Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate

Despite home buyers being advised to issue down payments of at least 20 percent, many home buyers are finding that smaller down payments result in better interest rates—but also higher payments. Rules put in place in late 2008 by Fannie Mae and similar rules adopted by Freddie Mac are less favorable to borrowers who put down 20 percent to 25 percent--partially because the GSEs consider these borrowers to be more of a credit risk since they are not required to purchase private mortgage insurance. According to Fannie Mae, borrowers benefit from this industry practice because they are able to leave themselves a financial cushion by not issuing larger down payments, and can instead save the extra money for emergencies. It is important to note though that smaller down payments mean higher monthly payments because the loan itself will be larger. To read the full story, please click here Message David Hoshaw Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Weichert, Realtors - Hos...

$8,000 for first-time home buyers.(if you have not owned a home for three years or more) The first time buyer tax credit currently scheduled to end Dec 1, 2009 Home buyers could receive the tax credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) only after the tax season or filing an amended return. To provide more incentives for first time home buyers, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled a policy change which will provide the tax credit up-front. According to the new policy, borrowers who avail mortgages from Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders can get advances from lenders in order to meet costs associated with home purchase. This will enable borrowers to receive the tax credit in advance, so they don't have to wait to get the money from the IRS. However, the advance from the lender cannot be used for the 3.5% down payment that borrowers have to make for FHA loans. A typical loan has $6,000 to $8,000 in closing costs, title insurance, and oth...

Getting a good mortgage rate is often a matter of good luck. After a series of increases starting April 30, mortgage rates finally took a dip Monday. It was a welcome surprise for home buyers that went under contract over the weekend. Same for homeowners looking to pull the refinance trigger.Versus mortgage rates on Friday afternoon, many lenders were already showing lower rates Monday morning before a late-afternoon rate sheet reprice even lower. The drop in rates lowered annual mortgage payments by roughly $180 per $100,000 borrowed. Rate dips like this aren't expected, of course, bringing us to the one of the most important axioms of shopping for a mortgage rate: You can't shop for good luck. This is because mortgage rates are inherently unpredictable. * On some days, rates are higher * On some days, rates are lower * On some days, rates are unchanged Occasionally, there are days when rates are all three. Monday's rate dip, though -- while sharp -- may not last. Early t...

The real estate market has been showing signs of life in recent weeks with increases reported in both new- and existing-home sales, as well as pending home sales. Surveys and statistics show that government efforts to lower interest rates, and incentives such as the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers are strong factors in moving buyers off the fence. But, don't forget that the first-time buyer tax credit doesn't last forever. In fact, there are only a few months left for buyers to get under contract in order to close prior to December 1. Now is the time to reach out to take advantage of this powerful incentive and act soon if your a first time buyer who wants to take advantage of the $8,000. tax credit. Seize the opportunity! www.scvrealty.com

FHA 203(K) rehab financing for Purchase and Refinance transactions. This government sponsored rehab program is a perfect for the purchase and rehab of of bank owned properties. FHA 203(k) renovation financing provides homeowners a cost-effective way to live in their dream home. And it gives homebuyers the opportunity to purchase properties in need of improvement. This is accomplished with a permanent mortgage that allows you to purchase or refinance a home and then immediately begin the renovation - all with just one application and one closing. The FHA 203(k) loan is a fully disbursed loan which allows a borrower to purchase or refinance a property and finance the cost of rehabilitation with one loan. Because it is fully disbursed at closing, the 203(k) loan can be insured by HUD as soon as the loan closes. The mortgage amount for these loans is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the renovation. Advantages of FHA 203...

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving weekend, rates are almost at 45 year lows, not seen since August of 2003, when 30 year fixed rates were below 5.0%. I want to give you an update on rates and a couple of changes that are taking place regarding the conforming limits. As to rates, they are still on the downswing…but as we all know…subject to rise quickly should any positive economic news is broadcasted ! One thing we must remember when talking rates is that there are some nice savings on loan fees and your interest rate is improved when your FICO credit score is over 700. These rates today are for borrowers who are A+ rated. 30 year conforming fixed rates (up to $417,000). Currently at 5.25% - 5.375%, although for a couple points, you can have 4.875% (haven’t seen these rates for nearly 5 years!) 30 year conforming/jumbo ($417,001 to $729,750…only until the end of the year). Currently at 5.5% - 5.625%. 15 year fixed rates (up to $417,000). Currently at 4.875% to 5.0% 15 year conformin g...

This government sponsored rehab program is a perfect for the purchase and rehab of of bank owned properties. FHA 203(k) renovation financing provides homeowners a cost-effective way to live in their dream home. And it gives homebuyers the opportunity to purchase properties in need of improvement. This is accomplished with a permanent mortgage that allows your client to purchase or refinance a home and then immediately begin the renovation - all with just one application and one closing. The FHA 203(k) loan is a fully disbursed loan which allows a borrower to purchase or refinance a property and finance the cost of rehabilitation with one loan. Because it is fully disbursed at closing, the 203(k) loan can be insured by HUD as soon as the loan closes. The mortgage amount for these loans is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the renovation. Advantages of FHA 203(k) Rehab Financing: More money to work with. The amount your...

Get to know FHA, it's going to be a good friend of the real estate recovery for buyers and sellers. FHA loans can do many things that conventioanal loans cannot. Let's start by dispelling some of the myths that I keep hearing. Myth #1-- FHA loans are harder to get done then conventional. Actually, it is the opposite. In most cases, FHA has more lenient restrictions then conventional. Here are some examples: Only 3.5% down required Entire down can be a gift Can lend to a 55% expense ratio no reserves are required Seller can pay 6.0% credit towards ALL costs (not downpayment ) due at closing Lower credit score requirements You can add as many coborrowers as you need to make a deal work. Myth #2-- FHA is slow. It is true that they can't be rushed that fast, but they are not slow. I can have a lender approval for you within a day of taking the loan application. The file won't need a second signature, or to be passed around for different departments to review. Myth...