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Securing a jumbo: No small task

Saturday, July 11, 2009
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Qualifying for a jumbo loan—those with loan amounts higher than the conventional conforming loan limit of $729,750 in high-cost areas—is more difficult than it was a few years ago.

While rates on jumbo mortgage historically have been higher than rates on conforming loans, jumbo loans still are available, but often come with stringent underwriting requirements. Prior to the credit freeze, borrowers of jumbo mortgages could qualify for loans with a 5 percent down payment, credit scores of 620and enough money in the bank to cover two months of payments. Now, borrowers typically must have six months’ reserves, a 700 credit score, and a down payment of at least 20 percent.

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HUD: Homebuyer Tax Credit Loans Still on Track

Thursday, May 28, 2009
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Daily Real Estate News  |  May 21, 2009  |

HUD: Homebuyer Tax Credit Loans Still on Track
News reports that the federal government is backing away from its plan to permit eligible borrowers to monetize the first-time homebuyer tax credit are off the mark, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says.

"The technical details are still being finalized and will soon be published in a mortgagee letter and posted on our Web site," Lemar Wooley, a HUD spokesperson, told REALTOR® magazine Wednesday afternoon.

Under the guidance that's under development, state agencies and other HUD-approved entities would be able to provide short-term bridge loans that households could use to help with their downpayment. The loans would be repaid with the proceeds from the households' federal tax credit.

The loans were announced on the opening day of NAR's 2009 Midyear Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., last week. In his announcement, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said guidance would be issued shortly.

When the guidance is released, it is expected to cover eligible lenders and set parameters for loan terms and repayment.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online

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California Wants Hurt More HomeBuyers & HomeSellers!

Sunday, April 27, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

I received this in an email from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.)

C.A.R. is OPPOSING AB 2678 (Núñez) which among other things, requires that ALL homes and commercial property in California have an energy audit at point-of-sale and that mandatory energy efficiency investments be made. While C.A.R. appreciates the goal of AB 2678 C.A.R. strongly opposes the point-of-sale requirements in AB 2678 because they fail to achieve the bill?s objectives and, such mandates will further weaken the housing market. If enacted, AB 2678 could add thousands of dollars to the cost of purchasing a home, including up to $400 just to have a home audited. AB 2678 was passed by the Assembly Utilities committee. It will have a vote in the Assembly Appropriations committee before heading to a vote by the entire Assembly.

Don't kid yourself this will effect all home owners and home buyers. Call Your Lawmaker Today to Ask that  the Point-of-Sale Provision be Removed from AB 2678!

To read more AB2678 click here

 

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Displaying blog entries 1-3 of 3

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Carol and Jim
Preferred Home Brokers
3230 E Imperial Hwy, Ste 125
Brea CA 92821
714-726-3144
714-726-3144
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Carol & Jim Chamberlain 714-726-3166 or 714-726-3144                  "Yes, We Can Be In Two Places At Once!"                                              BRE Lic Numbers: 00912962, 01015143