Charleston Buyers in late 2011 - GUEST BLOGGER

By: Lillian Swift
lillyswift8@gmail.com

It’s very often that trends and statistic updates in the real estate industry focus on the stance of the sellers. A buyer’s prospective could be more important even though focus is often shined on the selling point. The decision for the buyer can certainly be affected by recent trends and statistics, but it’s more likely to depend on some of the important factors for their family or selves.

When it comes to prospective buyers, a report that’s focused from outside the seller is usually rare. Even though this is hard to find, a buyer’s view is just as important. One of the major factors for current buyers in 2011 is the record low mortgage rates throughout the United States, as well as locally in Charleston. Many of the rates around the nation have gone into the sub four ranges, including here in the area. In Charleston, there is 4.012 APR for a 30 year, fixed rate mortgage, being a very enticing proposition for potential buyers who are mulling.

The rising rental rates throughout the country and locally could also have an effect in the mind of a buyer. For the two bedroom level (those who would be interested in buying a home), Charleston apartments currently average $890 a month, up nine percent and close to $80 from the outset of the year. Combined with low mortgage rates, the rising apartment averages could be a major resource point for potential buyers.

As a potential buyer in the real estate market, it’s important to remember that trends aren’t likely to have a large portion in the decision process, rather just a small influence. Many of the national and local real estate sources online often have many common statistics in the headline. These are usually focused on factors such as sale price, inventory, as well as average length on the market and average price.

Inventory is one of the more common headline statistics that may have more of an effect on the potential buyer. This is because it actually shows what is available in the area, as well as possible choices on properties. Sale price and average price could have an effect on potential buyers, but not really unless there is a steep increase or deep decrease.

Buyers will most likely base their decision on prime factors such as location, taxing, cost of living and schooling, as well as some others. Even though recent real estate statistics can certainly give a good framework of the market, the situation will drive the sale, considering both the property and the feelings of the potential buyer.

Lillian Swift is a creative writer from the University of Michigan. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel detestations and tourism. Swift can be contacted at lillyswift8@gmail.com

Survey: Mortgage Rates Steady

RISMEDIA, January 27, 2011—Mortgage rates have remained steady, according to the latest figures from FreeRateUpdate.com. Current 30-year conforming fixed mortgage rates are at 4.625 percent, 15-year conforming fixed mortgage rates are at 3.875 percent and conforming 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.125 percent. Well-qualified borrowers are able to take advantage of these low conforming mortgage rates with only 0.7 to 1.0 percent origination fees.

Current 30-year fixed FHA mortgage rates are 4.500 percent, 15-year fixed FHA mortgage rates are 4.000 percent, and FHA 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates are 3.125 percent. FHA mortgages have more favorable loan terms than conforming mortgage rates. The tradeoff, however, is the higher closing costs associated with an FHA loan. Additional fees that the Federal Housing Administration charges to borrowers include upfront mortgage insurance premiums, annual mortgage insurance premiums, additional residential appraisals, etc.

Jumbo mortgage rates are likewise currently stable. Current 30-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates are 5.125 percent, 15-year fixed jumbo mortgage rates are 4.750 percent, and jumbo 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are 3.875 percent. Borrowers interested in obtaining a jumbo mortgage loan are able to do so in excess of the conforming loan limit for their desired area.

Mortgage back securities (MBS) prices are currently higher today than yesterday. MBS prices have in increased by +9/32 (FNMA 30-year 4.5 at 102.11). Mortgage rates and MBS prices have an inverse relationship, which means they move in opposite directions. Therefore, as MBS prices increase, mortgage rates are expected to decrease.

Mortgage rates fall to fresh lows this week

Mortgage rates fall to fresh lows this week

By JANNA HERRON, AP Real Estate Writer

NEW YORK – Rates on fixed mortgages dropped to their lowest levels in decades this week after the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive bond-buying program to help spur economic growth.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Tuesday the average rate for 30-year fixed loans fell to 4.17 percent from 4.24 percent last week. That's the lowest on records dating back to 1971.

The average rate on 15-year fixed loans fell to 3.57 percent from 3.63 percent. That's the lowest since the survey began in 1991.

The Fed detailed plans last week to buy $600 billion in Treasury bonds. On Wednesday, the central bank gave more details, saying it plans to purchase $105 billion in Treasurys over the next month. The extra demand means Treasurys will produce lower yields for investors. Mortgage rates tend to track those yields.

Mortgage rates have been at or near historic lows since April as investors, concerned about the health of the global economy, shift their money into Treasurys, pushing down rates on the bonds and consumer and business loans.

While more borrowers have refinanced their home loans, low rates have done little to boost the beleaguered housing market. Would-be buyers remain on the sidelines, too worried about their jobs or unable to qualify for a loan because of tighter credit standards. Others can't sell their own homes before buying another.

Home sales were the worst in decades this summer, and home prices fell in half of U.S. cities in the third quarter, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac collects rates from lenders across the country on Monday through Wednesday of each week. Rates often fluctuate significantly, even within a single day.

Rates on five-year adjustable-rate mortgages fell to their lowest level in at least five years. They averaged 3.25 percent, down from 3.39 percent a week earlier. It is the lowest rate on records dating back to January 2005.

Rates on one-year adjustable-rate home loans were unchanged at 3.26.

The rates do not include add-on fees, known as points. One point is equal to 1 percent of the total loan amount.

The average fee for 30-year and 15-year fixed loans in Freddie Mac's survey was 0.8 point. It was 0.7 point for 1-year and five-year mortgages.

Original article

Mortgages Can Help, Rather than Hinder, Finances

RISMEDIA, June 28, 2010--(MCT)--While most financial-savvy consumers do their best to avoid debt, one debt that is unavoidable to many families is a mortgage. Because many of us feel more in control of our home and expenses without a mortgage, a common question is whether to pay it off as quickly as possible.

The answer depends on each person's financial situation. A mortgage can actually be a blessing to some.

For example, mortgage interest is tax-deductible. This deduction saves taxpayers about $103 billion a year, according to the U.S. Treasury. The benefit is less to owners of low- to moderate-valued homes who may not have much interest or enough to claim it by itemizing deductions. But for families with a higher net worth, it allows a tax savings and may encourage them to buy larger homes.

With tax brackets for the wealthy rising next year, this tax break becomes more valuable. When the break is included, a 6 percent mortgage could have a rate closer to 4 percent in reality. Calculate your mortgage's effective rate by subtracting your tax rate from 100 and multiplying that number by the interest rate. For example, a 28 percent tax bracket with a 6 percent mortgage would result in (.06 x 72) to equal the equivalent of a 4.32 percent mortgage rate after considering tax savings if itemized. That helps the interest look less daunting.

In addition, with the possibility of investing with a goal of a 5 or 6 percent return, instead of putting that money into a mortgage the homeowner could get a return higher than the effective rate, which could help grow net worth. On the other hand, if the effective rate is higher, it may make sense to pay down the mortgage.

Another situation that makes paying off a mortgage attractive is for someone at risk of bankruptcy. Many states offer protection from creditors seizing a home to pay debts. If a home is paid in full, it is more likely the owner could stay in it if he goes broke, providing he can pay for the upkeep.

Money taken out for a mortgage also could reduce net worth later in life. The potential for higher investment returns are gone; that money will not be able to grow if investments grow over the long term. Not to mention having too much invested in a house. That could be detrimental at retirement. While we can get a loan for a house, there are no loans to finance retirement.

(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

CHARLESTON POISED FOR RECOVERY

Realty Times recently posted an article on the Charleston, South Carolina real estate market. Over the past few weeks we have begun to see a surge in showing activity and have started to see some leveling off of prices. With the recent spike in mortgage rates, now is really the time to act before rates begin to move upward again.


Hot Market: Charleston SC Sets Up For Strong Recovery
by M. Anthony Carr

If shrinking inventory and dropping sales prices are any indicator, Charleston, South Carolina is about to follow suit of housing markets such as Miami, Washington DC and Las Vegas, that have turned around in recent months. Homes available for sale in Charleston have dropped nearly 10 percent in the last month compared to a year ago.

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors reported its inventory has dropped more than 1,000 units in April to just over 10,000 houses on the market. In addition, median sales prices have leveled at around $180,000 for the area.

The inventory may drop even more in the coming months as "South Carolina's highest court -- temporarily stopped thousands of pending foreclosure sales in the state to give homeowners more time to take advantage of a new federal program to help them refinance mortgages,” according to a report in the Charleston Daily Mail.

"The injunction, which mortgage experts said appeared to be the nation's first court-ordered stop for an entire state, prevents judges in South Carolina from finalizing foreclosure sales on properties guaranteed by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or any other mortgage company that has signed on to a federal assistance program.,” the Mail reported.

RealtyTrac.com reports the ruling could affect as many as 5,000 South Carolina homeowners currently facing foreclosure proceedings.

Published: May 29, 2009

If you are considering making a purchase in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, please feel free to contact Owen directly at 843.224.5398 or e-mail to Owen@OwenTyler.com.

Fannie Mae Guideline Changes on the Way

Hopefully the new Fannie Mae changes will bring investors back to the real estate market.

Many investors have been stopped in their tracks with current Fannie Mae requirements that do not allow a purchaser of investment/income producing properties to have more than 4 financed properties.

Multiple Mortgages to the Same Borrower and Reserve Requirements Changes

Fannie Mae has issued Announcement 09-02, Updates to Multiple Mortgages to the Same Borrower Policy, Reserve Requirements, Reserves Definition, and Form 3170.

Multiple Mortgages to the Same Borrower

To help support housing recovery, we are introducing an expanded policy regarding multiple mortgages to the same borrower. Fannie Mae is committed to providing financing opportunities for high-credit quality, bona fide investors. Experienced investors play a key role in the housing recovery and Fannie Mae’s continued support for investor borrowers is consistent with our mission to provide stability, liquidity, and affordability to the nation’s housing system.

To support prudent lending for housing investment, Fannie Mae is changing our current limit of four financed properties per borrower when the mortgage being delivered to Fannie Mae is secured by an investment property or second home. We will allow five to ten financed properties per borrower, with certain eligibility and underwriting requirements, including a 720 minimum credit score and 70–75% maximum LTV/CLTV/HCLTV (depending on the transaction and property type). The requirements apply to any investment property or second home loan being delivered to Fannie Mae, regardless of whether Fannie Mae is the investor on the borrower’s other mortgages.

Second home and investment property loans to borrowers with five to ten financed properties will be accepted for whole loan purchase or delivery into MBS with purchase dates on or after March 1, 2009, and new Special Feature Code 150 will be required at delivery.

Desktop Underwriter® (DU®) will be updated in the DU Version 7.1 April Update release to issue a message on all second home and investment property transactions reminding lenders of the requirements for borrowers with multiple financed properties. A Supplement to the Release Notes for the April update has been issued to provide details (link below).

Reserves Definition and Policy Requirements

We also are updating our definition of liquid financial reserves to include all components of the monthly housing expense – which will now be known as PITIA – including homeowners’ association dues, special assessments, ground rents, and subordinate financing payments.

For loans on second homes and borrowers with multiple financed properties, we are implementing new reserve requirements (refer to Announcement 09-02 for details).

Assignment of Rents

Investment property borrowers are required to execute a Multistate 1–4 Family Rider (Assignment of Rents) (Form 3170, or 3170.53 for Puerto Rico) to authorize transfer of rental revenues to the lender. We are reiterating this existing requirement, and have updated the Summary documents for the Riders to delete the requirement for rent loss insurance.

If you have any questions regarding the Fannie Mae change or want to explore purchasing an investment property or second home, please feel free to call or e-mail, 843-224-5398 or Owen@OwenTyler.com.