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Mortgage Market News and Rate Survey

Mortgage rates inched up this week, despite the Fed’s latest efforts to hold rates low. Some experts worry that as investors gain confidence in the economy, rates may keep climbing. Others say there’s still plenty of bad economic news to keep rates at the bottom The Fed isn’t as optimistic about the economy, and it’s determined to keep rates low. “While indicators point to some further improvement in overall labor market conditions, the unemployment rate remains elevated,” read the Federal Open Market Committee’s statement on Wednesday. “Household spending has continued to advance, but growth in business fixed investment has slowed,… Read More »

How Property Taxes Impact Your Closing

Especially at this time of year, homeowners question how property tax certifications and payments will impact their closing. We’ve summarized this information to refresh you on the process in Colorado. Counties assess and certify mill levies and tax amounts annually on real property. This process is typically completed the end of December or early in January. Tax notifications are sent out in January, and property owners have two options for payment. First, they may divide the amount into two installments with the first half of taxes due by February 28th and balance by June 15th. Second, they may pay the… Read More »

Rates Remain Low but Higher Loan Fees May Change That

Mortgage rates are expected to remain low for now, but borrowers will face higher loan fees, which will translate into slightly higher interest rates or points for borrowers. That’s because the guarantee fee on loans that can be sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is set to increase by a minimum of 10 basis points.  The hike doesn’t take effect until April 1st, but lenders have already started to pass the extra cost on to borrowers.   The slightly higher costs should not have a major impact on the demand for mortgage loans because rates will remain attractive, Walsh… Read More »

Keys for Buying and Selling when the Market is Slow

It’s a whole new world for home sellers. So, how do you make your house stand out so it will sell when sales are slow? Price your home correctly. When mortgage rates are low and buyers are chasing too few houses for sale, sellers can ask high prices and get them. Even when houses are overpriced for the market, sellers are likely to receive some offers, as buyers are often desperate to find a home that meets their needs. But, when things are slow, pricing is absolutely critical. Instead of pricing your home aggressively high or low, you should consider… Read More »

Mortgage Market News and Rate Survey

Pending Home Sales Rise 7.3% to Highest Level in 19 Months Dec 30th, 2011  Pending home sales continued to gain in November and reached the highest level in 19 months, according to the National Association of Realtors. The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 7.3 percent to 100.1 in November from an upwardly revised 93.3 in October and is 5.9 percent above November 2010 when it stood at 94.5. The October upward revision resulted in a 10.4 percent monthly gain. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the gains may result partially from delayed transactions…. Read More »

How the Housing Market Fared in 2011 and What’s in Store for the New Year

A housing economist recently noted that all the real estate market really needs to right itself is six straight months with no surprises. All the ingredients for a turnaround are there – record low interest rates, outstanding affordability, and very attractive home prices. But economic and political headwinds at home and abroad kept the market from really gaining much momentum this year. To be sure, 2011 was anything but predictable. On top of the tepid economic recovery here in the U.S., there was one crisis after another around the world – the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, the “Arab Spring” uprising,… Read More »

Consumers Paying Credit Cards Before The Mortgage

Citing its data from recent years, TransUnion observed that before 2008, consumers for decades tended to pay their mortgage first “because it was their greatest asset,” says Steve Chaouki, group vice president for TransUnion’s financial services unit. But the crash in home values that began in 2008, coupled with rising unemployment, caused consumers for the first time to begin putting a higher priority on making credit card payments over mortgages and auto loans. “Consumers see that as their home values declined, credit cards represented liquidity, which is a more valuable commodity during an economic crisis,” Chaouki says. The economy may… Read More »

Fannie Mae Announces Eviction Moratorium for the Holidays

WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) announced today that it will suspend evictions of foreclosed single family and 2-4 unit properties from December 19th, 2011 through January 2nd, 2012.  During this period, legal and administrative proceedings for evictions may continue, but families living in foreclosed properties will be permitted to remain in the home. “The holidays are meant for families to spend time together, especially if they’ve gone through the stress of financial challenges and foreclosure,” said Terry Edwards, Executive Vice President of Credit Portfolio Management, Fannie Mae. “No family should have to give up their home during this holiday… Read More »

Recent Update on FHA & VA changes .

Two Important Legislative Changes FHA Loan Limits Last Friday, the President signed a bill that enables HUD to restore the previous FHA loan county limits. This would mean that the FHA loan limits would be the greater of the current limit or the limits made available under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. While this is welcomed news, HUD must provide guidance on how they will be implementing this change in order for Coldwell Banker Home Loans to determine what action can be taken and when. As soon as HUD provides guidance on their approach, the announcement will be reviewed… Read More »

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

10 REASONS TO LIST A HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS 1 – Buyers who look for a home during the holidays tend to be more serious about buying. 2 – Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during the holidays, which means less competition and more money for you. 3 – History shows that the amount of listings dramatically increase after January 1st. With more properties on the market, there is more competition and less demand for your particular home. 4 – Homes show better in the winter months when decorated for the holidays!  Buyers are more emotional during the… Read More »