By Douglas Katz From Freddie Mac: The uncertainty and volatility in financial markets is heavily impacting mortgage rates. Our survey indicates that the range of weekly rate quotes for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has more than doubled over the last year. This means that for the typical mortgage amount, a borrower who locked-in at the …
Mortgage Market Update – Rates Continue Their Climb Read More »
By Doug Katz – 9/23/2022 From Freddie Mac The housing market continues to face headwinds as mortgage rates increase again this week, following the 10-year Treasury yield’s jump to its highest level since 2011. Impacted by higher rates, house prices are softening, and home sales have decreased. However, the number of homes for sale remains …
Mortgage Market Update – Rates up 1/4 point. What now? Read More »
By Doug Katz – 9/21/2022 VA Loans are unique in many ways. One that befuddles everyone outside of the lending industry and even some in the industry is entitlement and the rules regarding multiple loans and subsequent use. I hope that I can explain it to demystify the concepts, highlight some of the challenges that …
Mortgages Explained – VA Loans: Entitlement, Multiple Loans and Subsequent Use Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 09/21/2022 On the heels of last week’s announcement regarding the increase in loan limits for conforming conventional loans, i.e. what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow, many lenders have also updated their allowable limits for VA Loans. This was expected, but the release of these limits as an official policy …
New VA Loan Limits Give Veterans the Chance to Save Money Read More »
By Doug Katz – 9/16/2022 Per Freddie Mac: Mortgage rates continued to rise alongside hotter-than-expected inflation numbers this week, exceeding six percent for the first time since late 2008. Although the increase in rates will continue to dampen demand and put downward pressure on home prices, inventory remains inadequate. This indicates that while home price …
Mortgage Market Update – More of the Same for Mortgage Rates Read More »
By Doug Katz – 09/12/2022 Everybody past a certain age has experienced it. A couple that they know is having problems and considering splitting, All too often, the response is focused only on the emotional without any help on the as important part of helping them develop a plan for resolution. This is not intentional, …
When You Hear the D-Word, Think About the M-Word Read More »
By Doug Katz – 9/9/2022 Per Freddie Mac: Mortgage rates rose again as markets continue to manage the prospect of more aggressive monetary policy due to elevated inflation. Not only are mortgage rates rising but the dispersion of rates has increased, suggesting that borrowers can meaningfully benefit from shopping around for a better rate. Our …
Mortgage Market Update – The Upward Rate Climb Continues Read More »
By Doug Katz – 9/8/2022 Substantial increases in conventional conforming loan limits expected in 2023. Many lenders are offering these limits now. Government loans, such as VA and FHA, usually see similar bumps but no announcements have been made. Every year Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adjust the upper limit for loans that qualify as …
Great News For Buyers and Homeowners on Increased Loan Limits for 2023 Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 09/03/2022 Per Freddie Mac: The market’s renewed perception of a more aggressive monetary policy stance has driven mortgage rates up to almost double what they were a year ago. The increase in mortgage rates is coming at a particularly vulnerable time for the housing market as sellers are recalibrating their pricing …
Mortgage Market Update – Rates Resume Their Upward Climb Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 09/02/2022 There are many choices when it comes to divorce. Many people default to what they know or have seen with full legal representation. There are, however, other options these days ranging from pro se, basically DIY to full representation as well as other options and hybrid approaches which meld characteristics …
Housing and Divorce – Do It Yourself or Do It With a Pro? Read More »
