The mortgage industry has been offering incredibly low rate loans with low or no fees. Recent weeks have seen some mortgage lenders promoting their new 1.99% fixed rate loans, but it’s important to understand the fees involved in these loans. They might be a very good choice for some borrowers but are also a very wrong choice for many.
The world is filled with news about the many impacts the pandemic has had on our lives, and most are negative: social distancing, wearing masks, education impacted by school closures, loss of jobs, and health challenges, even death.
Lenders across the US are struggling to keep up with the Mortgage Refinance Boom. The recent Federal Reserve rate cut has motivated many homeowners that were waiting for the right time to refinance to make their move and file an application. Major lenders are doing their best to meet the need including hiring new loan underwriters, processors, and closers.
Purchase application volumes have also increased to the highest level in over 11 years, which is adding to the pressure on the entire mortgage industry affecting lenders, appraisers, and title companies.
The percentage of refinance loans increased to 55% in March, with growth occurring across every type of loan. The average interest rate for 30 year fixed rate loans in March was the lowest it has been since January of 2013.
According to a February 12, 2020 article, written by Jann Swanson for Mortgage News Daily, “Refinancing was up for the third straight week, adding 5 percent to that index which is now 207 percent higher than on an annual basis. The share of applications that were for refinancing grew to 65.5 percent; 1 percentage point higher than the prior week.”
With interest rates dropping, and home values increasing, millennials have taken action and are a driving force in the home refinance market.
Increased residential property values combined with the lowest mortgage interest rates since October 2016 has driven a Refinance Boom. The increase in residential prices has slowed the purchase market some, but when combined with the low interest rates it has opened a great opportunity for those homeowners who can benefit from a refinance.
If you haven’t refinanced lately, it is time to consider taking advantage of low rates. According to an article on Mortgage News Daily there were over 8 million properties that are considered to be refinanceable in June 2019.
A cash-out refinance provides you access to the increased equity value of your home. With low interest rates this can be an attractive option to many homeowners.
The Joy of Home Ownership is certainly one of life’s great highlights, but the joy becomes mixed with questions and concerns when the property tax bill arrives in the mailbox. Homeowner’s understand property taxes provide needed funding for schools, libraries, police & fire departments, road improvements & other infrastructure.
However, what many homeowners do not understand are the factors that may cause their property taxes to increase. If your property tax bill reflects an increase over last year, here are the most common reasons that may be the cause: