To refinance or not to refinance? by Darren Stewart - 01/27/08 03:26 PM
Well we are on a roller coaster and the week ahead looks like another potentially volatile week in economic announcements which may mean for a very volatile week for interest rates.  Last week we saw a time period measured in hours where the 30 year fixed rate had dropped to as low as 5.375%.  Sound good ?  More than likely the answer to your question is yeah thats a great rate but is refinancing right for you?  This week I can't explain how many times I have been asked that question so I thought I would write down from my point … (0 comments)

Avalanche - about to break loose- Darren Stewart - 01/16/08 12:06 PM
Currently in this market how many people do you know that are saying as soon as our house sells we will be buying?   They are out there and their number is huge, the inventory is also out there homes that are on the market are plentiful and 30 year fixed rates are now approaching record lows. 
The ingredients are there for 2008 to be a very busy time, picture the beginnings of an avalanche on the face of a mountain, right now what we are seeing cracks forming at the top  gradually that will begin to slide and when it breaks loose … (0 comments)

Mortgage interest rates - Darren Stewart - 01/11/08 10:31 PM
I keep being asked where are mortgage rates going to end up at in 2008, after 10 years in the industry I know not to answer this question and I am wary of any type of expert that tries to tell me they know. In all honesty no one knows from day to day where things are ending up.  I do know a few things this is unchartered waters in the mortgage industry at least for me I haven't seen this type of market  before, energy and gas prices are up and we are in an election year, and losses and delinquency rates are … (0 comments)

Credit Scores and the Home Buyer by Darren Stewart - 01/10/08 02:56 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting today with my local representative from my credit bureau, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shifting over to risk based pricing and increasing the expense of the mortgage in a tier like fashion starting below 680 credit score it is crucial that we all educate everyone on the increase expense of doing mortgages that ultimately the homeowner will pay for if the credit score is below that.
Maintaining a credit score of 680 or above will save you when it comes to your mortagage rate any rate below that is going to incur an additional … (1 comments)

Missouri Bond Money Loan changes - 01/07/08 12:35 PM
In talking with Missouri Housing Development Commission there will be some changes in the bond program when this new issue comes out.  I was previously told that the issue would be out in the month of January it looks like at this point that it will be the first week of February before funds are available.  I wanted to update everyone on the blog concerning this delay.
Market conditions will probably bring some changes to this program and as they are decided upon this month the Bond issue will be released. 
Should you have any questions concerning these changes please feel free to email … (0 comments)

Open House - providing information to realtors and clients - 01/06/08 04:17 PM
I just got back from providing finance information at an open house for one of my realtor/business partners.  I was able to also meet the builder there who was putting some finishing touches on the home and the realtor graciously gave me a tour of the home. 
I like to partner with agents for their open houses and provide simple concise up todate flyers and financial information on financing the home I usually provide about 3 options per flyer with different down payment scenarios etc.  This provides information but it also gives something for the client to take with them to remember the agent, the house and the lender, … (4 comments)

Week in Review January 2008 - 01/04/08 04:51 PM
The first week of 2008 is off to a great start - I have taken approximately 6 applications this week which for the first week of the year I don't believe is to bad at all, we also  have 4 other clients that are already preapproved and are out with their realtors this weekend looking for property. 
Rates are extremely low especially with unemployment hitting 5 percent the stock market reacted and we are now at a below 6% rate in alot of loan scenarios. 
I was able to get out today as well and visit with some of you at your offices, which I always enjoy.  Bond … (0 comments)

2008 - Real Estate - USA - 01/02/08 01:05 PM
 
2008 Will be a defining year for this industry, I believe as the market corrects what it needs to correct some of us will not be in this business this time next year, others will stick it out.  I make no predictions for the future because time and again when I have even attempted there are events that can change the attitude of the market that happen everyday.  I believe what we are seeing is our countries economy being effected by the world economy that seems to be connected more than ever.  Supply and Demand have changed those market forces are now undergoing global changes instead of national changes.   
Every … (0 comments)