Archive for the 'Mortgage Rates' Category
Sonoma County Mortgage & Housing
May 20th, 2010 categories: Buyer Resource, Mortgage Rates
Market Dynamics and Consumer Opportunities
As a lender I read various market reports. These reports break the real estate market into various segments and basically come down to units of homes sold over a given time period. These segments include “new” versus “existing” homes sold, basically the number of homes sold by home builders versus the number of homes sold by their current owner. Across the nation “new” versus “old” is broken down into regional data and then into state data.
The aggregate national housing data can be broken into ever discrete data points. In addition to new and old units sold, it is possible to break out the number of single family homes sold versus the number of condos, or the number of rental units built versus the number of for sale homes built, this can go on and on. This data is always compared to past results. This month’s data is compared to last month’s data. This year’s data is compared to last year’s data.
What just struck me were a few recent reports that have looked at today’s housing performance and compared it to the number of homes sold during “the housing boom.” This period between 2003 and the middle of 2006 has been called “the go-go years” and “housing’s heyday” in addition to “the housing boom,” which begs the following question to be asked.
If we continue to breakdown the housing data into ever more discrete units until we finally get to the transaction level, would any of the consumers who bought their home during “the boom years” say the got a good deal on their homes?
“The Boom Years” is characterized by the aggregation of transactions. Most of those who handled multiple transactions did very well. At the top of the heap would be homebuilders, then Realtors and mortgage lenders. The experience of the individual buyer is not accurately reflected in a descriptive title for any given market.
This divergence between a descriptive title being applied to market conditions and the experience of the individual applies to today’s housing market. The housing market is generally described as depressed, moribund, or even as a crisis. These are apt descriptions if you happen to be a homebuilder, a supplier of building products, or a land broker. However; for consumers it is possible to say that today’s housing market represents a remarkable opportunity.
Home prices are starting to stabilized after falling as much as 50% over the last few years. If you combine these low home prices with interest rates that are very close to historic lows, the cost of home ownership is lower today than in any time in recent memory.
One of the causalities of “the boom years” was the concept of what our homes should be. Throughout much of this decade our homes became financial instruments that we manipulated for short term financial gain. If you are looking for a house to be a place that can be the long term anchor for a family, to be that old school idea of a home, then today represents a remarkable opportunity to get a good deal. Those who end up buying their home in the next two years will mostly likely look back at that purchase in several years and very happy with the results.
If you have any questions on this entry, or have any questions regarding mortgages, please feel free to contact me.
This article was contributed by: Bob Jones
Mission Hills Mortgage Bankers
(707) 292-0337
rtjones@mhmb.com
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Mortgage Rate Update: 1/29/10
January 29th, 2010 categories: Mortgage Rates
What if this was the best time to buy a home
in 25 years and you didn’t?
Opportunity with an expiration date!
Historically low home prices!
The Real Estate industry is trying to get the word out to anyone who will listen that this is a great time to buy a home. Yes, that is how they get paid. But there is more here than self interest. The fact is we have never seen such tangible benefits to buying Real Estate as are visible to anyone with eyes wide open.
Home prices are rolled back to levels that make them affordable to many people who just a few years ago were unable to buy. Some say home prices are rolled back to 1980’s prices. Some try to express it by explaining that homes have fallen by an average of 50% in Sonoma County since the highs of just a few years ago.
However you express it, home prices are at a bottom. All you have to do is talk to the Real Estate Appraisers. They will tell you that they are seeing appreciation, however so slight, in many areas. Do you like to buy things when they are at their lowest? Most of us do. Then your time is now.
First Time Buyer Tax Credit!
The Federal Government extended the $8,000 First Time buyer tax credit until March of 2010. In order to be eligible for the $8,000, a home buyer must be in contract by April 30th. This is an amazing opportunity to buy a home and get money for doing it!
Can you imagine what you could do with the $8,000? You could set aside for emergencies, remodel the kitchen or bathrooms, take a vacation, etc. This is a great opportunity, but in order to get the $8,000, you need to get moving…literally!
Low rates!
Rates are going to go up. As many people know, the Federal Government has been keeping rates low in order to stimulate and stabilize the Real Estate market. The prediction is that this will come to an end in March of 2010.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Jay Brinkmann has been talking about this for some time now. He recently was quoted as saying his biggest concern going forward is what happens to the mortgage market when the Fed stops buying Fannie loans. Apparently, at last report, the Fed was buying 100 percent of their loans. Where are the other investors? Either they still don’t want mortgages or the Fed is pricing them out of the market.
What does this mean to you?
Brinkmann said, “We don’t know if rates will go up 20 basis points or 40 or far more,” says Brinkmann. A jump like that translates to rates as high as 1% over present rates. How would you feel if you ended up with a much higher payment if rates jump?
The point?
The point is all of these reasons are opportunities for you if you are thinking about buying that home anytime in the near future. But hear this…this is an opportunity with an expiration date.
Mortgage Rate Update…
Rates moving up! Rates moved higher this week on better than expected financial news!
Rates for the week ending 1/29/2010
- FHA loan with a minimum of 3.5% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 620 or better who would be locking for 30 days. 30 Year Fixed Rate 5.125% w/5.34 APR
- Conventional Loan with a minimum of 10% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 740 or better who is locking for 30 days. 30 Year Fixed Rate 5% w/5.29% APR
Call team “WineCountryMoves.com” today!
Happy buying!
This article was contributed by Dave Raffi, Regional Manager of Mission Hills Mortgage, 707-303-2933.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Mortgage Update: 1/15/2010
January 15th, 2010 categories: Mortgage Rates
Rates moving up!
Rates moved higher this week! Don’t assume they will stay low for ever. Frankly they are going to go up dramatically at some point. The day they go up, some “expert” will put out an article that says they are going down. Why? No one knows when mortgage rates will go up and stay there, especially the experts.
If ever there was a time to make your move it is right now.
Rates for the week ending 1/15/10:
FHA loan with a minimum of 3.5% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 620 or better who would be locking for 30 days. 30 Year Fixed Rate 5% w/5.24 APR
Conventional Loan with a minimum of 10% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 740 or better who is locking for 30 days. 30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875% w/5.19% APR
Call the WineCountryMoves.com Team today and get started on your Sonoma County Real Estate Home Purchase!
Yasmeen Hillyard
707-771-0338
_______________________________________________________
Countdown for $8,000!
96 Days until the deadline…Don’t miss out! The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence.
The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
Are you really going to miss out on this great opportunity?
Don’t disqualify yourself! I can show you how to buy a home with little money down, ok credit and stay within your budget!
Call me today and find out how!
No charge for pre-approvals!
This article was contributed by Dave Raffi Regional Manager: Mission Hills Mortgage: 707-303-2933
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Mortgage Rates Update: 01/08/09
January 8th, 2010 categories: Mortgage Rates
It’s a new year, but the opportunity is now!
$8,000 Tax Credit giveaway will go away!!
If you are one of the many first time buyers who didn’t take advantage of the First Time Buyer Tax Credit last year, then you are in luck. Congress has finally extended the first time home buyer tax credit into 2010. President Obama is signed the bill into law on November 6, 2009.
The first time home buyer tax credit extension allows a buyer to enter an agreement with a seller by April 30, 2010 and close on the house by June 30, 2010.
First time home buyers are defined as anyone who has not owned a home for the past 3 years. First time home buyers will get an $8,000 tax credit, similar to the tax credit for much of 2009.
But that’s not all you get….
Repeat Buyers get a huge tax credit too!
Buyers who have owned their current home for at least five years, are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit. The buyer must enter an purchase agreement with a seller by April 30, 2010 and close on the house by June 30, 2010.
Income limitations have been increased to $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers. The purchase price of the home must be less than $800,000.
“The substantial rise in home sales we’ve seen over the past few months proves that the tax credit is working and is being used by buyers who were waiting for the right opportunity to get into the market,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Dallas-Fort Worth.
This important incentive is helping to stabilize the housing market, stimulate the economy and create new jobs in communities all across our great nation. Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will enable even more families to take advantage of current low interest rates and affordable prices to invest in their future through homeownership.
Will this affect you? Are you a home buyer or seller? Were you wanting to use the 2009 tax credit, but unable to complete a purchase prior to the old deadline?
Considering buying a home before the tax credits expire!
Visit your local credit union for your mortgage loan and estimate your monthly mortgage payments, with our calculators below, before home shopping!
Don’t miss out on this $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit. The deadline might seem far off, but an escrow can take months and if you wait you could miss out.
Call Yasmeen Hillyard today!!
____________________________________________________________
The Mortgage Rates?
Rates move up…slightly
We saw a slight increase in rates this week. Rates continue to stay pretty low, but the rally in the stock market had an effect on rates as cash flowed from the treasury markets to the stock market.
Remember, rates go up much faster than they come down. Rates go up like a ramp and down like a stairway. Don’t get lulled into thinking they will be down forever.
Rates for the week ending 1/8/10
This quote below is based on a FHA loan with a minimum of 3.5% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 620 or better who would be locking for 30 days.
30 Year Fixed Rate 5.25% w/5.395% APR
The quote below is based on a Conventional Loan with a minimum of 10% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 740 or better who is locking for 30 days.
30 Year Fixed Rate 5.5% w/5.64% APR
Happy buying!
This article was contributed by: Dave Raffi 707-303-2933
Regional Manager
Mission Hills Mortgage
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Mortgage Rates Update-12/18/09
December 18th, 2009 categories: Mortgage Rates
Should I look for a mortgage or a house first?
“Looking for a house before you have been pre-approved for a loan is like trying to win at LOTTO without buying a ticket.” Dave Raffi
The prize may look great but someone else will get it unless you are in the game!
Why do people go look at homes without knowing what their payment will be, if they can afford the home or if they can be approved to buy it? The simple answer is its fun. People love to look at homes a think, “This would be perfect for the kids” or “I can see our furniture right over there.” Problem is they are just teasing themselves and frankly being a tad foolish.
The bigger question is, “Why do Realtors drive them around to look at houses they may not be able to buy?” Crazy as it sounds some do. Most Realtors will ask you to get preapproved first. They know you need to be prepared and knowledgeable about payments down payment, etc. before you go out to look.
Moral of the story…I have met with countless people who have gone out and fallen in love with a home before they came to see me. Then we sat down and they said, “That payment is too high. I can’t afford that!” They left feeling discouraged. Don’t spend your time looking until you know what you can afford and what price range is best for you.
Lenders will meet with you, explain all the costs and what a payments look like, get you pre-approved and answer all your questions. What is the cost for that? Nothing! How’s that for a deal!! All you have o do is come in and spend an hour or so and you’ll leave with the confidence that comes from knowing you can afford the home you are looking at and that if you fall in love with one of them, you can buy it without problems arising.
Mortgage Rate Update…
Rates moving up!
This week was a tale of two directions. First of the week they moved higher and the latter part of the week they moved a bit higher. The net effect was no change! The point is rates are still amazingly low and if you are buying, lock your loan as soon as you get into contract.
You always have more to lose than gain by “floating” unlocked. Rates go up fast and go down slowly. Don’t gamble; lock in an incredible rate now!
Rates for the week ending 12/18/09
30 Year Fixed Rate 5% w/5.24 APR
This quote below is based on a FHA loan with a minimum of 3.5% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 620 or better who would be locking for 30 days.
30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875% w/5.19% APR
The quote below is based on a Conventional Loan with a minimum of 10% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 740 or better who is locking for 30 days.
Call team “WineCountryMoves.com” today and get started on your piece of the American dream!
Happy buying!
This article was contributed by Dave Raffi:
707-303-2933
Regional Manager
Mission Hills Mortgage
For a list of properties available visit: WineCountryMoves.com .
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Sonoma County Mortgage Rates Update-12/11/2009
December 11th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Mortgage Rates
This week in the Mortgage World!
Will you be buying in 2010?
Are you planning to buy a home in 2010? If so you need to know some important facts. The following are simple tools to insure you get the best deal available.
This advice comes from my 21 years of experience watching people go through the process of buying a home. I have seen people who got amazing deals and others who did not. What are the keys to buying and getting an amazing deal on a home?
Financing – “Buyer’s Cred”
The first thing you need to do in order to get a good deal on a home purchase is get your financing in order. Did you notice I didn’t say go look at homes! If you want a good deal on the house you buy, you have to have “Buyer’s Cred”. If you don’t have your financing in order, you have no credibility as a buyer. No one will accept your offer if it is not accompanied by a letter from a lender that says you are pre-approved for the purchase.
Imagine going out and buying a car without knowing what you can afford in a monthly payment? Oh, you did that? Then you know the pain of building your budget around a payment instead of fitting a payment into your budget. Big difference!
So how do you know what you can afford per month? Let’s say you are paying $1,200 per month in rent. Let’s also say you found out that if you bought a home your monthly cost would be $2,000. Then start putting aside $2,000 a month now.
Pay your rent and then put $800 in your savings account and don’t touch it.
If you can do that for 6 months without going back and needing the $800, then chances are buying a home with a monthly payment $2,000 will be affordable and buying a home will be a successful experience for you.
Shopping for a home – “Keep it Q”
When you go out to look at homes available, don’t get swept up in the excitement and look at homes you can’t afford. “Keep it Q” or keep it realistic. Why? The simple answer is the homes; you can afford will never look good enough to you again.
Higher priced homes usually have features and qualities that are not available at lower prices. People start to feel they have to settle for the less attractive homes and get discouraged. I don’t care who you are, there is always a nicer home out there.
By keeping it real you will be looking at the appropriate homes and not wasting time. Plus, buyers are often tempted to buy a home of more value and end up with homes they really cannot afford. This can be devastating for people who then build up debt, find themselves making late payments, ruin their credit and eventually lose their home.
So, in the vernacular of our time, today’s tips are develop street cred by getting preapproved and keep it q by keeping it real, so that you have a successful buying experience.
Mortgage Rate Update…
Rates moving up!
Rates moved higher this week! Don’t assume they will stay low forever. Frankly they are going to go up dramatically at some point. The day they go up, some “expert” will put out an article that says they are going down. Why? No one knows when mortgage rates will go up and stay there, especially the experts.
If ever there was a time to make your move it is right now.
Rates for the week ending 12/11/09
- 30 Year Fixed Rate 5% w/5.24 APR
This quote below is based on a FHA loan with a minimum of 3.5% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 620 or better who would be locking for 30 days. -
30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875% w/5.19% APR
The quote below is based on a Conventional Loan with a minimum of 10% down, for a person buying a personal residence with a FICO score of 740 or better who is locking for 30 days.
Call team “WineCountryMoves.com” today and get started on your piece of the American dream!
Happy buying!
This article was contributed by Dave Raffi, 707-303-2933, Regional Manager, Mission Hills Mortgage.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates – November 27, 2009
November 27th, 2009 categories: Mortgage Rates
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates - November 27, 2009
The following rates were quoted for a sample conforming loan with the following criteria: $300,000 Loan Amount | 80% LTV (Loan To Value) | 680+ FICO Score
15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 4.875% (5.21% APR)
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 5.00% (5.27% APR)
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (1 Year ARM) – 4.625% (3.77% APR)
5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (5/1 ARM) – 4.75% (4.13%APR)
7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (7/1 ARM) – 5.00% (4.63% APR)
Article Contributed by: Dave Raffi, Regional Manager at Mission Hills Mortgage: 707-303-2933
Make sure you tell Dave that the Sonoma County Grapevine sent you!
* DISCLAIMER: These mortgage interest rates are quoted at a specific time, 11.27.2009. Interest rates are subject to change upon changes in market conditions and borrower qualifications.
Now that you are caught up on the latest mortgage rate news, check out the latest prices of Sonoma County Homes by clicking the appropriate link below:
Bodega Bay Homes | Cotati Homes | Guerneville Homes | Penngrove Homes | Petaluma Homes | Rohnert Park CA Homes | Santa Rosa Homes For Sale | Sea Ranch Homes | Sebastopol Homes For Sale | Sonoma County Real Estate | Wine Country Real Estate
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates – November 20, 2009
November 20th, 2009 categories: Mortgage Rates
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates - November 20, 2009
The story of the young couple with the good attitude
Once upon a time there was young couple with a good attitude who wanted to buy a home. They heard that Sonoma County Home prices were down and that maybe this might be the best opportunity for them to buy their own home. They went out and looked at Sonoma County Homes, imagining they were living in this home or that home. They looked and looked at homes and then they met a Sonoma County Realtor.
The Realtor asked them some questions like, “What are your needs?” and “What are your wants?” The Realtor also asked what they felt they could afford how much money they had for the down payment and what their budget was. Well the young couple couldn’t answer some of those questions, so they agreed to go home and discuss it.
The Realtor also asked the couple if they had been pr-approved by a lending institution, and had their Docs In A Row. They said they had not, after all, they didn’t even know what they wanted to buy? The Realtor explained that the first step was to go to a lender and find out what they could afford. She added, “It makes no sense to look at homes you either can’t or would not want to afford.” The Realtor recommended a lender she knew who would take good care of them.
So the young couple with the good attitude packed up all their papers and went to see a lender. The lender asked more questions and then said, “Do you know what your credit scores are?” They said they did not. The lender explained the importance of the credit scores and offered to pull a free credit report. The young couple was surprised at how fast the lender got the report.
Seconds later they were looking at their credit report. But it was bad news. Their credit scores were too low to get approved for a loan. The young couple was sad. Normally this would have been the end of the story, but then something magical happened!
Instead of escorting the young couple to the door, the lender said, “Let’s see what we can do to help!” The lender ran a Rapid-rescore Test which tells the lender what the young couple can do to improve their score. The test suggested doing a few things that would raise the score 40 point, far more than needed to get loan approval. The young couple was concerned, but they had a good attitude, so they didn’t give up.
Over the next month the young couple did what the lender had told them to do. They paid off one account. They opened two new accounts. They even used the new account to charge exactly the amount the Lender said to charge. When done they let the lender know, and the lender ran a new report. Magically, the scores went up. They even went up more than expected! The young couple was happy again.
The young couple couldn’t wait to tell their Realtor. The Realtor said,”Let’s go shopping!” The young couple was so excited. They went out and over the next couple weeks found a perfect home! They made an offer on it and did not get it. So they looked some more and made another offer. But they didn’t get it either. The young couple was frustrated, but they had a good attitude.
Five offers later, they found the best house of them all. They made an offer and it was accepted! The young couple with the good attitude went back to the lender and made sure everything was ok for their loan approval. The lender needed some more paper work. So the young couple got most of it for him. The lender asked for more paper work. The young couple got the lender more paper work. But the lender needed even more paper work. The young couple was getting a little impatient, but they had a good attitude, and got the lender what he needed.
Finally it was time to get loan approval. The lender submitted their new credit report, their offer on the home and all their paper work. And guess what? Their loan was approved! The young couple was happy. A couple days later they were signing something called loan papers. The stack of papers was tall and scary, but the young couple signed and signed and signed.
A few days later they got their keys to their new home. They backed up their truck with all their stuff and moved in. And the young couple with the good attitude lived happily ever after.
Moral of the story: Seek the help of professionals who are there for you. Do what they say and work through the challenges. Always keep a good attitude and you too can be living in your own home and living happily ever after!
Footnote: This is not a fairytale.
Rate Update…Rates moved even lower this week! If ever there was a time to make your move it is right now.
The following rates were quoted for a sample conforming loan with the following criteria: $300,000 Loan Amount | 80% LTV (Loan To Value) | 680+ FICO Score
15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 4.75% (5.12% APR)
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 4.875% (5.17% APR)
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (1 Year ARM) – 4.625% (3.77% APR)
5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (5/1 ARM) – 4.75% (4.13%APR)
7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (7/1 ARM) – 5.00% (4.63% APR)
Article Contributed by: Dave Raffi, Regional Manager at Mission Hills Mortgage: 707-303-2933
Make sure you tell Dave that the Sonoma County Grapevine sent you!
* DISCLAIMER: These mortgage interest rates are quoted at a specific time, 11.20.2009. Interest rates are subject to change upon changes in market conditions and borrower qualifications.
Now that you are caught up on the latest mortgage rate news, check out the latest prices of Sonoma County Homes by clicking the appropriate link below:
Bodega Bay Homes | Cotati Homes | Guerneville Homes | Penngrove Homes | Petaluma Homes | Rohnert Park CA Homes | Santa Rosa Homes For Sale | Sea Ranch Homes | Sebastopol Homes For Sale | Sonoma County Real Estate | Wine Country Real Estate
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates – November 13, 2009
November 13th, 2009 categories: Mortgage Rates
Sonoma County Home Mortgage Rates - November 13, 2009
“The stars have aligned with Mars to make this the best time to buy a home.”
Don’t believe me…listen to the stars.
Aries
When you look at homes this week, stick to the facts and don’t get caught up in wishful thinking. Focus on your financial reality. What is affordable? What would make the best financial sense? Don’t get caught up in buying from an emotional place. You are ready to buy a home, so seek the counsel of experts who will guide you to needs, not wants.
Taurus
Buying a home is a happy experience. Expect looking at homes to be fun. It is ok to enjoy it, but eventually you need to make a move. Saturn will square Pluto on Sunday, so you need to make sure that you get all your paperwork completed properly to avoid issues. Getting into a new home will bring you great joy, so welcome the change. It is time to make a move.
Gemini
Currently Mars is in your communication zone, and is going to stay there for a long time. As you look at homes this week, you need to be vocal with your Realtor. You are a great communicator so be clear with them as to what your goals are. You like to play detective and that will serve you well. Do your “homework”, but expect good news. The competition for homes is rough, so be ready to grab it before someone else does.
Cancer
You are a creative person and this week will be no different. But when buying a home keep it simple. Don’t over complicate your offer and you will get the home you want. You have an important decision to make, so say good bye to the past and move on. Think of all you can do with your new home?
Leo
Expect to feel very confident about buying a home this week. You will have an amazing opportunity to bring your dreams to life and find the perfect home. However, Saturn will square Pluto which will give you pause. But you are so powerful Leo you can do this. It’s your turn to buy a home!
Virgo
You know how you are Virgo; you are a spiritual being. As you look at homes this week, find a home that moves your emotions to an excited zone. Imagine yourself doing your Yoga or Tai Chi in that house and the calm and inner peace with the world you’ll feel. Ask yourself this question, “Do I feel it?” If not move on. The perfect house awaits you. Don’t gamble it will grow on you, you’ll know when the house is right.
Libra
This is a great time for you Libra’s to make the most of your finances by buying a home. You have been saving your money for a time just like this. Focus on your personal financial zone. This is a good time to think about making the most of your resources. Wednesday and Saturday can bring a financial windfall. Buying a home and the financial gain from it will make you smile.
Scorpio
Think of buying a home as part of your reward for your success in your career. Mars is passing through your sign and will bring more deserved success. This means that you are going to getting your way in many transactions. Now is the time to make that offer on the home you want. You may be shocked at the great deal you can negotiate.
Sagittarius
Saturn and Pluto will be on your side this week. As you look at homes, you may feel some tension building. This is normal and nothing you can’t handle. In the end you will have the upper hand. Good ‘ol Pluto is on your side and with a little strategic handling of the situation, good fortune will come your way. Let the strength the stars give you this week help finalize the deal on that home you want.
Capricorn
You will feel very social this week. That will bring you many opportunities for interaction and collaboration. What better time to buy a home? Stay away from get rich quick schemes. Buying a home is a great investment, but you must have realistic expectations. The market will take off one day and you will get all the appreciation you’re looking for. Use your gifts of communication to get a great deal on your home.
Aquarius
Mars is moving through your partnership zone. This is a great time to find a great Realtor to work with you on buying a new home. You have the ability of being in the right place at the right time. What better week to buy the home of your choice. Timing is everything, and Aquarius…you’ve got it!
Pisces
Well you have been through some tough stuff. Finally the cloud is about to lift. You’re in a mood to explore and if you take that energy to your home search, imagine the amazing discoveries you will make? A focus on home buying will be rewarded with amazing fortune in places you never expected. You may have to let go of the past to enjoy the magic and mystery of the treasure that will be your new place to live!
The following rates were quoted for a sample conforming loan with the following criteria: $300,000 Loan Amount | 80% LTV (Loan To Value) | 680+ FICO Score
15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 4.875% (5.21% APR)
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage – 5.00% (5.27% APR)
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (1 Year ARM) – 4.625% (3.77% APR)
5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (5/1 ARM) – 4.75% (4.13%APR)
7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (7/1 ARM) – 5.00% (4.63% APR)
Article Contributed by: Dave Raffi, Regional Manager at Mission Hills Mortgage: 707-303-2933
Make sure you tell Dave that the Sonoma County Grapevine sent you!
* DISCLAIMER: These mortgage interest rates are quoted at a specific time, 11.13.2009. Interest rates are subject to change upon changes in market conditions and borrower qualifications.
Now that you are caught up on the latest mortgage rate news, check out the latest prices of Sonoma County Homes by clicking the appropriate link below:
Bodega Bay Homes | Cotati Homes | Guerneville Homes | Penngrove Homes | Petaluma Homes | Rohnert Park CA Homes | Santa Rosa Homes For Sale | Sea Ranch Homes | Sebastopol Homes For Sale | Sonoma County Real Estate | Wine Country Real Estate
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Get Your Docs In A Row
November 11th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cotati, Fountaingrove, Mortgage Rates, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa
You have decided to start a Real Estate search for the Sonoma County Home of your dreams. You have not decided on a particular location, and you are considering the family atmostphere and numerous parks of Rohnert Park, the walkable and active downtown of Petaluma, the quaint small town feel of Cotati and the gorgeous views of Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa. There are some many great places to choose from in Sonoma County that it can be a little overwhelming. So what should you do in the meantime? You should Get Your Docs In A Row so your mortgage broker / lender can help you decide your price range, based on your budget, down payment amount, potential interest rates, etc.
Get Your Docs In A Row? What does that mean? Don’t you mean get my DUCKS in a row? I do not even have a pond, so how is that possible? Get your DOCS in a row silly…have all of your financial documents ready to share with your mortgage broker.
Getting Your Docs In A Row reminds me a little of Jerry Maguire. Remember when Jerry is telling Row Tidwell to lose the chip on his shoulder and be more a team player…pleading with him..”Help Me Help You…Help Me Help You!” Well even if you do not remember, it all comes down to helping your mortgage broker or lender help you. Once they have all of your necessary paperwork, they can tell you how much you qualify for, what rate you qualify for, and this information coupled with your income, down payment, credit score, anticipated closing costs, etc. will tell you how much you can spend on your new home.
The items your mortgage broker / lender will likely need are as follows:
- Pay Stubs – w-2’s, 1099’s, anything that proves your income
- Tax Returns – Your LAST 2 YEARS of tax returns
- Any Other Loan Or Credit Line Information – lender information, loan numbers, balances, monthly amounts owed, interest rates, payoff information)
- Bank Account Statements – The most recent statements showing available funds (this will prove your ability to make a down payment and pay for closing costs)
So if you have recently started your Sonoma County Home Search, or are already looking and have not yet spoken to a Mortgage Broker / Lender…what is your next order of Business? Get Your Docs In A Row and speak to a lending professional to find out how they can help you. The lending professional will help you find out what price range you should focus on, and help you figure out when is the best time to lock in a mortgage rate.
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