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    Wednesday, December 19, 2012

    TBWS Daily - Critical FHA MI Changes Coming

    TBWS Daily - Critical FHA MI Changes Coming
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    Critical FHA MI Changes Coming

    Posted: 26 Nov 2012 12:15 AM PST

    Click the post title above to watch today’s show. Catch all your real estate and mortgage news and commentary with Frank Garay and Brian Stevens right here at the National Real Estate Post!

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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Saturday, December 8, 2012

    Vine To Wine Event

    Vine to Wine Flyer.pdf Download this file

    Hi All!

    Check out this event the YPN board is putting on.  You can like our page at https://www.facebook.com/desertypn

    September 29th See you there!

    Attached is the Vine to Wine flyer.  Thank you so much for helping us get the word out.

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Saturday, September 8, 2012

    11 Questions to Ask A Hard Money Lender

    When looking for a hard money lender, interview them to make sure you’re comfortable with the terms, conditions and the way they do things.

    Ask the following:

    1. Do you lend in my state? (different states require licenses, some lenders only do markets they know and understand)
    2. What is your LTV?
    3. Do you lend rehab funds? How are draws done?
    4. What interest rate?
    5. What points? Are they to be paid up front or at the end?
    6. What are all the misc. fees? Paid up front or at end?
    7. How much notice do you need to close?

    8. Can you provide proof of funds?
    9. These terms are good for how long? Can I get that in writing? (Their terms might change in a few months, try to get it in writing)
    10. How many deals will you do at a time?
    11. What is the procedure to present a deal?

    These questions will give you a guideline for what they’re looking for, what you will need and whether or not you’ll end up working with them.

    Please take a second and share with everyone in the comments below any other questions you have asked hard money lenders or would like to know from a lender.

    Thank you for reading and I’ll see you in the comments!

    Make it a great day,

    Sean K. La Rue

    Senior Vice President – Franklin Loan Center
    “Your KEY to Moving Home!” – se habla español

    Jumbo Loan Expert | FHA/VA Direct Lender | Reverse Mortgage Advisor 

    44800 Village Court – Palm Desert, CA 92260

    Mobile: 760.835.5663  Office: 760.837.1488  FAX: 800.784.9089

    Jan Christensen

    Executive Assistant | 760.837.1486 | jchristensen@franklinlc.com

    Click "Like" at facebook.com/SeanLaRueFLC for more information on mortgages and real estate.

    Click for Mortgage Documentation Check List

    Click to Apply for a Home Loan

    Click to view Sean’s Weekly Newsletter 

    DRE# 01786480 NMLS# 291852

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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Experts divided on loan-debt write-downs

    Friday, August 31, 2012

    How to navigate the mortgage doc maze

    Free Download: Moving Tips for Buyers & Sellers

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    [5 Smart Tips for Buyer and Seller Clients]

    5 Smart Moving Tips for Buyer & Seller Clients

    Labor Day is known for being the start of the closing rush and moving season for many buyers and sellers. Help your current clients and prospects work smarter, not harder, this holiday weekend.

    Share this quick handout with smart moving tips for buyers and sellers you're bringing across the closing finish line now.


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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Friday, August 24, 2012

    Now that's speedway racing!

    IMG_6082.MOV Watch on Posterous

    Here at the Inland Motorcycle Speedway. This was the main race for the big guys.

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Thursday, July 19, 2012

    REMINDER - YPN Lunch and Learn Today!

    YPN Lunch & Learn FLYER iPAD for REALTORS July 19 2012.pdf Download this file

    Good morning!

    Just a reminder that you are registered to attend the very interactive YPN seminar on “Contract to Close with iPad.”  Feel free to bring your iPad and follow along as you are guided through the awesome tools you can use immediately for your real estate business.   

    Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is provided by RAM Home Warranty and Douglas Motz Insurance. 

    We look forward to seeing you soon!

    Make it a great day,

    Sean K. La Rue

    Senior Vice President – Franklin Loan Center
    “Your KEY to Moving Home!” – se habla español

    Jumbo Loan Expert | FHA/VA Direct Lender | Reverse Mortgage Advisor 

    44800 Village Court – Palm Desert, CA 92260

    Mobile: 760.835.5663  Office: 760.837.1488  FAX: 800.784.9089

    Jan Christensen

    Executive Assistant | 760.837.1486 | jchristensen@franklinlc.com

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Saturday, July 14, 2012

    The Biggest Banking Scandal the World has ever Seen - Watch Now!

    Share [Embed Email] [Share Email] [Share on Facebook] [Share on Twitter] [Share on LinkedIn] [Like on Facebook]


    If you watch no other TBWS Daily Show WATCH THIS ONE!

    The Biggest Banking Scandal the World has ever Seen!!!!!

    Click here to view: www.tbwsdailyshow.com

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    If you have not already subscribed to the TBWS Daily Show please do so now.

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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Friday, May 18, 2012

    TBWS Daily - Housing Numbers On The Rise

    Check out these stats and ideas for making your offers count!


    TBWS Daily - Housing Numbers On The Rise
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    Housing Numbers On The Rise

    Posted: 18 May 2012 12:15 AM PDT

    Click the post title above to watch today’s video! Catch all your real estate news and mortgage news with Frank Garay and Brian Stevens here at www.TBWSDailyShow.com!

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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Thursday, March 8, 2012

    Appy Hour at the Board of Realtors

    The California Desert Association of Realtors and the Young Professionals Network is having an event.  See the attached flyer and RSVP ASAP.  Seating is limited.

    Thursday, March 15 2012

    3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (2:30 check-in)

    California Desert Association of REALTORS® 44475 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert

    $5.00 Per Person

    Call 760.346.5637

    E-Mail joy@cdaronline.com

    Make it a great day,

    Sean K. La Rue

    Senior Vice President – Franklin Loan Center
    “Your KEY to Moving Home!” – se habla español

    Jumbo Loan Expert | FHA/VA Direct Lender | Reverse Mortgage Advisor 

    44800 Village Court – Palm Desert, CA 92260

    Mobile: 760.835.5663  Office: 760.837.1488  FAX: 800.784.9089

    Jan Christensen

    Executive Assistant | 760.837.1486 | jchristensen@franklinlc.com

    Click "Like" at facebook.com/SeanLaRueFLC for more information on mortgages and real estate.

    Click for Mortgage Documentation Check List

    Click to Apply for a Home Loan

    Click to view Sean’s Weekly Newsletter 

    DRE# 01786480 NMLS# 291852

    Image001

    NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.   

    Appy Hour Flyer.pdf Download this file

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    FHA Updates

    Based on the phone calls I’m sending the following to clarify the pending MIP changes on FHA loans.  The changes are effective on different dates based on both different loan amounts AND on the type of loan.

    Please print out the attached ML 12-03 and keep it as a reference.

    Here is a synopsis ONLY of the pending changes as indicated in ML 12-03:

    FIRST CHANGES:  Effective with case numbers assigned ON or AFTER 4/9/2012

    The new UFMIP (Up front MIP) will be 1.75% for all FHA loans and the new annual (collected monthly) will be as follows:

    Term greater than 15 years:        LTV greater than 95.00% = 1.25%

    LTV equal to or less than 95.00% = 1.20%

    Term 15 years or less:                    LTV greater than 95.00% = 0.60%

                                                                    LTV equal to or less than 95.00% = 0.35%

     

    Note:  15 year loans with an LTV equal to or less than 78% at origination are exempt from the upfront MIP

     

    SECOND CHANGES:  Effective with case numbers assigned ON or AFTER 6/11/2012

     

    Loan amounts equal to or less than $625,500 remain the same as above.

    Loan amounts GREATER THAN $625,500 have an HIGHER annual (collected monthly) premium as follows:

    Term greater than 15 years:        LTV greater than 95.00% = 1.50%

                                                                    LTV equal to or less than 95.00% = 1.45%

    Term 15 years or less:                    LTV greater than 95.00% = 0.85%

                                                                    LTV equal to or less than 95.00% = 0.60%

    The same exemption rule for 15 year terms, less than 78% LTV still applies even for the higher loan amounts

    ADDITIONAL CHANGES APPLICABLE TO STREAMLINE REFINANCES **** ONLY **** FOR CASE NUMBERS ASSIGNED ON OR AFTER 6/11/2012

     

    FHA will be allowing REDUCED upfront and annual premiums for SOME FHA streamline loans.

    The loan must have been ENDORSED (which means FHA insured it) ON or BEFORE 5/31/2009.  

    This is VERY important because it doesn’t mean when the loan CLOSED or when the original case number was assigned – it means FHA had to have insured it by that date.

    For the cases meeting that criteria, the new premiums will be as follows, regardless of loan amount or loan term:

    Upfront MIP =                                   0.01% of the base loan amount.  

    Annual MIP =                                    0.55% of the base loan amount

    Make it a great day,

    Sean K. La Rue

    Senior Vice President – Franklin Loan Center
    “Your KEY to Moving Home!” – se habla español

    Jumbo Loan Expert | FHA/VA Direct Lender | Reverse Mortgage Advisor 

    44800 Village Court – Palm Desert, CA 92260

    Mobile: 760.835.5663  Office: 760.837.1488  FAX: 800.784.9089

    Jan Christensen

    Executive Assistant | 760.837.1486 | jchristensen@franklinlc.com

    Click "Like" at facebook.com/SeanLaRueFLC for more information on mortgages and real estate.

    Click for Mortgage Documentation Check List

    Click to Apply for a Home Loan

    Click to view Sean’s Weekly Newsletter 

    DRE# 01786480 NMLS# 291852

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    NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.   

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    The NEW iPAD

    For those interested in the specifics on the new iPad 3:

    • 9.7" screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 (Much higher resolution than a 1080P TV!)
    • New Dual Core Processor with Quad Core Graphics (increased speed, stability, and image quality)
    • 5 Megapixel Camera,
      • Also capable of 1080P video recording
    • 10 hours of battery life
    • 4G Wireless Data (only available on ATT & Verizon)
      • MUCH faster than current 3G speeds.
      • Only available in areas with 4G coverage (reverts back to 3G in areas with no 4G coverage)
    • Write emails, search the internet, tweet, Facebook update, with your voice.
    • Updated Garage band, iPhoto, and iMovie apps for iPad available (free if you already own)
    • Available March 16th
      • Preorders start today
    • Prices start at $499 for 16GB WIFI ONLY
      • 4G Price starts at $629 for 16GB with 4G

    Click for more info

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Wednesday, February 29, 2012

    FHA Changes - FHA Takes Additional Steps To Bolster Capitol Reserves; New premium structure will help protect FHA’s MMI fund:

    FHA Takes Additional Steps To Bolster Capitol Reserves; New premium structure will help protect FHA’s MMI fund:

    HUD No.12-037
    HUD Public Affairs

    February 27, 2012

    WASHINGTON – As part of ongoing efforts to encourage the return of private capital in the residential mortgage market and strengthen the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, Acting FHA Commissioner Carol Galante today announced a new premium structure for FHA-insured single family mortgage loans.  FHA will increase its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by 0.10 percent for loans under $625,500 and by 0.35 percent for loans above that amount.  Upfront premiums (UFMIP) will also increase by 0.75 percent. 

    These premium changes will impact new loans insured by FHA beginning in April and June of 2012.  Details will soon be published in a Mortgagee Letter to FHA-approved lenders. (Please see: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/hudclips/letters/mortgagee )

    “After careful analysis of the market and the health of the MMI fund, we have determined that it is appropriate to increase mortgage insurance premiums in order to help protect our capital reserves and to continue encouraging the return of private capital to the housing market,” said Galante.  “These modest increases are one of several measures we are taking towards meeting the Congressionally mandated two percent reserve threshold, while allowing FHA to remain a valuable option for low- to moderate-income borrowers.”

    The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 requires FHA to increase the annual MIP it collects by 0.10 percent.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 1, 2012.  FHA is also exercising its statutory authority to add an additional 0.25 percent to mortgages exceeding $625,500.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after June 1, 2012.

    The UFMIP will be increased from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount.  This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or LTV ratio.  FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 1, 2012.

    FHA estimates that the increase to the upfront premium will cost new borrowers an average of approximately $5 more per month.  These marginal increases are affordable for nearly all homebuyers who would qualify for a new mortgage loan.  Borrowers already in an FHA-insured mortgage, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), and special loan programs outlined in FHA’s forthcoming Mortgagee Letter will not be impacted by the pricing changes announced today.

    Taken together, these premium changes will enable FHA to increase revenues at a time that is critical to the ongoing stability of its Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund, contributing more than $1 billion to the Fund, based on current volume projections through Fiscal Year 2013.

    Read the entire press release at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2012/HUDNo.12-037

    For FHA technical support on this or any other FHA issue, please contact the FHA Resource Center at: www.hud.gov/answers   You can also get email technical support at: answers@hud.gov

    AND

    NeighborWorks America has redesigned the HECM Counselor Resources website:

    NeighborWorks America has completed the redesign of the HECM Counselor Resources website ( http://www.hecmcounselors.org/ ), now incorporating content and features for both Active and Prospective HUD HECM Counselors.  Active HECM counselors can use their log in and password to use the following features:

    ·         Forums section to discuss topics and share best practices

    ·         Ask the Expert tool

    ·         Ability to search for colleagues with specific language skills

    ·         Continuing education and HECM exam requirements

    ·         HECM training offerings

    For individuals seeking to become a HUD HECM Counselor, the public pages of the site include:

    ·         Information on Roster eligibility requirements

    ·         Exam registration and Preparation

    ·         Practice HECM exam tool

    ·         HECM training offerings

    You can watch a demo of the new site to learn more about its features and tools at: http://www.hecmcounselors.org/videos  Questions can be directed to hecminfo@nw.org.

    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    Bulk subscriptions:

                Some industry folks have asked, "How do I sign up my entire staff for FHA email updates?" It is easy... Just list your staff email addresses like this:

    aaa@xyz.com

    bbb@xyz.com

    ccc@xyz.com

    You can send in one email address or thousands. Email your list to: jerrold.h.mayer@hud.gov 

    If you have a mortgage or real estate industry friend who you want to subscribe to the national hoc reference guide mailing list, there are 3 other ways to sign up: 1. send them this link: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/ref/hsgregst  they can sign up for the email list there; or 2: forward them this email; or 3: Visit: http://www.usa.gov and subscribe at: http://apps.gsa.gov/FirstGovCommonSubscriptionService.php   To unsubscribe - go to: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/subscribe/mailinglist   and click on "National Homeownership Center Reference Guide" and follow the unsubscribe instructions on that page.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________

    For FHA technical support, please contact the FHA Resource Center at: www.hud.gov/answers  Search our online knowledge base & find answers to our most commonly asked questions. You can also get email technical support at: answers@hud.gov  or phone FHA toll-free between 8:00 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT) at: (800) CALLFHA or (800) 225-5342. Call FHA TDD at: (877) TDD-2HUD (877) 833-2483).

    Visit our homepage at: http://www.hud.gov/sf

    FHA publications at HudClips: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/index.cfm   Order hardcopies at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/dds  

    FHA forms: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/administration/hudclips/forms 

    FHA Homeownership Centers: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hoc/hsghocs 

    Events & Training Calendar: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/events/events

    Contracting Opportunities: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/cpo 

    Career Opportunities: http://www.usajobs.gov

    Grant Opportunities: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail 

    Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/nsc/disaster  

    Foreclosure Assistance: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor 

    Making Home Affordable: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/pages/default.aspx 

    This listserv does not provide HudHome property listings. To see the latest list of all HudHomes nationwide please visit: http://hudhomestore.com/HudHome/Index.aspx  or follow us on Twitter @HudHomeStore   We will also feature information about upcoming trainings, resources for homebuyers, and related HUD programs. Click on http://twitter.com/hudhomestore  to link directly to our page.

    This list will often provide training opportunities and event announcements for non-profit and local government HUD partners. HUD does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they or their community/business partners offer. For more information on HUD’s web policies please visit: http://www.hud.gov/assist/webpolicies.cfm 

    Thank you!!!!

    We hope that you will want to continue receiving information from HUD. We safeguard our lists and do not rent, sell, or permit the use of our lists by others, at any time, for any reason. If you wish to be taken off this mail list, please go here or http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD/subscribe/signup&listname=National%20Homeownership%20Center%20Reference%20Guide&list=Homeownership-L

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

    201202ECAP_Standard.pdf Download this file

    Happy February!

    The attached pdf file contains an article on the Tax Benefits of Home Ownership.  The article summarizes five of the top tax advantages of owning a home.  If you need a tax expert in your area, contact me. 

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Wednesday, January 25, 2012

    Sean La Rue's Weekly Newsletter: Greece is the Word Again (Vol. 10 Issue 4)

    Hello Team,

    I hope you’re having a great week!  See this week’s Real Estate Newsletter.

    I’ve also included a flyer on “Understanding the Home Appraisal Process” you can give this information to your buyers so they know the difference between the home inspection and the house appraisal.  Call me anytime if you have any questions.

    If you can't see the newsletter, or would like to view it online, use this link

    Last Week in Review: Rumors were swirling out of Europe, while inflation news was swirling here at home.

    Forecast for the Week: The second half of the week heats up with news on the housing market and the state of the economy. Plus, the Fed meets.

    View: A fee increase is coming that will impact home loan rates. Be sure to read the details below.

    Image001
    Last Week in Review

    Image002

    It's almost all Greek to me. Last week, more news from Greece hit the wires, as did several pieces of inflation news here at home. Read on to learn what happened, and what the impact was on home loan rates.

    Image003
    First, it's important to remember that back in October, a deal called for Bondholders to "accept" a 50% haircut on the face value of the Greek debt. Last week, rumors about this amount were swirling, saying that Greece is close to a deal that would entail a 68% haircut on the face value of their debt. And if that's not concern enough, a larger issue remains.

    After the proposed austerity measures, wage cuts, and tax increases are instituted, will Greece - not to mention Italy, Portugal, and other struggling economies - be able to "grow" their way out of debt? Given that the World Bank lowered its 2012 global growth forecast to 2.5% from last summer's estimate of 3.6%, the odds sure seem tough. This is an important story to watch as the year unfolds.

    Here at home, inflation was in the news twice last week...and the results were mixed. On Wednesday, the wholesale inflation measuring Core Producer Price Index (PPI) came in hot, elevating the year-over-year Core PPI rate to a lofty 3%...the highest since April 2009. Meanwhile, Thursday's Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) was inline with expectations and tame overall, though it is worth noting that the 2.2% Core CPI year-over-year reading is near the upper end of the Fed's tolerance level.

    Remember, inflation is the archenemy of Bonds and home loan rates, like Kryptonite to Superman. That's because inflation erodes the value of the fixed return provided by a Bond, which causes home loan rates to rise. It will be interesting to see what - if anything - the Fed says about inflation after it's regularly scheduled meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee this week...as any talk or sign of inflation can move the markets and impact rates.

    Even with all the news last week, it's still a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

    Image001
    Forecast for the Week

    Image002

    The reports that will be released this week will carry some weight:

    • We'll see a double dose of housing news with Pending Home Sales on Wednesday and New Home Sales on Thursday.
    • As usual, Initial Jobless Claims will be released on Thursday. Last week's read came in at 352,000, a drop of 50,000. That's the biggest decline since September 2005!
    • We'll also see two important reports that will show us how the economy is doing. Thursday brings the Durable Goods Report, which gives us a read on big ticket items. This will be followed by the first reading on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Fourth Quarter of 2011 on Friday.
    • Finally, Consumer Sentiment will also be released on Friday.

    In addition to those reports, the Federal Open Market Committee will hold a two-day meeting this week. The meeting will begin January 24 and end with a policy statement at 12:30 pm ET on January 25. There is no chance of a rate hike, but I will be listening for any hint of a third round of Quantitative Easing (QE3).

    Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.

    As you can see in the chart below, some encouraging economic and company earnings news last week helped halt the improving trend Bonds had been seeing. I'll continue to monitor this situation.

    Chart: Fannie Mae 3.5% Mortgage Bond (Friday Jan 20, 2012)

    The Mortgage Market Guide View...

    Image002

    Fee Increase to Impact Home Loans

    In December 2011, Congress reached a last-minute deal to fund the payroll tax cut extension. The payroll tax extension will provide a 2% tax reduction for individuals making up to $106,800, so the tax extension will be very helpful for many Americans who are struggling during these tough economic times. But like so many things in our tangled economy, there's a flip side. In this case, the tax cut deal has a rippling effect that will impact the mortgage world.

    Here's what's happening and what it means to home loan rates:

    What is happening and why? To put it bluntly, the passage of the payroll tax cut extension is being funded via a mandate to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the nation's largest providers of mortgage money) to increase their guarantee fees or "g-fee's" by at least 10 basis points on the rate. So rather than giving a par rate of 4.00%, for example, the par rate is now increased by at least 10 basis points, or approximately 4.10%. But as you probably know…home loan rates are priced and offered in .125% increments, so this will most likely impact the consumer by .125% in rate. Whether you agree or not on the politics behind this cost being passed along to folks who are taking out mortgages, the Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that the increase will ultimately pay for about $35.7 Billion of the cost of the payroll tax extension.

    What exactly is this "g-fee"? The guarantee fee or "g-fee" is an amount charged by mortgage-backed securities (MBS) providers, like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, to help protect against credit-related losses in the overall mortgage portfolio. In other words, it acts a lot like insurance and helps lower the overall risk…which means home loans can be offered at terrific interest rates to borrowers that have good - but not perfect - credit.

    What exactly is the impact of the rate increase? For example, for a $200,000 home loan, the increased g-fee (assuming a .125% increase in rate) would equate to $250 more per year in interest, or $7,500 more over 30 years. Someone buying or refinancing a home can certainly choose to buy down the cost with cash up front - but most folks will not do this.

    Who will this impact? The change will impact all new borrowers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. The bill will also impact Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans by increasing the annual mortgage insurance premium that borrowers pay by one-tenth of a percent.

    When will it start? Officially, the increase to guarantee fees will begin on April 1, 2012. However, the increase is already starting to be seen in rate sheets right now, since home loans being originated now will likely not be closed, pooled and securitized until April…and therefore will need the increased g-fee priced in earlier.

    How long will this be in effect? The increase will be effective through October 1, 2021.

    The bottom line is that the g-fees will be going up…and this will impact homebuyers looking to obtain a home loan through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA.

    The good news is that home loan rates are still at historic lows right now, and it's a great time to purchase a new home or refinance. If you or anyone you know has any questions, please call or email!

    Economic Calendar for the Week of January 23 - January 27

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    Understanding The Home Appraisal Process.pdf Download this file

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Real Estate Market Stats

    1. In 2011, 37% of homebuyers were first-time buyers - which was down from 50% in 2010.

    2. Last year, 88% of homebuyers used the Internet to search for a home. That number was down slightly from a high of 90% in 2009.

    3. The typical homebuyer searched for 12 weeks and viewed 12 homes.

    4. The number of buyers who purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker climbed to 89% - a share that has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

    5. Nearly 1 out of 4 buyers said the application and approval process was "somewhat more difficult" than expected…and 16% reported it was "much more difficult" than expected.

    6. About half of home sellers traded up to a larger and more expensive home…and 60% traded up to a new home.

    7. The top 3 factors influencing neighborhood choice were: the quality of the neighborhood, the convenience to job, and the overall affordability of homes.

    8. The typical seller lived in their home for 9 years. That number has increased from 6 years in 2007.

    9. Although 61% of sellers said they reduced their asking price at least once, the average home sold for 95% of the listing price.

    10. Only 10% of sellers sold their homes without the assistance of a real estate agent. Of those people, 40% knew the buyer prior to the sale.

    11. The typical "for sale by owner" home sold for $150,000 compared to $215,000 for the average agent-assisted home sale.

    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous

    Tuesday, January 17, 2012

    Sean La Rue's Weekly Newsletter: Happy Sentiments Abound Vol 10 Issue 3

    Happy Tuesday!

    Hope you’re off to a great week.  Attached is a flyer you can use to help your buyers understand the purchase process.  Keep this information and save it for your buyers when the time comes.  It’s a very useful and powerful tool to show your clients the “road map” towards closing.  I’m looking forward to an awesome 2012 and I want to help you close more business this year and reach your goals.  Please let me know what I can do to support you.

    This is this weeks Newsletter… If you can't see the newsletter, or would like to view it online, use this link

    If you have received this newsletter indirectly and would like to be added to our weekly distribution list, use this link

    Last Week in Review: Consumers are feeling good, but how good was last week's news?

    Forecast for the Week: It's a holiday shortened week, but the economic calendar is full. News on manufacturing, inflation, and housing is ahead.

    View: Wondering what the housing trends for 2012 will be? Check out 11 trends we saw in 2011.

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    Last Week in Review

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    "Happy days are here again." Milton Ager and Jack Yellen. And while it seems that consumers are certainly feeling happier, not everything that happened last week was cause for song.

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    There was good news last Friday, as the first look at Consumer Sentiment for January came in at 74.0, which is the highest level since May 2011. However, there was also news last week that the holiday shopping season may not have been as robust as previously thought.

    Retail Sales in December rose by a meager 0.1% from 0.4% in November, and when stripping out autos, sales actually fell 0.2%. Why did this happen? It seems that steep holiday discounting held down the value of goods sold, so sales were big, but only because of the heavy discounting.

    The news out of Europe last week also wasn't too happy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde met to discuss and finalize the debt restructuring deal for Greece. Back in October, a deal called for Bondholders to "accept" a 50% haircut on the face value of the Greek debt - but as creditors and authorities have started to forge a final deal, the actual haircut back to investors is looking quite likely to be larger than 50%. This is simply because worsening financial conditions in the Greek economy make paying the debt back with "just" a 50% haircut highly unlikely...maybe impossible. What's more, the next reasonable question to consider is will Ireland, Portugal and even Italy ask for a similar haircut or deal on what may be unsustainable debt in their countries?

    The happy news is that these problems are finally being addressed to make things better in the future. And in the short term, the uncertainty should keep money flowing into the relative safe haven of the US Dollar and US Bonds - including Mortgage Bonds, to which home loan rates are tied. In addition, Mortgage Bonds continue to be supported by the Fed's purchases, which are also helping to keep home loan rates at record low levels.

    All of this means that now continues to remain a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

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    Forecast for the Week

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    Despite the Bond Markets and all Capital Markets being closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the rest of the week's economic calendar is full:

    • Manufacturing strong? The week's economic data kicks off on Tuesday with a manufacturing indicator from New York's Empire State Index for January. In addition, the Philadelphia Fed Index for January will be released on Thursday. Last month, both reports reached their highest levels in months. Remember: The Stock Market likes to see healthy economic growth because that translates to higher corporate profits. However, the Bond market prefers a moderate growth environment that won't generate inflationary pressures.
    • Speaking of inflation… We'll see inflation reports on the wholesale level in the Producer Price Index on Wednesday, followed by the Consumer Price Index on Thursday. Inflation has remained tame…and Bondholders will be closely watching these two indicators for any signs of an uptick.
    • Back on track this week? Initial Jobless Claims will be released as usual on Thursday. Last week's number showed an uptick in claims and broke the recent trend of decreasing claims. However, the rise could have been due in part to layoffs of seasonal holiday workers. So the markets will be watching to see if this report gets back on track with the recent positive trend.
    • No place like home! Housing data in the form of Housing Starts, Building Permits and Existing Home Sales will all be reported this week. Housing continues to troll around low levels despite record low home loan rates.

    Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.

    As you can see in the chart below, Bonds and home loan rates are continuing their improving trend. I'll be watching this closely as we head further into the new year.

    Chart: Fannie Mae 3.5% Mortgage Bond (Friday Jan 13, 2012)

    The Mortgage Market Guide View...

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    Housing News: 11 Trends from 2011

    The National Association of Realtors® surveys homebuyers and sellers each year to uncover housing trends and monitor changes taking place in the industry. This year's report highlights a number of trends that haven't been seen in years. Here are just 11 highlights from the 2011 report.

    1. In 2011, 37% of homebuyers were first-time buyers - which was down from 50% in 2010.

    2. Last year, 88% of homebuyers used the Internet to search for a home. That number was down slightly from a high of 90% in 2009.

    3. The typical homebuyer searched for 12 weeks and viewed 12 homes.

    4. The number of buyers who purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker climbed to 89% - a share that has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

    5. Nearly 1 out of 4 buyers said the application and approval process was "somewhat more difficult" than expected…and 16% reported it was "much more difficult" than expected.

    6. About half of home sellers traded up to a larger and more expensive home…and 60% traded up to a new home.

    7. The top 3 factors influencing neighborhood choice were: the quality of the neighborhood, the convenience to job, and the overall affordability of homes.

    8. The typical seller lived in their home for 9 years. That number has increased from 6 years in 2007.

    9. Although 61% of sellers said they reduced their asking price at least once, the average home sold for 95% of the listing price.

    10. Only 10% of sellers sold their homes without the assistance of a real estate agent. Of those people, 40% knew the buyer prior to the sale.

    11. The typical "for sale by owner" home sold for $150,000 compared to $215,000 for the average agent-assisted home sale.

    All Contents ©2012 The National Association of Realtors®.

    Economic Calendar for the Week of January 16 - January 20

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    Posted via email from Sean La Rue's Posterous