ENVOY MORTGAGE Blog

Finally, Some Hope for Homeowners.....
October 31st, 2008 2:49 PM

Finally, Some Hope for Homeowners

Solution to believe in


The FHA's new refinancing assistance program, Hope for Homeowners, went live on October 1, 2008. It gives homeowners the opportunity to obtain 10 percent equity in their homes, plus lower loan payments, but they must agree to pay mortgage insurance premiums, share in the equity gains created by the refinance, and give up a share of the home's future equity appreciation. The program is managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the FHA.  

Officials at Bank of America/Countrywide have hinted that they may proactively review their mortgages and contact qualified borrowers to participate in Hope.  Distressed homeowners, however, shouldn't wait for the lender to propose a solution. A better strategy is to proactively call the lender, mortgage servicer, or a qualified mortgage counselor right away; any of these parties can recommend a borrower for the program. Those who wish to speak to a counselor should contact the Hope Now Alliance at 888-995-HOPE.

Hope springs eternal


Hope for Homeowners can avert foreclosure, but there are costs and risks involved. Since the new mortgage balance cannot exceed 90 percent of the home's current value, lenders must voluntarily write-off a portion of the debt. Some lenders may not be willing to comply. Writing off principal ensures a loss for the investors backing the mortgage, so it's typically considered a last-resort option.

Homeowners end up paying for the debt write-off with equity sharing and shared appreciation arrangements. If the homeowner sells the property within one year of the refinance, the full value of the written-off amount must be paid back to the FHA. That percentage is gradually reduced in time to a floor of 50 percent if the home is sold after five years. On top of that, the homeowner must also split any increase in the property's value with the FHA. In other words, if the home is sold for $50,000 more than what is was worth when the refinance was done, the FHA gets $25,000, plus the appropriate percentage of the written-off amount.

Homeowners also have to pay upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums to the FHA. The upfront amount is 3 percent of the mortgage balance; the ongoing portion is 1.5 percent of the mortgage per year, split up among the 12 monthly payments.

The program is only available to owners who live in the mortgaged home and can't afford their current mortgage. Credit requirements apply, including a maximum mortgage debt-to-income ratio of 31 percent.

Lawmakers believe that Hope is a workable solution to a complex problem. If lenders support the initiative, homeowners really will have something to believe in.

Please let us hear from you!!


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 31st, 2008 2:49 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Mortgage Meltdown: Is Affordable Housing to Blame?
October 31st, 2008 2:47 PM

Mortgage Meltdown: Is Affordable Housing to Blame?

Pointing fingers at subprimes


Rather than debate the issue, it may be sufficient to point out that the U.S. mortgage market is valued at about $12 trillion. Subprime loans account for approximately $1 trillion. More importantly, the Community Reinvestment Act only applies to banks that receive coverage from federal insurance, and the vast majority of institutions who sold subprimes didn't qualify for that kind of taxpayer-backed coverage. Even if bank subprimes caused the crisis, the CRA isn't responsible for the sloppy and negligent underwriting that led to handing out high-risk loans to unqualified homeowners. Lending standards decayed, but not because of something as isolated and antique as the CRA legislation. That kind of regulation is the job of the banks and the government agencies tasked with auditing and monitoring their business practices. Deregulation of the banking industry is, therefore, a more suspicious culprit than the CRA.

Deregulation as culprit


Several significantly important deregulations happened within the past decade:

  • In 1999, Congress passed the Financial Services Modernization Act, allowing commercial banks to operate investment banking businesses.

 

  • A year later, Congress passed the Commodities Futures Modernization Act, which deregulated the market for credit-default swaps-exotic products that insure risky loans.

 

  • Four years later, the Securities and Exchange Commission exempted the largest investment banks from leverage constraints, letting them borrow 30 times the value of their capital.


Loans were made to people who didn't have enough income to repay them. But many of those subprimes were not made to low-income borrowers, but to wealthy real estate speculators who bought upscale properties and tried to flip them into an overheated market that soon burned out and collapsed. As Judith Kennedy, President and Chief Executive of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders in Washington, says, "The CRA isn't the problem. It's been a critical part of the community and economic development solution for 31 years."

Please post your responses.  We want to hear what you have to say.

 


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 31st, 2008 2:47 PMPost a Comment (0)

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The Shrinking of Fannie Mae
October 31st, 2008 2:44 PM

The Shrinking of Fannie Mae

Caution: Mortgage lending


Freddie, Fannie Mae, and all other major mortgage lending institutions are finally taking a more cautious approach to mortgage qualifications. Because of uncertainty in the credit markets-particularly in the mortgage lending sector-the nation's credit liquidity has stalled, virtually paralyzing the credit of the entire country. That's because money that usually pours in from investors buying mortgages has nearly evaporated. Unless and until institutions like Fannie Mae sell the mortgages that they already own, they can't free up money to make new loans. That's the main reason their mortgage lending portfolios are shrinking.

Looking at new mortgage qualifications


Stock prices have also fallen, so much of the capital used by institutions like Fannie Mae, whose stock fell from around $70 a share to under a dollar a share within the past year, have less cash to pay for their own borrowing needs. If they're unable to borrow, or get behind on their payments to their own creditors, then investor confidence deteriorates even more. Fearful shareholders sell, investors panic, and a downward spiral of more losses and tighter credit continues to feed upon itself.

In an urgent effort to regain their financial credibility and stability, they're raising underwriting standards and, in many cases, raising mortgage rates and fees associated with many of their mortgage lending products. As mortgage lending becomes scarce and mortgage qualifications undergo a revamping, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the volume of mortgage applications is also falling.

Desperate to refinance


But the number of mortgage refinances has not dropped because Americans have suddenly lost interest in refinancing their debt. Millions of homeowners are, in fact, desperate to refinance. They need to switch out of ARM loans, for example, that have mortgage rates and payments scheduled to rise. Or they're burdened by exotic hybrid loans and mortgages with negative amortization. Unless they can get out of these hazardous products, they'll inevitably lose their homes.

Hopefully, the rescue plan from Congress will provide needed liquidity by helping buy the stalled and languishing assets of lenders. Once those bad debts begin to turn back into needed cash, mortgage lending should pick up again and, hopefully, consumers can borrow their way back to a more stable financial condition and save their homes from foreclosure.
 
Let us hear what you have on your mind.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 31st, 2008 2:44 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Finding the Culprits of Mortgage Fraud
October 31st, 2008 2:43 PM

Finding the Culprits of Mortgage Fraud

Stalking the mortgage meltdown


The Federal Bureau of Investigation has ramped up efforts to track down mortgage fraud. In a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the FBI Director said that his agency had already opened up dozens of corporate investigations related to the mortgage meltdown. Subsequent reports indicate that the FBI is already looking specifically at Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Lehman Brothers, Countrywide, and AIG.

The SEC is also pursuing several investigations related to subprime mortgage securities and credit default swaps. The latter are contracts in which one party exchanges a series of payments for a guaranteed payoff in the event that a specified credit instrument defaults.  Such swaps can provide protection against defaults, but have also been used for speculation. The collapse of AIG had its roots in credit default swaps-at the end of the second quarter of this year, the company took a whopping $5.6 billion markdown on the swaps it wrote on mortgage-related securities.

Forms of mortgage fraud


Analysts believe that the journey to uncover the crisis culprits will take the FBI and SEC through the entire mortgage food chain, from unscrupulous brokers to highly paid executives. Mortgage fraud can include activities such as:
  • Knowingly underwriting mortgages to borrowers who couldn't afford them
  • Encouraging borrowers to lie on their loan applications
  • Packaging mortgage loans into securities and selling them without adequately describing the risks
  • Purchasing excessive amounts of mortgage-related securities and holding them on the books of a publicly held company

According to the Mortgage Asset Research Institute, incidents of lender and broker mortgage fraud ran high in 2007 and continued into the early part of this year. It's widely believed that unchecked fraud greatly contributed to the mortgage crisis. Both the FBI and SEC are also investigating whether illegal stock market manipulation played a role in the financial industry crisis that prompted the feds to propose the recent $700 billion financial bailout.

Taxpayers will foot the bill for this bailout, and they want answers. Regulators have admitted a lack of oversight in the past, citing insufficient resources as the cause. Now that the crisis has spread far beyond initial expectations, mortgage oversight has become a priority. It will be interesting to see how the current investigations proceed, and what types of punishments will be imposed. Regulators can redeem themselves in taxpayers' eyes only by taking swift and fierce action against the guilty parties.

What do you have to say?  Please Post!!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 31st, 2008 2:43 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Small Business and the Mortgage Bailout
October 31st, 2008 2:42 PM

Small Business and the Mortgage Bailout

Squeaky wheel gets grease


Lawmakers have approved a plan to pump some three quarters of a trillion dollars into the credit markets and release financial institutions from the burden of their worthless mortgage-related securities. But the jury is still out on how this historic bailout will affect small business owners, who are helping to bail out these large firms through their tax dollars.

To date, data doesn't show definitively that the mortgage crisis has directly impacted small business lending. There are signs that lenders have tightened up their small business underwriting standards, which makes it harder to obtain a loan. However, in the face of a slowing economy, small businesses aren't as eager to borrow money, anyway. Some experts suggest that any cutback from lenders may be offset by reduced demand from these prudent entrepreneurs.

A larger problem may be just around the corner, however. If the economy continues to struggle, small businesses will face declining profits and, eventually, deteriorating financial strength. Such businesses won't be looking for loans to fund expansion, but they might need credit just to keep their doors open. In the current lending environment, where conservatism has finally taken precedence, those businesses may not qualify for bank loans. Instead, they'll rely on more expensive forms of debt, such as credit cards.

Government guarantee not what it used to be


One area of business lending that has been ratcheted back is the government-guaranteed Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Year to date, loans made through the SBA's 7(a) and 504 programs are down in excess of 10 percent. The 7(a) program offers traditional business loans of up to $2 million, while the 504 program finances real estate and fixed assets up to $1.5 million. Both loan types are guaranteed by the feds, which is supposed to encourage competitive terms from lenders.

Unfortunately, lenders aren't taking that federal guarantee as seriously as they used to. Many are raising the qualification standards, and some are dropping the SBA programs completely, because the SBA loans are too expensive. The National Small Business Association (NSBA) says it can't reduce the fees unless Congress subsidizes the program. Certainly, it wouldn't take $700 billion to protect this important small business funding source.

In team sports, the superstar salary often leaves the team unable to afford any role players. Hopefully, the mortgage bailout won't have the same impact; the team doesn't get any stronger if you save Wall Street at the expense of the small business owner.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 31st, 2008 2:42 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Mortgage Rates Drop to 5-Week Low
October 24th, 2008 11:47 AM
Mortgage Rates Drop to 5-Week Low



Mortgage rates moved south this week, reaching their lowest point in five weeks, according to Freddie Mac's nationwide survey.

The company reported a drop in the average interest on a 30-year fixed loan to 6.04 percent from 6.46 percent last week and a slide in the 15-year fixed rate to 5.72 percent from 6.14 percent.

Meanwhile, interest on adjustable-rate mortgages slipped to 6.06 percent from 6.14 percent for five-year ARMs but bumped up to 5.23 percent from 5.16 percent for one-year ARMs.

Please give our office a call to check out the rates as they do change daily!  We want to hear from you!


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 24th, 2008 11:47 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Fed Considers More Steps to Bolster Economy
October 24th, 2008 11:45 AM
Fed Considers More Steps to Bolster Economy



Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke urged the House Budget Committee to support another government stimulus package, particularly one that would encourage consumers to buy houses and cars.

"If the Congress proceeds with a fiscal package, it should consider including measures to help improve access to credit by consumers, homebuyers, businesses and other borrowers," Bernanke said.

Many economists believe members of the Fed will again lower its key rate – now at 1.5 percent – when it meets Oct. 28-29.

We'd love to hear what you have to say!


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 24th, 2008 11:45 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Mortgage Market Still Open for Business
October 24th, 2008 11:43 AM
Mortgage Market Still Open for Business



Lenders emphasize that loans continue to be available for a range of potential home buyers, not just those who are putting down 20 percent and have a credit score higher than 720.

Although credit underwriting is tougher and loan terms stricter, borrowers can still put down 3 percent (3.5 percent after Jan. 1) on an FHA-insured mortgage and 5 percent on some Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan programs with private mortgage insurance.

FHA standards are designed to help people with problem credit and those with scores in the upper 600s can still qualify for loans with reasonable rates offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Maximum loans in high-cost markets are capped at $729,750 through December. In June, they are expected to fall to approximately $625,000.

"I don't think consumers really know how free-flowing capital is right now in the residential mortgage market. There are no shortages, no breakdowns. People ought to be aware of that," says Jeff Lipes, president of Family Choice Mortgage.

Let us hear your thoughts.  Please Post!

 



Posted by Gary Bussard on October 24th, 2008 11:43 AMPost a Comment (0)

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The Mortgage Blog Post That Will Start Your Day Right....
October 22nd, 2008 11:40 AM

The Mortgage Blog Post That Will Start Your Day Right

 Dan Green's The Mind of a Mortgage GuyHistorically, mortgage markets are boring place for everyday Americans.  I know this because every day I write the blog

Over the past few weeks, however, it's been anything but boring.  There's been so much news that keeping up with it all has been a challenge.

To help you sort through what matters and what's trivial, I thought I'd just brain dump on you, Twitter-style

What follows is a handful of short-burst stories and commentary on today's market, linked out to interesting sites and sounds.


All you need is just a little patience: First, let's be clear about something -- credit markets aren't going to thaw overnight.  Like Jamie Moyer, the Treasury Plan will get better with age.  If you want instant results, try coffee.

The Float-or-Lock Dilemma: The toughest part about choosing to lock a mortgage rate is that to lock means to commit to a long-term plan whose success is highly dependent on what the mortgage market is doing this exact instant.  No wonder people get hamstrung about it.

Prime Rate : According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, the Federal Open Market Committee is likely to cut the Fed Funds Rate at its Oct 28-29 meeting.  This will drop credit card and HELOC rates for Americans, but should cause mortgage rates to rise.  The Fed Funds Rate does not control mortgage rates.

The Treasury went zig, not zag: When the government announced its $250 billion plan to buy mortgage debt, rates dropped because markets expectated the government to create new demand for mortgage bonds.  When the government changed its mind, however, and bought banks instead, mortgage rates started to roll back and then some.  Rates are up a lot this week as a result.

Freddie Mac's wwekly mortgage rate survey is outdated by the time it's publishedMortgage rates are volatile: I could spell it out for you or just take my word for it.  Either way, by the time you finish this sentence, lenders will have likely issued new rate sheets again.

I've seen 18 recessions and I've rocked them all:  In its history, the United States has entered into recession 18 separate times.  Earth has survived each of them. 

Bad news for real estate investors: Private mortgage insurance companies will no longer insure new investor mortgages over 80 percent loan-to-value.  This includes both lender-paid MI and borrower-paid MI features.  Given Fannie Mae's high fees, though, investors may want to put down 25 percent or more anyway.

Pleasant diversions: If portfolio performance has got your down, this 3-minute video should cheer you up.

Where to find Super Jumbo Mortgages: As Big Bank exit the super jumbo mortgage market, niche banks are stepping in to fill the void.  For holders of mortgages of $1 million mortgage or more, it means more product and at lower rates.  Today's super jumbo mortgage rates are actually lower than conforming mortgage rates for similar 5-year ARMs.  Wow.

The VIX is at an all-time high October 16, 2008 and mortgage rates are responding in kindAdaptive headlights for economists: If the economy was a long and winding road and the world was traveling by car, we'd see massive monetary supply inflation just around the next bend.  When we finally get there, mortgage rates are going to soar.

3:00 PM stock market rallies: The last 60 minutes of trading each day are like last call at a college bar -- everyone rushes to get their orders in.  The 3:00 PM hour has caused mortgage rates to move more than any other hour in the day by far since September.

Making up for losses: Private mortgage insurers recently raised insurance premiums on all new mortgages and borrowers.  The irony here is that today's borrower is likely to be exceedingly more qualified for a home loan than yesteryear's because of tighter mortgage guidelines.  In the eyes of the insurers, it's as if we're all driving little red corvettes now.

Home Equity is the new Full Documentation: Speaking of PMI, most private mortgage insurers eliminated coverage on non-owner occupied properties Thursday and will discontinue coverage on primary residence cash out refinances effective November 1.  Once again, what lenders will do is more important that the rate at which they'll do it.

Nobody knows nothing: In May 2008, analysts at Goldman Sachs predicted $200 oil.  Now, it predicts $50 oil.  That's some about-face.  In the end, folks, remember -- experts are paid to make guesses.

The dollar is on a tear: For non-resident aliens investing in U.S. real estate, don't forget that a strengthening U.S. dollar makes your downpayment relatively more expensive. If you have a pending purchase, consider moving earnest money into escrow as soon as possible.

In 1974, The stock market lost 27 percent of its value in its worst year since the Depression. The next year, however, the Dow gained 38 percentHow quickly fear turns to greed: In 1974, The stock market lost 27 percent of its value in its worst year since the Depression.  The next year, the Dow gained 38 percent in its second-best year since the Depression.  This pattern repeats itself throughout history. 

Desperate for deposits:  Shortly before its failure, Countrywide offered CD yields vastly higher than its competitors.  IndyMac did the same before its failure and Washington Mutual did, too.  See whose CD yields are highest today on Bankrate.com's High Yield Rates report.

Freddie Mac's stale mortgage data:  Each week, Freddie Mac surveys mortgage lenders and reports back the national "average mortgage rate".  That's fine, except that it takes Freddie 48 hours to compile and publish the report and rates change every 3.85 hours.  You want real-time rate quotes?  Talk to a loan officer, not a government group.

The 40-year cycle: We get these big market dips every 40 years or so -- 1929, 1973, 2008.  We've been through them before, we'll go through them again.  Long-term investing will always include short-term losses somewhere on the timeline.

Don't underestimate the American Shopper: Retail Sales were down dramatically in September, driving analysts to predict that holiday shopping will be weak and that the economy will move into recession.  I say no way.  Americans outspend themselves every year during the holidays and with huge retail discounts already in place, 2008 will be no different.

Four fingers pointing back at me:  Yes, I recognize that my Retail Sales prediction is a guess about the future, like the Goldman Sachs oil thing.  But, you may feel better about my predictions after knowing that I subscribe to the Bill and Ted philosophy on wisdom.  That's me, dude. 

Stock markets are volatileQuestioning behavioral economics:  And, on the subject of "sales", it's interesting to me how people will wait in line to buy discounted toys, clothing and cars but will run like the wind from discounted stocks and bonds.  Odd.

The obvious truth about mortgage rates:  Look, it doesn't matter how far mortgage rates fall if you can't get a mortgage approval.  Underwriting is tightening so if you know you need a new home loan soon, stop waiting to see if rates fall.  Just get it done.

Early expiration for the jumbo-conforming mortgage program:  It can take a mortgage lender 30 days to get loans off its books and sold to Fannie Mae.  So, without clear guidance on 2009 jumbo conforming loan limits, lenders are requiring jumbo conforming loans to fund no later than December 1, 2008.  That's 42 days from now.

Burning questions:  There are two great mysteries in life.  The first is "Why do people still believe that the 10-year treasury note is a proxy for mortgage rates?".  The second is best referenced by video.  I don't think we'll ever know the answer to either for sure.

How to keep your 30-day mortgage rate lock from expiring:  Mortgage refinance applications spiked last week which means that loads of new loans will soon enter the underwriting .  If you want to preserve your rate lock, put yourself in the front of the stack -- not the back.  Get your pending applications signed and supporting documents in, like, now.

Don't look now: But, mortgage rates have changed again.



Posted by Gary Bussard on October 22nd, 2008 11:40 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Mortgage Rates and 10-Year Treasury Rates Don't Move In Lockstep
October 22nd, 2008 11:37 AM

Mortgage Rates And 10-Year Treasury Rates Don't Move In Lockstep

 

Mortgage rates are not based on the 10-year U.S. treasury note, although long-term, they may trend in the same direction.

Mortgage bond markets are signaling a slight return to risk this morning.  If you're watching the wrong market indicators, though, you probably didn't get the memo.

Looking at the chart above, we see that as of 9:02 AM ET:

  • Mortgage-backed securities are improved by 28 basis points
  • 10-year U.S. treasury notes are off by 106 basis points

This tells us that mortgage markets and treasury markets are moving in opposite directions.  It also tell us that mortgage rates are improved today. 

The chart counters the popular notion falsehood that 10-year treasuries are a good proxy for the mortgage market.  They're not.  Long-term, maybe.  But on a day-to-day basis -- no way.  This is because investors continue to treat the debt types differently even though the government nationalized the mortgage market six weeks ago.

That's kind of a big deal because, in theory, U.S. treasuries notes and mortgage-backed securities should behave the same.  In practice, however, they don't.

Investors still place risk premiums on mortgage-backed money and that prevents treasuries yields and mortgage rates from moving in lockstep.  The risk premium prevents the theory that 10-year treasuries can be used to predict mortgage rates from ever being true.

If the risk in treasuries was truly equivalent to the risk in mortgage-backed markets, this separation would never have occurredLast week offered a terrific, in-the-wild example.

For the first few days of the week, as stock market money headed for the exits, it flowed equally to treasury and mortgage-backed markets.  Rates on both types of debt improved. 

By the end of the week, however, fear had gripped the markets so tightly that money flowed into treasuries almost exclusively.  The assumption was that treasuries were a less risky market.

Mortgage rates got hammered as a result. 

If the risk in treasuries was truly equivalent to the risk in mortgage-backed markets, this separation would never have occurred.

So, today, what we're seeing is money is un-parking itself from the relative safety of U.S. treasuries, flowing back into stocks and mortgage markets.  This is helping to edge rates lower even as U.S. treasury yields rise.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 22nd, 2008 11:37 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Starting Dec. 13, Many Mortgage Approvals Will Require.....
October 21st, 2008 11:07 AM

Starting December 13, 2008, Many Mortgage Approvals Will Require Larger Downpayments And More Home Equity

Posted on October 20, 2008

Fannie Mae's DO 7.1 release requires homeowners to have more equity in their home, and home buyers to make larger downpaymentsIn a move that will stymie thousands of would-be home buyers and homeowners, Fannie Mae announced another round of mortgage guidelines changes last week.

Unlike past revisions in which Fannie Mae tightened debt ratio and credit scoring requirements, however, the newest underwriting updates zero in home equity and home buyer downpayments.

This is consistent with the emerging underwriting philosophy that Collateral is King.

Paraphrasing Jeff Spicoli:

No home equity, no downpayment, no dice.

Effective December 13, 2008, Fannie Mae will enforce the following single-family residence restrictions:

  • Primary residence, "cash out" refinances are limited to 85% loan-to-value
  • Second home, cash out refinances are limited to 75% loan-to-value
  • Investment properties cannot be refinanced without a 25% equity position

Each bullet point represents a 5 percent tightening over the previous guidelines.

Now, to be clear, Fannie Mae isn't the only source for mortgage money.  The others are comprised by the FHA, the VA, and an innumerable amount of portfolio lenders.  To date, these groups have yet to announce similar loan-to-value restrictions.

But, because Fannie Mae (along with Freddie Mac) guarantees almost half of the nation's home loans, it does swing a big stick. Historically, when Fannie Mae gets tight with its money, the other groups tend to follow. 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Market ShareStarting 60 days from now, qualifying for a conforming mortgage will require more home equity than at any time since 2003.

Now, there are a lot of people sitting around right now, waiting for mortgage rates to fall before buying or refinancing their home. 

I'd offer a more prudent idea: Just get on with it already. 

None of us can predict what where mortgage rates will go.  Recession, inflation, whatever -- it's a big mystery. But, we do know with 100% certainty that guidelines will tighten effective December 13, 2008, and it will prohibit Americans from getting access to mortgages. 

We know this because Fannie Mae published it on its Web site.

If you're buying a home or in need of a refinance, consider moving up your timeline.  If rates fall after-the-fact, you can always try to refinance into something less expensive.  But if guidelines shut you out, there's nothing you can do about in hindsight. 

If you know you need mortgage money now, just take care of it.  Great low rates don't mean a thing if you can't get qualified.  And starting December 13, 2008, the qualifying hurdles are going to be raised.

Please let us know your thougths on this blog.  You can always call upon Envoy Mortgage for all your mortage, title and realestate needs.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 21st, 2008 11:07 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Can Foreclosure Prevent you from Voting?
October 16th, 2008 9:19 AM

Can Foreclosure Prevent You from Voting?

Voter challenge laws in the state of Michigan are stirring up controversy, as rumors circulate about the Republican Party's intention to use foreclosure lists to block voters at the polls.

You already know that bars and clubs have bouncers. But did you know there might be a bouncer at your polling place on Election Day, too?

Voter accuracy vs. voter intimidation


Voter challenge laws have faced their fair share of controversy. The legislation authorizes the deployment of volunteers to verify voters' identities at polling places. Proponents of these laws argue that they're a necessary part of minimizing voter fraud. Critics say that the laws are abused by political parties to intimidate and suppress certain voter groups.  

In recent weeks, as foreclosure rates continue to rise in certain key states, the voter challenge argument has heated up. Foreclosures are getting the attention because of the associated voter address changes that are likely to result. If a voter moves and doesn't update her voter registration, she may not be eligible to cast a ballot on Election Day.

Web story fuels controversy


The online publication, Michigan Messenger, recently printed a story about voter challenges entitled "Lose Your Home, Lose Your Vote." The story quoted the Macomb County Republican Party Chairman, James Carabelli, on his intention to use foreclosure lists to challenge voters in his precinct. Macomb County has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, so an effort like this could affect a significant number of voters. The Messenger story also included a reference to Ohio's Franklin County Republican Chairman Doug Preisse, implying that he, too, had considered challenging voters with foreclosure lists.

The story quickly stirred an emotional debate among legal analysts, Democrats, Republicans, and homeowners. Carabelli has openly accused the publication of misleading the public and fabricating quotes. Preisse has demanded a retraction and apology, arguing that his statement-originally provided to another publication-was taken out of context.

No foreclosure lists at the polls


The Michigan Republican Party has made its position on the subject clear. Calling the Michigan Messenger story meritless, the party says it has no intention of using foreclosure lists at the polls. The Michigan Republicans have confirmed that they'll use volunteers to challenge voters, but this effort will be made wholly within the confines of the law. Michigan law authorizes a voter challenge only where there's reason to question that voter's identity.

Foreclosed homeowners can protect their voter rights by keeping voter registration records current, in accordance with their own state deadlines. In Michigan, for example, voters must be registered 30 days before Election Day. Registration and address change forms are both available at Michigan.gov's Voter Information Center. Voters who take precautions to update their voter records shouldn't have much to worry about-even if there is an aggressive bouncer on patrol.
 
Do you think this is right?  Give us your thoughts on the forclosure crisis.  Please post!!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 16th, 2008 9:19 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Crisis Savior: Mortgage Loan Modifications
October 16th, 2008 9:16 AM

Crisis Savior: Mortgage Loan Modifications

Since the housing crisis began, the federal government has encouraged lenders to be flexible in helping borrowers avoid foreclosure. Loan modifications and payment plans have been two of the most talked about solutions. Either, or both, can be strategically employed to minimize lenders' losses while helping borrowers stay in their homes.

A loan modification is basically a modified refinance-the lender reworks the terms of the loan to fit the borrower's ability to pay. Actions taken to alter the loan can include reducing the interest rate, lengthening the pay-off term and writing off a portion of the debt balance. Payment plans, sometimes called loss mitigation loans, allow borrowers to pay back past-due amounts over a period of time.

Back when the mortgage industry was heating up, lenders were far less likely to offer these solutions.  If a borrower couldn't obtain a refinanced mortgage from another lender, foreclosure was the expected outcome.

Recent numbers indicate that mortgage lenders are finally accepting the need for desperate action. In the second quarter of 2008, lenders modified more than 110,000 first mortgages, some 40,000 more than in the prior quarter. Use of payment plans also increased. The step-up of these aggressive methods is a good sign but, so far, it hasn't been enough to slow down the rate of foreclosures.

Setting the example  


A new industry dynamic may have opened the door to a broader-based loan workout program. The failure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac put more than half of all U.S. mortgages under the thumb of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. This gives the feds an ideal opportunity to follow their own advice about modifying loans and extending payment plans to borrowers.   

The Federal Housing Finance Agency will undoubtedly be watching the FDIC for pointers. That's because the FDIC has already begun offering aggressive loan modifications on mortgages formerly held by the failed IndyMac Bank. If the FDIC program proves successful, it's possible that the Federal Housing Finance Agency will follow suit. It may be the best way to limit the burden placed on taxpayers, while helping borrowers keep their homes.  

The next administration has the job of mapping out the least painful solution to the foreclosure problem and the Fannie and Freddie debacle. There'll be no magic wand involved, but hopefully, a happy ending will result.
 
Gary Bussard in our office is experienced with Mortgage Loan Modifications.  Please give him a call and find out all your options.  Help is just a phone call away!!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 16th, 2008 9:16 AMPost a Comment (0)

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How Long is Your Mortgage Rate Quote "Good" for?
October 16th, 2008 9:12 AM

For How Long Is Your Mortgage Rate Quote "Good"? Try 3 Hours and 51 Minutes.

 

Ratesheetsperdayaugse
Exhibit AWall Street investors are making life difficult for mortgage rate shoppers.
It used to be that mortgage lenders issued pricing on a Monday morning and those rates were good for the entire week.  Rate shopping was easy back then because everybody could take their time.
Today, not so much.
Because Wall Street has been somewhat manic lately, mortgage lenders have had to publish mortgage pricing -- on average -- 2.07 times per day since August.  That's more than 10 times per week.
Mortgage rate shoppers have been caught in the crossfire because many are unaware of how quickly the ground is moving beneath them.  The classic story is the homeowner that "wants to sleep on it", only to find that rates moved a quarter-percent overnight.
Changes like that happen more often than you think.
Lemming-like behavior has led to the highest levels of stock markets volatility in historySee, all year, stock markets and bond markets have been fighting over the same investment dollars and it's making mortgage rates act like crazy. 
Mostly, this is happening because Wall Street has not been real strong on moderation this year -- it's either everybody in, or everybody out. 
This lemming-like behavior has led to the highest levels of volatility in market history.
So, for rate shoppers, just being aware of what's happening on Wall Street is half of the battle.  When there's encouraging news about the economy, stock markets tend soar at the expense of bond markets, including the mortgage-backed bond markets.  This is bad for mortgage rates and pushes them higher.
Then, in the other direction, when there's discouraging news about the economy, stock markets tend to tumble and bond markets tend to do quite well.  This is good for mortgage rates and helps them ease lower.
Shopping for a mortgage is a complicated process.  It didn't used to be, but it is now.  In addition to mortgage guidelines that disqualify new groups of "fringe borrowers" weekly, mortgage rates are highly volatile and extremely unpredictable.  And to add another layer of uncertainty, mortgage lenders are closing their doors and loan officers are leaving the business.
What good is a great rate is your lender won't be there to close it?
In a market like this, a piece of solid advice is to saddle up with a lender you trust instead of looking for the absolute lowest rate and fee combination.  It's important to save money but one of the little secrets of the business is that good lenders are usually among the cheapest to work with anyway.
And if you don't already work with a lender you trust, call  or email me anytime.  I work with both purchases and refinances. 
 
Rest assured that we have the capabilities of letting you know when rates change and will contact you as soon as they do.  Please give us a call.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 16th, 2008 9:12 AMPost a Comment (0)

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What to do When Your Mortgage Lender Goes out of Business...
October 16th, 2008 9:07 AM

What To Do When Your Mortgage Lender Goes Out Of Business

 
An orphaned mortgage is a home loan that is no longer being managed, monitored or watched for refinancing Today's lesson from the Washington Mutual's seizure comes in the form of a haiku:
Mortgage guys "retire"
and never tell their clients,
who then miss rate dips.

Story goes like this, folks.  Mortgage guys are leaving the business in droves.  Some leave because their company failed, but many more leave for other reasons.

And when they leave the business, loan officers aren't just leaving their career behind -- they're leaving their client database behind, too.  It's a major disservice to American homeowners who rarely find out that they've been abandoned, their mortgage details forever trapped in a secure database somewhere.
In the industry, we refer to this condition as being "orphaned". 
An orphaned mortgage is a home loan that is no longer managed, monitored or watched for refinancing and owners of orphaned mortgages are at a tremendous fiscal disadvantage versus other homeowners:
Consider that 90,000 people left the mortgage industry last year and more will be gone after this one.  It adds up to a lot of orphaned mortgages and a lot of abandoned homeowners.  It pays to know when you've been orphaned.
For example, think back to September 8 when mortgage rates fell by a half-percent.  Owners of orphaned mortgages didn't get the news until the next morning, but by then, rates had already bounced back.  This entire class of homeowners missed the dip.
And then the same thing happened September 15 and 16.  Orphaned homeowners missed the dip again.
Now, you better believe that rates will dip a third time sometime soon.  And to take advantage, you need to have somebody looking out for you.  Proactively.  Markets move too fast to rely on the @mortgagereports Twitter feed. 
So, if your mortgage has been orphaned, take a minute to find somebody who'll "adopt" your mortgage.  Ask a friend, ask your real estate agent -- just ask someone.  And if you can't find a good loan officer on your own, fill in this 4-question form and I'll be happy to take you under my wing.
Mortgage rates and guidelines change every day and a homeowner whose mortgage is actively monitored will always get the lowest rates, lowest payments, and best mortgage planning guidance available
By contrast, owners of orphaned mortgages don't get anything except another monthly payment for the next 30 years.
Has your mortgage been "orphaned"?  Do you know anybody's whose has?  Please refer them to us.  We'll be more than happy to "adopt" you and your friends and family and keep them in touch with what's going on with the market.  As always, we want to hear what you have to say and we appreicate your business!


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 16th, 2008 9:07 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Open Letter to Congress: Your Indecision is Making Rates Rise On A Day When They Should Be Falling
October 15th, 2008 8:48 AM

Open Letter To Congress: Your Indecision Is Making Rates Rise On A Day When They Should Be Falling

 

The Congress Bailout Bill vote is causing mortgage rates to rise when they should be falling insteadDear Congress,
My clients are shopping for mortgages and your ongoing debates are causing problems.  Mortgage rates are rising this week when all the data points to them falling.
This is happening because the whole world is waiting for your vote.
For example, the September jobs report showed extreme weakness in employment nationwide.  The economy shed nearly double the amount of jobs as was expected.  This would normally pull money out from the stock market to the benefit of mortgage rates but, today, this isn't happening.
Everyone is watching you instead.
As another example, the U.S. dollar is headed for its biggest weekly gain ever this week. This would normally be good for mortgage rates because mortgages are repaid in U.S. dollars and a rising greenback attracts bond buyers.  More demand means lower rates.  But, today, this isn't happening.
Everyone is watching you instead.
And as a third example, Fannie Mae rolled back its Adverse Market Delivery Charge yesterday, reducing mandatory conforming mortgage loan fees by 0.250 percent
I expected that mortgage lenders would pass on those savings in the form of lower rates but, so far today, this isn't happening.
Presumably, everyone is watching you instead.
Honestly, it really doesn't matter what you do, just as long as you do something.  Your inaction is created tremendous amounts of uncertainty, causing markets to display volatility not seen since another Washington-area favorite -- Earl Weaver
You know how markets work -- nobody reacts worse to uncertainty than markets.
Your vote will change the lending industry -- no doubt about that.  You should carefully consider your decision and it should be debated.  However, no matter what you decide, it's not going to change the fundamental fact that people buy homes, and that they need money to finance those homes. 
Regardless of how you vote:
  • The newlyweds in Chicago will still buy their starter condo
  • The family in Manhattan will still outgrow its apartment
  • The P&G employee in Los Angeles will still get transferred to Cincinnati
Until your vote is made, however, the banks are running scared and mortgage rates are rising.
Vote yes, vote no, vote with your heart, vote with your constituency -- it really doesn't matter.  Just vote.  Just do whatever it is that you're going to do so we can all get on with our lives.
The market fundamentals say that mortgage rates should be falling today but nobody's watching the fundamentals right now -- they're all watching you. So, please, let's get this over with so we can all move on with our lives. 
Plus, I'm tired of my family asking me "how are you doing?".  I'm fine, thank you.  Business is going well.
Thank you for your time,

Dan Green
Loan Officer
 
We want to hear what you have to say.  Please post your thoughts or ideas!!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 15th, 2008 8:48 AMPost a Comment (0)

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If Your ARM Is Adjusting In November 2008 or In 2009, You May Be A Victim of Bad Timing
October 15th, 2008 8:46 AM

If Your ARM Is Adjusting In November 2008 Or In 2009, You May Be A Victim Of Bad Timing

As LIBOR rises, adjustable rate mortgages are rising, too

An adjustable-rate mortgage is a mortgage for which the interest rate remains fixed for some period of time, after which it can change based on some pre-determined rules.
A shared rule among adjustable rate mortgages is the formula by which they adjust. 
Expressed as a formula, it reads:

(Adjusted Rate) = (Variable) + (Constant)

For conforming, full documentation mortgages made since 2003, the variable was often assigned to the 12-month LIBOR, and the constant was often fixed at 2.250.
So, to take the formula and apply it to the real world, the adjusted mortgage rate on a resetting ARM is equal to whatever the 12-month LIBOR is at the time of adjustment, plus 2.250 percent.
As the variable in the equation, of course, LIBOR is of paramount concern to homeowners. 
LIBOR stands for London Interbank Offered Rate, but the acronym doesn't really matter to homeowners with ARMs.  What does matter is that LIBOR is getting slaughtered.
LIBOR is the interest rate at which banks lend money to each other.  And, as banks get munsoned worldwide, financial firms are raising LIBOR to offset the risk of their peers going belly-up.  Since Lehman Brothers failed last month, LIBOR is up nearly 40 percent. 
If you were looking for evidence that banks are nervous about their future, this should do nicely.  Unfortunately, homeowners with ARMs are feeling the pain, too.
  • Last Month: A 5-year ARM adjusts to 5.203 percent
  • This Month: A 5-year ARM adjusts to 6.308 percent   
Applied to a $300,000 mortgage, LIBOR's rocket-ride drains an additional $2,500 from a household budget over the course of a year.
Until order is restored in global banking system, LIBOR should continue to rise.  This is bad news for homeowners with ARMs adjusting in November, December, or in the early part of 2009.  Mortgage rates will adjust higher, causing pain for homeowners with 2003-vintage, 5-year ARMs at 4.000 percent.
There is some good news, however. 
Mortgage rates on most news loans are lower than what an adjusted mortgage rate would otherwise dictate.  If you have equity in your home and a good credit score, it may be smart to refinance into a brand new mortgage as opposed to letting your existing mortgage adjust.
Contact your mortgage lender to see which plan fits your best.  And, if you can't reach him because he's no longer servicing his clients, know that you're welcome to contact me directly.  My contact information is at right, on top, and I lend in all 50 states.
 
Please do give us a call.  We can get you out of the ARM you are in and into a conventional loan.  All you need to do is call!


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 15th, 2008 8:46 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Why Can't the Media Tell You When Mortgage Rates Are Falling?
October 15th, 2008 8:38 AM

Why Can't The Media Tell You When Mortgage Rates Are Falling? It Doesn't Know How Mortgage Rates Work.

 Mortgage bond markets are signaling a slight return to risk this morning.  If you're watching the wrong market indicators, though, you probably didn't get the memo.

Looking at the chart above, we see that as of 9:02 AM ET:
  • Mortgage-backed securities are improved by 28 basis points
  • 10-year U.S. treasury notes are off by 106 basis points
This tells us that mortgage markets and treasury markets are moving in opposite directions.  It also tell us that mortgage rates are improved today. 
The chart counters the popular notion falsehood that 10-year treasuries are a good proxy for the mortgage market.  They're not.  Long-term, maybe.  But on a day-to-day basis -- no way.  This is because investors continue to treat the debt types differently even though the government nationalized the mortgage market six weeks ago.
That's kind of a big deal because, in theory, U.S. treasuries notes and mortgage-backed securities should behave the same.  In practice, however, they don't.
Investors still place risk premiums on mortgage-backed money and that prevents treasuries yields and mortgage rates from moving in lockstep.  The risk premium prevents the theory that 10-year treasuries can be used to predict mortgage rates from ever being true.
If the risk in treasuries was truly equivalent to the risk in mortgage-backed markets, this separation would never have occurredLast week offered a terrific, in-the-wild example.
For the first few days of the week, as stock market money headed for the exits, it flowed equally to treasury and mortgage-backed markets.  Rates on both types of debt improved. 
By the end of the week, however, fear had gripped the markets so tightly that money flowed into treasuries almost exclusively.  The assumption was that treasuries were a less risky market.
Mortgage rates got hammered as a result. 
If the risk in treasuries was truly equivalent to the risk in mortgage-backed markets, this separation would never have occurred.
So, today, what we're seeing is money is un-parking itself from the relative safety of U.S. treasuries, flowing back into stocks and mortgage markets.  This is helping to edge rates lower even as U.S. treasury yields rise.
 
You know you can always call upon us anytime to check out the rate situation!  We are on top of it every hour of every day.  Please call us!!
 

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 15th, 2008 8:38 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Burning Down the House-What Caused Our Economic Crisis????
October 14th, 2008 3:34 PM

 

Interesting video of what caused the real estate and mortgage crisis!  Click the attached link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIVvvoDbCV0&feature=email

After viewing the short video, let us know what your thoughts are on the whole Mortgage Crisis situation.  We always like to hear what you have to say!!

 


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 14th, 2008 3:34 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Please Welcome our newest team members to Envoy Mortgage!
October 10th, 2008 2:03 PM

Envoy Mortgage is pleased to announce the following new

Senior Mortgage Banker Advisors to our team:

Marcus D. Jefferson, often introduced by others in the Mortgage Banking Industry as a Banker’s Banker, Marcus works tirelessly to earn the trust of America’s hardworking men and women to be known as the Community’s Banker!Celebrating over twenty years as a Financial Advisor, Marcus recently joined America’s premier residential financier, Envoy Mortgage as a Senior Mortgage Banker. He is one of the few bankers who count’s his success, not on how many loans he has financed over the many years (literally thousands) but on how effectively he was able to help his client achieve their dream. It was this laser sharp focus on the needs of his clients that caught the eye of the Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals who elected Marcus last September 2007 to a three year term on the Board of Directors. SRB Financial Services is called upon everyday to help his clients “restore their firm financial foundation.” While serving his clients from Alaska to Florida and California to Maine, Marcus never hesitates to take time to teach Financial Literacy to the young and old alike. His volunteer activities are borne out of the desire to be a true giver. Always humbled by the numerous awards and citations that he has been honored to receive, Marcus Jefferson counts a small certificate of appreciation from a class of 7th graders that he taught financial literacy as one of the most impactful! Although his leisure time comes sparsely he enjoys traveling with his new lovely bride of two years, Jasmine M. Jefferson.

 

Pam La Vinka, a Senior Mortgage Banker in Illinois, is licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin and Maryland. She has 25 years of experience in financing, investments and banking, having held a Series 3 Futures and Options license, a Series 7 Equities license, and a real estate license. She has served as a Trust Operations Officer at a major Florida bank, handling investments for estates and trusts. She has also handled investments for a major charitable corporation. Pam La Vinka as been a branch manager of a large mortgage banking firm as well as an independent mortgage broker. Her knowledge of the overall mortgage and investment market assists her in giving the borrower the best possible advice with their interests in mind.

Pam Solomon, a Senior Mortgage Banker in Colorado has been in the mortgage business since 1997. Her experience includes operating a mortgage brokerage with a staff of 17 and subsequently becoming a managing partner of a national mortgage lender. Pam's experience prior to the mortgage industry was as Vice President of Sales and Finance for an international natural gas company. All of Pam's experience has led to the conviction that is highlighted on all communications and demonstrated with extraordinary customer service. . . . I will EARN the right to be your mortgage lender for life. Our business is built on our customers' satisfaction and their referrals.

Bob Beall, a Senior Mortgage Banker in the St. Louis, Missouri office has been in the mortgage business since 1998. His experience includes operating a mortgage brokerage and subsequently becoming a property developer through 2006 while running his mortgage office. Bob’s experience is working with clients that are in subprime loans and transferring them into conventional or as we like to say "A" paper loans. Many of these clients don’t understand that there are good loans for them; you just need someone who knows where to find them. As the market has changed over the past two years, Bob is now using FHA to accommodate these clients. "I will EARN the right to be your mortgage lender for life. Our business is built on our customers' satisfaction and their referrals".

About Envoy Mortgage:

Envoy Mortgage is a mortgage-banking firm licensed in 20 states that offers expertise in every aspect of the residential mortgage lending process. Envoy has an assortment of products and services including full access to an offshore facility for loan processing assistance, more competitive loan pricing, electronic signature capability, a complete in-house underwriting system and a unified paperless lending platform. These benefits enable Envoy Mortgage to offer its customers lower rates and further enhance the quality of its services through expanded product offerings, reduced operating costs and faster loan closings. "Innovative technologies enable the company to maintain a completely in-house origination process, this reducing the costs and improving efficiencies" says Branch Manager, GARY BUSSARD. For more information, visit www.4StlLoans.com

Please welcome our new members to our Envoy Mortgage Team!  Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.  As always, please keep us in mind for all of your financial, title and real estate needs.  We want to be your one-stop-shop.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 10th, 2008 2:03 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Real Estate Investors Ready to Gobble Discounted Properties
October 10th, 2008 1:56 PM

Real Estate Investors Ready to Gobble Discounted Properties

Real estate investment companies ramping up


In Los Angeles, a multi-million dollar real estate investment firm recently announced that it will aggressively buy up real estate properties.  The firm, Dynasty Dynamics, is initiating what it calls a "bulk-buy" strategy, buying "major" properties at 30 to 40 percent below their market value, and then selling them at 80-99 percent of the value.  

On the other coast, another real estate investment firm, the Fifteen Group, will soon be spreading its wings.  Specializing in multi-family units, this outfit intends to use some of its liquidity to venture into all "asset classes," purchasing single-family homes real estate either from owners or lenders.

Foreclosures are for pros


Buying foreclosures is also similar to trading stocks.  Even though these properties tend to be undervalued, it requires a true professional to understand the right time to make a buy.  There are generally three buying opportunities for a foreclosure:

  • The first stage is when a house has not yet been foreclosed upon and taken to auction.  At this point, homeowners can be approached by prospective buyers.  Because the homeowner is so heavily in debt, it's difficult for a buyer to pull any equity out of a deal.  The only chance a buyer has is to negotiate directly with a bank for a lower price. For the lender, it's an opportunity to remove very quickly a defaulted loan from their books.

  • The second stage is an auction, when cash is required from the buyer.  Most individual buyers simply don't have the liquidity to buy a home at this point.  If you do have such liquidity, be sure you know exactly what you're buying.  

  • In the third stage, a buyer can scoop up a property after the foreclosure auction.  This is where the larger real estate investment firms swing deals with lenders to clear properties off their books.  The properties may be in rough shape at this point, but it's the best time to get the most significantly discounted price.

Entering the foreclosure market is not recommended for the faint of heart, or for the inexperienced investor.  You need to be an expert at the foreclosure process, and you must also possess deep knowledge of the properties and the markets you're purchasing.  Like the stock market, there's tremendous potential, but only if you have the experience and the shrewd business savvy to make it happen.
Did you know that we have a FREE list of Forclosure and Bank Owned Homes on our website? Take a look.  Be sure to call us with any questions you may have.  We're always happy to help you!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 10th, 2008 1:56 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Takeover at Fannie/Freddie by the Feds
October 8th, 2008 2:15 PM

Takeover at Fannie/Freddie by the Feds

Government at the helm


Now, the twin agencies, which were created to help consumers in the wake of the Great Depression and World War II, are in so much trouble that they're the ones needing financial help. This month, they were taken over by the Treasury Department in order to save them from outright bankruptcy. The takeover, announced by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and James Lockhart, Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise, puts both Fannie and Freddie into a conservatorship overseen by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. That means that, at least for now, the government runs Fannie and Freddie.

As Paulson explained, "We examined all options available, and determined that this comprehensive and complementary set of actions best meets our three objectives of market stability, mortgage availability, and taxpayer protection."

On the verge of collapse


While the stock of Fannie last year traded in the high $70s, it can now be bought for close to $.60 cents a share. Much of the trouble at Fannie and Freddie can be attributed to global financial problems and a domestic housing market collapse that nobody foresaw. But the agencies have also been faulted for loose lending and investment practices. Because the companies could ultimately fall back on the American taxpayer to bail them out if they made mistakes, it seems that the management at Fannie and Freddie took unnecessary risks with mortgage security investments. Top executives lost their jobs as a result of the takeover, but they also walked away with "golden parachutes" worth tens of millions of dollars, adding fuel to the fiery argument that Fannie and Freddie were poorly and recklessly managed.

Taxpayers may have to shoulder much of the debt racked up by Fannie and Freddie, and government regulators reported that it might cost $25 billion to rescue the agencies. But when Morgan Stanley was enlisted as a more objective third party to conduct its own assessment, the investment bank concluded that the cost could run as high as $50 billion.

That leads many experts to believe that having quasi-government agencies like Fannie and Freddie is a bad idea. They say it's better to depend upon private businesses-or completely government-controlled entities like HUD and the FHA-to ensure stability in our housing markets.
Please post your comments and thoughts on all the Fannie/Freddie saga....

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 8th, 2008 2:15 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Presidential Politics: Views on Fannie, Freddie Bailout...
October 6th, 2008 1:10 PM

Presidential Politics: Views on Fannie, Freddie Bailout

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have given the U.S. presidential candidates another economic issue to argue.

In the ABC game show Wipeout!, contestants fight through a series of challenges that leave them physically exhausted and, sometimes, humiliated. Sounds like the presidential race, right? Amid a struggling economy and broken real estate industry, the presidential candidates now have to navigate through a restructuring of the country's two largest mortgage companies.

Following months of speculation about the financial stability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the feds have finally stepped in and taken over both entities. Fannie and Freddie cumulatively hold, or back, more than half of all domestic mortgages. The bailout will be costly, to be sure-the Bush administration has already quoted numbers as high as $200 billion.

No sucker-punch


The Fannie and Freddie failures alter the course of the presidential race and, more noticeably, the next administration's term. Even though there was no sucker-punch here-Fannie and Freddie's problems have been brewing for a long time-either Senator McCain or Obama will have to juggle priorities to fund a Fannie and Freddie reorganization. A McCain advisor has gone on the record to express his dismay over potentially inheriting such a burdensome legacy. Obama's people aren't so discouraged; they say his budget can absorb the expense.   

All talk, no detail


Both candidates have opened up the dialogue about their respective plans for Fannie and Freddie. McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, even expressed their views in a column that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.

The talk is there, but the details aren't. McCain and Obama are supportive of the takeover, and both have argued for a fundamental restructuring of these entities. Governor Palin has stated that Fannie and Freddie had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." The technically inaccurate comment (Fannie and Freddie haven't cost the taxpayers anything yet), indicated her support of paring down the entities, but also prompted concern from many about her misunderstanding of the situation.

In any case, everyone on the campaign trail agrees that Fannie and Freddie are likely to be too big and too expensive to taxpayers at some point in the future. McCain is ready to chop up the two mortgage companies and sell off the assets in pieces. He and Palin have said, "We will make sure that [Fannie and Freddie] are permanently restructured and downsized." This signals that the Republican ticket would go for full privatization, eliminating all implied and stated government support. Under this proposal, the FHA would likely become the primary vehicle for government mortgage assistance.

Obama argues for privatizing non-essential segments of Fannie and Freddie's operations, while retaining some government involvement in certain activities. He believes the right plan will more clearly define the separation between public housing policies and private housing investment.

The candidate who emerges victorious has his work cut out for him. All of America will be watching to see if this episode ends with a wipeout.
 
Give us your thoughts and ideas on the Fannie/Freddie Bailout.... We want to hear what you have to say!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 6th, 2008 1:10 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Foreclosure Rates - A Growing Problem...
October 3rd, 2008 2:10 PM
Various foreclosure assistance programs were supposed to stall the upward momentum of high foreclosure rates, and even reverse the expanding epidemic. Instead, the situation is getting worse, and there appears to be nothing anyone can do to stop the rising tide of defaults.

Foreclosure rates hit another record high in August, with nearly 100,000 families losing their homes, despite widely touted foreclosure assistance efforts by the government and lenders.

According to news reports from Bloomberg, "Foreclosures accelerated to the fastest pace in almost three decades during the second quarter as interest rates increased and home values fell, prompting more Americans to walk away from homes they couldn't refinance or sell."

Frightening foreclosure facts


  • New legal proceedings were initiated against about half a million homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments to lenders who are members of the Mortgage Bankers Association.  That represents an increase of nearly 10 percent from the previous quarter.

  • During the summer, some three million additional borrowers got behind on their payments.  That number didn't count the number of borrowers already in some phase of foreclosure.

  • Delinquencies are currently up more than 25 percent compared to last year, and foreclosure rates have almost doubled year-to-year, although last year's foreclosure rates were already historically record-breaking.

  • More than 1.2 million American homes are now in foreclosure, and a spike in foreclosure rates in California and Florida, which accounted for almost 40 percent of all foreclosures during the summer, offset any improvements in better performing states like Texas, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

  • Meanwhile, pending sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors, fell about 4 percent in recent months, signaling more sales deterioration to come.

  • The deeper those figures fall, the more foreclosure rates will increase, because when sales fall, so do market values. As market value collapses, equity is erased, and the likelihood of someone being "upside down" in a loan increases, which often leads to foreclosure.

Foreclosure assistance needed


In a mid-September interview on ABC-TV, former Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan remarked that the situation "is in the process of outstripping anything I've seen, and it still is not resolved and it still has a way to go." He believes that our economic problems will "continue to be a corrosive force until the price of homes in the United States stabilizes," and predicted that normalcy will not return at least until next year. Critics of Greenspan's decisions while he was at the Fed say that he helped fuel the housing bubble by keeping mortgage interest rates too low for an extended period of time, which encouraged reckless lending and borrowing.

Nobody wants to be accountable. But the fact remains that foreclosure rates are accelerating and foreclosure assistance is failing at a time when a host of other financial problems plague the U.S. That's bad news for the economy and for average Americans, regardless of who gets blamed.
Did you find this article helpful at all?  Anything you would like to add regarding the forclosure rate situation?  Please post your responses.  We really do want to hear what you have to say!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 3rd, 2008 2:10 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Interesting Times in the Mortgage Industry by Gary Bussard and Envoy Mortgage
October 3rd, 2008 8:59 AM

The Chinese have a proverb: “May you live in interesting times.” And we are living through interesting times indeed.

Whatever the political posturing regarding the current rescue plan, a plan needs to be passed. Credit markets are frozen and banks are going bust every day. This is not totally because of "toxic" mortgages. This has a lot to do with FASB 157, also known as "mark to market".

Each day lenders must mark their assets to the marketplace. It's like you having to appraise your home everyday and if your neighbor was under duress because they got very ill, divorced, lost their job and was forced to sell their home quickly they may have sold it super cheap. Now, does that mean your house is worth that super cheap price? Clearly not. Why? Because you are not under duress. You have the time to sell your home and get a more normal price, which more accurately reflects true market conditions. But "mark to market" does not allow for this, which creates a vicious cycle.

Why is this so bad? Because as lenders mark down their assets, the amount that they have loaned previously becomes much riskier in relation to their assets. For example, say a bank has $1 million in assets and say they have $15 million in loans outstanding. Their ratio is an acceptable 15 to 1. But should they take a paper write down of $500 thousand due to "mark to market" requirements, their ratio suddenly changes to 30 to 1. This is because their assets are now only $500 thousand after taking the paper loss, while their loans outstanding are $15 million. And at 30 to 1 this bank is viewed as a risky investment. So the stock price starts to get hit, it becomes harder to borrow, and most importantly harder to make money. The bank is then forced to sell some of its loans to reduce its ratio...at cheap prices. And this makes the vicious cycle continue.

And a quick look at the holdings of these loans show that 95% are problem free. Additionally, the Credit Default Swaps (CDS) that are used with the pools of mortgages are relatively safe. But this requires a bit of understanding. You see, when a pool of mortgage loans is put together, it isn't just A paper or B paper etc….it's everything. It’s got some A paper, B paper, C paper…and even what looks like toilet paper. An "A" investor buys the whole pool but because they are an "A" investor their safety is greater because they can avoid the first 20% (an example) of defaults. So they own the whole pool but are sheltered from the first batch of defaults, and for this they get the lowest rate of return. As you can figure from here the more risk investors want to take, the higher the return. So the investments are relatively safe, but the accounting rules currently place undue pressure on the banking institutions.

Now add to all this, the opportunistic “shorting” done on the financial stocks, much of it illegal because those shorts did not legitimately borrow shares (called naked shorting), and you exacerbate this whole problem. Thank goodness for the recent temporary ban on shorting in the financial sector. As for the plan the government is the only one who can step in to do this. And they have to do this. And they will do this. The nauseating political posturing from both sides is just part of the process.

This is not easy to understand for the general public. In fact most politicians don't get this either. That's why it is a difficult yet critical bill for them to vote on.

Once this is done it will take some time but the markets will stabilize. As for the real estate and mortgage industries, it will take a bit of time but we will make it through this. Rates will remain attractive and the influx of credit availability will help the housing market gradually improve. This ultimately will be the medicine needed to improve the situation overall.

As always – please keep in touch, especially during these volatile times. I am here to help you in any way that I can.


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 3rd, 2008 8:59 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Mortgage Crisis: Communities to the Rescue
October 2nd, 2008 9:16 AM
All over the country, people are feeling the effects of the subprime mortgage crisis. As home values plummet and foreclosure rates soar, communities are finding new ways to provide mortgage assistance to their neighbors.

The subprime mortgage crisis has been the financial world's equivalent of Hurricane Katrina.  Storming through the mortgage landscape, it has ravaged borrowers across the land and created an analogous kind of homelessness.  Homeowner after homeowner has sought out mortgage help, turning to their banks and their communities for assistance.  In towns and cities all across America, the response has been dramatic.
 
Neighborhood mortgage assistance

San Jose, CA:  In late August, nearly 400 people attended an event called the Foreclosure Prevention and Resource Fair.  Organized by San Jose's Housing Department, the event gathered lenders, counselors, and legal agencies together in an effort to provide mortgage help and counseling for homeowners who were afraid of losing their homes to foreclosure.  The event drew such a large crowd that event officials are planning to hold another one.

Columbia, MD:  A similar event was held at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Maryland's Howard County.  Sponsored by a group called People Acting Together in Howard, the half-day workshop included details on homeowners' rights and the foreclosure process.  Housing counselors and attorneys worked with the participants, reviewing any paperwork having to do with a foreclosure.

Brooklyn and Queens, NY:  In response to the more than 6,000 foreclosure filings in the first three months of this year, 10 churches in Brooklyn and Queens offered workshops to parishioners and non-parishioners alike on subprime mortgages.  The workshops were designed to help people steer clear of foreclosures and also to identify a potential predatory lender.  Catholic Charities USA notes that its member relief agencies are running similar programs in other communities, and have provided mortgage help to more than 4,000 homeowners.

Beyond mortgage assistance meetings


Phoenix, AZ:
  In Arizona, the refinance assistance efforts weren't limited to workshops.  An organization called Community Information and Referral created a Foreclosure Prevention Hotline.  Staffed by a local, certified foreclosure counselor, the hotline was made possible by a grant and a partnership with the Arizona Department of Housing.

St Louis, MO:  A public TV station used its airwaves to provide resource information to people affected by the subprime crisis.  The station provided contact information on places where homeowners could turn for help and refinance assistance, and also aired stories about other people who were suffering in the same way.  The goal was to reduce the stigma associated with foreclosure, and increase public awareness of the widespread nature of the problem.

Help isn't possible for every homeowner affected by the mortgage crisis.  But it's encouraging that mortgage assistance programs have helped many people who have suffered through recent housing problems.  The community reaction also underscores the serious nature of the subprime crisis.  With the recent government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it appears that we may not have seen the last of these types of community events.
 
Tell us what, if anything has been done in your community.  We want to hear what you have to say!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 2nd, 2008 9:16 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Government Steps in with Mortgage Help
October 2nd, 2008 9:12 AM
The federal government has unleashed the FHA to help at-risk mortgage borrowers keep their homes.

In Rambo: First Blood, Part II, the government sends John Rambo, the one-man task force, to Vietnam to rescue American POWs. Unfortunately, there's no Rambo available to rescue American homeowners, so the feds have to hang their hopes on regulatory changes instead.

Mortgage help on the way


On October 1, 2008, the FHA will begin implementing a government mortgage assistance program, which entices lenders to rework troubled loans in return for the security of FHA mortgage insurance.  

To qualify for this insurance, the refinanced debt must be structured as a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Also, the amount of principal outstanding cannot be greater than 90 percent of the property's current appraised value. Where the debt outstanding is in excess of that limitation, the lender would have to write off a portion of the principal.  

Eligible homeowners must live in the mortgaged property and demonstrate a financial hardship associated with their current mortgage. More specifically, the payment of the current mortgage must be greater than 31 percent of the borrower's monthly income. To prevent abuse of federal refinancing dollars, the FHA will also require homeowners to certify two things: that they didn't intentionally default, and that they didn't obtain their original mortgage by lying on the loan application.  

Lenders are not under any requirement to rework the loans to meet the FHA guidelines. Ultimately, it will come down to which costs less for the lender, foreclosure or mortgage refinance.

Government refinance assistance


Borrowers who proceed with an FHA-assisted refinance aren't receiving a get-out-of-a-bad-mortgage-free card; there are costs and limitations to consider for mortgage help. The main points to note are:

  • The borrower will not be allowed to obtain a home equity loan for at least five years, unless it's necessary to pay for home repairs.
  • The borrower will have to pay ongoing annual mortgage insurance premiums, which are calculated at 1.5 percent.
  • The borrower has to share future equity appreciation with the FHA; this amount becomes payable when the home is sold or the mortgage is refinanced. If the home is sold or refinanced within one year, the FHA gets 100 percent of the profits earned from an increase in the home's value. That percentage is reduced by 10 percent each year until it reaches 50 percent, where it stays indefinitely. In other words, if the borrower waits 10 years before selling the home at a profit of $50,000, the FHA's portion of that appreciation will be $25,000.

The refinance assistance program may not be as aggressive as sending in Rambo, but it's close. Hopefully, lenders, investors, borrowers, and the FHA will use this platform to help troubled mortgage borrowers achieve affordable, sustainable home ownership.
 
Give us your thoughts on this refinance assistance program.  We value what you have to say.  Please Post!!

Posted by Gary Bussard on October 2nd, 2008 9:12 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Congress Talks: Bailout Plan Needs Homeowner Provisions
October 2nd, 2008 9:10 AM
The emergency federal bailout plan has been drafted. The proposal involves buying up mortgage-related assets from failing financial institutions; but are homeowners going to get some help, too?

"When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last dyin' day." The heated rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks of West Side Story is nothing compared to the battle between Republicans and Democrats on the federal bailout plan. And amid all that positioning and politicking, America's homeowners are asking to be heard, too.

On September 20, the U.S. Treasury approached Congress for permission to buy $700 billion of mortgage-related securities. Those securities are wreaking havoc on the U.S. financial system, because skyrocketing mortgage default rates have made them unsalable. Already, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and Washington Mutual have essentially collapsed. The bailout plan-called the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA)-is the government's attempt to shore things up before our whole financial system falls apart.

Remembering Main Street when saving Wall Street


As the bailout details were hammered out, some politicians were particularly vocal about addressing the foreclosure crisis in the legislation. There was concern that homeowners' needs would get lost in the shuffle, as lawmakers struggled to create a workable solution. Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton were among those who continued to press for homeowner stimulus and mortgage aid. During a congressional hearing, Schumer said he was "convinced that judicial loan modifications...are an essential step that we must consider." Clinton, who rallied for the return of a Depression-era refinancing program, argued that "if we do not take action to address the crisis facing borrowers, we'll never solve the crisis facing lenders."

Round one goes to the homeowner


Schumer and Clinton made their point. The version of the EESA that was sent to the House on September 29 did include mortgage aid provisions. It came in the form of a requirement that the Treasury modify troubled mortgage loans wherever possible. The legislation also directs other federal agencies involved in mortgage lending to rework their at-risk loans. And finally, the EESA widens the eligibility requirements for the "HOPE for Homeowners" program. HOPE for Homeowners is an FHA-based refinancing program that targets borrowers who have loans that they can't afford. Almost as a reassurance, the official summary of the EESA twice states that the intention is to help "American families keep their homes."

These provisions are tucked into a complex plan to buy up hundreds of billions of dollars worth of mortgage-related securities. Lawmakers, fearing an impending global financial crisis, have been forced to move quickly to come to an agreement on the package. Thankfully, Republicans and Democrats did eventually join forces on the deal, just as the Jets and the Sharks dropped their feud at the end. Supporters say the plan will add liquidity to the credit markets, stabilize the financial system, and protect the interests of taxpayers and homeowners.
We know you have some opinions on this subject!  Please post them!  We'd love to hear from you. 


Posted by Gary Bussard on October 2nd, 2008 9:10 AMPost a Comment (0)

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