|
Question: How is a home's value determined?
Answer: You have several ways to determine the value of a home.
An appraisal is a professional estimate of a property's market value, based on recent sales of comparable properties, location, square footage and construction quality. This service varies in cost depending on the price of the home. On average, an appraisal costs about $300 for a $250,000 house.
A comparative market analysis is an informal estimate of market value performed by a real estate agent based on similar sales and property attributes. Most agents offer free analyses in the hopes of winning your business.
You also can get a comparable sales report for a fee from private companies that specialize in real estate data or find comparable sales information available on various real estate Internet sites.
Question: Are there Fannie Mae programs for inner cities?
Answer: Home buyers in urban neighborhoods can take advantage of the secondary mortgage market institution's Fannie Neighbors Program.
This mortgage plan was created to increase homeownership and promote revitalization in central cities as well as minority low and moderate income "targeted" areas. Borrowers need less income to qualify for a mortgage and less cash for closing than with standard mortgages. The program includes mortgages to buy or refinance a home.
Fannie Neighbors has no income limit for residents who are purchasing a home within designated central cities (if not the largest city in a metropolitan area, cities must have populations of 250,000 or more.) Borrowers must attend a seminar on home ownership and the home buying process. For a list of participating lenders, call Fannie Mae at (800) 732-6643.
Question: How can Fannie Mae help a home buyer?
Answer: Fannie Mae's Community Home Buyers Program allows first-time buyers with little cash to obtain 95 percent financing. Participants may put down as little as 3 percent of their own money, with the remainder permitted in the form of a gift from family members, a government program or nonprofit agency. Mortgage insurance is required on all loans above 80 percent loan-to-value ratio when borrowers do not use their own funds for at least 5 percent down.
The program is administered through participating lenders. There are income limits in different states. However, the income restriction is waived when borrowers participate in the Fannie Neighbors program. Fannie Neighbors also has lower income requirements for borrowers who want to buy in designated central cities.
People who are borrowing in either of these programs must attend a seminar on home ownership and the home buying process.
For a list of participating lenders, call Fannie Mae at (800) 732-6643.
Question: What is Fannie Mae's low-down program?
Answer: Fannie Mae is expanding the availability of low-down-payment loans in an effort to help more people nationwide qualify for a mortgage.
Two new programs will help potential buyers overcome two of the most common obstacles to home ownership, low savings and a modest income.
To address many first-time buyers' struggles to save the down payment, Fannie Mae developed Fannie 97. The program provides 97 percent financing on a fixed-rate mortgage with either a 25- or 30-year loan term through Fannie Mae's Community Home Buyers Program.
Fannie Mae's new Start-Up Mortgage will assist buyers with a 5 percent down payment who are at any income level. Yet applicants do not need as much income to qualify and less cash for closing than with traditional mortgages. Borrowers will receive a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with a first-year monthly payment that is lower than the standard fixed-rate loan.
Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae's counterpart, also offers low-down-payment loan programs.
Question: What is the Community Home Buyers program?
Answer: The Community Home Buyers loan program is sponsored by the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly referred to as Fannie Mae, and administered through participating direct lenders.
Fannie Mae's Community Home Buyers program has an income cap of 120 percent of the area's median income. In addition, the borrower must attend a seminar on home ownership and the home buying process.
It is not geared only for first-time home buyers, unlike many of the other low-down -payment programs on the market.
This loan program allows for 97 percent financing. The borrower may put down as little as 3 percent of his or her own money, with the remaining 2 percent coming in the form of a family gift or loan from a government or nonprofit agency.
For more information, call Fannie Mae at (800)732-6643.
Question: Who is Fannie Mae?
Answer: Fannie Mae is a congressionally chartered secondary-mortgage market company that buys loans from private lenders. Because the firm is so big and has been involved in purchasing packages of loans from lenders for 25 years, it has enormous influence on the mortgage market. For more information, call Fannie Mae at (800) 732-6643.
Question: Are interest rates negotiable?
Answer: Some lenders are willing to negotiate on both the loan rate and the number of points but this isn't typical among established lenders who set their rates like large corporations set the prices on their goods. Nevertheless, it pays to shop around for loan rates and know the market before you go in to talk to a lender. You should always look at the combination of interest rate and points and get the best deal possible.
The interest rate is much more open to negotiation on purchases that involve seller financing. These usually are based on market rates but some flexibility exists when negotiating such a deal.
When shopping for rates, look for published rates in local newspapers or check the growing number of Internet sites that publish such information.
Question: How are the rates set for seller financing?
Answer: The interest rate on an owner-carried loan is negotiable. Ask your agent to check with a lender or mortgage broker to determine the current rate on institutional first (or second) loans.
Seller financing typically costs less than conventional financing because sellers don't charge loan fees (points). Interest rates on an owner-carried loan will also be influenced by current Treasury bill and certificate of deposit rates. Sellers usually aren't willing to carry a loan for a lower return than they would earn if their money was invested elsewhere.
Question: How do adjustable-rate loans change?
Answer: Adjustable-rate mortgages go up and down with interest rates, based on several esoteric money market indexes which cause the cost of funds for lenders to vary. Several popular indexes include Treasury Securities, Cost of Funds, Certificates of Deposit, and Libor (London inter-bank offering rate). Most big city newspapers publish ARM index rates.
The interest rate and payment adjustments do not always coincide. There is usually a lag. There are a variety of consumer protections built into these loans. But consumers need to beware of advertising and other claims made by lenders.
Resources: * For more information, consult the "Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages," available from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 92120; (415) 974-2163.
Question: How do I monitor my ARM loan?
Answer: Consumer Loan Advocates publishes a book with form letters and worksheets to help people who want to check mortgage payments or adjustments on their own. It costs $19.95 plus $4 shipping and handling. For a copy, write or call Consumer Loan Advocates, 655 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044; (847) 615-0024.
Question: How do you choose between fixed and adjustable rates?
Answer: There is risk involved in selecting an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARMs, because rates may go up. On the other hand, a fixed-rate loan offers good protection against rising interest rates but the borrower is stuck with the initial rate if interest rates drop.
Statistics show that home buyers who have chosen ARMs since 1981 have saved thousands of dollars. For a period, the percentage of home buyers applying for ARMs rose substantially, then buyers and homeowners began flocking to fixed-rate loans.
Whether to opt for a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage is a matter of personal choice. The first route offers stable payments; the second offers lower initial payments.
Another consideration is the length of time a buyer plans to own the home. If you're planning on moving within three or four years, an ARM makes sense even if rates do nothing but rise during that period of time.
Question: How do you get a low-interest rate loan?
Answer: Price discounts and interest rate buy downs are common incentives offered by new-home builders trying to overcome slow sales.
Buy downs are a financing technique used to reduce the monthly payment for the borrower during the initial years of the loan. Under some buy down plans, a residential developer, builder or the seller will make subsidy payments (in the form of points) to the lender that "buy down," or lower, the effective interest rate paid by the home buyer.
State agencies often offer lower rate loans. But to qualify, borrowers usually must be a first-time home buyer and meet income limits based on the median income level of their county.
Question: How do you lock in an interest rate?
Answer: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Question: What are rates for FHA and VA loans?
Answer: There are no set interest rates for FHA and VA loans. The FHA stopped regulating rates in 1983 and the VA followed suit soon after. Shop around for the best rate.
Question: What are the most popular ARM indices?
Answer: Among the most common indexes are the Cost of Funds (COFI), Treasury Securities (T-Bills), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and Libor (London inter- bank offering rate). Most metropolitan newspapers publish current ARM index rates.
Question: What is APR?
Answer: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the relative cost of credit as determined in accordance with Regulation Z of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for implementing the federal Truth-in-Lending Act, according to Charles O. Stapleton III, Thomas Moran and Martha R. Williams, authors of "Real Estate Principles," 3rd Ed., Dearborn Financial Publishing, Chicago; 1994.
The APR is the actual yearly interest rate paid by the borrower, figuring in the points charged to initiate the loan and other costs. The APR discloses the real cost of borrowing by adding on the points and by factoring in the assumption that the points will be paid off incrementally over the term of the loan. The APR is usually about 0.5 percent higher than the note rate.
Question: What is the value of a mortgage lock-in?
Answer: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Question: Where are interest rates headed?
Answer: At any one time, no one knows for sure where rates are headed. Beyond public policies put in place by the Federal Reserve Board, there are no laws that govern mortgage rates. Historically, usury laws were used to prevent lenders from charging sky-high interest rates when lending money. But in some states where there are usury laws, banks, thrifts and a number of other financial institutions are exempt from the law.
Today, interest rates are governed solely by the financial markets and by Federal Reserve Board action, neither of which can be predicted with absolute certainty.
Question: Where can I get adjustable-rate loan info?
Answer: For adjustable-rate loan information, consult your local lender or the Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Write to the Public Information Department; P.O. Box 7702; San Francisco, CA 94120 or call (415) 974-2163.
Question: Do you advise a lock-in on a home loan?
Answer: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Question: How do you lock in an interest rate?
Answer: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Question: What is the value of a mortgage lock-in?
Answer: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Question: Where do I get information on lock-ins?
Answer: For information on lock-in mortgage rates, check out this brochure:
* "Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins" from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 94120; or call (415) 974-2163 to order.
Question: Can I convert a negative-amortization loan to a regular loan?
Answer: Loan terms vary and each agreement needs to be reviewed carefully. Talk to your lender about specific situations.
Negative amortization occurs when monthly payments on a loan are not enough to pay the interest accruing on the principal balance. The unpaid interest is added to the principal due.
Adjustable rate mortgages with payment caps and negative amortization are usually re-amortized at some point so that the remaining loan balance can be fully paid off during the term of the loan. This could necessitate a substantial increase in the monthly payment. Most ARMs have a limit on the amount of negative amortization allowed, usually 110 to 125 percent of the original loan amount. If the loan balance exceeds this amount, the borrower has to start paying off the excess.
Negative amortization can be avoided by paying the additional interest owed monthly. ARMs that don't have payment caps usually don't have negative amortization.
Question: What is negative amortization?
Answer: Negative amortization occurs when the monthly payments on a loan are insufficient to pay the interest accruing on the principal balance. The unpaid interest is added to the remaining principal due.
When home prices are appreciating rapidly, negative amortization is less of a possibility than when prices are stable or dropping, particularly for the borrower who made a small cash down payment to begin with. The combination of negative amortization and depreciation in home prices can result in a loan balance that is higher than the market value of the home.
Adjustable rate mortgages with payment caps and negative amortization are usually re-amortized at some point so that the remaining loan balance can be fully paid off during the term of the loan. This could necessitate a substantial increase in the monthly payment. Most ARMs have a limit on the amount of negative amortization allowed, usually 110 to 125 percent of the original loan amount. If the loan balance exceeds this amount, the borrower has to start paying off the excess.
Question: When is a negative-amortization loan a good idea?
Answer: Experts don't agree on this question. Negative amortization is less likely to occur in rapidly appreciating markets. In markets where prices are stable or dropping, it is possible to end up with a loan balance that is higher than the market value of your home.
Adjustable rate mortgages with payment caps and negative amortization are usually re-amortized at some point so that the remaining loan balance can be fully paid off during the term of the loan. This could necessitate a substantial increase in the monthly payment. Most ARMs have a limit on the amount of negative amortization allowed, usually 110 to 125 percent of the original loan amount. If the loan balance exceeds this amount, the borrower has to start paying off the excess.
Negative amortization can be avoided by paying the additional interest owed monthly. ARMs that don't have payment caps usually don't have negative amortization.
Question: What about splitting my mortgage in two and paying bi-weekly?
Answer: Some people set on paying off their home loan early and reducing interest charges opt for a biweekly mortgage. Monthly payments are divided in half, payable every two weeks.
Because there are 52 weeks in a year, the program results in 26 half-payments, or the equivalent of 13 monthly payments per year instead of 12. Using the biweekly payment system, a homeowner with a $70,000, 30-year biweekly mortgage at 10 percent interest could save $60,000 in interest and pay off the balance in less than 21 years.
Question: What are the benefits of pre-paying the mortgage?
Answer: By making additional payments that go toward the principal balance, you can save thousands of dollars and shave years off the length of your loan.
Principal payments over and above the minimum monthly amount required by the terms of the mortgage constitute partial prepayment of a mortgage. Each mortgage will have terms describing how and when prepayment may occur. Refer to the note to see if there is any penalty incurred for prepayment.
The total savings potential also depends on how long you want to stay in the house. Borrowers who plan to move in the near future should not expect to realize as significant a savings as people who pay ahead of schedule until they own the home free and clear.
Check with your lender, who should be able to provide specific answers as to how such a prepayment plan will shorten the life of the loan and what kind of interest savings can be expected.
Question: Can I refinance after bankruptcy?
Answer: Refinancing may be prudent but could be difficult after a bankruptcy. If you're considering bankruptcy, you may want to go to your current lender first and explain the situation. If you have been current on your payments, the lender may be accommodating and refinance your loan, easing your financial situation.
Question: When is the best time to refinance?
Answer: It depends on how long you plan to hold on to your house and if you have to pay anything to refinance. In addition, it also depends on how far along you are in paying off your current mortgage.
If you are going to be selling your house shortly, you probably will not recoup any costs you incur to refinance your mortgage. If you are more than halfway through paying your current mortgage, you probably will gain little by refinancing. However, if you are going to own your home for at least five years, that's probably long enough to recoup any refinancing costs you incur and to realize real savings on lowering your monthly payment. If it is going to cost you nothing to refinance, you can gain even more.
Many lenders will allow you to roll the costs of the refinancing into the new note and still reduce the amount of the monthly payment. Also, there are no-cost refinancing deals available. In any case, it pays to consult your lender or financial advisor, or run the numbers yourself, before you refinance.
Question: Where do I get information on refinancing?
Answer: For information on refinancing, the following booklet may be helpful:
* "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancing;" Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 94120; call (415) 974-2163 to order.
|