New Rules to improve Good Faith Estimates for Mortgages
On Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 there will be a new set of rules for lenders and brokers. These rules clarify, standardize the way estimates are provided for the cost of getting a new loan. and they set limits on how much those estimates can change prior to signing. In the past, it was too easy for an unscrupulous broker to provide a low estimate then up the charges as the client moved thru the process. The new rules will provide more data up front - which in some ways may be more confusing, but if the client asks lots of questions, it will help them make better purchasing decisions. If you have questions, give us a call at 916-799-4336 or visit our website at http://www.neighborlyfinancial.com/
Sorry for the absences with my blogs...... I'm back on track.....
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Does Locking a loan make sense?
Normally, I would say yes in almost every situation - except now. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First, lenders are backed up with huge volumes of re-fi's right now. To complete a refinance takes anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
Second, as you look at the premiums to lock - it gets very expensive to lock a loan for 45 or 60 days.
Third, with the government saying it is committed to keeping rates low for some time to come, it might be safe to assume the recent run up in rates is only temporary. This assumption is the key. If the government truely is committed to getting housing back on its feet, then we can expect rates to come back down.
So with all this, why would you pay a big premium to lock a loan, only to find out rates are coming back down?
Of course if you are looking to refi right now, and are in no rush, my advice is to sit tight, get the paperwork ready, and wait a week or two.
If you'd like to discuss it further, you can find my contact info at www.neighborlyfinancial.com.
Normally, I would say yes in almost every situation - except now. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First, lenders are backed up with huge volumes of re-fi's right now. To complete a refinance takes anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
Second, as you look at the premiums to lock - it gets very expensive to lock a loan for 45 or 60 days.
Third, with the government saying it is committed to keeping rates low for some time to come, it might be safe to assume the recent run up in rates is only temporary. This assumption is the key. If the government truely is committed to getting housing back on its feet, then we can expect rates to come back down.
So with all this, why would you pay a big premium to lock a loan, only to find out rates are coming back down?
Of course if you are looking to refi right now, and are in no rush, my advice is to sit tight, get the paperwork ready, and wait a week or two.
If you'd like to discuss it further, you can find my contact info at www.neighborlyfinancial.com.
Friday, May 22, 2009
new appraisal rules
One more thing about keeping busy the last few weeks. Appraisals. We have been spending a lot of time working on the new appraisal process for clients. Effective May 1, new appraisal rules went into effect, as a result of new federal guidelines. These new rules effectively transfer control of the appriasal process from the borrower to the lender. Banks are now responsible for selecting the appraisers that are used to value your house - not entirely bad, given the large number of bogus appraisals in the past, but it does create a great deal of uncertainty and frustration for buyers in a market that is akin to walking on quicksand.
If you are going for a refi, be aware that appraisals will be much more conservative, and that any appeal to the process will be frustrating and potentially expensive. There are new fees for appraisals and it is usually expected to pay up-front.
If you are going for a refi, be aware that appraisals will be much more conservative, and that any appeal to the process will be frustrating and potentially expensive. There are new fees for appraisals and it is usually expected to pay up-front.
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