The U.S. housing market lost additional momentum in July as rising mortgage rates and stubbornly high home prices discouraged prospective buyers from moving forward with purchases. Existing-home sales declined for the second consecutive month, reinforcing concerns that affordability continues to prevent a stronger housing recovery even as demand remains present in many parts of the country.
American consumers are once again feeling the effects of rising living costs as higher gasoline prices and climbing mortgage rates place additional strain on household finances. After several months of modest improvements in affordability, renewed increases in energy prices are creating ripple effects throughout the economy, making everything from commuting to purchasing a home more expensive.
The U.S. housing market continues to navigate a challenging environment as elevated mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and slowing home construction create fresh obstacles for an industry that has struggled to regain momentum. While inventory has improved in many markets compared to the past few years, affordability remains the dominant issue, leaving both builders and prospective homeowners searching for signs of relief.
Many prospective homebuyers continue asking the same question: When will mortgage rates finally begin to move lower? While many people look to the Federal Reserve for answers, housing economists say the better indicator is often the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note. Although the Fed plays an important role in shaping the broader economy, mortgage rates tend to follow movements in long-term Treasury yields much more closely than changes in the federal funds rate.
Investor enthusiasm surrounding the future of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac encountered a reality check this week after investment firm BTIG downgraded both companies to a neutral rating, citing growing uncertainty surrounding their long-awaited exit from government conservatorship. The move reflects increasing concern among analysts that meaningful progress toward privatization may take longer than many investors had anticipated.
For those of us that work with many first-time homebuyers or low-to-moderate income buyers, we may from time-to-time come across a client that has a Section 8 Homeownership Voucher. This program was introduced by HUD as a way to increase homeownership for low-to-moderate income families. It works very similar to the Section 8 Rental assistance program in which the voucher will pay a portion of the borrower’s mortgage payment each month for up to 15 years or the entire term of the mortgage if one of the borrowers is disabled.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
I was asked recently to speak about private mortgage insurance cancellation so I thought this would be a good topic to cover this week. Below is part one of a three part series on this topic.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
The way we can handle both business and personal tax returns is pretty much same. The key to the right analysis is to opt for right direction. We can divide the analysis procedure in 3 steps.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Last week we discussed several key items to look for when reviewing an appraisal for accuracy before submitting it your underwriter. This week we will leave you with several things to look for when reviewing the comparables for accuracy.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
This is an oldie but goodie set of “common-sense” rules that we in the mortgage industry know, however as another layer of servicing our clients I thought it’d be a great checklist to keep with your other resources.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
When your Processing Manager or MLO assigns you a new file it is an exhilarating feeling. Let’s face it, most of us who are passionate about the mortgage industry live for the adrenaline rush we get in doing our jobs.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
With our ever-changing industry, as processors we need to stay ahead of the curve. So over the next couple weeks, we will bring you a total of 10 tips that will help you become a better processor, resulting in faster and more efficient closings.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
The post-closing audit is usually associated with an underwriting function, but it has been my experience as a post-closing Underwriter that many of the issues that arise from failed audits can be caught at the loan processing level.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
It’s near mid-month. You’re preparing for the second half “push” to month end. It’s “o’dark thirty” o’clock in the morning. You grab your morning coffee – add a shot of espresso. Greet everyone with smiles. Get comfy in your ergonomically enhanced chair. Log into your desktop. Check your office voicemail. Scan through your emails – scan your desk for the batch of files you got back from underwriting – then it begins.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Every self-help guru has a strategy on improving productivity by turning important tasks into routines. The idea is that you are more likely to do something rote and habitual with effectiveness when it’s part of a regular routine, just like you do, for example, every morning when you get ready for work.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Bonnie Wildt
I have said it before and I will say it again and that is, do not believe everything you hear or read for that matter. In this particular instance I am referring to AUS Findings. I have had countless conversations with processors and loan officer who want to know why I am asking for documentation that the AUS findings have clearly stated wasn’t needed or worse, they can’t believe I am turning a loan down that has an Approve/Eligible. So here it is again and pay particular attention to the details because just because you have an Approve/Eligible or Accept doesn’t necessarily mean you have a done deal.