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Long Beach Real Estate News

New FHA Loan Limits

Los Angeles County and Orange County FHA loan limits are rising January 1, 2009.  What does that mean to todays home buyers?  This means that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans remain high through the end of 2008, buyers can qualify for higher loans on homes closing prior to the end of this year.  Once the New Year rolls around buyers will have less buying power due to the lower loan limits.  This is true for all residential loans, including; homes, condos and residential investment property under 4 units. 

Whats the big deal?  Lower maximums loan amounts means decreased buying power. 

Today is November 16, 2008.  It is still possible to find and close on a home or condo before the new lower loan limits take effect.  If you have been thinking about buying, were contemplating putting that purchase off until after the New Year and are in the price range that would be affected by the new lower FHA loan limits, you might want to consider getting out there right now while you can still take advantage of the higher FHA loan limits.  Remember, your escrow must close prior to 12/31/2008. 

Federal Housing Authority Home

Real estate is always a good purchase, now really is a very good time to consider purchasing a Long Beach Home, Condo or Income Property.  If you have been sitting on the fence call us today to discuss your needs and wants.  We are always here for you.  Call Laurie (562) 212-5420

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Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report: Fed Cut To Prompt Lower Mortgage Rates Into November?

We analyze mortgage rates by examining the mortgage-backed securities market and its reaction to economic data and events.  Today, the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate to an historical low of 1%:

The Fed funds rate target is now 1%, the lowest level in more than four years. In announcing its decision, the Federal Open Market Committee cited a drop in spending by consumers and businesses, and predicted that consumption may slow further due to tighter lending standards.

"The pace of economic activity appears to have slowed markedly," the FOMC said in a statement, "owing importantly to a decline in consumer expenditures."

Why's the economy in the tank?  You just aren't spending enough money, Joe the Plumber.  Of course, you can't borrow any either so you're hesitant about spending.   Hence, the Fed cut in rate.  Normally, a Fed cut should be followed by a RISE in mortgage rates but it looks like the mortgage-backed securities market anticipated the cut a week ago. 

Let's take a look the crystal ball (market chart):

See what's happening here?  Two weeks ago, we had a six day BIG drop, which caused rates to rise from 5.875% to 6.5%.  That drop was followed by a 5 day rally, which brought rates back down to 5.875%.  Then, we had a six day BIG drop, driving mortgage rates back up to 6.5% (today)...

...and I think the market overreacted which means I think we'll see lower mortgage rates into the beginning of November.

This is the kind of volatility we've come to expect.  Mortgage rates should drop to 6.25%, pause, then drop again to the 6% level or below.  No guarantees but November closings should get a peek at 6% or better rates soon.

Brian Brady is a Managing Director with World Wide Credit Corporation, a San Diego-based mortgage banking and brokerage firm. Google calls him America's #1 Mortgage Broker; you can call him at (858)-777-9751

Remember I told you to sit tight on that mortgage rate lock until after the Bailout Bill was passed?

Well, it failed.

Mortgage rates are a little better than they were this morning. This morning a 30-year fixed par rate was at 6.0%; this afternoon, it was at 5.875%.  If you're closing on your home loan in 30 days , there is more risk that you'll get a rate over 6% than under 6%.  Lock your mortgage rate if you're closing in October.

If you have time, wait it out.  The bailout bill failed but it isn't dead.  If the bailout bill DOES ultimately fail, mortgage rates will skyrocket, housing prices will tank, and you'll probably renegotiate or cancel that home purchase.

When the bailout goes through (and the whining on Wall Street will be so loud that it WILL go through), mortgage rates will come back down.

PS:  If you're a baby boomer, this is your worst nightmare. Most of the people over 55 have most of their retirement assets in the stock market, through mutual funds in their 401-k plan.  If you're a real estate investor or buyer, this might be really good news.

PPS: Did you know that Main Street already got bailed out? I'll talk about that next time.

Brian Brady is a Managing Director with World Wide Credit Corporation, a San Diego-based mortgage banking and brokerage firm. Google calls him America's #1 Mortgage Broker; you can call him at (858)-777-9751