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Securing a jumbo: No small task

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Qualifying for a jumbo loan—those with loan amounts higher than the conventional conforming loan limit of $729,750 in high-cost areas—is more difficult than it was a few years ago.

While rates on jumbo mortgage historically have been higher than rates on conforming loans, jumbo loans still are available, but often come with stringent underwriting requirements. Prior to the credit freeze, borrowers of jumbo mortgages could qualify for loans with a 5 percent down payment, credit scores of 620and enough money in the bank to cover two months of payments. Now, borrowers typically must have six months’ reserves, a 700 credit score, and a down payment of at least 20 percent.

HUD: Homebuyer Tax Credit Loans Still on Track

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Daily Real Estate News  |  May 21, 2009  |

HUD: Homebuyer Tax Credit Loans Still on Track
News reports that the federal government is backing away from its plan to permit eligible borrowers to monetize the first-time homebuyer tax credit are off the mark, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says.

"The technical details are still being finalized and will soon be published in a mortgagee letter and posted on our Web site," Lemar Wooley, a HUD spokesperson, told REALTOR® magazine Wednesday afternoon.

Under the guidance that's under development, state agencies and other HUD-approved entities would be able to provide short-term bridge loans that households could use to help with their downpayment. The loans would be repaid with the proceeds from the households' federal tax credit.

The loans were announced on the opening day of NAR's 2009 Midyear Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., last week. In his announcement, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said guidance would be issued shortly.

When the guidance is released, it is expected to cover eligible lenders and set parameters for loan terms and repayment.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online

Need To Refi But Owe To Much!

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Want to take advantage of the low loan Rates but you have no equity. Well there may be help for you now. If your mortgage loan is owned by Fannie Mac or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance to take advantage of lower interest rates. Your mortgage company can tell you if your loan is guaranteed by Fannie Mac or Freddie Mac or you can contact Fannie Mac or Freddie Mac directly by click on the link below and completing the forms for each company. Two things you should know before you make the call. 1. You can't owe more than 105% of the appraised value. 2. No late payments in the last 12 months. If you meet these two conditions fill out the forms and get the ball rolling.

FANNIE MAE
1-800-7FANNIE (8 am to 8 pm EST)
www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup

FREDDIE MAC
1-800-FREDDIE (8 am to 8 pm EST)
www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage

Displaying blog entries 1-3 of 3

Contact Information

Photo of Carol and Jim   Real Estate
Carol and Jim
Preferred Home Brokers
3230 E Imperial Hwy, Ste 125
Brea CA 92821
714-726-3144
714-726-3144

Carol & Jim Chamberlain 714-726-3166 or 714-726-3144                  "Yes, We Can Be In Two Places At Once!"                                              BRE Lic Numbers: 00912962, 01015143