Applications Rebound As Rates Exceed 7%

Mortgage applications went up last week, benefitting from VA and FHA activity. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – increased by 0.9%, improving slightly after the week prior’s 4.4% decline. This week’s data includes an adjustment for the July 4th holiday. Adjusted purchase applications rose by 2%, though the unadjusted index was down 19% from the week before and 26% lower YOY. The bump in purchase activity is attributed to an increase in FHA and VA loan activity. Both loan types offer major perks like low down payments and minimum closing costs to those who qualify, making them more attractive than conventional loans in the current…

Carrington Adding Assumable Loans To Its Services

Carrington Mortgage Services, a private non-bank lender, is adding assumable mortgages to its list of services. Assumable mortgages allow buyers to assume responsibility for a seller’s loan terms. This includes the current balance, interest rate, remaining term, and any other terms of the mortgage. “Carrington is committed to ensuring borrowers have every possible opportunity to obtain a loan on the home they want,” said Greg Austin, EVP, Mortgage Lending for CMS. “Assumable mortgages are another loan option that Carrington is educating home sellers and buyers about in this very complex real estate market.” Buyers who have the opportunity to assume a mortgage with a low interest rate could see significant savings over the life of the loan. Carrington is alerting…

Homes Bought In 2022 Face Rising Underwater Risk As Prices Cool

Americans who bought a home this year are facing rising underwater risk as home prices cool. Black Knight’s October Mortgage Monitor found that 8% of homes bought in 2022 are now at least marginally underwater, while almost 40% have less than a 10% equity stake in their homes. “Make no mistake: negative equity rates continue to run far below historical averages, but a clear bifurcation of risk has emerged between mortgaged homes purchased relatively recently versus those bought early in or before the pandemic,” said Black Knight President Ben Graboske. “Risk among earlier purchases is essentially nonexistent given the large equity cushions these mortgage holders are sitting on. More recent homebuyers don’t fare as well.” This is a particular issue…

Guest Voices: Veterans Eligible For VA Construction Loans

By Bruce Reichstein Demand for custom built homes is on the rise and many Veterans who are in the market to build a new home are finding out about the VA guaranteed construction loan program that has been around for years. If you are an eligible Veteran and qualify for a $0 Down VA Home Loan, then you qualify for a $0 Down VA construction loan as well. Not only can these Veteran borrowers select and purchase their desired lot/land, they can also have a say in the design plans with a home builder of their choice for stick built, modular or manufactured homes. And they will be able to finance both the lot and the entire construction portion of…