The Real Estate Mortgage Apprasial process is really tough on everybody these days. The biggest problem is that as a Sonoma county lender I have seen as much as a 30% decline in some area values over the last 2 years. The perceived “mental equity” makes it tough on sellers to come to grips with the reality that, if they want to sell their homes, they are going to have to make a serious concesion to what they think there house is worth because the comps out there will not support what they want. Refinances also are experiencing great scrutiny by lenders because of the declining value.

As a first time home buyer, you are probably looking at homes in the lower price range and because of the strong foreclosure market, there have been a lot of sales and comps for apprasialers to use. But that won’t stop a lender from asking for a second or reveiw apprasial. This appraisal is usually done on a computer by some one not local or familiar with the area of the subject property. Having relationships in the past with appraisers was a great benefit to the borrowers and the entire real estate industry but regulators spurred on by ignorant politicians have imposed a new layer of separation, asking us mortgage lenders to use complete strangers not only to us, but to the area. This has created an apprasial process that is inaccurate in general and disfunctional at best.
There are no real safe guards against a “bad” apprasial but as a Sonoma County Mortgage lender for 20 years I can have a few things I can do that can protect a borrower from an unexpected apprasial value. An internet lender can’t possibly see the problems coming but I can. Give me a call to see how I can make your appraisal and entire mortgage loan process be a smooth and effective one especially in these turbulent times. 707-431-9715. hunt.conrad@prospectmtg.com

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Lets talk about “best rates”

by Hunt on February 3, 2010

Everyone thinks that the most important part of the loan process is getting the lowest rate.  But if I asked you which was more important to you…getting the lowest rate or the lowest cost of money which would you choose?

The reality is no one gets the lowest rate.  Most people get a competitive rate.  The diffrence between the same priced loan at a specific rate between companies might only be .125%.  In other words, the most expensive company might be offering a rate at 5.125 for one point and the lowest might be 5% at one point. 

Now this is with all things being essentially equal and this is where the hard part comes in because no one loan is truly the same.  As lenders, we try to fit everyone in to the same box but everyone is different.  Even if we took the same loan and gave it to two different lenders, they might look at it completely differently.  Why you might ask.  Because beyond the computer overlays, there are still people required to make decisions of interpretation of various guidelines.  and those interpretations could ultimately effect your pricing or rate.

When looking for a rate look for a lender that is going to give you an honest explanation of how rates work.  I have heard advertisements for 30 year rates at 3.5%.  They make it sound like it is fixed for 30 years but they are obviously trying to trick you in to calling.  they are called teaser rates for a reason.

Use some one you trust.  Some that has been around, especially these days has a reputation that has allowed him or her to survive this tumultuous period.  for the most part, all the bad guys are gone.  You are really looking for some one you can relate to.  So don’t shop for “best Mortgage rates” .  Search for someone you want to do business with.  In the long run it will be the best investment you ever make.changes.

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Get Pre Qualified for a Home Loan

February 2, 2010

So you are either already looking for a house or you are just beginning and a realtor just told you to get Pre qualified.  Great Advice!  Getting pre qualified for a home mortgage before you even set out the door to look at houses makes all the sense in the world.  In today’s ever changing financial [...]

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IRS to Outline Changes in Home Buyers Tax Credit Program

December 8, 2009

Revisions include expanded income limits, a cap on home prices, additional documentation requirements and prohibitions against claims by dependents.
By Kenneth R. Harney
December 6, 2009
Reporting from Washington
If you’re thinking about applying for the new $6,500 home buyer federal tax credit or the extended $8,000 version, the Internal Revenue Service has just issued its first formal guidelines [...]

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HOME SALES SURGE

November 23, 2009

Home sales far exceeded expectations last month, surging to the highest level in 2 1/2 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit.
The National Association of Realtors said Monday that home resales rose 10.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.1 million in October, from a downwardly revised [...]

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Economic Update

November 3, 2009

Last Week in the News
The Commerce Department announced that gross domestic product — the total output of goods and services produced in the U.S. — increased at an annual rate of 3.5% in the third quarter of 2009. The rebound ended four consecutive quarters of contracting economic activity, the longest period of decline since quarterly [...]

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Senators agree to extend homebuyer tax credit

October 29, 2009

 
 
WASHINGTON – Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.
The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of November. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new home sales fell 3.6 percent [...]

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Sonoma County Foreclosure Buyers…are you ready?

October 19, 2009

Are you ready…not for football but are you ready, really ready to buy a property?  Are you pre-approved or are you fully approved?  Did you even know you can get fully approved except for the property part?  Most lenders really don’t want to spend the time but if your serious then you should get fully approved.  [...]

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Latest Economic News

October 19, 2009

Last Week in the News
Retail sales decreased 1.5% in September, following a revised 2.2% increase in August. However, excluding automobiles, retail sales rose 0.5%, more than the 0.2% increase economists had expected. Car sales fell 10.4% from their August high, as the ‘cash for clunkers’ program expired.
The Commerce Department reported that total business inventory decreased [...]

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The Latest Economic News

October 12, 2009

Last Week in the News
The U.S. non-manufacturing sector grew for the first time since August 2008. The Institute for Supply Management reported the monthly index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 50.9 in September from 48.4 in August. A reading above 50 signals expansion. Big gains were made in new orders, up more than four points [...]

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When looking for the best refinance mortgage Sonoma county from the top loan lender santa rosa, the right place to get your santa rosa refinance home mortgage loans if you are a Sonoma County first time buyer for the lowest rate on a Sonoma County mortgage or when it is time to explore a Windsor refinance home mortgage loans, see Hunt Conrad. Call me now at 707-431-9715 or 707-328-1233