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The new rules of mortgage lending

Current mortgage rates and changes in loan underwriting standards have led some borrowers to make mistakes when applying for a mortgage loan. One old adage that many borrowers fall into is not paying up-front points. In previous real estate cycles, paying one percentage point was equivalent to shaving off approximately a quarter of a percentage point of interest. In today’s market, one percentage point can lower the interest rate by as much as 1 percent, changing a 6 percent interest rate into one that is 5 percent.

Another common mistake some borrowers make is not locking in an interest rate, especially when the rates are at historic lows, as they are currently. Many borrowers believe that if a favorable rate is available this week, a lower one will likely be offered next week. Mortgage experts advise clients to lock in a rate if the numbers work and not try to wait for a better rate that may not come.
For details on financing and real estate deals in Los Angeles County, contact me directly at david@scvrealty.com or 661-312-1579
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