On May 1, 2009, new rules went into effect governing appraisals on loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which are the majority of loans now being done, either for purchase or refinance. This rule is the result of a consent decree obtained by Attorney General Cuomo of the state of New York in exchance for dropping his suit against the 2 mortgage giants. This is the most egregious boondoggle pulled off for special interest groups in the history of mortgages.
The rule is call the HVCC which stands for Home Valuation Code of Conduct which prohibits Mortgage Brokers and lenders from speaking with appraiser or holding them accountable, in any way for accuracy, competance or service. This was supposedly accomplished by creating AMCs or Appraisal Management Companies who would be the fraud firewall against bad or inflated appraisals.
Guess who owns these AVMs. THE BANKS OWN THEM!!! TALK ABOUT PUTTING THE FOX IN CHARGE OF THE HENHOUSE. If Cuomo wasnt paid to do this in cash or political capital, he is just a fool. There is a bill in congress to suspend this abomination and I suggest that you call your congressman supporting the repeal of HVCC.
Since May 1, 2009, it is estimated that 1.5 trillion in home equity has disappeared due to bad valuations of real estate, Sales are not closing because the appraiser will not call the market price on a property what a bona fide buyer is ready to pay, but something less based on his desire to please the lenders who give him business. Legitimate appraisers have to go along with this or not work. Lenders do NOT ACCEPT EACH OTHER APPRAISALS SO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ONE LENDER YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER APPRAISAL!!!!
WHEN IT COMES TO REFINANCE THE AMCs AND THEIR STOOGE APPRAISERS ARE KILLING MANY DEALS WITH UNFAIRLY LOW VALUATIONS.
FHA still makes it possible to choose an appraiser directly but why would you go FHA if you could qualify for a cheaper loan.
STAY TUNED!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weekly Mortgage News July 17, 2009
Stock Rally Pushes Mortgage Rates Higher
While the economic data released during the week generally matched expectations, the outlook for future economic growth improved due to strong earnings reports, tame inflation data, and a revised forecast from the Fed. Stronger economic growth was good news for the stock market, and the Dow rose over 500 points. It was unfavorable for the bond market, however, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
On Wednesday, the Fed released its minutes from the June 24 FOMC meeting, and most of the news was negative for mortgage rates. The minutes revealed an upward revision to the Fed's forecast for economic growth and inflation in 2009 and 2010. In addition, Fed officials expressed a strong reluctance to increase any further the program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Mortgage rates are largely determined by MBS prices. When the Fed initially announced its MBS purchase program in November, mortgage rates immediately dropped, and they dropped again significantly when the Fed announced an increase in the program in March. The Fed has a substantial involvement in MBS markets, and any change in this program would have a major impact on mortgage rates.
The housing sector data released during the week showed improvement. June Housing Starts rose 4% to the highest level in seven months. Building Permits, a leading indicator, jumped 9%. The national Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sentiment index increased to the highest level since September 2008. According to the NAHB, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, low mortgage rates, and "attractive" home prices are helping home sales.
Also Notable:
June Core CPI inflation rose at a low 1.7% annual rate
Capacity Utilization fell to a record low reading in June
After falling below $60 per barrel, oil prices rose back to $63 per barrel
The Fed purchased $22 billion in agency MBS during the week ending 7/15
While the economic data released during the week generally matched expectations, the outlook for future economic growth improved due to strong earnings reports, tame inflation data, and a revised forecast from the Fed. Stronger economic growth was good news for the stock market, and the Dow rose over 500 points. It was unfavorable for the bond market, however, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
On Wednesday, the Fed released its minutes from the June 24 FOMC meeting, and most of the news was negative for mortgage rates. The minutes revealed an upward revision to the Fed's forecast for economic growth and inflation in 2009 and 2010. In addition, Fed officials expressed a strong reluctance to increase any further the program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Mortgage rates are largely determined by MBS prices. When the Fed initially announced its MBS purchase program in November, mortgage rates immediately dropped, and they dropped again significantly when the Fed announced an increase in the program in March. The Fed has a substantial involvement in MBS markets, and any change in this program would have a major impact on mortgage rates.
The housing sector data released during the week showed improvement. June Housing Starts rose 4% to the highest level in seven months. Building Permits, a leading indicator, jumped 9%. The national Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sentiment index increased to the highest level since September 2008. According to the NAHB, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, low mortgage rates, and "attractive" home prices are helping home sales.
Also Notable:
June Core CPI inflation rose at a low 1.7% annual rate
Capacity Utilization fell to a record low reading in June
After falling below $60 per barrel, oil prices rose back to $63 per barrel
The Fed purchased $22 billion in agency MBS during the week ending 7/15
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A word from Joe about the company
Multiline Mortgage has been around for over 20 years, starting as a discount insurance brokerage and then transitioned to originating mortgages in 1998. We have an excellent reputation for honesty,competence and results for our clients. We don't employ telemarketers or sales associates but work with our clients on a very direct,"hands on", personal basis.
We solve problems and try to give correct and honest information to our clients about their particular situation.
If you want the best deal with THE SAME DEAL THAT WE QUOTE FROM THE BEGINNING BEING THE DEAL YOU GET AT THE END, WE ARE YOUR COMPANY.
My name is Joe Powers and I am always pleased to answer your questions and explain alternatives.
Give us a try! You wont be disappointed!!!
We solve problems and try to give correct and honest information to our clients about their particular situation.
If you want the best deal with THE SAME DEAL THAT WE QUOTE FROM THE BEGINNING BEING THE DEAL YOU GET AT THE END, WE ARE YOUR COMPANY.
My name is Joe Powers and I am always pleased to answer your questions and explain alternatives.
Give us a try! You wont be disappointed!!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Weekly Mortgage News: July 12th, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Market Commentary Report
This week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first piece of data comes Tuesday morning with the release of June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher Tuesday. June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted Tuesday. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Next on tap is Wednesday’s release of June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is a mirror of Tuesday’s PPI with the exception that the CPI measures inflation at the more important consumer level of the economy. Analysts have forecasted a 0.6% increase in the overall index and a 0.1% rise in the core data. The core data is also considered to be the key reading because it gives us a more stable measure of inflation. Higher than expected readings could raise inflation fears and push mortgage rates higher both days. June’s Industrial Production data will also be posted Wednesday morning. This data measures output and U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an indication of manufacturing sector strength. It is expected to show a 0.6% decline in production, indicating that the manufacturing sector showed weakening conditions during the month. That is basically good news for bonds, however, with seasonal shutdowns and auto-related weakness likely included, a sizable decline should not surprise many.
Also worth noting about Wednesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members during discussion and voting at the last meeting or give any indication of the Fed’s possible next move with monetary policy.
There is no relevant monthly or quarterly data scheduled for release Thursday. Friday’s only relevant data is June’s Housing Starts report. This data gives us an indication of housing sector strength, but is not considered to be of high importance. Analysts are currently expecting to see a small decline in new starts of housing projects. However, I don’t see this data having much of an impact on mortgage rates Friday unless it varies greatly from forecasts.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing Tuesday or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
Market Commentary Report
This week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first piece of data comes Tuesday morning with the release of June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher Tuesday. June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted Tuesday. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Next on tap is Wednesday’s release of June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is a mirror of Tuesday’s PPI with the exception that the CPI measures inflation at the more important consumer level of the economy. Analysts have forecasted a 0.6% increase in the overall index and a 0.1% rise in the core data. The core data is also considered to be the key reading because it gives us a more stable measure of inflation. Higher than expected readings could raise inflation fears and push mortgage rates higher both days. June’s Industrial Production data will also be posted Wednesday morning. This data measures output and U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an indication of manufacturing sector strength. It is expected to show a 0.6% decline in production, indicating that the manufacturing sector showed weakening conditions during the month. That is basically good news for bonds, however, with seasonal shutdowns and auto-related weakness likely included, a sizable decline should not surprise many.
Also worth noting about Wednesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members during discussion and voting at the last meeting or give any indication of the Fed’s possible next move with monetary policy.
There is no relevant monthly or quarterly data scheduled for release Thursday. Friday’s only relevant data is June’s Housing Starts report. This data gives us an indication of housing sector strength, but is not considered to be of high importance. Analysts are currently expecting to see a small decline in new starts of housing projects. However, I don’t see this data having much of an impact on mortgage rates Friday unless it varies greatly from forecasts.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing Tuesday or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Weekly Market Report for the July 10th
Strong Treasury Auctions Lower Mortgage Rates
With a light schedule for economic data, Treasury auctions had the greatest impact on mortgage rates during the week. Strong demand for the auctions and declines in the stock market helped mortgage rates end the week lower.
In recent months, mortgage rates have been heavily influenced by concerns about the enormous amount of debt the government needs to issue to pay for all the stimulus programs. The risk is that investors will require significantly higher yields to continue purchasing an expanding supply of bonds. Strong demand from both domestic and foreign investors at this week's 3-yr, 10-yr, and 30-yr Treasury auctions eased those concerns. Longer-term Treasuries are comparable investments to mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are the basis for the level of mortgage rates, so the results from 10-yr and 30-yr auctions are particularly important. The willingness of investors to purchase longer-term bonds (including Treasuries and MBS) at the current low rates is very encouraging.
Also this week, there was mounting speculation about the passage of a second round of fiscal stimulus before the end of the year. Given the weaker than expected June Employment data, the political pressure is increasing to take additional steps to create jobs. If another stimulus package is passed, the increase in the supply of debt required to pay for it could pressure mortgage rates higher.
With a light schedule for economic data, Treasury auctions had the greatest impact on mortgage rates during the week. Strong demand for the auctions and declines in the stock market helped mortgage rates end the week lower.
In recent months, mortgage rates have been heavily influenced by concerns about the enormous amount of debt the government needs to issue to pay for all the stimulus programs. The risk is that investors will require significantly higher yields to continue purchasing an expanding supply of bonds. Strong demand from both domestic and foreign investors at this week's 3-yr, 10-yr, and 30-yr Treasury auctions eased those concerns. Longer-term Treasuries are comparable investments to mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are the basis for the level of mortgage rates, so the results from 10-yr and 30-yr auctions are particularly important. The willingness of investors to purchase longer-term bonds (including Treasuries and MBS) at the current low rates is very encouraging.
Also this week, there was mounting speculation about the passage of a second round of fiscal stimulus before the end of the year. Given the weaker than expected June Employment data, the political pressure is increasing to take additional steps to create jobs. If another stimulus package is passed, the increase in the supply of debt required to pay for it could pressure mortgage rates higher.
Weekly Mortgage News: July 10th, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Mortgage Market News for the week ending July 10, 2009
Strong Treasury Auctions Lower Mortgage Rates
With a light schedule for economic data, Treasury auctions had the greatest impact on mortgage rates during the week. Strong demand for the auctions and declines in the stock market helped mortgage rates end the week lower.
In recent months, mortgage rates have been heavily influenced by concerns about the enormous amount of debt the government needs to issue to pay for all the stimulus programs. The risk is that investors will require significantly higher yields to continue purchasing an expanding supply of bonds. Strong demand from both domestic and foreign investors at this week's 3-yr, 10-yr, and 30-yr Treasury auctions eased those concerns. Longer-term Treasuries are comparable investments to mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are the basis for the level of mortgage rates, so the results from 10-yr and 30-yr auctions are particularly important. The willingness of investors to purchase longer-term bonds (including Treasuries and MBS) at the current low rates is very encouraging.
Also this week, there was mounting speculation about the passage of a second round of fiscal stimulus before the end of the year. Given the weaker than expected June Employment data, the political pressure is increasing to take additional steps to create jobs. If another stimulus package is passed, the increase in the supply of debt required to pay for it could pressure mortgage rates higher.
Mortgage Market News for the week ending July 10, 2009
Strong Treasury Auctions Lower Mortgage Rates
With a light schedule for economic data, Treasury auctions had the greatest impact on mortgage rates during the week. Strong demand for the auctions and declines in the stock market helped mortgage rates end the week lower.
In recent months, mortgage rates have been heavily influenced by concerns about the enormous amount of debt the government needs to issue to pay for all the stimulus programs. The risk is that investors will require significantly higher yields to continue purchasing an expanding supply of bonds. Strong demand from both domestic and foreign investors at this week's 3-yr, 10-yr, and 30-yr Treasury auctions eased those concerns. Longer-term Treasuries are comparable investments to mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are the basis for the level of mortgage rates, so the results from 10-yr and 30-yr auctions are particularly important. The willingness of investors to purchase longer-term bonds (including Treasuries and MBS) at the current low rates is very encouraging.
Also this week, there was mounting speculation about the passage of a second round of fiscal stimulus before the end of the year. Given the weaker than expected June Employment data, the political pressure is increasing to take additional steps to create jobs. If another stimulus package is passed, the increase in the supply of debt required to pay for it could pressure mortgage rates higher.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Weekly Mortgage News: July 2nd, 2009
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady
There was very little daily movement in mortgage rates during the holiday-shortened week, and they ended the week nearly unchanged. The economic news during the week contained few surprises.
Following better than expected results for May, investors were closely watching the June Employment report for clues about the timing of any economic recovery. Thursday's data showed that the economy lost -467K jobs in June, and the Unemployment Rate rose to 9.5% from 9.4% in May. Average Hourly Earnings, a proxy for wage growth, rose at a slim 2.7% annual rate. High unemployment and slow wage growth have caused consumers to save more and spend less. Since consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic activity, the slowdown in spending has had a large impact on economic growth. For mortgage rates, however, low wage inflation and slow economic growth are favorable.
While the Employment report may have captured the most attention, the week began with a significant announcement from Chinese officials. According to the head of China's central bank, there will be no sudden changes to China's foreign reserve policy, meaning that China will not pull back from buying US bonds. Over recent months, investors have been concerned that foreign central banks would decide to scale back their purchases of US bonds, so this was very welcome news. Recent Treasury auctions have confirmed that foreign demand remains strong.
There was very little daily movement in mortgage rates during the holiday-shortened week, and they ended the week nearly unchanged. The economic news during the week contained few surprises.
Following better than expected results for May, investors were closely watching the June Employment report for clues about the timing of any economic recovery. Thursday's data showed that the economy lost -467K jobs in June, and the Unemployment Rate rose to 9.5% from 9.4% in May. Average Hourly Earnings, a proxy for wage growth, rose at a slim 2.7% annual rate. High unemployment and slow wage growth have caused consumers to save more and spend less. Since consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic activity, the slowdown in spending has had a large impact on economic growth. For mortgage rates, however, low wage inflation and slow economic growth are favorable.
While the Employment report may have captured the most attention, the week began with a significant announcement from Chinese officials. According to the head of China's central bank, there will be no sudden changes to China's foreign reserve policy, meaning that China will not pull back from buying US bonds. Over recent months, investors have been concerned that foreign central banks would decide to scale back their purchases of US bonds, so this was very welcome news. Recent Treasury auctions have confirmed that foreign demand remains strong.
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