My New Blog

Obama's NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE Refinance Initiative
April 17th, 2009 4:24 PM

Many of Obama's housing refinance plans are still being worked on and might possibly fail to happen.  However, one program just became available to current home owners who have had trouble refinancing their current primary residence or second home due to market depreciation.  Many refinance transactions are turned down due to high LTV's (Loan to Value).  Any 95% or higher is unacceptable.  Anything great than 80% to 95% requires mortgage insurance.  NOT ANY MORE WITH THIS PROGRAM!

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Borrowers who are CURRENT on their mortgage payments and are having trouble refinancing because market depreciation has increased their loan-to-value which has made them ineligible to refinance. 

This new program will allow borrowers who currently have a FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC owned loan.  The borrower can only refinance their high balance loans if they currently DO NOT have mortgage insurance.  So, when the borrower originally obtained financing, they would have had to put 20% down or have an 80/20 structured loan.  If the borrowers current mortgage statement reflects MI payments, then the borrower is ineligible :( .

This new program allows a loan-to-value of up to 105%.

WHO IS INELIGIBLE?

  • Loans that currently have MI
  • LPMI Loans
  • Reverse Mortgage Loans
  • Second Mortgage
  • FHA/VA and USDA loans

PURPOSE

  • May finance all pre-paids(escrows), closing costs, and points
  • MAY NOT PAYOFF EXISTING SECOND LOAN, they must re-subordinate
  • May receive cash back.  Lesser of 2% or $2,000
  • May not add new second loans

LOAN PROGRAMS

  • 15-40 year Fixed rates, full amortizing
  • 5 year and 7 year fixed rate ARMS, fully amortizing

Basically, if you have tried to refinance your mortgage but have been unsuccessful due to a low appraisal, then now is your chance.  This program will allow you to refinance and continue WITHOUT PAYING MORTGAGE INSURANCE.  Please keep in mind that your new FIRST loan cannot exceed 105% of your current value.  There is no MAX after the second is added.  This program is only temporary so if you think that you fall into this category and meet the requirements from above, then please feel free to contact me.

Justin Messer

www.JustinMesser.com

770-631-5750


Posted by Justin Messer on April 17th, 2009 4:24 PMPost a Comment (0)

0Realtors can show buyers how to build great wealth with zero money down!
January 18th, 2009 11:17 PM

Obviously, the real estate market has many great deals.  For those that have the money, there are so many opportunities.  So, are the wealthy the only ones that can afford to take advantage of all the fantastic deals out there. NO!  Typically, for an investor to purchase a property at a foreclosure sale, or at the court house steps, they must have cash on hand to purchase the foreclosed property.  Or, if an investor plans to purchase a home to flip or to create cash-flow as a rental, then they typically need 20-25% down to get a loan.  For the general public that is interested in real estate investing but does not have the cash on hand to pursue it, then what can you do?

For those that are looking to get their feet wet in real estate, then now is the time.  There are tons and tons of reasons to buy today.  Add up all of those reasons and add one more thing to it.  USDA rural housing loans in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, or the rest of the southeastern states. 

With a USDA loan, a buyer of a primary residence can buy a new home or foreclosure with zero investment.  So, buyers and Realtors need to search for properties that have lots of equity in them.  Believe me, they are everywhere.  Once you find this particular property, I, Justin Messer, can help the buyer obtain mortgage financing for a 100% loan.  With this type of loan, the buyer can finance 102% of the "appraised" value.  They are not limited to the sales price.  They can also finance all of the closing costs, all of the pre-paid items, and any necessary repairs. 

EXAMPLE:

You and your real estate agent find a home that is for sale at $100,000.  Well, this property has been for sale for over a year and has been marked down 4 times.  The appraised value is currently $150,000.  I can give you a loan for the full $100,000 to buy the house.  USDA charges a 2% funding fee.  This is 99% of the time financed.  So, now you are up to $102,000.  Say closing costs are $3500 and pre-paids are $1000.  Lets also say that you would like to add a few touch-ups.  The touch-up costs are $5,000.  So, you are going to finance the full sales price, the 2% funding fee($2000), the closing costs ($3500), the pre-paid items ($1000), and the repairs ($5000).  You, the buyer, are financing $111,500.  Once you close on the home, you have instantly picked up $38,500 in equity for absolutely NOTHING.  You have merely found a house you would like to live in, signed your name, and receive tons of equity.

This is only the beginning.  For this loan, the current USDA mortgage rates are at 4.5%.  The monthly payment via the mortgage calculators from www.JustinMesser.com are $565.  If taxes are $150 and home owner's insurance is $35, then the total monthly payment is $750.  It is extremely hard to rent a home for as cheap as $750.  Also, there is ZERO MORTGAGE INSURANCE!  In this market, sellers are usually willing to contribute something.  The seller can buy your rate down for the first two years.  So, the first year, your rate could be 2.5% with a payment of $625.  The second year, your rate would be 3.5% with a payment of $685.  The 3rd year through 30 would come back to the original $750.

Last, the real estate market is on the verge of bouncing back.  History will prove that immediately after any downturn in housing, it always explodes higher.  So, to make your ZERO investment even better, I would suggest keeping the home for a couple years.  Now, you will be able to take advantage of yearly real estate appreciation and TAX FREE profits.

This is a fantastic way for a person that is looking to buy their first home or their primary residence to enter the real estate investment market and contribute nothing.  My advice would be to follow this scenario, build wealth, and save your money and invest it somewhere.  Live in the home for at least two years.  Sell the home and collect your TAX FREE profits.  Do it again.  If you did this every 2 years, with the same numbers in the example, then you would earn around $115,500 in 6 years.  This is approximately $19,250 a year.  These profits would actually be much greater because I am not including any appreciation, any principle reduction from making your mortgage payments, or any tax write-offs. 

I almost forgot, if you purchase a home as a first time home buyer before July 2009, then you will get a $7500 tax credit next tax season.

For more information, please contact me at www.JustinMesser.com/contactus.  You may also contact me to see about refinance mortgage rates.  Email me at JustinMesser@Northstarmg.com.  This post may be viewed on www.Wordpress.com, or www.JustinMesser.com/myblog.


Posted by Justin Messer on January 18th, 2009 11:17 PMPost a Comment (0)

Here is a great way to fix the real estate industry!
December 16th, 2008 8:23 PM

Exactly a week ago, I read an article USA Today posted by the concerned citizen Dennis F. Paulaha.  He makes one of the greatest points and offered an incredible solution to halt our downward spiraling economy. 

His idea states that the US government offer every US citizen a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 1.5%.  All financially qualified (new standards) citizens could have the ability to finance a current or new mortgage at this low interest rate.  Currently, the government is lending billions of dollars to firm across the country at low interest rates.  Why not lend it to the people.

Paulaha believes this plan will work and benefit many areas of our economy. 

1.  It will stop home prices from falling.  It should prevent many foreclosures and turn the housing market around.

2.  It will cause everyone with a mortgage to save tons of money a month which as we all know will cause us to spend more.  Americans spend money.  Face it, we are not the best at saving.  Here is his example.  If you refinance a $200,000 mortgage at 7% to 1.5%, then the monthly payment will go from $1330 to $690.  That is a saving of $690 per month.  Now, can you imagine receiving a stimulus check like most of us did last April every month!  We will all take these saving and invest it back into our economy, thus, stimulating it greatly. 

3.  It will increase credit availability.  After mortgages are refinanced, mortgage holders will have a massive influx of cash and capital.  This will help them to de-leverage which will help their capital ratios.  Also, now that everyone have cheaper payments, they will have more money.  Now, citizens will be more qualified for more credit.  This will help to stimulate the economy by starting with the people rather than government.

4.  Now that everyone with a mortgage will have more purchasing power, they will begin purchasing.  All of this increased purchasing will create a need for companies to produce more.  In order to increase production, jobs must be created.

5.  Families that would like to purchase a home can now afford it.  Currently, there are tons of reasons to buy real estate today.  There are even more benefits as a first time buyer.  If these low interest rates cannot get someone off the fence, then nothing will.

6.  The national deficit will not increase.  There will be no spending.  Mortgagee would actually being paying the government back.

7.  Lowering rates will turn around the economy and create massive tax revenues by all the spending which will begin to reduce our national deficit.

I believe that this idea of lowering mortgage rate is a huge key to the turnaround for our economy.  Finally, Uncle Ben and Hank Paulson got it right.  1.5% is actually a little outrageous.  I think that if rates could come down to 3.5% or even 4%, then there would still be plenty of room growth.  The Fed actions to continue to buy even more mortgage backed securities was a great step in the right direction.

Thank you Uncle Ben and Mr. Paulson for helping to spark our wonderful industry and save our great nation!


Posted by Justin Messer on December 16th, 2008 8:23 PMPost a Comment (0)

First Time Home Buyers
August 29th, 2008 2:07 PM
First Time Home Buyers
 
The US Government just passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008-HR 3221. One of the great items of this act benefits first time home buyers.

First time homebuyers (those who have not owned a primary residence for 3 years prior to their home purchase) who purchase their home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009 will be eligible for the new tax credit.

Singe taxpayers with modified gross incomes up to $75,000 and married taxpayers with a joint modified gross income of up to $150,000 are eligible for full $7500 or 10% of the sales price (which ever is less). Above those incomes, the tax credit begins to phase out.

This is a tax credit, and not a tax deduction, meaning that it is a dollar for dollar reduction on taxes owed, as opposed to a tax deduction, which reduces the amount of your adjusted gross income that can be taxed.
The credit is refundable, meaning if you owe $2000 in taxes and you receive the $7500 credit, you will receive a $5500 refund.  If you do not owe any taxes at the end of the year, then you will receive the full $7500.

The credit must be repaid to the government over 15 years or when the house is sold. For those taking the tax credit in 2008, the first $500 payment would need to be made when the buyer files their 2010 tax return.

This tax credit is basically an interest free loan.

Most people that are first time home buyers are likely to receive refunds from your taxes paid through the year. So, most first-timers should receive the full $7500. With todays economy, I am sure that many of us could use the extra cash. You could simply invest it and recieve monthly interest. You could pay off all your credit cards and save hundred of dollars in monthly interest. You could pay back any small loans or borrowed monies at high interest. You could use it as a down payment to buy an investment property (rental). Or, you could replenish your rainy day fund that you used as a down payment on the purchase of your home.

Basically, there are lots of ways to invest or use your $7500. Do not let this deadline pass you buy! Call me to see if now is right for you to purchase your first home.
 

Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership

By Justin Messer, Mortgage Consultant
Northstar Mortgage Group

Peachtree City, GA – Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate has been considered an extremely profitable investment. It is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.

Yes, there are certain responsibilities associated with owning a home. Landlords will often argue the benefits of renting, and for obvious reason. If you are renting, you’re helping them make their mortgage payment.

The numbers are staggering if you look at it this way. If you are paying $1,000 per month for an apartment, and you know your rent will increase 5% every year, then over the next five years you will pay your landlord $66,309. If you are currently renting a house, you may be paying much more than that each month. Either way, you gain no equity by shelling out this monthly housing expense and you certainly won’t benefit when the property value goes up!

However, if you were to purchase your own home or condominium, you would be well on your way toward building equity within that same five-year period. By choosing a fixed-rate loan program, you can have the comfort of knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will never go up. In fact, you would have the option of refinancing to a lower interest rate at some point in the future should interest rates drop, and this would cause your monthly mortgage commitment to go down.

In addition to building equity, there are tax advantages that come into play with home ownership. Depending on your tax bracket, owning a home is often less expensive than renting after taxes. Interest payments on a mortgage below $1 million are tax-deductible as well as property taxes and private mortgage insurance. Your mortgage consultant should help you evaluate the tax advantages of various loan scenarios, and share this information with your tax consultant to glean feedback on your behalf.

Home prices are down, and with big players like Warren Buffet beginning to get back into real estate, you know the bottom is near. With rates still low from fear of recession, and prices so low, this is the time to buy. Throw on top of that the tax credit for first time home buyers that will disappear in a year and you get possibly the best buying opportunity of lifetime. No one hits the absolute bottom, and you won’t know it is a bottom until AFTER it has begun to go back up. At that point, the best bargains are gone. So, now is the time.

 According to the June 2008 Case-Shiller Home Price Index, home prices in 15 of the 20 largest U.S. real estate markets either improved, or showed growth from the month prior.

This is the fourth straight month in which that happened which means that a national housing recovery may already be underway.

Now, it's worth stating that all real estate is local and that there's no such thing as a "national real estate market", but for home buyers looking to to maximize their negotiation power to get the best possible "deal", spotting trends like this before the media does is a good thing.

So far, only Bloomberg and a few others have chosen to highlight the positives from the otherwise-negative Case-Shiller report. By contrast, most publishers are focusing on annual home price figures which show a hefty drop of 15.9 percent.

We shouldn't dismiss annual trends because they're helpful in the theoretical sense, but for real, live home buyers trying to identify trends and market bottoms, it's the month-to-month data that matters most.

After looking at 4 consecutive months of Case-Shiller data, the month-to-month data appears to show that home prices have stabilized in most major markets. And, in some, they've already started to recover from their lows.

Source
U.S. House-Price Slide Eases, S&P/Case-Shiller Shows
Courtney Schlisserman
Bloomberg.com, August 26, 2008


Posted by Justin Messer on August 29th, 2008 2:07 PMPost a Comment (0)

Our Best 100% Loan for all buyer types
March 16th, 2008 10:36 PM
100% loan with absolutely NO Mortgage Insurance, Low rates (around 6%)

Posted by Justin Messer on March 16th, 2008 10:36 PMPost a Comment (0)

Recent Posts:

Archive:

My Favorite Blogs:

Sites That Link to This Blog:

                                  

Justin Messer | Sr. Mortgage Consultant | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans


Georgia Banking Company
Phone: Cell: Fax:

Contact Us | More... | SEO for Realtors | Justin Messer, XCO | Home | 9 Steps to Ownership | How to Sell Your Home | Are You Pre-Approved? | USDA Rural Housing Loans | Daily Rate Lock Advisory | My Blog | Atlanta Experts

Copyright © 2010 Georgia Banking Company
Portions Copyright © 2010 a la mode, inc.
Another XSite by a la mode, inc. | Admin LoginTerms of UseSite Map