Friday, November 12th, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025, Covenant NMLS# 144774


For More Information Call or Email our Mortgage Man

Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Brought to you by Mike and Melody Vanderhoff

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates, dawsonville homes for sale, lake lanier homes for sale

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.00% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 3.375% Purchase Only

NEW!
Conforming 5/1: 3.00% amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1: 3.375% amortized
HOT PRODUCT Conforming 10/1: 3.875% amortized!!!**
(Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes)

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM =4.125%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO: 4.875%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range= 3.875% - 4.50%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM: 2.875% Qualify at Start Rate

Call Me Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Friday, October 22nd, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025, Covenant NMLS# 144774


For More Information Call or Email

Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates

Labels: cumming homes for sale, lake lanier

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.25% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 3.75% Purchase Only

NEW! Conforming 5/1: 3.25% amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1: 3.50% amortized
HOT PRODUCT Conforming 10/1: 3.875% amortized!!!**
Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM =4.125%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO: 5.125%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range= 4.25% - 5.00%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM: 3.25% Qualify at Start Rate

Call Me Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025, Covenant NMLS# 144774


For More Information Call or Email our preferred Mortgage Planner
Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates

August 23rd, 2010

Mortgage markets stalled last week in back-and-forth trading as Wall Street grappled with weak housing data, falling builder confidence, and worsening jobs numbers nationwide. Because markets were volatile, rate shopping was challenging.

Conforming mortgage rates managed to make a new all-time low last Thursday, but quickly gave up those gains. Most of Friday afternoon was spent in the red and, as a result, for the second straight week, mortgage rates failed to fall overall. But, although last week's action puts a damper on this summer's mortgage rate rally, the Refi Boom is still going strong!

According to Freddie Mac, as compared to April 8 when mortgage rates touched their recent high-point, pricing is hugely improved across 3 popular loan products.
 30-year fixed : Then, 5.21%; Now, 4.42%*
 15-year fixed : Then, 4.52%; Now, 3.90%*
 5-year ARM : Then, 4.25%; Now, 3.56%*
As an example of potential savings, a homeowner with a $250,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage would save $96 per month at today's rates as compared to April's. Over the life of a loan, that's a savings of $34,560!

This week, it's unlikely that the Refi Boom will meet its end, but that doesn't mean you should wait for rates to fall further. Mortgage rates tend to change quickly and without notice, and should rates rise, you may find that you've missed the market bottom. If today's rates appeal to your finances and budget, consider locking something in and moving forward. Call our Mortgage Specialist Today!

Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates, refinance

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.25% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 3.75% Purchase Only

NEW! Conforming 5/1: 3.375% amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1: 3.625% amortized
HOT PRODUCT Conforming 10/1: 4.125% amortized!!!**
Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.625%
7/1 ARM =4.625%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO: 5.25%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range= 4.25% - 5.25%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM: 3.50% Qualify at Start Rate

Call Me Now For More Details!

Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790

*Based on pricing as of Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.

Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025, Covenant NMLS# 144774

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, current mortgage rates, dawsonville homes for sale, low mortgage rates

For the second time this year, the FHA is modifying mortgage insurance. Beginning with FHA case numbers issued on or after October 4, 2010, the FHA is changing its upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium structure.
Under the new terms, assuming a 30-year fixed rate FHA mortgage with at least 5 percent equity:

• Upfront MIP drops to 1.000% of the amount borrowed from 2.250%
• Annual MIP increases to 0.850% of the amount borrowed from 0.500%


What Does This Mean For Homeowners?

This switch in MIP decreases the upfront cost of an FHA-insured mortgage, but increases the loan's long-term costs.

Using a $100,000 mortgage as an example, upfront MIP falls to $1,000 from $2,250; monthly MIP jumps to $70.83 from $41.67. The FHA expects the change will yield an additional $300 million in premiums monthly. The update is a huge win for the FHA whose reserve funds are self-proclaimed to be "perilously low". The extra monies should help recapitalize and stabilize the government group. The FHA is on pace to back 1.7 million loans this year.

For the majority of refinancing FHA homeowners and home buyers, the MIP change is neither good nor bad - the borrowing landscape will just looks a bit different. Yes, loans will cost more to carry each month, but also they'll be less expensive to procure. It's a trade-off and you can apply math formulas to solve for the best time to apply FHA.

If you're unsure of how the new FHA mortgage premiums will impact your mortgage, be sure to call or email your loan officer for help.
PLEASE NOTE : The FHA originally announced an implementation date of September 7.

It was subsequently amended to October 4, 2010.

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, FHA, MIP

Have you considered buying a foreclosure from Fannie Mae?

It can be an intimidating task. You really need to have an experienced agent to help you through it.

You first have to submit a standard purchase contract with your agent. If your bid is accepted, you will receive an addendum to sign that consist of about 13 pages. This addendum supersedes the majority of your purchase contract and can be a bit frighting to review and comprehend. The addendum will give you a 10 day period of time for your due diligence period from notice of acceptance of your offer, not from the actual binding agreement date which will come much later.

Most buyers are fearful that they will spend money for a home inspection and appraisal during this period only to find out that the agreement was not approved by the higher ups that make these final decisions.

It has been our experience that this fear is unwarranted. Every Fannie Mae foreclosure purchase that we have facilitated both on the selling side and the buying side have received the final approval based on the original agreement.

So I would say that it is a safe bet to go ahead and spend the money for the inspection and appraisal prior to final acceptance.

For more information about buying foreclosures call Mike and Melody Vanderhoff.

Labels: alpharetta homes for sale, cumming homes for sale, foreclosures

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.25% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 3.75% Purchase Only

NEW! Conforming 5/1: 3.375% amortized; 3.75% interest only
Conforming 7/1: 3.625% amortized
HOT PRODUCT Conforming 10/1: 4.125% amortized!!!**
Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes

Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM =4.875%
NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO: 5.375%
FHA Loans: *
30-yr Fixed Range= 4.25% - 5.25%
NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM: 3.50% Qualify at Start Rate

Call Me Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z".
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025, Covenant NMLS# 144774


For More Information Call or Email

Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

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Forsyth County Residents, You better leave for work a little earlier today. School is back in session. Watch out for the little ones and be patient in the traffic.

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