The general political rallying cry of "break up the big banks" is an obsolete statement, and as retired Democratic Congressman and Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank put it on CNBC the other day, “they don’t know what they’re talking about”. Barney Frank was one of the architects ... » Learn More about Break Up The Big Banks – Political Rhetoric or Reality?
A Sample of Pending California Real Estate Legislation
As a Government Affairs Chair for the California Association of Mortgage Professionals I was recently in Sacramento advocating for the consumer of housing, discussing housing issues and pending legislation with our state Senators and Assembly Members. One thing of interest, our representatives in ... » Learn More about A Sample of Pending California Real Estate Legislation
Mortgage Interest Rate Update May 16 2016
The media is always a lagging index. When they announce that anything is at it's highest, or lowest, it's obsolete information. Today the media indicated that mortgage rates are at it's lowest in 3 years. Reality, the rates have been in a tight range for a few weeks. Today the rates actually ... » Learn More about Mortgage Interest Rate Update May 16 2016
Is the San Fernando Valley Real Estate Market Slowing Down?
Interesting new statistics on the San Fernando Valley housing numbers. Basic economics... the market and pricing are based on supply and demand. Because of tight inventory, multiple offers have been driving up prices on San Fernando Valley real estate. The inventory level is still historically low ... » Learn More about Is the San Fernando Valley Real Estate Market Slowing Down?
Private Mortgage Insurance Cost Jumps for Moderate Score Borrowers
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) companies have adopted a more serious stance on risk-based pricing. PMI companies are cherry-picking borrowers above a 760 credit score, and they are not that keen on insuring borrowers below 700. Looking at the typical PMI pricing for a 3% down loan, you will see ... » Learn More about Private Mortgage Insurance Cost Jumps for Moderate Score Borrowers