Want to drop your private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments like a pair of cheap sunglasses? Don’t know where to start?
Look, when interest rates were moving lower and property values were moving higher, the headache of canceling PMI took a back seat. And why not? In that climate, homeowners typically just refinanced and both dropped PMI and got a lower rate.
But when interest rates move higher and home values flatten or even go lower, many owners strive to preserve their great mortgage rates and focus on getting rid of that extra monthly insurance payment through cancellation.
Whether borrower-requested, lender-required or value driven, let’s rock all the ways you can eliminate PMI!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Even though it seems like there’s been nothin’ but a whole lotta interest rate hikes in 2022, thankfully FHA borrowers, including first-time homebuyers, will see an increase to the FHA loan limit in 2023.
This means that where the one-unit conforming limit was $420,680 in 2022, it will become $472,030 in 2023. That puts a house purchase of nearly $490,000 into range with FHA’s lowest down payment requirement of 3.5%.
And in high-cost (aka high balance) metropolitan statistical areas like much of CA, NY and other housing-expensive counties, you will see the FHA limit go from $970,800 all the way up to $1,089,300. And that means that the maximum purchase price with the minimum down payment approaches $1,129,000 in those counties!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Looking to purchase or refinance a home for your elderly parents who wouldn’t otherwise be able to obtain a mortgage on their own?
Looking to assist a disabled or special needs adult child with housing or his/her own?
Or how about putting a college-bound child into off-campus housing that you decide to purchase?
All of these are both common scenarios and often difficult ones as viewed by the inflexible guidelines in the mortgage industry. Until now…
The Family Opportunity Mortgage can be a great way to thread the needle of otherwise detrimental occupancy requirements for primary homes, second or vacation homes and investment/rental homes. And if used in the right situation, the Family Opportunity loan will often permit you to obtain lower rates and lower down payment requirements.
So, let’s get so low in the weeds like sisters Anne and Nancy Wilson of Heart and ambush this beneficial mortgage program today!
Grateful to know about the Family Opportunity loan? Give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Nope, nope and nope. None of these are the #1 question we get before a prospective borrower makes an application for a pre-approval. So what is the most asked question?
“Will making a mortgage application hurt my FICO score?”
Yep, that’s it. That’s the one that keeps some otherwise strong and qualifiable buyers on the sidelines and paralyzed by the irrational fear that simply by having a lender make a hard credit inquiry, and access their Equifax, Experian and Transunion scores, that they will somehow see their excellent credit rating vanish in the face of that lone (or multiple) inquiry.
So, let’s walk around all day long and have a little bit of fun busting the myths about credit scores, credit inquiries and mortgage applications.
Need some solid advice about mortgages and credit scores? Give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
It’s a sobering fact that nearly 50% of married couples will decide to go their separate ways each year. But what happens when there’s jointly owned real estate involved? And what if that home has a mortgage on it as well? What’s the process for one spouse “buying out” the other and how can any couple best plan for this division?
Obviously, a marital separation is stressful enough. The short video below aims to make it a little less so, at least when it comes to understanding the home loan options. Oh, and we rock some Frontiers-era Journey while we’re at it…
Ready to take a journey with us and rock the divorce buyout process? Please give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Back in the ’70’s, Edgar Winter extolled the virtues of taking a free ride. But since that time and especially when it comes to transactions in the financial world, most of us have been conditioned to know that nothing’s ever free.
So how does this square with the concept of a “no cost” refinance? We hear about these all the time and our clients ask for them. How does the no-cost strategy work and can it offer real benefit in the right situation? We cover all these timeless questions in this short, fun, rockin’ video:
Decided to take a free ride by my side? Please give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
This week, I’m covering the basics of cash out refinances, because as rates begin to rise, cash out refinances still offer value to homeowners (where “rate and term” refinances begin to make a less compelling case). Also, we put a fun spin on the ’80’s hit “Money for Nothing,” because while cash out refinances may offer a really cost-effective way to do home improvement, finance a large purchase or permit consolidation of higher-interest rate debts, the money isn’t free. Even if you know how to play the guitar…So come rock ‘n’ roll with me on a short, fun and educational review of the basics of a cash-out refinance:
Enjoyed today’s journey? Please give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
As a teenager in the ’80’s, our dilemmas were a little simpler — should I stay or should I go? — for instance. But today’s homeowner faces some additional complexities, especially when it comes to deciding the best way to finance a home renovation or other large purchase.
Using the equity in one’s home has always been an enticing way to cost-effectively confront large-ticket expenses, but what’s the best way to convert that equity into cash? Should you get a home equity line of credit (a “HELOC”) or should you do a cash-out refinance? We get this question so frequently that I created a short video to cover the basics and have a little fun with one of the most iconic punk tunes of the era:
Decided to stay? Please give me a like or subscribe on YouTube!
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
My wife likes to joke that all I do for my job is talk to people. “I hear you in there yucking it up all day…” So maybe there is always an element of the truth in jest, but an aspect of these conversations that she does not take into consideration is the near-constant battle I fight fending deals from The Four Horsemen; Delay, Indecision, Unfounded Expertise and The Unreasonable Pursuit of Perfection. When these vigilantes appear over the horizon of any real estate transaction, having a powerful defense can turn them away and save even the most vulnerable purchase or refinance.
The enemies of our real estate transactions can be real persons; buyers, sellers, family members, agents, lenders, underwriters, appraisers — you name it. But also, and more often, the real villains can be the thoughts and actions (or inactions) of those same parties. When this is the case, I have observed over my career that the destructive forces loosely fall into four categories:
Delay
There it is in black and white, written into our contracts: “Time is of the essence…” Delay, intentional or head-in-the-clouds inadvertent, is a huge risk to all real estate transactions. Providing necessary documents or signatures a day (or a week…) late may seem like no big deal at the time, but the real estate clock is always ticking. In a sales capacity, we walk a fine line. Trust us, we don’t want to be pushy. But you know what we want even less than being a backbreaker? The conversation about the additional costs incurred due to the seemingly innocuous delay you introduced when you thought you had all the time in the world. Oh, and those dates written into your contract? The ones by which you must perform? You may have gotten lucky before and you may get lucky again, but know that eventually your roulette game of missing contractual dates will land upon a counterparty reaper who will cut you no slack. And when the bell tolls that time, it will toll for thee.
Indecision
Teddy Roosevelt famously said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing. And the worst thing you can do is nothing.” I would agree that when you engage in the serious business of real estate buying, selling or refinancing, you should do so with a firm understanding that you WILL be required to make important decisions. Yes, you can entrust your agents to help, but you cannot stay on the white picket fence forever. A trait I’ve noticed among my most successful clients? Resolve. When decisions are made, they are made AND done. Progress can then be made from that point. But to not decide, you must delay and if you do, you will hear the hooves of the Horsemen just the same.
Expertise, Unfounded
The internet is a wonderful thing. But as I write this today, there are otherwise smart people who, in the middle of a global pandemic that’s killed 600K+ Americans to date, are taking medications their very own doctors would implore them not to take. If some of our clients would be willing to bet their own health they can outsmart their medical doctors do we seriously think, for a minute, that they’re not also “doing their research” about their transaction, their property and their loan? Now, I am all for seeking an education on all matters important. Knowledge gained in this manner has the benefit of making one conversant with the pros — it allows us to communicate at a higher level and this, in turn, earns us respect and benefits us with the return of more precise answers. But I could read a thousand web pages about replacing my water heater. I could watch a hundred videos on how to do it. Yet make no mistake that if I attempted to actually perform the replacement I would be at great risk of making mistakes and getting in well over my head the instant something didn’t go to plan. Because the simple fact is, unless and until I have performed dozens and maybe hundreds of water heater replacements, the seasoned plumber is the guy/gal with the right training, the right tools, the right tricks, the right intuition and the right finishing touches. OK, you say, “I’ve hired a pro but I don’t really trust that person.” Sorry, but the burden is still on you. Make another and a better decision. Without delay.
The Unreasonable Pursuit of Perfection
It is my opinion that if you asked any sizeable group of even the very best real estate professionals what percentage of all of their deals go absolutely perfectly, the number would be very small. Sure, you’d get some sporadic total success stories, but the vast majority of closed deals would have instead come with their expected twists and turns, drama and excitement. Because real estate transactions are inherently complex, it’s important to embrace an attitude of “controlling what you can control” and being flexible in the face of the factors you cannot control. Buyer, sellers and homeowners who have an unreasonable expectation of perfection or who demand that the universe bends to their will are often setting themselves up for failure. Sure, we should all strive for the best and we should make every effort to promote that outcome, but when things do not go our way, most often it is not personal. It is also not the end of the earth. Can we adapt, adjust our sails and keep the greater goals intact? If we can avoid letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, almost always the answer is, “Yes!”
If you are a consumer looking to buy, sell or refinance real estate, there are many, worthwhile steps you can take to help your cause. There are also a few surefire methods of self-sabotage, as above. The best of us professionals work to impart our knowledge and experience to achieve the outcome for which we are hired and if you one day hear something along the lines of, “I understand that’s what you’ve heard or read, but that’s not the way this will play out and it’s time to decide what you’d like to do, even if it doesn’t seem entirely ideal…” This is not some long-winded way to hear ourselves talk for the better part of the day, but instead to send a concise signal to the sixteen galloping hooves that they are not welcome here and it’s time for them to turn back. You may not hear them, but we do.
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
Despite some recent setbacks that see COVID cases increasing, many of us are optimistic that vaccination rates will continue to go up and all of America will eventually commit to getting the worst of the virus behind us once and for all. There is no doubt that as we headed into the summer, we could feel the economy coming back on line and the country getting back to work. Sure the recovery has been uneven, but compared to the uniform bleakness of last summer, there could only be reason for hope this time around.
Not surprisingly, the progress we’re seeing in the general economy has carried over to what we’re seeing in the mortgage industry — many homeowners who took advantage of COVID forbearance and payment deferral plans are now back to work, back on their feet, seeing those arrangements draw to a close and contemplating their best options for long-term, future financing. This happens to coincide with an ongoing low rate environment, and that has opened the door to a refinance for a good percentage of owners. But wait… If a borrower has had a recent forbearance or deferral, and has a jumbo loan, can he or she even refi at all?
The answer is “Yes!” But if you have had a forbearance or deferral plan, you have a jumbo loan and you are out there researching a refinance, you are very likely going to get some conflicting information. A key thing to remember is that not all jumbo lenders are created. Because they are not required to follow the “Agency” guidelines, that is, the rulebook that governs conforming loans as dictated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, jumbo mortgage lenders will have different demands for refinancing post-COVID. Here’s what we’re seeing for the most lenient of our investors:
Repayment Plan
The homeowner must have completed the full repayment plan or made at least three consecutive timely payments (and not missed any other payments under the program).
Payment Deferral
The homeowner must have made at least three consecutive timely payments following the effective date of the deferral agreement.
Modification Trial Payment Plan
The homeowner must have completed the trial payment plan.
If you are in doubt about whether or not you will meet the requirements above, get in touch and we can figure it out — often without any credit checks or exchange of any other personal documents. From there, if a refinance looks promising, the process is IDENTICAL to the one employed by a borrower who has not gone through any sort of hardship plan. We understand the nature of these inquiries and the place from which they stem. If you need a hand with your scenario, extend yours to us today.
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
