BREAKING NEWS: FHFA Rescinds the DTI Price Hit (LLPA)

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced earlier today that it is rescinding the debt-to-income (DTI) loan level price hit adjustment (LLPA) that was announced in January of this year. Previously, people with a debt-to-income ratio higher than 40% with a loan-to-value greater than 60% would have an additional price hit to their interest rate. This price hit makes it even more challenging for someone who is pushing the DTI limit to remain under the 40% number to avoid having either a higher rate or paying more for the same rate because of the LLPA. The additional price hit for DTI ranged from 0.25%-0.375% depending on the loan to value/how much equity is in the transaction. On a $400,000 loan, this would be an additional cost of $1,000 to $1,500 if paid as “points” instead of having it priced into the interest rate. [Read more…]

Reduced Down Payment Conventional Loans may require Compensating Factors

Mel_WattMel Watt, Director of the FHFA, has released his prepared remarks for the National Association of Realtors Conference. In his remarks, he addresses the lower down payment options that should be available soon with conforming mortgages and that they will require compensating factors.

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Conforming Mortgages set to Reduce Minimum Down Payment

Mel_WattAt the MBA Annual Convention this week, Mel Watt, Director of the FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be reducing the minimum down payment.

From his prepared speech:

“To increase access for creditworthy but lower-wealth borrowers, FHFA is also working with the Enterprises to develop sensible and responsible guidelines for mortgages with loan-to-value ratios between 95 and 97 percent. [Read more…]

What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: December 23, 2014

mortgageporter-economyHappy Holidays! With this being a short week due to Christmas, we may see a bit more volatility with mortgage rates with many traders taking time off for the holidays. Markets will be closing early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will be closed all day Wednesday. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:

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