Monday, March 30, 2015

Are Pre-approvals still necessary in this housing market?


There seems to misconceptions about Pre-approvals. Are they necessary?  How much will they cost me?   Pre-approvals are an essential first step in the home buying process where borrowers provide proof of their income and assets, such as bank account statements, W2s, and pay stubs to a Loan Officer. Loan Officers then issue a pre-approval letter that will let buyers know how much house they can afford.  Pre-approvals take in account any additional closing and settlement costs, down payments, and potential out of pocket expenses so borrowers know how much the loan will cost them at the closing table as well as each subsequent month. While numerous online calculators give a general idea of how much a buyer can afford, they can never take the place of an actual Loan Officer that understands the underwriting process and how those assumptions and calculations can be used during the loan process.  There is no cost to the borrower to get a pre-approval.

Time is of the essence for most Real Estate agents and sellers.  Many of them require buyers to produce pre-approval letters before showing them a home. They do not want to spend their time and efforts on someone who cannot afford to buy their listing.   Buyers feels the same way when setting up showings and driving around to various Open Houses on the weekends.  Pre-approvals make sure both parties are on the same wavelength.  The pre-approval process can save borrowers valuable time, frustration, as well as some gas money! Pre-approvals are a win/win for everyone involved.   

Some Real Estate professionals might ask for next step up from a pre-approval, called a TBD (Property To Be Determined).    Lord Mortgage is able to provide a TBD which is a fully underwritten loan.  If borrowers want this level of buying power, they need to go through the underwriting process which is a more in-depth income and asset verification.   When Real Estate and sellers consider numerous offers on their listing, the fact someone has already received a pre-approval or TBD will definitely factor into their decision.  Remember, there is no-cost to get a pre-approval and it can actually end up paying dividends for time invested at the beginning of the home buying process. 

Friday, March 27, 2015

Time to Reconsider Home Ownership as Rents continue to Rise

You might have done the math a few years ago and decided it would be financially prudent to stay in your apartment until your next big raise.  Unfortunately, Zillow reports that the average renter spent $312 more in rent in 2014 than 2013.  “Over the past 14 years, rents have grown at twice the pace of income due to weak income growth, burgeoning rental demand, and insufficient growth in the supply of rental housing,” said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries.  He also predicts that rents will rise even faster than home values, meaning another increase in total rent paid this year. 

With rents on the rise again, it might be the time to save up a down payment and make the switch.  Use this free Rent v Own online calculator to determine what is best for your situation: http://www.lordmortgage.com/#!rent-vs-own-calculator/coop

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Low Mortgage Rates will help balance housing market 

~ and keep Spring home buyers happy 

March 24, 2015



Lower mortgage rates will help buyers looking for homes this Spring.  Despite all the 2014 news about surplus in homes for sale, Realtor.com reports that going into January, there were 9% fewer homes on the market than the year before.  In fact, Spring buyers are faced rising home pricing and decreased inventory.  However, the good news is lower mortgage rates will help offset some of those recent increases in house prices and keep the homebuyer affordability high.  Leonard Kiefer, the deputy chief economist at Freddie Mac, also predicts that mortgage rates will not be increasing much in 2015 and remains optimistic about the course of domestic U.S. economy over the next year.
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Spring 2015
lower rates
mortgage rate prediction