J. Scott Harris – MortgageXperts.com

Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems, Call us 2nd to SOLVE them! We close loans every day that Banks would not, or could not approve. NMLS # 375517 – Mobile 214-435-8825

The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home: Interest Rates Edition

Some Highlights:

  • Interest rates are projected to increase steadily heading into 2019.
  • The higher your interest rate, the more money you end up paying for your home and the higher your monthly payment will be.
  • Rates are still low right now. Don’t wait until rates hit 5% to start searching for your dream home!


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Bottom Line

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS. Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress! Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems, Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

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J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
8105 Rasor Blvd #140 Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram

 

Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

Moving up Is MORE Affordable Now Than Almost Any Other Time in 40 Years

f you are considering selling your current home, to either move up to a larger home or into a home in an area that better suits your current family needs, great news was just revealed.

Last week, Trulia posted a blog, Not Your Father’s Housing Market, which examined home affordability over the last 40+ years (1975-2016). Their research revealed that:

“Nationally, homes are just about the most affordable they’ve been in the last 40 years… the median household could afford a home 1.5 times more expensive than the median home price. In 1980, the median household could only afford about 3/4 of the median home price.

Despite relatively stagnant incomes, affordability has grown due to the sharp drop in mortgage rates over the last 30 years – from a high of over 16% in the 1980s to under 4% by 2016.

Of the nation’s 100 largest metros, only Miami became unaffordable between 1990 and 2016. Meanwhile, 22 metros have flipped from being unaffordable to becoming affordable in that same time frame.”

Here is a graph showing the Affordability Index compared to the 40-year average:

The graph shows that housing affordability is better now than at any other time in the last forty years, except during the housing crash last decade.

(Remember that during the crash you could purchase distressed properties – foreclosures and short sales – at 20-50% discounts.)

There is no doubt that with home prices and mortgage rates on the rise, the affordability index will continue to fall. That is why if you are thinking of moving up, you probably shouldn’t wait.

Bottom Line

If you have held off on moving up to your family’s dream home because you were hoping to time the market, that time has come.


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS. Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress! Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems, Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

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J. Scott Harris NMLS # 375517 & Jani Mansour NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610 Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram

 

Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

Loan Officers – Thinking about making a move?  I am sure glad we did.. Give me a call 214 435 8825


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www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 9726967810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

You Can Save for a Down Payment Faster Than You Think!

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.

Using data from the United States Census Bureau and Zillow, we determined how long it would take, nationwide, for a first-time buyer to save enough money for a down payment on their dream home. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their monthly housing expense.

By determining the percentage of income spent renting in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, we were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save enough money to buy a home of their own.

According to the data, residents in Ohio can save for a down payment the quickest in just under 3 years (2.44). Below is a map that was created using the data for each state:

What if you only needed to save 3%?

What if you were able to take advantage of one of Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s 3%-down programs? Suddenly, saving for a down payment no longer takes 5 or 10 years, but becomes possible in a year or two in many states as shown on the map below.

Bottom Line

Whether you have just begun to save for a down payment, or have been saving for years, you may be closer to your dream home than you think! Meet with a local real estate professional who can help you evaluate your ability to buy today.

BONUS – If you have 680 FICO and make less that $73,400 per year – 1% Down + 2% Guild Grant = BEST WAY TO BUY A HOME.

 

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS. Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress! Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems, Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

scott-circle

J. Scott Harris NMLS # 375517 & Jani Mansour NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610 Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram

 

Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

 

Have Good Credit but having trouble saving for a down payment?

1% Down + 2% Gift from Guild = 3% Equity = THE BEST WAY TO BUY A HOME

Requirements: 680 Credit Score &

Income less than $73,400/ year for properties in the FNMA Home Ready census tracts capped at 100% of AMI,
OR,
No income Limit up to $453,100 loan amount in FNMA Home Ready census tracts that do not have income limits
(green shaded area in the map below)

Check a neighborhood or address to determine income and property eligibility.

Call or email me with ANY questions about this breakthrough new program.
We look forward to helping you purchase that new home,


Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

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J. Scott Harris & Jani Mansour
NMLS # 375517 – NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris
Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 9726967810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

It’s Tax Season… Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings!

According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.

Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals; for anyone looking to buy a home in 2018, this can be a great jump start toward a down payment!

The map below shows the average tax refund Americans received last year by state. (The refunds received for the 2017 tax year should continue to reflect these numbers as the new tax code will go into effect for 2018 tax filings.)

 

Many first-time buyers believe that a 20% down payment is required to qualify for a mortgage. Programs from the Federal Housing Authority, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae all allow for down payments as low as 3%, with Veterans Affairs Loans allowing many veterans to purchase a home with 0% down.

If you started your down payment savings with your tax refund check this year, how close would you be to a 3% down payment?

The map below shows what percentage of a 3% down payment is covered by the average tax refund by taking into account the median price of homes sold by state.

The darker the blue, the closer your tax refund gets you to homeownership! For those in Alabama looking to purchase their first homes, their tax refund could potentially get them 69% closer to that dream!

Bottom Line

Saving for a down payment can seem like a daunting task. But the more you know about what’s required, the more prepared you can be to make the best decision for you and your family! This tax season, your refund could be your key to homeownership!

 

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS.

Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress!


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

scott-circle

J. Scott Harris & Jani Mansour
NMLS # 375517 – NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

 

Is Now a Good Time to Rent?

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks when it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.

The Census Bureau recently released their 2017 fourth quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today:

As you can see, rents have steadily increased and are showing no signs of slowing down. If you are faced with making the decision of whether or not you should renew your lease, you might be pleasantly surprised at your ability to buy a home of your own instead.

Bottom Line

One way to protect yourself from rising rents is to lock in your housing expense by buying a home. If you are ready and willing to buy, meet with a local real estate professional who can help determine if you are able to today!
YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS.

Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress!


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Bottom Line

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS. Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress! Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems, Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

scott-circle

J. Scott Harris NMLS # 375517 & Jani Mansour NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com
 

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager

8105 Rasor Blvd #140 Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online

Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram

Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

  

The Guild 5-10 Properties Program Is For Investors With More Than 4 Properties Financed

Real Estate Investor Mortgages

In 2009, Fannie Mae rolled back a mortgage rule that prevented real estate investors from financing more than 4 properties at once.

At the time, investors were limited to 4 properties financed, which included their primary residence.

Today, the maximum number of allowable, simultaneously financed properties is 10. You wouldn’t know it, though — few banks actually offer the program.

This article describes how to get a mortgage at today’s mortgage rates if you have 5-to-10 homes in your portfolio.

You Can Finance More Than 4 Properties At Once

In February 2009, Fannie Mae said it would up the maximum financed-property limit from four to ten to help stabilize the U.S. housing market.

“Experienced investors play a key role in the housing recovery”, it said.

This is a truth.

Real estate investors buy foreclosed homes, multi-unit properties, and vacant condos as a means to build wealth long-term.

And now, with rents out-gaining the rise in home prices in U.S. cities such as San Francisco, California; Fort Worth, Texas; and Seattle, Washington, investor types are clamoring for good homes — especially with financing so cheap.

15-year mortgage rates with points are below 3 percent.

Despite market options, though, investors can find it hard to find banks which offer financing for people with more than 4 properties already financed.

Even seven years later, Fannie Mae’s 5-10 Properties Financed program remains a niche product.

Maybe you’ve been turned away by your bank, too.

Why Most Banks Won’t Do A 5-to-10 Properties Mortgage

So, why don’t all banks participate in the 5-10 Properties Financed program? The probable answer is that underwriting a 5-property-owning investor’s mortgage application can be very hard work.

As compared “traditional” homeowners who submit for loan approval with just a W-2 and pay stub, a seasoned real estate investor is asked to provide complex tax returns, complete REO schedules, and extra detail for every home underwritten and approved.

Reviewing paperwork takes time. Sometimes, a lot of it.

Furthermore, investors with 5 or more properties financed are more likely to hold title to their homes in a non-standard fashion.

This, too, creates “extra work” underwriting which slows down the approval process for the subject home and for every other loan with the bank, too.

As compared to a standard purchase loan, loans for investors with more than 4 homes financed generates the same bank to the bank but with more man-hours required to approve and additional fraud risk post-closing. It’s no wonder most banks avoid them.

Note : Most banks, not all. You have to know where to find a 5-to-10 Properties loan. Then, you have to meet its guidelines.

 

The 5-10 Financed Properties Program Criteria

To finance a home via Fannie Mae’s 5-10 Properties program, the following criteria must be met with no exception :

  • Own between 5 and 10 residential properties, each with financing attached
  • Purchase : 25% down payment is required for 1-unit; 30 percent is required for 2-4 units
  • Refinance : 30% equity is required for all property types (1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-unit)
  • Minimum credit score must be 720
  • There must not be any mortgage lates within the prior 12 months on any mortgage
  • There must be no bankruptcies or foreclosures in the prior 7 years
  • There must be 2 years of tax returns which rental income from all rental properties
  • There must be 6 months of PITI reserves on each of the financed properties

That’s pretty much it. Tough, but not too tough.

You can even combine the Delayed Financing Rule with the 5-10 Properties program to take cash-out from a home purchased free-and-clear at auction or otherwise.

Give us a call @ 214 435 8825

Your bank may not give loans on the 5-10 Properties Program, but don’t let them tell you that it can’t be done. It can.

Original Article – The Mortgage Reports

Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

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J. Scott Harris & Jani Mansour
NMLS # 375517 – NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

 

Your Opportunity to Achieve the American Dream Keeps Getting Better!

Forbes.com recently released the latest results of their American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”

The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs.

The national index score was rounded out to 100.0 in January as a baseline for comparison and it rose the fourth straight month in a row to 101.8.

Alaska, coming in at 89.4, represented the lowest score on the index due in part to the recent collapse in oil prices. In contrast, Wyoming came in with the highest score at 115.1. The full results can be seen in the map below.

Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen explained why many states saw a boost in the index last month:

“The American Dream Index rose for the fourth straight month to 101.8 propelled by gains in goods-producing jobs and building permits, as well as declines in unemployment claims and mass layoffs.

Goods-producing jobs (manufacturing, mining, construction and agriculture) were up for the ninth straight month in May…Building permits rose for the fourth straight month compared to the prior year.”

Bottom Line

The American Dream, for many, includes being able to own a home of one’s own. With the economy improving in many areas of the country, that dream can finally become a reality.

 

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS.

Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress!


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

scott-circle

J. Scott Harris & Jani Mansour
NMLS # 375517 – NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power

 

Be Thankful You Don’t Have to Pay Mom and Dad’s Interest Rate

Interest rates have hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which has given many buyers relief from rising home prices and has helped with affordability. Experts predict that rates will increase by the end of 2017 and will be about three-quarters of a percentage point higher, at 4.5%, by the end of 2018.

Last week’s Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have fallen to their lowest mark this year, at 3.88%. This is great news for homebuyers looking to purchase and homeowners looking to refinance.

The rate you secure greatly impacts your monthly mortgage payment and the amount you will ultimately pay for your home.

Let’s take a look at a historical view of interest rates over the last 45 years.

YOU CAN BUY A HOME, CALL US AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS.

Even if another Bank or Lender has said “NO,” we will work with you until we can say “YES.” If you have already started in our Qualification Coaching Program, call us, so we can check your progress!


Call us 1st to AVOID mortgage problems,
Call us 2nd to SOLVE them!

Click Here to start your quick Free Credit Analysis & Loan App Now!

scott-circle

J. Scott Harris & Jani Mansour
NMLS # 375517 – NMLS # 877007
www.MortgageXperts.com

J. Scott Harris

Branch Manager
6900 Dallas Parkway #610
Plano, TX 75024
M: 214-435-8825 | F: 972-696-7810
NMLS# 375517 | Company NMLS # 3274
Equal Housing Lender
Apply Online
Guild Mortgage Company Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Ranked #1 Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Primary Mortgage Originations – J.D. Power