Who could use some extra money for the holiday season?

Did you realize that Christmas is less than 60 days away?
Hanukkah begins in only 55 days!
Are you ready?
Could you use some extra money to help with the holiday expenses?
What if you would skip your December mortgage payment?

If you were to refinance your mortgage and close in November the first payment on your new mortgage would not be due until January 1, 2012! And, your mortgage payment would be lower to start the New Year. How nice would it be to have the amount you pay for your mortgage available to help with the holiday expenses?

Call me today to see how much money you could save by refinancing and get the application started to make sure we can close your loan in November.

I can be reached at 708.473.7688 or BarkerLoans@gmail.com. To apply online go to www.BarkerLoans.com.

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The Fed Does the “Twist”

Mortgage rates could fall even lower!

No, we’re not talking about the Chubby Checker hit from 1960. We’re talking about the Federal Reserve’s latest attempt to keep long-term interest rates low in order to boost the sagging economy. Operation Twist, as some have nicknamed it, is a plan by the Fed to sell short-term treasuries (3-year and shorter) and purchase long-term treasuries (6-year and longer) in an effort to keep the long-term interest rates low. The Fed will also use the principal payments from its portfolio of mortgage-backed securities to purchase longer-term treasuries.

The Fed has committed to purchase $400 Billion in longer-term treasuries over the next year. By buying these treasuries the price will increase thereby reducing the rates on the securities. Fixed interest loans and mortgage should see a slight improvement in rates due to this program.

One of the targets of this program is the housing market.
The Fed hopes that by keeping rates low it will spur some home buying. However, I think the impact on the housing market will be limited at best. With mortgage rates already at historic lows, prospective homebuyers are not putting off a potential home purchase because rates are too high. They are putting off a purchase due to lack of confidence in the economy, fear of future job loss, current home they are unable to sell, and property values that continue to fall – none of which have anything to do with mortgage rates.

Current homeowners looking to refinance may benefit, though. Even though interest rates have already been historically low, many people may still be able to save money as rates decrease. Hopefully, this savings will help consumers pump more money back into the economy and help prevent a second (or double-dip) recession.

The impact on the overall economy won’t be known for months. But, if you are a homeowner looking to save some money, give me a call today to see if refinancing is right for you. I can be contacted at 708-473-7688 or BarkerLoans@gmail.com.

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Property need some TLC? Try an FHA Streamlined 203K

FHA Streamlined 203(k) Loan

Perfect for purchasing a foreclosure, short sale, or fixer-upper

With the increase in the amount of foreclosures, short-sales, and fixer-uppers on the market, many people are looking for ways to purchase a home that need some work without paying for all of the costs out-of-pocket. FHA offers a streamlined version of the traditional 203(k) rehab loan. The Streamlined 203(k) loan offers that homebuyer the ability to finance up to $35,000 of improvements to the property into the mortgage.

The Streamlined 203(k)is designed for non-structural repairs to the property. You cannot move load bearing walls or add an addition to the property with the Streamlined 203(k) loan. However, there are a lot of repairs that can be covered:

• Repair/ replace/upgrade roofs, gutters/downspouts, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, flooring.
• Remodel kitchens, baths, etc.
• Painting – interior and exterior
• Weatherization of property – doors, windows, insulation, etc.
• Finish/re-finish basements or attics
• Handicap-accessible improvements
• New appliances
• New siding
• Basement/crawlspace waterproofing
• Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement
• Repair/replace/add exterior decks, porches and patios

Following are the limits to the extent of work that can be performed with a Streamlined 203(k) loan:

• Major rehab/remodeling that may require the addition or relocation of a load-bearing wall.
• Any new construction including adding an addition to the property
• Repairing any structural damage to the property
• Any work that cannot be started within 30 days of closing or completed within 6 months of closing
• Any work that requires detailed plans, drawings or architectural exhibits
• Any work that would require the homeowner to vacate the property for more than 30 days.

In addition to the above, the Streamlined 203(k) loan also does not require the use of a consultant nor the use of a general contractor to complete the work. And, if the amount of work to be performed on the property is less than $15,000, the mortgagee (lender) may not require an inspection of the completed work. The Streamlined 203(k) can also be used on a refinance to remodel/rehab a property you are currently living in. However, it can only be used on owner-occupied properties.

If you are thinking of purchasing a property that will need some work after closing, please give me a call so we can go over the details of the requirements of this loan. I can be reached at 708-473-7688 or BarkerLoans@gmail.com

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Down Payment Assistance Is Not Dead!

Down Payment Assistance Is Not Dead!

Many first-time homebuyers, who would otherwise qualify for a mortgage, lack the funds to cover the down payment and closing costs necessary to purchase a home. In fact, this is the largest barrier to becoming a homeowner.

Some people are fortunate enough to be able to get a gift for the down payment from a parent or other relative. But, with the recent economic down turn fewer people have money to give. And, with the seller-assisted down payment assistance programs being banned a couple years ago many first-time homebuyers have had to sit on the sidelines and wait to afford a new home.

Down Payment Assistance is Alive and Well!
At Envoy Mortgage, we offer a program that will assist these first-time home buyers purchase their new home -- and maybe help the housing market turn around. Here are some of the features of the program:
• Up to $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
• Up to 100% financing available
• Fixed rate with terms up to 30 years
• Available with FHA or conventional loan programs
• Reduced mortgage insurance for conventional loans
• Available to first time home buyers, veterans or spouses of veterans (In certain, targeted areas, these restrictions do not apply – contact me for more information)
• Below-market interest rates
• Up to 45% debt-to-income ratios

With this program, we have been able to help first-time homebuyers make the leap into homeownership. Call me today for more information on this program.

Yet another reason to choose me and Envoy Mortgage for all your financing needs!

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Fannie Mae HomePath® Buyer Incentive Program

Fannie Mae has added a buyer incentive to their HomePath® mortgage program (For more information on the Home Path Program go to Fannie Mae Home Path Mortgage ). Fannie Mae is currently offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost tassistance through June 30, 2011.

The HomePath® property buyer must meet the following qualifications to be eligible:

• Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer in order to be eligible.
• The initial offer must be submitted on or after April 11, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011. If an initial offer was made prior to the effective date, the offer is not eligible for the incentive.
• The sale must close on or before June 30, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.
• Only buyers purchasing a HomePath property as their primary residence may receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
• Buyer must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
• If a buyer's total closing costs are under 3.5%, the difference will not be available as a credit to the buyer.

Note: Fannie Mae can give no assurance on the time required to close, but initial offers submitted after May 15, 2011 are particularly questionable for closing by the incentive deadline of June 30, 2011.

Call me today to find eligible properties in your area and to start the mortgage approval process. I can be reached at 708.473.7688 or BarkerLoans@gmail.com. To apply online please visit www.BarkerLoans.com.

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Fannie Mae HomePath® Mortgage

The HomePath® program is a special financing program to provide financing for purchasers of Fannie Mae Real Estate Owned (REO) properties (as a result of foreclosure or other similar action such as deed-in-lieu of foreclosure) that Fannie Mae has deemed eligible for HomePath® Mortgage financing.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Low down payment (Up to 97% LTV available)
• You may qualify even if your credit is less than perfect
• Available for primary residences, second homes and investment properties
• Down payment can be funded as a gift, a grant, or a loan from a nonprofit organization, state or local government employer
• No appraisal required
• No mortgage insurance required

FLEXIBLE TERMS:
• 15- and 30-year fixed rate
• Adjustable options available

ELIGIBLE PROPERTY TYPES**:
Single Family Properties Only
Planned unit developments (PUDs)
Modular homes
**Geographic and unit restrictions apply. The property must be designated on HomePath.com as eligible for HomePath financing. Programs available only to qualified borrowers. Programs subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Some resitrcitions may apply. HomePath is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. 0510


Call me today to find eligible properties in your area and to start the mortgage approval process. I can be reached at 708.473.7688 or BarkerLoans@gmail.com. To apply online please visit www.BarkerLoans.com.

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FHA Announces Change to Mortgage Insurance

In a move to bolster the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMI), FHA has announced an increase to the annual mortgage insurance premium paid by borrowers with FHA-insured mortgages. While the Up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium will remain unchanged at 1.0%, the annual Mortgage Insurance Premium will increase from 1.0% to 1.25%. The increase will amount to a monthly payment increase of $20.84 for a $100,000 mortgage and an increase of $41.66 for a $200,000 mortgage.

At the end of 2010, the MMI had reserves of $3.6 Billion – well below the minimum requirement. The increases are expected to bring an additional $3 Billion into the MMI annually, based upon the current projections.

"After careful consideration and analysis, we determined it was necessary to increase the annual mortgage insurance premium at this time in order to bolster the FHA's capital reserves and help private capital return to the housing market," says FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens. "This quarter point increase in the annual MIP is a responsible step towards meeting the congressionally mandated two percent reserve threshold, while allowing FHA to remain the most cost-effective mortgage insurance option for borrowers with lower incomes and lower down payments."

The changes to the annual mortgage insurance premium will take effect with all loans insured after April 18, 2011.

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