Energy Efficient Mortgages….

Before we delve into Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs), I want to briefly  highlight our service, competitive rates & fees. Due to strict new Loan Officer compensation and regulatory rules, many lenders suffered a 66% drop in profitability in the first quarter pushing them to drastically reduce staff and costs to remain profitable. We continue to follow our strong business model of keeping overhead costs extremely low and in turn passing those savings on to our customers. Trulending Mortgage is in the top 10th percentile as it relates to competitive interest rates and closing costs in California. This combined with our superior service, strong product line, and fast underwriting turn times (currently at 24-48 hrs) makes us extremely competitive, especially with the larger banks.

We relish the opportunity to compete for your business. If you are in the market to purchase a new home or refinance your current mortgage(s), please call us to obtain a quote. Interest rates are still extremely low, but with the Feds bond purchase program (QE3) expiring at the end of June, interest rate volatility is anyone’s guess.

Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

The availability of EEM’s is timely since energy costs are on the rise while consumers’ disposable income, unfortunately, remains flat. An EEM helps homeowners save money on utility bills
by enabling them to finance 100% of the cost of their energy efficient features to a new FHA purchase or FHA refinance mortgage. The EEM does not affect qualifying or down payments and
will not delay closing. Please call us for more information… The typical “Big 5” improvements are

1. Central Heating and Air
2. Dual pane windows
3. Insulation
4. Water heaters
5. Infiltration (Weather stripping and
   caulking)

SERVICE GUARANTEE:
WE GUARANTEE A SMOOTH LOAN ORIGINATION PROCESS OR WE WILL REFUND UP TO $500  OF YOUR CLOSING COSTS

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next refinance or home purchase transaction. Please pass this along if you think we can help any of your close friends or family.

Mortgage Rates ↓ Stocks, & Housing

There are two things we tend to buy less of when the price goes down….do you know what?

Most of us like a bargain when we go shopping and feel much better buying things when they are 10%-20% off or “Buy one get one free or at half off.” But, there are two things that always buck this trend of buying when prices go down. What’s even crazier is that, with these two things, people tend to buy more of after their price has goes up rather than down. Do you have a guess on what they are?

How about real estate and stocks?

According to the most recent S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, home prices on average across the U.S. are back to their summer of 2003 levels, meaning, they’re the cheapest they’ve been in about eight years. That said, are we clamoring to buy homes? No. In February, new home sales in the U.S. fell to a record low. Yet, during the boom times when prices were at their highest — people were buying homes like crazy and “flipping” them and we all know how that story ended.

The same is true when it comes to stocks, historically people tend to stay away from stocks when prices are down. For example, how many of us were buying more stocks as the market was declining to its recent low in March 2009? Many feel comfortable buying stocks when their prices were zooming?

These two examples suggest that housing and stocks are two major categories that defy traditional expectations.Buying these may be a smart long-term plan.

Mortgage rates dipped for the second week in row on news of weak global and US Economic news

Current Conforming Rates–Primary residences only (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $250,000) for a historical perspective on rates please visit my blog

Loan Program	Monthly Pmyt	Rate	APR	Points
30YF	$1229	4.25%	4.54%	0
20YF	$1531	4.125%	4.37%	0
15YF	$1802	3.625%	3.92%	0
5/1 ARM	$1037	2.875%	3.12%	0
7/1 ARM	$1087	3.125%	3.37%	0
FHA-30YF	$1229	4.25%	4.37%	0
FHA-15YF	$1833	3.875%	3.98%	0

Current High Balance Rates – (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $550,000)

30YF	$2746	4.375%	4.62%	0
15YF	$3999	3.75%	3.87%	0
5/1 ARM	$2318	2.875%	3.12%	0
7/1 ARM	$2431	3.375%	3.62%	0
FHA-30YF	$2705	4.25%	4.37%	0

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next refinance or home purchase transaction.  Please pass this along if you think we can help any of your close friends or family.

Another opportunity? Rates Decline again

 This past week, interest rates declined dramatically to their lowest level since December 2010 as fears that the European debt crisis could get worse with the increased threat of default by Greece and Spain. Investors fled to safety and purchased US Treasury bonds which drove yields lower that ultimately caused mortgage rates to drop.

For those of you who may have missed the opportunity to refinance and/or purchase a home last year, this is a good a time get your paperwork in order and lock in the rates.

To put this in perspective, every .25% drop in rate (Ex: 5% to 4.75% on a $250,000 mortgage) will reduce your payment by $38 per month or $456 annually. Reducing your current rate by 1% point (Ex: 5.75% to 4.75%) will reduce your payment by $154 per month or $1848 annually. Interest savings over the life of the loan is close to $55,000.

 Need assistance?

Few months back I mentioned three great programs specifically designed for those who don’t have 20% down for purchasing a house, currently own a house or investment property that you want to refinance but don’t have enough equity, or the house is considered “underwater”(When you owe more than the house is worth). Please click on the link to my email on my blog https://trulending.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/three-new-programs-you-should-consider/

Current Conforming Rates–Primary residences only (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $250,000) for a historical perspective on rates please visit my blog
Loan Program	Monthly Pmyt	Rate	APR	Points
30YF	$1248	4.375%	4.54%	0
20YF	$1548	4.25%	4.37%	0
15YF	$1818	3.75%	3.92%	0
5/1 ARM	$1054	3.00%	3.25%	0
7/1 ARM	$1088	3.25%	3.37%	0
10/1 ARM	$1175	3.875%	4.12%	0
FHA-30YF	$1229	4.25%	4.37%	0
FHA-15YF	$1833	3.875%	3.98%	0

Current High Balance Rates – (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $550,000)
30YF	$2786	4.50%	4.62%	0
15YF	$3999	3.75%	3.87%	0
5/1 ARM	$2356	3.125%	3.25%	0
7/1 ARM	$2469	3.50%	3.62%	0
FHA-30YF	$2705	4.25%	4.37%	0

 
Please visit my blog @ https://trulending.wordpress.com for more articles and information on other programs designed to help you refinance or purchase a home.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next refinance or home purchase transaction.  Please pass this along if you think we can help any of your close friends or family.

Sincerely,

Is now the right time?

To refinance or not to refinance? To buy or not to buy? These are two key questions everyone is asking these days. The answer is clearer today than 4 months ago when interest rates reached historic lows. when the federal reserve rolled out a plan to infuse $600B into the credit markets industry experts figured rates were likely to decline further, but with the Economy showing signs of strengthening and job creation (Unemployment rate now at 9%) on the rise, interest rates have begun their upward climb.

Whether considering a new purchase or refinancing of your existing loan, I would be glad to run specific scenarios for you so that you may decide whether or not it makes financial sense to move forward.

Here are three reasons to consider if you are thinking of refinancing or buying. 

1. The high balance loan limit ($418,000-$729,000) is set to expire Sept of this year.  Unless the deadline is extended, the cost of loans from ($418,000-$729,000) range will get more expensive as private investors will “fill the gap”
2. Refinancing makes sense for just about anyone with a rate above 5.25%
3. Home prices have bottomed out in desirable locations. If you are looking for a investment property or thinking of buying a home, its the right time. 

Current Conforming Rates-Primary residences only (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $250,000) 

Loan Program	Monthly Pmyt	Rate	APR	Points
30YF	1323	4.875%	4.940%	0
20YF	$1598	4.625%	4.725%	0
15YF	$1880	4.25%	4.325%	0
5/1 ARM	$1140	3.625%	3.723%	0

SERVICE GUARANTEE:  
WE GUARANTEE A SMOOTH LOAN ORIGINATION PROCESS OR WE WILL REFUND UP TO $495 OF YOUR CLOSING COSTS

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next refinance or home purchase transaction.  Please pass this along if you think we can help any of your close friends or family

Rates on the move…12/7/2010

Whether you are looking to buy a new home or refinance your current mortgage, there are three new programs you can’t afford to ignore. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks…. 

This past week rates rocketed up from their all-time lows a month ago based on some “good” economic news in the US and positive developments in the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis that soothed markets and led investors to reallocate funds from bonds into stocks driving bond yields up. Current rates are still extremely low in comparison with an average rate of 6% over the last ten years. Economic conditions can change in an instant. We strongly encourage all of our clients to get your loan applications approved and lock in these rates as soon as possible.

By the way our underwriting turn times are at 2 days compared to 3-4 weeks at big banks!

Current Conformng Rates (Pmyts based on a average loan amount of $250,000)
Loan Program	Monthly Pmyt	Rate	APR	Points
30YF	$1266	4.50%	4.52%	0
20YF	$1548	4.25%	4.34%	0
15YF	$1787	3.75%	3.83%	0
5/1 ARM	$1105	3.375%	3.42%	0

SERVICE GUARANTEE:  
WE GUARANTEE A SMOOTH LOAN ORIGINATION PROCESS OR WE WILL REFUND UP TO $495 OF YOUR CLOSING COSTS

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next refinance or home purchase transaction.  Please pass this along if you think we can help any of your close friends or family.

Mortgage Rates (11/06/2010) and more….

Turn on your radio, TV, smart phone or iPad and you are likely to hear/see home loan rates are again at historic lows. How historic? Try almost 50 years! That’s right, not since the 60s have rates been this low and that means if you have a home loan, now is the time get a free loan review from us. As we have seen in the past, rates could change quickly based on economic news and market conditions.

You may be wondering – I just refinanced last year and my current rate is above 5%, does it make sense for me to refinance again?  I know a lower rate will give me a lower payment, but I’m not sure if it’s worth refinancing my mortgage again? Let’s talk numbers so you can make an educated decision…
 
For example purposes, let’s say you have a $250,000 balance on your loan and your interest rate is 5.375%.  Your current payment (principal and interest) is $1,400. You will pay a total of  $254,000 in interest over the life of the loan. If you were to lock in today’s rates (Our current rates) the grid below gives you an idea of how much you will save on average compared to your current loan terms. These rates are for conforming loan amounts up to $417,000. If you have a high balance loan (Up to $729,750) gives us a call for a rate quote, these rates are pretty close to the conforming rates.

 By the way our underwriting turn times are at 5 days compared to 3-4 weeks at big banks!

Current Rates
Loan Program	Monthly Pmyt	Rate	APR	Total Int Paid	Int Saved	Points
30YF	$1230	4.25%	4.37%	$192,745	-$61,228	0
20YF	$1499	3.875%	4.04%	$109,649	-$61,228	0
15YF	$1787	3.50%	3.70%	$71,697	-$182,276	0
5/1 ARM	$1070	3.125%	3.24%	$135,537	-$118,436	0
7/1 ARM	$1070	3.125%	3.24%	$135,537	-$118,436	0

 

There are a number of ways to make a mortgage refinance work in your financial favor.  Shortening the term or simply lowering your interest rate can result in immediate monthly savings and huge annual interest charge savings.  With so many options and so many different scenarios, its sometimes overwhelming. Give us a call and one of our experts can help and guide you through the process.

If you are in the market to buy a new home, please consider becoming Pre-Approved through Trulending prior to your home search as most Realtors now require a Pre-Approval letter prior to showing any properties.  If you need a knowledgeable Realtor, please call me and I can recommend one of our trusted colleagues who has a strong understanding of today’s complicated market place.

“Cash-In” Refinances & Interest Rates

We have all heard of “cash-Out” refinancing but are you familiar with “cash-in” refinancing?  With a “cash-in” refinance, you get to lock in today’s historic low rates by bringing the funds “out of pocket” needed to cover the difference between your mortgage balance and the maximum loan amount you can qualify for on your new mortgage loan.  

While this isn’t a “new” concept, it is seeing renewed life in today’s mortgage market.  With interest rates this low, most people with mortgage rates above 5.25% would stand to benefit tremendously by refinancing into a rate around 4.375% – 4.625% (Conforming).  Over the past year, nearly a third of all borrowers who refinanced lowered their principal balances by putting money into the deal rather than taking it out.  We consider this prudent financial planning, and we encourage all of our clients with higher rate loans to consider a “cash-in” refinance loan.

Here are some additional reasons to consider a “cash-in” refinance:

• Earn a better return on your money with a lower rate. With savings accounts and other investments yielding little these days it makes sense to put some of your funds into your home, especially if you can knock a point or two off the mortgage rate. Paying down a mortgage is essentially a guaranteed rate of return in the form of savings.
• Avoid the higher rate: Typically high-balance loans between $418,000 and $729,750 are 1% point higher than conforming loans.  If it is feasible, a “cash-in” loan that takes the mortgage balance into the conforming loan limit will result in a much lower interest rate.
• Rebalance debt: Rates are much higher on investment properties. Consider a “cash-out” refinance on your principal residence and use that money to do a “cash-in” refinance on your second house or investment.
• Private Mortgage Insurance: Avoid mortgage insurance by moving your money into your mortgage. PMI insurance is required on loans with a loan-to-value ratio above 80%. It may make good financial sense to do a “cash-in” refinance if you can get your balance under the 80% threshold. Rates are so low it may make sense to have PMI and still save a ton of money on your mortgage.  PMI can be removed once you reach 80% LTV with an appraisal.

It’s a good time to review your mortgage options.  Give us a call, and we will be happy to explore all your options.

General Refinancing:

For those who are unable or unwilling to do a “cash-in” refinance and you currently have an adjustable rate loan or a fixed rate loan above 5.25%, a “rate and term” refinance transaction may still  be in your best interest.  You don’t have to have 20% equity in your current property to refinance; there are several programs that we can tailor to meet your specific needs.  Call us today for a no cost consultation!

 Home Purchasing:

If you are in the market to buy a new home, this is the time to get Pre-Approved and start your search. If you need a knowledgeable Realtor, please call me and I can recommend someone we have worked with before that knows and understands today’s complicated market place.  

 For our clients in California, don’t forget about the California tax credit of up to $10,000 for newly built homes, and up to a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyer of existing homes. These credits were available beginning May 1 and be good through Dec. 31, 2010, or when funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.

HomePath & HomeStyle are here!

Fannie Mae recently announced the addition of the HomePath Loan Program. HomePath is a program offered by Fannie Mae specifically designed to move REO (Real Estate Owned/Foreclosure) homes in Fannie’s portfolio. If you are in the market to purchase a home (primary, second, or investment) there are plenty of REO properties to choose from. Find HomePath eligible properties by visiting www.homepath.com.  You can combine HomePath with HomeStyle the Fannie Mae renovation Mortgage program. The HomeStyle Renovation mortgage program allows borrowers to combine the cost of the home with the costs for renovation or remodeling.

 Get pre-approved with us today so you can be better positioned to compete in this “buyers” market. Most Banks and Realtors will not work with you unless you are pre-approved.

• NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE REQUIRED
• NO APPRAISAL REQUIRED
• Low down payment and flexible mortgage terms (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate)
• Borrowers may qualify even if their credit is less than perfect
• Available for primary residences, second homes and investment properties
• FICOs down to 640

Reminders:

• California tax credit of up to $10,000 for a newly built home, and up to a $10,000 tax credit for first-time purchasers of existing homes in California. The credit will be available beginning May 1 and be good through Dec. 31, 2010, or when funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.  
• First Time HomeBuyer Credit:  $8000 tax credit expires on July 1st, 2010 (contract must be signed by 4/30/10).  The best part – if you have already filed your taxes, you can amend your 2009 tax return and get your $8,000 credit this year! 
• Move Up HomeBuyer Credit:  $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing another home – expires on July 1st, 2010 (contract must be signed by 4/30/10)

 And don’t forget – if you can benefit from more flexible qualification and income guidelines, we continue to offer great FHA program options that require as little as 3.50% down on new home purchase loans!  If you currently have a FHA loan, there is a FHA streamline refinance option available to you.

New California Home Buyer Tax credit and more…..

Governor Schwarzenegger today signed into law a bill that establishes a tax credit of up to $10,000 for a newly built home, and up to a $10,000 tax credit for first-time purchasers of existing homes in California. The credit will be available beginning May 1 and be good through Dec. 31, 2010, or when funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. The $200 million allocated for the program is split evenly with $100 million going to purchasers of new homes and $100 million going to first-time buyers of existing homes. Don’t wait…..

There are only 5 weeks left before the first time homebuyer federal tax credit expires!  We encourage you not to delay in getting your pre-approval, so you know how much you qualify for and how much your payments will be 

Why go to us for your pre-approval?  The answer is simple – time!  The next five weeks will fly by, and if you go to a “big bank” lender, you will spend the next 4 weeks wondering when you will hear back.  They are great at what they do; they just take a lot longer to do it!  Avoid all the delays, all the anxiety, and go with a trusted direct lender like us.  We can get your loan closed in days – not months!  

Program Expiration Dates:

•  First Time HomeBuyer Credit:  $8000 tax credit expires on July 1st, 2010 (contract must be signed by 4/30/10).  The best part – if you have already filed your taxes, you can amend your 2009 tax return and get your $8,000 credit this year! 
• Move Up HomeBuyer Credit:  $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing another home – expires on July 1st, 2010 (contract must be signed by 4/30/10)

 New Service Guarantee:

WE GUARANTEE A SMOOTH LOAN ORIGINATION PROCESS OR WE WILL REFUND UP TO $400 OF YOUR CLOSING COSTS.