Posts Tagged ‘mortgage’
Government Struggles to Keep Interest Rates Low
Mortgage rates are rising, despite the government’s efforts to hold them down.
The government can’t control all the factors that affect mortgage rates. Mortgage interest has climbed because more borrowers refinanced when rates fell and boosted the supply of mortgage bonds.
Experts also attribute rising rates to expanded borrowing by the government to pay for stimulus packages, worries about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and concerns about whether the central bank will continue to purchase mortgage bonds after June.
The suggestion that the government solve the problem by creating an entity that offers 30-year mortgages at preset rates of 4 percent or 4.5 percent has drawn criticism.
“Not a lot of buyers are likely to want to buy a 3.5 percent mortgage-backed security, so the government may end up being a significant holder of these loans,” said Nicholas Strand, a mortgage strategist with Barclays Capital. “And that number could run up to trillions of dollars.”
Alternatives to Avoid Foreclosure
Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance in Pennsylvania
Thousands of Pennsylvania families faced with the possible loss of their homes through foreclosure have received help from the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP). This unique program, created by Act 91 of 1983, is the only one of its kind in the nation. HEMAP is a cost effective means to prevent homelessness among Pennsylvanians. By giving assurance of steady mortgage payments, it allows homeowners to seek alternate employment, job training, and/or education when they need it most. The program is funded by State appropriations and repayment of existing HEMAP loans.
HEMAP is a loan program designed to protect Pennsylvanians who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. HEMAP funds loaned to prevent foreclosure are not a grant. These funds are a loan and must be repaid. Please note that FHA Title II (purchase) mortgages are not eligible under this program. Read the rest of this entry »
End in Sight for Seller-Funded Down Payments
Prospective homeowners have until Oct. 1, 2008, to use down payment assistance from a seller to purchase a house. Read the rest of this entry »
Little-known Loan for Buyers
Federally-sponsored mortgage programs are still available for home buyers with steady jobs, but no savings.
The Streamline K, a faster version of the Federal Home Administration’s home-rehabilitation loan, the 203(k), allows borrowers to get an extra $35,000 to improve the property they are buying, including replacing or repairing the roof, gutters and downspouts, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, flooring, siding, well and septic. Buyers or sellers also can use the money to paint inside and out, buy new appliances, and add or redo windows, doors, waterproofing and weatherproofing.
