So, Apparently The Fed Works on Sundays? - 03/16/08 10:23 PM
**Click Here To See The Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**

In a surprise move, this afternoon (Sunday afternoon)... The Fed announced two changes to the discount rate.  The first change, the most surprising one - was an expansion of it's lending to securities dealers for up to six months.  The securities will join the banks that the Fed worked directly with before.
The second part of the announcement was reducing the discount rate from 3.5% to 3.25%.  This cut is said to have part to do with the announcement of JP Morgan Chase & Co's purchase of Bear Stearns.  There have been many … (4 comments)

Des Moines, Iowa - Real Estate Market Watch 3/3/08 - 3/9/08 - 03/16/08 05:28 PM
**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
Numbers are always extremely important to consider when buying, selling and financing a home.  Each week, I receive a weekly market watch update providing the breakdown of the activity from last week.  The report is provided by Heather Barglof at Peoples Company. As I continue to get them, I will continue to post them (with her permission of course). Here is her brief market commentary this week:
"There was a jump in new listings again this week which increased our overall inventory above the 2 month running average.  We are still trending down from … (0 comments)

Higher Cost Mortgages? Fannie Mae Says Yes. - 03/16/08 05:22 PM
**Click Here to See The Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
Once again, there is some re-pricing of risk going on.  If you have recently applied for a loan, you may notice that you're rate is higher than the 'going rate' you're seeing in less than honest ad's.  Fannie Mae has made the decision to increase the rates on what they consider higher risk loans.  As I've mentioned in recent posts, we're beginning to see a lot of credit score driven adjustments. 
If you have less than a 720 credit score, you will have an adjustment against the 'base rate' that you'd qualify for.  … (0 comments)

Another Example of Why Real Estate is LOCAL! - 03/16/08 05:20 PM
**Click Here To See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
Just as we don't get one national forecast for weather, we also shouldn't get a national forecast for real estate. Too often, Iowans get caught up in the national numbers and with the declines in property values on the coasts.  If you take a closer look, you'll realize our market really isn't in the recession that other markets are suffering.  To be fair, no - real estate isn't as sexy to talk about as it was 2 years ago.  However, let's be realistic - things aren't THAT bad... really, they aren't.  Let's start … (0 comments)

PMI Companies Decide to Shuffle Guidelines - You Need To Read This! - 03/16/08 05:17 PM
**Click Here To See The Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
If you haven't heard yet, there have been some BIG changes at the private mortgage insurance companies.  Since PMI companies are the real risk takers when financing over 80%, they've decided to really tighten up their guidelines in the past two months.
Whether you're a borrower looking for answers, or an originator trying to make something of this mess.  You've come to the right place.  I've been doing a TON of research to get guidelines updated as of today.  I must warn readers that these guidelines can change at a moments notice and … (0 comments)

Did You Miss The Bus Last Week? Don't Next Time. - 03/16/08 05:13 PM
**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
If you've been following me on Twitter, you'd know that rates have increased as much as 1/2% since Monday.  If you haven't been following me on Twitter, today - you might consider starting. The bus of low mortgage rates has left the station and it'll be a while before it returns.
To understand why rates have been climbing this week, you first have to understand what mortgage rates are based on.  Mortgage rates directly correlate with value of mortgage backed securities (MBS).  Rates are NOT based on the 10 Year T-Note, stock market, or … (0 comments)

Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline Is Announced - 03/16/08 05:10 PM
**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!**
Announced earlier last week, 'Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline' will assist Iowan homeowners that are currently struggling with their house payments.  Recently funded by an additional $1.5 million dollar grant, the capacity will be increased on the foreclosure hotline.
"We want Iowans to call the mortgage help hotline if they are currently struggling or as soon as they think they may be headed toward financial difficulty.  Our counselors have more resources available to help people who are in the early stages of mortgage delinquency.  Ideally, we'd like to talk with Iowans before they miss a … (1 comments)

Tax Relief FAQ - 03/16/08 05:07 PM
**Click Here to See the Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com!** 
First off, sorry for the short 'vacation'.  I've been out and sick with the flu for the past week, still recovering as we speak.
Back to tax rebates - as you've probably heard, many American's will be getting a check in the coming months.  Here are the details:
Married couples will get as much as $1,200. Singles will get $600. Filers with children under 17 get $300 per child extra. Married couples must make at least $17,500, but no more than $150,000 to qualify for the rebates. Singles must make at least $87,500, but no … (0 comments)

Lenders Becoming More Picky, Countrywide Starts Cherry Picking - 03/16/08 05:04 PM
**Click Here To See The Original Post on WealthWithMortgage.com**
When you're financing over 80% of a purchase price or appraised value, you're at the mercy of two things:
Lender Guidelines - Defined by GSE's (like Fannie and Freddie) or banks/investors (such as Countrywide or Citi Mortgage) Mortgage Insurance Guidelines - Companies that carry some of the risk on money loaned over the 80%.Last week, I received more guideline revisions (a common thing to get these days).  I review them closely each time - but this particular update has some pretty big changes.  Notably, the lender has decided to put into place minimum score … (1 comments)

 

Tyler Osby

Urbandale, IA

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The Tyler Osby Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage

Address: 8515 Douglas Ave, Suite 22, Urbandale, IA, 50322

Office Phone: (515) 257-6729

Cell Phone: (515) 991-7102

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