Tag Archives: Updated Interest Rates

Loan Assumptions are an Alternative..something to consider if you are in the market for a home.

17 Monday Jul 2017

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FHA VA Assumption.png

In the late 80’s, both FHA and VA began requiring buyers to qualify to assume their mortgages. The main reason there haven’t been many assumptions in the past 25 years is that interest rates have been steadily going down and if a person has to qualify, they might as well do it on a new loan and get a lower interest rate.

Based on projections by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the MBA and NAR, rates for the second half of 2017 and 2018 are expected to be higher. When interest rates on new mortgages are higher than the rates of assumable FHA and VA mortgages in the recent past, it becomes more advantageous to assume the existing mortgages.

FHA and VA loans originated with lower than current interest rates have great advantages for buyers and sellers.

  1. Interest rate won’t change for the qualified buyer
  2. Lower interest rate means lower payments
  3. Lower closing costs than originating a new mortgage
  4. Easier to qualify for an assumption than a new loan
  5. Lower interest rate loans amortize faster than higher ones
  6. Equity grows faster because loan is further along the amortization schedule
  7. Assumable mortgage could make the home more marketable

An Assumption Comparison can help determine the savings and financial benefits of an assumable mortgage with a lower rate.

 

What a Difference 50 years Makes

19 Monday Dec 2016

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In 1966, a gallon of gas was $0.32 and today, it is $2.49. A dozen eggs were $0.60 but they’ve only doubled to $1.33. A gallon of milk was $0.99 and today, it costs $3.98. You could send a letter for five cents and now, it costs forty-seven cents.

The average cost of a new car in 1966 was $3,500 and today, it will cost $33,560. New cars have more features than the earlier models but they’re still ten times more expensive. The median price of a new home was $21,700 and now, is $304,500.

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Interestingly, mortgage rates are actually lower today at 4-4.5% than they were fifty years ago when they were just under 7%. The rates have been low for long enough that many people have been lulled into believing that they are not going to go up.

Yes, rates are a little higher but in perspective, they’re still a bargain. Years from now, will you be remembering and comparing what they were back when?

 

When the rate goes up

26 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in Around Town, Finding a Realtor, Helpful Information, News you can USE!

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It’s not “if” the rate goes up but “when” the rate goes up; it could make a big difference for some buyers. Freddie Mac predicts that mortgage rates will be at 4.5% a year from now.

mortgage-rate-history

If buyers can afford a home with higher interest rates, it means higher payments. Higher payments might mean they won’t have the money to spend on other things like furniture or improvements to the home or an unrelated purchase like a new car.

When the rate moves 0.50% on a $250,000, the payment goes up by $70.66 a month. If it moves 1.00%, the payment goes up by $143.74 per month, each and every month for the entire term of the mortgage which means paying over $50,000 more for the house.

The question facing every borrower in this situation is “How will you feel about having to pay more to live in the same house because you were not ready to commit?”

Then, there’s the borrower who is absolutely maxed out as to what they can qualify for or sometimes, it is a borrower who just refuses to pay a higher payment. When that’s the case, the buyer has to make a larger down payment. In the same example, a 0.50% increase in rate would require $14,873 more in down payment. That could make the purchase impossible or require the buyer to buy a lesser price home that will not have the same amenities.

Mortgage rates have been low for so long that some people think that is what they should be. There are some economists who believe that the economy will not be strong again until mortgage rates are in the 7% range.

To see how this type of scenario might affect you, go to the   http://www.betterhomeowners.com/FinancialApps/RateGoesUp.aspx?AccountId=EDlpyr3ghkCnBFQdFv9dGQ&Auth=1

Today we are sharing the latest Mortgage Rate Update from a Local Lender!

16 Wednesday Feb 2011

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Rates are still amazingly low so now is the time to buy! If you are thinking of buying a new home give us a call. We are never to busy to help you make your dreams come true! We will be there from bank approval, finding the right home, making the best offer, inspectors, title companies, and more….helping you make the right decision for you and your family. Finding the right lender is the first step, so call us today and we will get you started!

 

 

ERICA WHIDDON
MORTGAGE BROKER/OWNER
FIRST CHOICE MORTGAGE, LLC
Phone: (225) 665-4399
Fax: (225) 665-4599
License: NMLS# 75327
erica@mylamortgage.com
http://www.mylamortgage.com

Interest Rates Change Daily

Interest rates change constantly, but it is important to know that rates are cyclical. If rates are currently at historical lows then we know there is a strong probability rates will go up again, and vice versa. Certain economic indicators such as unemployment data, consumer price index, retail sales data, and consumer confidence all have an effect on mortgage interest rates. But the key factor to watch is the relationship between stocks and bonds.
When the economy is slow and the stock market is "bearish," many investors move money out of stocks and into bonds and mortgage-backed securities. This causes mortgage interest rates to go down. When the economy is doing well, the stock market rallies and is considered "bullish." Investors then have a tendency to move their money out of that safe haven of bonds and mortgage-backed securities and back into stocks. As a result, mortgage interest rates go up.
My team and I keep a close eye on mortgage interest rates at all times in an effort to alert our clientele of opportunities to obtain lower financing. Call us for a free evaluation of your current loan program.

Mortgage Interest Rates*

Rates as of Wednesday, 16th February, 2011:

Conforming
APR
4.875%
15-Yr. fixed
4.25%
USDA Rural Dev
4.875%
FHA
4.875%
VA
4.875%
*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower’s eligibility.