ST PAUL, MN: As the new year begins, there are no shortage of so called “experts” telling us what to expect for mortgage interest rates in 2012.  Mortgage interest rates closed out 2011 at some of the the lowest rates of all time. Some expect those interest rate trends to continue through the first quarter and beyond. Others expect a rapid increase in mortgage rates.

Who’s right and who’s wrong? A quick look through the newspapers, websites and business television programs reveals “experts” with opposing, well-delivered views. It’s tough to know who to believe.

For example, here are some predictions for 2012 :

• Home prices will rise in 2012 (Freddie Mac)
• Home prices will fall in 2012 (CBS News)
• Mortgage rates will rise in 2012 (American Banker)
• Mortgage rates will fall in 2012 (LA Times)

The issue for buyers, seller, and those wishing to refinance their existing mortgage loans in Minnesota and nationwide is that for many people, it can be a challenge to separate a prediction from fact.

When an argument is made on the pages of a respected newspaper or website, or is presented on some financial cable show by a well-dressed, well-spoken talking head, we’re inclined to believe what we read and hear. This is human nature. However, we must force ourselves to remember that any analysis about the future — whether it’s housing-related, mortgage-related, or something else — are based on a combination of past events and personal opinion.

Remember, predictions are simply guesses about what might come next, nothing more.

I am constantly amazed to hear politians, reporters, and other “so called experts” who have never written a mortgage loan ever in their life tell me how things work in the mortgage business. More annoying yet, is that are a lot these are the same people who makes the laws!

DON’T HOLD OFF buying a new home or refinancing your existing home because some “expert” says interest rates may drop sometime in the future. Mortgage interest rates are CURRENTLY at all time historic lows. Forget the experts! Jump in today, take the deal, and smile!

Minneapolis, MN: Currently on Condominiums and attached Townhome units (PUD), Fannie Mae requires insurance coverage of the lesser of 20% of the unit’s appraised value or replacement cost.

For applications dated on or after January 1, 2012, 100% replacement insurance coverage of the exterior and interior of condominiums, or attached PUD (Townhome) units will be required.

If the “master” or “blanket” policy for the condominiums or attached town home development does not provide full coverage of the interior or is a “bare walls” policy, then an individual HO-6 "walls in” insurance policy must be obtained to reach the full 100%  replacement requirement.

The owners HO-6 policy must be sufficient to repair the interior of the unit, including any additions, improvements and betterments to its original condition in the event of a loss. The HO-6 policy is required to cover 100% of the insurable replacement cost of the unit’s interior improvements and betterments, including kitchen cabinets, lighting, flooring and plumbing fixtures. This updated insurance requirement will apply to all products and program types including Conventional Conforming, Non-Conforming, FHA and USDA Rural Development loans.

Recent changes in "Fidelity Bond Coverage" has created huge problems on Condo and Townhome financing, and this new insurance requirement is going to add another wall to financing these type of homes.

The only saving grace is that for most people, a walls in HO-6 Condo or Townhome Insurance policy should only run +/- about $160 per year.

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What does your credit score say about you?

Everyday I am looking at credit reports, and making credit decisions. It amazes me sometimes the people who call and say they have good credit, when they don't. It also amazes me the people who have good credit, and fear they can't get a loan.

So What’s Your FICO Credit Score?
Every lending facility uses basic guidelines to determine your credit worthiness, including your FICO credit score. Upon reviewing your mortgage application, you’re given a credit grade and credit score and a determination regarding your home mortgage loan approval or denial.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for determining your specific credit score grade.  Each lender’s criteria may vary slightly, but generally speaking, if you have a mix of credit type (mortgage, revolving, car loans), you have had it for awhile, and you make your payments on time. You have nothing to worry about.

800 + Credit Score: AAA+ A credit score of 800 plus is basically flawless credit. This is usually obtained only with a long history of unblemished credit. You will get the best of the best anything credit related, from mortgage loans to car insurance. Scores in this bracket represent about 13% of the population.

740-799 Credit Score:  AA+ A credit score of 740-799 is considered great credit, and will typically result in the best interest rates and approval rates for anything credit related. You have nothing to worry about if you scores fall in this category. In fact, roughly 27% of the population has a credit score of 750-799 alone.

700-739 Credit Score: A+ A score in this bracket is considered good credit. Although it’s not perfect, you should still be able to qualify for most home mortgage loans and auto or rental leases. You may be offered a slightly higher interest rate than offered to borrowers with excellent credit for mortgage loans, credit cards, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

680-699 Credit Score: B+ Credit scores from 680 - 699 are considered average. You should never have any problems getting basic financing, but you are now in the area where you may pay a slightly higher rate, be required to have a bigger down payment, or be offered less favorable terms. There will be situations where a credit score in this range may prevent you from getting certain types of financing, such as an zero down mortgage loan, the lowest auto insurance premium, or a zero down car loan.

620-679 Credit Score: C Credit scores from 620-679 are still considered “good” or “ok” by many creditors, though you may see further restrictions and fewer approvals when attempting to get a car loans, credit cards, or a mortgage. For example, you can still get an FHA mortgage with this score, but a lot of conventional loan lenders would deny you with a score below 660. Large numbers of people have score in this range.  It would be very wise to evaluate why your score is in this range and try to improve it. In this range, you are NOT getting the best deals in the market.

580-619 Credit Score: D Credit scores in this range are bad, and clearly below average. If you are on the lower end of this range and someone asks, you can answer "I have bad credit". You will have a difficult time securing a loan, or applying for a credit card. If you are able to secure financing, you’ll find higher interest rates for your low credit scores. If your credit score falls in this range, you definitely need to take a hard look at your credit report and take measures to raise your credit score. Many consumers with credit scores in this bracket are considered “subprime” and may have to work with bad credit banks and lenders to secure financing. You’re basically throwing money away at this point because of your poor credit.

500-579 Credit Score: F

No discussions, no glossing over it. Credit scores in this range are just flat out bad. If you’ve got a credit score in this range, there’s a good chance you have a major derogatory items on your credit report  such as as major late payments, court judgements, collections, foreclosure, or a bankruptcy. There is no question that your credit score is in need of serious credit repair. You will almost always be denied for credit with this score range, or pay such a premium for the credit, it usually is not worth it. You’re clearly paying higher interest rates and making credit mistakes that will impact your life for years to come.

Below 500 Credit Score

Credit scores below 500 are very bad. You almost have to get up everyday and ask yourself "how can I further wreck my credit today" to be in this category. You will usually have current, or very recent major issues, such as a bankruptcy or foreclosure. Improving credit from this level will usually take years to repair (but it can be done). Credit will universally be denied, and you will be paying a major premium on things like car insurance.

FHA Extends Waiver of Anti-Flipping Regulations Through 2012.

Minneapolis, MN: In an effort to continue stabilizing home values and improve conditions in communities experiencing high foreclosure activity, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will extend FHA’s temporary waiver of the anti-flipping regulations. 

With certain exceptions, FHA regulations prohibit insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days.  In 2010, FHA temporarily waived this regulation through January 31, 2011, and later extended that waiver through the remainder of 2011.  The new extension will permit buyers to continue to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned properties, or properties resold through private sales. It will allow homes to resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities.

The extension is effective through December 31, 2012, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by FHA.  All other terms of the existing Waiver will remain the same.  The waiver contains strict conditions and guidelines to prevent the predatory practice of property flipping, in which properties are quickly resold at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers. 

Sounds great, BUT too bad it doesn't really matter because of the difficulty in meeting the "strict guidelines" and lender overlays, MOST FHA lenders DO NOT offer this exception.

Remember, FHA does not lend money, lenders do. FHA only insures loans lender make. Regardless of what FHA says they will "allow", it is still up to the individual FHA lenders to decide their ultimate underwriting guidelines. Most FHA lenders find this exception too difficult to meet the strict guidelines, and too risky, so they simply WILL NOT ALLOW any FHA transaction less than 90-days.

While we are talking FHA here, lender overlays also are common on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs.

The Waiver continues to be limited to sales meeting the following conditions:

• All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.
• In all cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller’s acquisition cost, the Waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions and documents the justification for the increase in value

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No more excuses. Go buy a home!

The housing market has changed dramatically, and everyone should be taking advantage of some of the most affordable home prices, and lowest mortgage rates in history. You may be hearing a lot in the news today that in some markets it is cheaper to own than it is do rent. It's true!

Stop listening to the doom and gloom drum beat the media plays. Bad news sell newspapers, so that is the spin they like to portray.

Common myths and misconceptions may be holding you back but shouldn't.

• My credit is not the best at this present moment: OK, then stop delaying and start on the path to improve your credit scores. The vast majority of people can turn bad credit to good credit in less than a year - If you do nothing, nothing will change. 
• I do not have money for a down payment. Did you know you can buy a home worth $100,000 with just $3500 down payment?  There are many acceptable sources of down payment. Savings, 401k retirement plan, sale something, tax refund, or even a gift from a relative.
• I do not feel comfortable with the economy:  WHO DOES?  But you have to live somewhere, so make that somewhere a place of your own!
• I don't think I will qualify for a mortgage: It takes just a few minutes for a licensed mortgage Loan Officer to review your basic information. There are no obligations, and you are committing yourself to nothing by talking to a Minneapolis, St Paul, or Duluth MN area mortgage lender. It really isn't  as scary as some people think being a first time home buyer.

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