When Your Appraisal Value Comes In Lower Than The Purchase Price

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As a buyer or a seller, the appraisal is one of the key parts in the home sale transaction. If you’re the buyer, you have to get an appraisal to get a loan. As a home seller, one of the key stumbling blocks on the sale is having the home appraise for the selling price. What happens when the home does NOT appraise for at least the agreed upon sales price? Are there any options? [Read more…]

I’m A Frustrated Home Buyer! What Do I Do In Today’s Market?

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Spring/Summer of 2013 is turning into one of the most frustrating home buying seasons for buyers.  Low interest rates, super low housing inventory, and incredibly hyped media reports are making it hard for willing buyers to successfully get into contract on a home.  If you’re frustrated at the whole process, and believe your current efforts are futile, I have a few suggestions.  These tips are no guarantee you will be successful, but it will help you be competitive on all of your offers. [Read more…]

MPR Infographic: Home Buying Process

We love infographics here at MPR.  Actually, who doesn’t love infograpics.  Our crack marketing department decide to take a stab at our very own.  Here’s a graphical representation of the home buying process.  The steps may be a little different in various part of the country.  However, it provides a nice, general flow of the process.  We would love your feedback!

buying_infographic

The Cost of FHA Loans Going Up On April 1st & June 3rd 2013

FHA loans are a great way for some home buyers to get into a property with a low down payment, a good rate, and a higher debt to income ratio. The FHA loan program will be changing on April 1st, 2013 and June 3rd, 2013.

On all FHA loans with case numbers ordered on or after 04/01/2013, the monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) will increase by .10 for loan amounts under $625k.

Loan Term,LTV(%),Previous MIP Rate,New MIP Rate
Greater than 15yr term,down payment < 5%,1.25%,1.35%
Greater than 15yr term,down payment 5%-9%,1.20%,1.30%
Greater than 15yr term,down payment 10%-21%,1.20%,1.30%

 

On 06/03/2013, the length required to have monthly mortgage insurance is changing.

 

Loan Term,LTV(%),Previous MIP Duration,New MIP Duration
Less than or equal to 15 years,Less than or equal to 78%,5 years,11 years
Less than or equal to 15 years,Greater than 78% – 90%,Cancelled at 78% LTV,11 years
Less than or equal to 15 years,Greater than 90%,Cancelled at 78% LTV,Loan term
Greater than 15 years,Less than or equal to 78%,5 years,11 years
Greater than 15 years,Greater than 78% – 90%,Cancelled at 78% LTV & 5 years,11 years
Greater than 15 years,Greater than 90%,Cancelled at 78% LTV & 5 years,Loan term

 

What You Need To Know:

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  • Even with the increases, a FHA loan is still a great option. You just have to look at the numbers to make sure it works for you.
  • Look at conventional loan products as an alternative.  There are major banks who provide loans with high LTV’s.
  • Consider delaying your home purchase until you can put a larger down payment.

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Are You Grown Up Enough To Buy A House

You’re getting the itch to buy a home. You might have come to this decision based on any number of reasons… all your friends and co-workers are buying homes, your parents are telling you to buy your own place, or you might be thinking of starting your family in your own home. Whatever the reason, in addition to being financially ready to buy, you need to have the right mindset [Read more…]