Rates have plunged this morning in response to an announcement by the Federal Reserve that it is initiating programs to purchase mortgage-backed securities backed by government-sponsored enterprises and direct obligations of the GSEs.
The Fed said that it would purchase up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities beginning before year's end, and up to $100 billion of direct obligations of the GSEs beginning next week. The Fed said that the actions were taken "to reduce the cost and increase the availability of credit for the purchase of houses, which in turn should support housing markets and foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally. The Fed's $500 billion in MBS purchases will far exceed the roughly $50 billion of MBS the Treasury has thus far purchased through its MBS purchase program. The $100 billion of agency purchases represent about 5% of the debentures outstanding for Fannie, Freddie, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
We don't know yet how it is that the Fed will finance its $600 billion of purchases. What we do know is that it can't do it with its current Treasury holdings, which total a comparatively smaller $489 billion, a level that has persisted for about 6 months. In other words, the Fed is unlikely to draw down its Treasuries much if at all in order to pay for its planned $600 billion of purchases. The Fed will instead expand its balance sheet and its actions will boost the amount of bank reserves, a powerful act that will ultimately fuel an expansion of bank credit. The downside to these actions is its potential impact on the value of the U.S. dollar, which could fall if investors believe the U.S. is creating excessive supplies of dollars.
Oddly, Treasury yields have fallen despite gains in equities and improvements in the credit markets. The Treasury rally is related to the rally in the mortgage market. When mortgage rates fall, mortgages are prepaid faster because an increasing number of people refinance their homes and there is usually some relative improvement in home purchase activity.
This means that holders of mortgage securities will be paid back faster, a situation that results in more cash in the hands of portfolio managers who would rather maintain a steady level of average maturities in their portfolios. To recalibrate their portfolios, portfolio managers purchase Treasuries to boost their average maturity levels.
CNBC http://www.cnbc.com/id/27908660
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Learn how The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit works
Got an Hour…..Come join an expert
David B. Tuck
Licensed Tax Consultant
IRS Enrolled Agent
QuickBooks ProAdvisor
For an informative and free session highlighting:
· Who qualifies and what property is eligible?
· what are the income limits and purchase dates?
· how does it work ?
· What's the difference between a tax credit and zero down?
· What's the repayment amount
· Much more and room for questions!
Compliment Wine and Cheese provided
When: Tuesday November 18th 4:30pm
Where: The Park Towers 13115 NE Fourth St #123 Vancouver, WA 98664
Please RSVP by Friday November 14th
Call Will Amorin @ 360-931-0584
David B. Tuck
Licensed Tax Consultant
IRS Enrolled Agent
QuickBooks ProAdvisor
For an informative and free session highlighting:
· Who qualifies and what property is eligible?
· what are the income limits and purchase dates?
· how does it work ?
· What's the difference between a tax credit and zero down?
· What's the repayment amount
· Much more and room for questions!
Compliment Wine and Cheese provided
When: Tuesday November 18th 4:30pm
Where: The Park Towers 13115 NE Fourth St #123 Vancouver, WA 98664
Please RSVP by Friday November 14th
Call Will Amorin @ 360-931-0584
Monday, November 10, 2008
Loan Modifications
A Loan Modification is a permanent change in one or more of the terms of a mortgagor's loan, allows the loan to be reinstated, and results in a payment the mortgagor can afford.
Question 1: In utilizing the Loan Modification option to bring an asset current, can the mortgagee include all fees and corporate advances?
Answer: Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states in part: Legal fees and related foreclosure costs for work actually completed and applicable to the current default episode may be capitalized into the modified principal balance.
Question 2: May a mortgagee perform an interior inspection of the property if they have concerns about property condition?
Answer: Yes, the mortgagee may conduct any review it deems necessary to verify that the property has no physical conditions which adversely impact the mortgagor's continued ability to support the modified mortgage payment.
Question 3: Can a mortgagee include late charges in the Loan Modification?
Answer: Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states that accrued late charges should be waived by the mortgagee at the time of the Loan Modification.
Question 4: When utilizing a Loan Modification option, can a mortgagee capitalize an escrow advance for Homeowner's Association fees?
Answer: HUD Handbook 4330.1 REV-5, Paragraph 2-1, Section B, Escrow Obligations states: Mortgagees must also escrow funds for those items which, if not paid, would create liens on the property positioned ahead of the FHA-insured mortgage.
Question 5: Is there a new basis interest rate which mortgagees may assess when completing a Loan Modification?
Answer: Yes, Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states that the new basis interest rate is 200 points above the monthly average yield on U.S. Treasury Securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of 10 years.
Question 6: Will HUD subordinate a Partial Claim, should a mortgagor subsequently default and qualify for a Loan Modification?
Answer: If a mortgagor subsequently defaults and qualifies for a Loan Modification, HUD will subordinate the Partial Claim.
Question 7: Are mortgagees required to perform an escrow analysis when completing a Loan Modification?
Answer: Yes, mortgagees are to perform a retroactive escrow analysis at the time the Loan Modification to ensure that the delinquent payments being capitalized reflect the actual escrow requirements required for those months capitalized.
Question 8: Is the mortgagor eligible for the upfront premium refund at payoff of a modified loan?
Answer: It depends upon when the closing date occurred. For assets closed:
After July 1, 1991 but before January 1, 2001, the 7-year unearned premium refund schedule shown in Mortgagee Letter 1994-1 remains in effect,
On or after January 1, 2001 that are subsequently refinanced, the 5-year refund schedule shown in the attachment of Mortgagee Letter 2000-46 applies, or
On or after December 8, 2004, refunds of upfront MIP are eliminated except, when the mortgagor refinances to another FHA insured mortgage. The refund schedule attached to Mortgagee Letter 2005-03 has been modified to a 3-year period.
Question 9: Can a mortgagee qualify an asset for the Loan Modification option when the mortgagor is unemployed, the spouse is employed, but the spouse name is not on the mortgage?
Answer: Based upon this scenario, the mortgagee should conduct a financial review of the household income and expenses to determine if surplus income is sufficient to meet the new modified mortgage payment, but insufficient to pay back the arrearage. Once this process has been completed the mortgagee should then consult with their legal counsel to determine if the asset is eligible for a Loan Modification since the spouse is not on the original mortgage.
This information was provide directly from HUD. For more information - please refer to the link provided.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/nsc/faqlm.cfm
Question 1: In utilizing the Loan Modification option to bring an asset current, can the mortgagee include all fees and corporate advances?
Answer: Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states in part: Legal fees and related foreclosure costs for work actually completed and applicable to the current default episode may be capitalized into the modified principal balance.
Question 2: May a mortgagee perform an interior inspection of the property if they have concerns about property condition?
Answer: Yes, the mortgagee may conduct any review it deems necessary to verify that the property has no physical conditions which adversely impact the mortgagor's continued ability to support the modified mortgage payment.
Question 3: Can a mortgagee include late charges in the Loan Modification?
Answer: Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states that accrued late charges should be waived by the mortgagee at the time of the Loan Modification.
Question 4: When utilizing a Loan Modification option, can a mortgagee capitalize an escrow advance for Homeowner's Association fees?
Answer: HUD Handbook 4330.1 REV-5, Paragraph 2-1, Section B, Escrow Obligations states: Mortgagees must also escrow funds for those items which, if not paid, would create liens on the property positioned ahead of the FHA-insured mortgage.
Question 5: Is there a new basis interest rate which mortgagees may assess when completing a Loan Modification?
Answer: Yes, Mortgagee Letter 2008-21 states that the new basis interest rate is 200 points above the monthly average yield on U.S. Treasury Securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of 10 years.
Question 6: Will HUD subordinate a Partial Claim, should a mortgagor subsequently default and qualify for a Loan Modification?
Answer: If a mortgagor subsequently defaults and qualifies for a Loan Modification, HUD will subordinate the Partial Claim.
Question 7: Are mortgagees required to perform an escrow analysis when completing a Loan Modification?
Answer: Yes, mortgagees are to perform a retroactive escrow analysis at the time the Loan Modification to ensure that the delinquent payments being capitalized reflect the actual escrow requirements required for those months capitalized.
Question 8: Is the mortgagor eligible for the upfront premium refund at payoff of a modified loan?
Answer: It depends upon when the closing date occurred. For assets closed:
After July 1, 1991 but before January 1, 2001, the 7-year unearned premium refund schedule shown in Mortgagee Letter 1994-1 remains in effect,
On or after January 1, 2001 that are subsequently refinanced, the 5-year refund schedule shown in the attachment of Mortgagee Letter 2000-46 applies, or
On or after December 8, 2004, refunds of upfront MIP are eliminated except, when the mortgagor refinances to another FHA insured mortgage. The refund schedule attached to Mortgagee Letter 2005-03 has been modified to a 3-year period.
Question 9: Can a mortgagee qualify an asset for the Loan Modification option when the mortgagor is unemployed, the spouse is employed, but the spouse name is not on the mortgage?
Answer: Based upon this scenario, the mortgagee should conduct a financial review of the household income and expenses to determine if surplus income is sufficient to meet the new modified mortgage payment, but insufficient to pay back the arrearage. Once this process has been completed the mortgagee should then consult with their legal counsel to determine if the asset is eligible for a Loan Modification since the spouse is not on the original mortgage.
This information was provide directly from HUD. For more information - please refer to the link provided.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/nsc/faqlm.cfm
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
An FHA Program Allows You To Buy A Foreclose Home That Has Damage And Come Out On Top
Did you know that you can know purchase a home that has been damaged and recieve up to $35,000 addtional for repairs!??
Through FHA - a program called 203K Rehab Loan will allow you to purchase a home that is in foreclosure and has been damaged, whether it's minor or serious. It will allow you to borrow up to $35,000 in additional funds to repair the damaged home. Here's how it works, directly from HUD.
Eligible Property
"The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer's credit approved. These lenders fund the mortgage loans which the Department insures. HUD does not make direct loans to help people buy homes.
The Section 203(k) program is the Department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. Since these are the primary goals of HUD, the Department believes that Section 203(k) is an important program and we intend to continue to strongly support the program and the lenders that participate in it.
Many lenders have successfully used the Section 203(k) program in partnership with state and local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate properties. These lenders, along with state and local government agencies, have found ways to combine Section 203(k) with other financial resources, such as HUD's HOME, HOPE, and Community Development Block Grant Programs, to assist borrowers. Several state housing finance agencies have designed programs, specifically for use with Section 203(k) and some lenders have also used the expertise of local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help manage the rehabilitation processing.
The Department also believes that the Section 203(k) program is an excellent means for lenders to demonstrate their commitment to lending in lower income communities and to help meet their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). HUD is committed to increasing homeownership opportunities for families in these communities and Section 203(k) is an excellent product for use with CRA-type lending programs.
If you have questions about the 203(k) program or are interested in getting a 203(k) insured mortgage loan, we suggest that you get in touch with an FHA-approved lender in your area or the Homeownership Center in your area.Introduction
Section 10 1 (c) (1) of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 (Public Law 95557) amends Section 203(k) of the National Housing Act (NHA). The objective of the revision is to enable HUD to promote and facilitate the restoration and preservation of the Nation's existing housing stock. The provisions of Section 203(k) are located in Chapter II of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations under Section 203.50 and Sections 203.440 through 203.494. Program instructions are in HUD Handbook 4240-4. HUD Handbooks may be ordered online from The HUD Compendium or from HUDCLIPS. 203(k) - How It Is Different
Most mortgage financing plans provide only permanent financing. That is, the lender will not usually close the loan and release the mortgage proceeds unless the condition and value of the property provide adequate loan security. When rehabilitation is involved, this means that a lender typically requires the improvements to be finished before a long-term mortgage is made.
When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods. The Section 203(k) program was designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. To provide funds for the rehabilitation, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the work. To minimize the risk to the mortgage lender, the mortgage loan (the maximum allowable amount) is eligible for endorsement by HUD as soon as the mortgage proceeds are disbursed and a rehabilitation escrow account is established. At this point the lender has a fully-insured mortgage loan.Eligible Property
To be eligible, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to the provisions of local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible.
Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place.
In addition to typical home rehabilitation projects, this program can be used to convert a one-family dwelling to a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling. An existing multi-unit dwelling could be decreased to a one- to four-family unit.
An existing house (or modular unit) on another site can be moved onto the mortgaged property; however, release of loan proceeds for the existing structure on the non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been properly inspected and the dwelling has been properly placed and secured to the new foundation.
A 203(k) mortgage may be originated on a "mixed use" residential property provided: (1) The property has no greater than 25 percent (for a one story building); 33 percent (for a three story building); and 49 percent (for a two story building) of its floor area used for commercial (storefront) purposes; (2) the commercial use will not affect the health and safety of the occupants of the residential property; and (3) the rehabilitation funds will only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property."
How the Program Can Be Used
"This program can be used to accomplish rehabilitation and/or improvement of an existing one-to-four unit dwelling in one of three ways:
To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it.
To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation on the mortgaged property and rehabilitate it.
To refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate such a dwelling.
To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it, and to refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate such a dwelling, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property and the loan proceeds (other than rehabilitation funds) must be available before the rehabilitation begins.
To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation and rehabilitate it, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property; however, loan proceeds for the moving of the house cannot be made available until the unit is attached to the new foundation."
For more information please feel free to contact me or refer to this site http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm
Through FHA - a program called 203K Rehab Loan will allow you to purchase a home that is in foreclosure and has been damaged, whether it's minor or serious. It will allow you to borrow up to $35,000 in additional funds to repair the damaged home. Here's how it works, directly from HUD.
Eligible Property
"The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer's credit approved. These lenders fund the mortgage loans which the Department insures. HUD does not make direct loans to help people buy homes.
The Section 203(k) program is the Department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. Since these are the primary goals of HUD, the Department believes that Section 203(k) is an important program and we intend to continue to strongly support the program and the lenders that participate in it.
Many lenders have successfully used the Section 203(k) program in partnership with state and local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate properties. These lenders, along with state and local government agencies, have found ways to combine Section 203(k) with other financial resources, such as HUD's HOME, HOPE, and Community Development Block Grant Programs, to assist borrowers. Several state housing finance agencies have designed programs, specifically for use with Section 203(k) and some lenders have also used the expertise of local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help manage the rehabilitation processing.
The Department also believes that the Section 203(k) program is an excellent means for lenders to demonstrate their commitment to lending in lower income communities and to help meet their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). HUD is committed to increasing homeownership opportunities for families in these communities and Section 203(k) is an excellent product for use with CRA-type lending programs.
If you have questions about the 203(k) program or are interested in getting a 203(k) insured mortgage loan, we suggest that you get in touch with an FHA-approved lender in your area or the Homeownership Center in your area.Introduction
Section 10 1 (c) (1) of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 (Public Law 95557) amends Section 203(k) of the National Housing Act (NHA). The objective of the revision is to enable HUD to promote and facilitate the restoration and preservation of the Nation's existing housing stock. The provisions of Section 203(k) are located in Chapter II of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations under Section 203.50 and Sections 203.440 through 203.494. Program instructions are in HUD Handbook 4240-4. HUD Handbooks may be ordered online from The HUD Compendium or from HUDCLIPS. 203(k) - How It Is Different
Most mortgage financing plans provide only permanent financing. That is, the lender will not usually close the loan and release the mortgage proceeds unless the condition and value of the property provide adequate loan security. When rehabilitation is involved, this means that a lender typically requires the improvements to be finished before a long-term mortgage is made.
When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods. The Section 203(k) program was designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. To provide funds for the rehabilitation, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the work. To minimize the risk to the mortgage lender, the mortgage loan (the maximum allowable amount) is eligible for endorsement by HUD as soon as the mortgage proceeds are disbursed and a rehabilitation escrow account is established. At this point the lender has a fully-insured mortgage loan.Eligible Property
To be eligible, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to the provisions of local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible.
Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place.
In addition to typical home rehabilitation projects, this program can be used to convert a one-family dwelling to a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling. An existing multi-unit dwelling could be decreased to a one- to four-family unit.
An existing house (or modular unit) on another site can be moved onto the mortgaged property; however, release of loan proceeds for the existing structure on the non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been properly inspected and the dwelling has been properly placed and secured to the new foundation.
A 203(k) mortgage may be originated on a "mixed use" residential property provided: (1) The property has no greater than 25 percent (for a one story building); 33 percent (for a three story building); and 49 percent (for a two story building) of its floor area used for commercial (storefront) purposes; (2) the commercial use will not affect the health and safety of the occupants of the residential property; and (3) the rehabilitation funds will only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property."
How the Program Can Be Used
"This program can be used to accomplish rehabilitation and/or improvement of an existing one-to-four unit dwelling in one of three ways:
To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it.
To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation on the mortgaged property and rehabilitate it.
To refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate such a dwelling.
To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it, and to refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate such a dwelling, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property and the loan proceeds (other than rehabilitation funds) must be available before the rehabilitation begins.
To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation and rehabilitate it, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property; however, loan proceeds for the moving of the house cannot be made available until the unit is attached to the new foundation."
For more information please feel free to contact me or refer to this site http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Dollar Gains Against Euro After Obama's Victory
This evening history was made! Whether you voted Democrat or Republican history was made tonight in one of the most emotional events I've ever seen out of an inauguration of a new President. This much needed change has created a aura of joy and confidence back into America and it's a change that can already be seen all over the internet. Here we are, not even an hour after President Elect Obama has made his speech and we're already seeing a turn around in the Japans Nikkei market which is currently up 264 points. This is going to cause good things to happen tomorrow - expect a soar in stock prices a much stronger dollar (which just moments ago gained strength against the Euro!!) and lower interest rates!
I'd like to hear your feed back on the current President Elect Obama and how this will affect our future?
I'd like to hear your feed back on the current President Elect Obama and how this will affect our future?
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