As I conveyed in a previous blog in June, the FHFA was being pushed by mortgage trade groups to eliminate an "Adverse Market Fee" on .5 point on conforming refinances. This was a hidden tax on the consumer that increased the cost of a refinance $2500 in additional costs to a $500,000 loan, or around ... » Learn More about 2 Positives For Refinances-Elimination of .5 pt Tax and Rates Drop
Mortgage Rates
Federal Reserve Acknowledges Inflation and Rates to Go Up Sooner Than Originally Planned
The recent Federal Reserve statements convey that the high inflation being realized presently may more lasting, and not be as transitory as originally predicted. Now they’re expecting to raise rates sooner than previously perceived. There’s a lot of Fed banter now about starting with the scaling ... » Learn More about Federal Reserve Acknowledges Inflation and Rates to Go Up Sooner Than Originally Planned
Supreme Court Decision Will Affect Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Mortgages Underwriting and Fees
The US Supreme Court decided that the leadership structure of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) violates the Constitution and the separation of powers. That gave President Biden authority to remove the agency’s head at will. Just hours after the court’s decision, the White House fired ... » Learn More about Supreme Court Decision Will Affect Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Mortgages Underwriting and Fees
Mortgage Rates Stable, But For How Long and Where Do They Go From Here?
The long-term interest rates have been fairly stable recently, and within a range since the beginning of April. Prior to that, the rates jumped substantially from January through March. The big quandary now is will the jump in the inflation rate only be transitory, as the Federal Reserve ... » Learn More about Mortgage Rates Stable, But For How Long and Where Do They Go From Here?
How Much Income Does It Take To Buy A Median Priced Home In The San Fernando Valley?
Even though the interest rates are attractive, the appreciating property values continue pushing higher the income needed to qualify for the purchase using a standard 80% loan to value 30 year fixed loan. Make note, the median priced home in the San Fernando Valley is now over $900,000 ! If ... » Learn More about How Much Income Does It Take To Buy A Median Priced Home In The San Fernando Valley?