Untouchable Rates
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010Every week we hear about historically low rates on home loans. Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages are well below 5% and still falling! At any other time, interest rates like these would have jump started the real estate market from a standstill to a frenzy in no time. So who is getting these super low interest home loans? Very, very few people. Why is that?
The fact that so many homeowners are upside down on their mortgage is the root of the biggest problem. Property values have fallen significantly in the last few years. Many homeowners are finding that their homes are worth less now than when they bought them. Even those who bought their homes several years ago are now under water because they took out cash when they refinanced their homes or got second mortgages.
The maximum loan amount is typicallly a percentage of a home’s current value – current value being the key word. It’s not possible for people to pay off their old loan with proceeds from a new loan with a lower balance. That’s true for a refinance or for selling one house and buying another. Unless a homeowner can come up with the cash to make up the shortfall, they’re stuck, no matter how well qualified they are.
Unemployment Rates have been very high for a very long time. There are more than a few people who have been out of work for years. There are also a lot of people who are working jobs that are far below their qualifications – and pay less – or working part time jobs. Somehow many of these people are making ends meet in spite of the challenges. They’ve cut back on spending, stay-at-home moms have gone back to work, and they’ve started their own businesses. But they can’t show sufficient income to prove to a lender that they can make a lower mortgage payment than the one they’re making now. Even for those who have sufficient income, changes in employment can make it difficult to qualify. Most lenders want to see two years of employment in the same field to consider a buyer stable. Borrowers who switched to a different field because they couldn’t find work in their chosen field, or borrowers who took a contract position won’t qualify until they have a two year history to show.
The standards for qualifying for a loan have become more stringent. The huge number of defaults can be traced back to lending practices that were too lenient. As a result, lending requirements have become much tougher. Requirements for debt ratios and credit scores are much stricter than they were even years ago. If a homeowner has been keeping it together through falling home values, employment problems and other challenges, the chances that they have near-perfect credit and lots of money in the bank is slim.
First time buyers face all of these problems, except for being upside down on their mortgages. Unfortunately potential first time buyers with sufficient verifiable income, a hefty downpayment and great credit are in short supply. Many of those that can buy a home now are worried that home prices will decline further and/or that they’ll lose their jobs. This isn’t a comfortable time for a beginner to take the plunge.
So those tantalizing interest rates that we keep hearing about in the news remain just out of reach. Something that’s technically true, but simultaneously too good to be true.
If you are one of those in a position to buy a new home in San Diego, this is the time to do it. Once the market turns around, interest rates will rise quickly. New homes San Diego are sure to appreciate in the long run.
David Bach helps you understand the basics about your mortgage; how much you can afford, how to get qualified, what term is best for you and much more. You’ll learn how to find a lender of integrity to help you make these important decisions and prepare you for the homebuying process and serve you after you’ve bought your home.
Trouble getting a loan? Go to First Residential Mortgage in Brooklyn, New York, and get a decision direct from the lender. Experienced in refinancing, investments, and first-time buyers, this lending team can help you get a loan in both up markets and down markets. Just make an appointment and get your deal funded!
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Calculating mortgage payments for a home requires information on interest rates, amortization and the loan amount. Calculate monthly mortgage payments by using an online mortgage calculator with tips from a licensed mortgage broker in this free video on personal finance and real estate.
Getting a home equity loan on a house that will be rented out involves having at least 20 percent equity in the home, examining a credit report and applying for the loan through various brokers. Get a home equity loan with advice from an experienced property manager and landlord in this free video on rental property.
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