In the last few elections, the topic of eliminating or at least curtailing the current mortgage interest deduction was put on the table. Up until now, it has been off limits. Could that be coming to an end? Studies show that this deduction mostly benefits those homeowners in the higher income brackets making in excess of $100,000 annually. Because of…
Author: Michael Vitali
Refinance Opportunities Still Exist, but at What Price?
The 30 year average fixed rate mortgage loan remained at 3.42%, down from 3.76% a year ago. The 15-year rate averaged around 2.81%, down from 2.88% last year. These are still fantastic rates for refinances and purchases as we enter into the slow season in the housing markets. Lenders can still look to offset any declines in purchase volumes by…
Another Day, Another DOJ Settlement
Or, should I say settlements (plural)? This time, the Department of Justice settled two actions brought under the False Claims Act against two separate Utah-based lenders. The total settlement was close to $10 million. Primary Residential Mortgage (PRMI) agreed to pay $5 million while SecurityNational Mortgage (SNMC) chipped in another $4.25 million. Both are independent mortgage companies, not big banks…
Are Non-Banks Doing a Better Job on FHA Loans?
It’s no secret that the major banks have moved away from FHA lending because of their perception of the risks related to the required loan certifications and lack of clarity on potential enforcement. As a result, non-bank mortgage lenders have picked up the slack. This presents some additional lending opportunities for non-bank lenders. With this increased FHA business, non-bank lenders…
FHA Proposes to Make Condo Approvals Easier
On September 27th, FHA announced their new proposals to ease their process for approving both condo projects and individual units in a non-approved project. The real estate community sees this as a step in the right direction. The intent is to make more condo units available for FFHA-insured financing, thus helping to make more affordable housing available to low to…
Fraud Rides Again
No fiery horse, no speed of light nor cloud of dust. Not even a Hi-Yo Silver. But, we’re returning to those thrilling days of yesteryear. No, not with the Lone Ranger, but a recent study found that Mortgage Fraud rides again. In their latest Mortgage Fraud Report, CoreLogic is reporting that in the second quarter of 2016 the risk of fraud…