Overview of the RD Guarantee Loan in St. Clair County

This is a true zero down loan!  It has many features that are especially beneficial for first time home buyers.  We close a lot of these.  It is great vehicle to help our clients achieve their dream of home ownership.

The features are as follows:

-0% down

-6% seller concessions

-reduced mortgage

-credit scores as low as 600*

-certain repairs can be financed*

*certain restrictions apply.

Home Loan Rates Are Still Historically Low

Whether you're a history buff or you're interested in buying or refinancing a home, the history of 30 year fixed interest rates over the last several decades will definitely interest you.

The following chart dates back to 1975 and shows that interest rates are in one of the lowest ranges that we have seen in some time.

I would like to see when you'd be available to spend twenty or thirty quality minutes together. During this time I can answer any questions you may have about current home loan rate opportunities and the different products that are available for purchasing a home, remodeling a home, or restructuring existing debt.

My goal is to create the best and most cost-efficient debt strategy for you and your family, so give me a call to see if you can benefit from today's low-rate environment. I look forward to speaking with you.

Home Security Tips

Home security is very important to me.  So, in this episode of my video blog I will share with you some very brief home security tips. 

Conventional, FHA, USDA...Oh MI!

Homebuyers often have a lot of questions about mortgage insurance (MI)...and understandably so. With different rules for different loan programs, the details can be confusing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. All types of MI protect the lender in the event of default, and MI is typically required when homebuyers have less than a twenty percent deposit to put down on a home. There are two main types of MI: an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which is generally financed into the loan, and an additional monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP), paid as a part of your normal monthly mortgage payment.

Here are some additional details to keep in mind:

	CONVENTIONAL "MI"	FHA "MIP"**	USDA "GUARANTEE FEE"
Basics	MI can be monthly or all up front	1% UFMIP rolled into loan amount + Monthly Premium	2% UF Guarantee Fee + Monthly Guarantee Fee
Potential Benefits	Upfront MI can save significantly on monthly payments. Conventional MI often has lower monthly payments than FHA.	Income requirements are relaxed compared to conventional MI & USDA. There is more flexibility in credit scores. Seller paid closing costs is allowable up to 6%.	The monthly premium is typically almost 1/4 the cost of FHA.
Potential Pitfalls	Seller paid closing costs is limited to 3% if ≤5% down payment. Credit requirements and income requirements are more stringent.	The monthly premium is typically higher than conventional & USDA.	There are specific geographic and income eligibility requirements. Income requirements are much more stringent than FHA.
Dropping MI	When the value reaches 78% of the original sales price, MI automatically falls off. You can request removal if the principal balance reaches 80% (i.e. accelerated payment of principal or, in some cases via an appraisal of the property showing increased value).	You must meet two tests to drop FHA's MIP: 1. You must PAY the balance down to 78% of the original sale price of the property (you can't just get an appraisal to show equity). AND 2. You must pay the monthly MIP for a minimum of 5 years.	The USDA Guarantee Fee remains on the loan for the entire term. It can never be dropped from a USDA loan until the property is sold, refinanced or the loan is paid off.

** Note that the FHA MIP example is based on a 30 year example.

If you have any questions about mortgage insurance or anything at all, call me or email me anytime. I’m always happy to help.

Sincerely,

Lester Wilkins
Blue Water Home Loans

Phone: 810-987-1200

lester@bluewaterhomeloans.com