Archive for the ‘Mortgage Rates’ Category

There is a tax credit of $7500 waiting for you

Friday, August 8th, 2008

Catch It While You Can.  If you bought a home after April 9, 2008 or purchase one before July 1st, 2009.

There could be a tax credit of $7,500 waiting for you.
(more…)

Zero Down Loans Through Down Payment Assistance Programs

Friday, August 1st, 2008

Not long ago first time home buyers had the opportunity to purchase a home with zero down (no down payment). Setting aside whether this has contributed to our current mortgage melt-down, there were many buyers who benefited from such loans and would never have been able to purchase a home without them.

Now that such loans no longer exist (due to the inability to obtain mortgage insurance on such loans) the only options today are the “Seller Down Payment Assistance Programs”. The two prominent ones being the Nehemiah and the Ameridream.

(more…)

March 26th Oregonian Article – Our Response

Friday, March 28th, 2008

We initially posted a summary style comment/blog entry on the article “Portland Home Values Take First Dip” that was on the front page of the Oregonian on March 26th 2008. I want to further comment on this. Specifically I want to address, or rather point out, the media’s effect on the market and how this article is a great example of the problems we’re seeing.

(more…)

First Time Home Buyers Need to Get a Move on

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

More and more we are hearing from our lenders that loan programs, especially for first time home buyers, are disappearing. 100% financing, 95% financing, even stated income programs are becoming endangered if not extinctDon’t let this prevent you from taking advantage of the current buyer’s market; there are still great programs available. Although the 100% financing options have disappeared, in it’s place we have the revived FHA program without the strict qualifications and requirements it demanded years prior, when combined with the down payment assistance program you essentially have the same 100% financing. Even an FHA loan without the down payment assistance program is still a great option, with only 3% down compared to the 15%-20% down payments we saw required years prior. Although lending options are changing almost daily, there are numerous programs available that include both low rates and fixed interest.  

(more…)

Mortgage rates increase after weeks of decline

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

After a month of declining rates, mortgage rates experienced a slight increase according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.68% during the week ending Jan. 31, up from last week’s 5.48%. The mortgage averaged 6.34% a year ago. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.17%, up from 4.95%. The mortgage averaged 6.06% a year ago. Still, rates are significantly lower than in years past and times seem opportune for qualified buyers and some folks looking to refinance.