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Monday, July 29, 2013

Average Mortgage Rates Eased Lower + Home Prices UP!

Here is the gist of it: Freddie Mac says that for the second week in a row, the average fixed mortgage rates have eased up.  What does that mean? Well, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.31% as of July 25th, which is down from 4.37% the week before.

Even though we were looking much better this time last year with a cool 3.49% for the 30-year, the current 4.31% isn't that bad!

Yes, the economists have been concerned about the recovery of the housing  market slowing down after its been rapidly improving over the past year. However, sales for existing homes in June reached the second-highest level that its been at since November 2009, and new home sales are now as strong as they've been since May 2008.

What does that mean? People are still buying and selling houses.

There is currently a low inventory of homes available to purchase which causes housing prices to rise.  This is good if you're trying to sell a house because your home is a hot commodity and you'll get a prettier penny for it than you would have a year ago.

If you're looking to buy, you'll need to be very careful and do your research. Hunting for the perfect home is hard in and of itself, but now you've got to be quick since homes are in hot demand, and the prices are higher than they were previously.

Yes, the mortgage rates are also higher than they were but you know what? If you look at the history of mortgage rates, you'll see that they have always averaged a bit higher than 4.31%.  You could always refinance again in the future if the rates decide to drop to the mid-3% again.

Bottom line: If you need a new home, don't hesitate to buy one just because the rates are a teeny bit higher than they were before. Remember, they just dropped a bit since last week! They could drop again next week! Even if they go back up, don't put your life on hold because of statistics and numbers.

Call us if you need help applying for a mortgage for your new home! We work quickly! :)
888-883-5252

Monday, July 15, 2013

Foreclosure Market Report

According to RealtyTrac's Midyear 2013 Foreclosure Market Report, there were a total of 801,359 properties across the U.S. that have foreclosure filings in the first half of 2013. That signifies a 19% decrease from the previous six months. It is also down by 23% from the first half of 2012.

While there are so many programs today geared toward helping Americans avoid foreclosure, the report shows that 0.61% of all housing units in the country has had at least one foreclosure filing between January and June 2013, which accounts for 1 in 164 homes.

“Halfway through 2013 it is becoming increasingly evident that while foreclosures are no longer a problem nationally they continue to be a thorn in the side of several state and local markets, particularly where a backlog of delayed distress has built up thanks to a lengthy foreclosure process,” said Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac. “The increases in judicial foreclosure auctions demonstrate that these delayed foreclosure cases are now being moved more quickly through to foreclosure completion."

There were 127,790 properties with foreclosure filings in June. This is down by 14% from May and down 35% from June 2012 which is the lowest monthly level we've seen in six and a half years.

If you are facing foreclosure, contact us! We'd love to help you refinance your home. Perhaps all you need is a lower monthly mortgage payment. Or we can help you sell your home and get into a smaller, less-expensive place! There's always a way! 888-883-5252

Monday, July 8, 2013

How Are The Mortgage Rates Doing?

Two weeks ago, the average fixed mortgage rates saw their highest levels since mid-2011. This has made homebuyers weary of making their move. However, there is some good news. Last week, Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey said that the 30-year rates have dropped back down to 4.29 percent (from 4.46 two weeks ago.)  We realize these aren't ideal considering last year they were at 3.62 percent.

Over the Fourth of July weekend,,the rates fell due to an ease of market concerns about the Federal Reserve's pullback in bond purchases.  It is important to remember that even though rates are higher now than they have been in the past year, these rates are still low by historical standards. Even in the 4th percentile, we should continue to see people benefiting from housing affordability and the housing market will continue to recover.

Despite the rates being a bit higher, pending home sales have gone up by 6.7% in May, which is the strongest pace we've seen in over six years.

If you are in the market for a house and have questions, please call us at 888-883-5252 or 877-828-8851. We'd love to help ease your concerns and get your application started!

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