Refinancing Options Regardless of Mortgage Rates
Since the media has over zealously expounded on the issue of tighter bank lending standards, a number of homeowners that could refinance their existing mortgages are overlooking this option due to the concern over being denied for a new home loan.
While, it is difficult to refute the argument that bank mortgage lenders are more conservative in their home loan underwriting practices since the credit crisis began, this by no concludes that mortgage loans for refinance transactions are any more difficult to obtain than one for a purchase. In fact, quite the opposite is true. In general, mortgage loan approvals for a refinance transaction are easier to obtain than a purchase transaction.
A key difference between a mortgage refinance a mortgage for a purchase transaction from the mortgage lenders point of view is the equity in the home or down payment. A standard mortgage is evaluated based only a few factors, the most significant being the credit of the borrower, the income relative to the debt payments and the equity in the home.
The equity is measured by the loan to value. On a purchase, the loan to value is a reflection of the down payment amount where a 10% down payment would lead to a 90% loan to value. With a refinance the loan to value is the loan amount divided by the property value for example; a $100,000 loan request for a property worth $125,000 would have a loan to value of 80%.
Even with the recent reduction of property values over the past years, most homeowners find that their home is their most valuable financial asset and the mortgage they have is their largest debt. Consequently, reviewing the existing mortgage interest rate, monthly payment, mortgage balance and potential mortgage options is a prudent financial decision.
As part of the mortgage review, in order to assess the benefits and costs of a mortgage refinance, a variety of factors should be considered, including: mortgage interest rate, type of mortgage, expected holding period for the mortgage or home and tax consequences.
With mortgage rates at or near record low levels, homeowners that have not refinanced yet or purchased their home during the last period of low rates, should compare their mortgage rate with the current mortgage rates and measure this against the other loan factors such as the length of time to hold the loan and tax savings.
When evaluating the mortgage interest rates, note that mortgage interest rates charged on a home loan will vary greatly depending on the type of mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages offer the benefit of locking in a rate and knowing exactly what the monthly mortgage payments will be for the term of the mortgage. Generally the longer the mortgage term, the higher the mortgage rate. A 15 year term mortgage not only pays the home loan off in shorter time period but generally has a slightly lower interest rate as well.
When reviewing your mortgage options, be sure to factor in how long you intend to keep your home as well as your ability to handle potentially higher rates in the future with ARMs. If you plan to downsize and move to a smaller home in a few years, a 5 year ARM would provide a much lower interest rate than a traditional 15 or 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
For homeowners that itemize your tax deductions, the interest that is paid on a mortgage loan may be deductible. Refinancing a mortgage and taking cash out may provide the money to pay off higher rate loans, such as credit cards or auto loans, and provide a tax deduction as well.
It is possible that a refinance to maximize savings and improve finances can be accomplished in several ways, including:
Lowering the monthly mortgage payments.
Obtaining cash back by accessing the home equity.
Eliminating private mortgage insurance
Using equity to pay off high interest debts such as credit cards or loans.
Changing mortgage terms to pay off the home loan faster.
Switching loans to a fixed rate mortgage from an ARM or adjustable rate mortgage.
FHA Mortgage Rates August 17, 2010
Today’s 30 year fixed FHA mortgage rate is now at 4.50% according to the most recent survey of the top FHA mortgage lenders performed by Findlocalmortgagerates.com. The average points charged to obtain the 4.50% FHA mortgage rate from the bank mortgage lenders in the survey came in at 0.70 points.
FHA mortgage rates continue to remain at historic low levels along with conventional mortgage rates. High down payments and tougher bank lending standards continue to make it difficult for a number of consumers to take advantage of the current low mortgage rates in the conventional market, which is ultimately pushing more borrowers into FHA loans for both home purchases and refinance transactions.
The top five bank mortgage lenders that are included in the Findlocalmortgagerates.com FHA mortgage rate survey are Bank of America Home Loans, Wells Fargo Home Loans, US Bank, SunTrust Mortgage and HSBC Mortgage.
The results of the survey from these bank mortgage lenders with the 30 year FHA mortgage rate, origination and discount points and APR’s are listed below.
The Bank of America mortgage rate on a 30 year FHA loan is 4.625% with 1.25 points and an APR of 4.770%.
Wells mortgage rate for a 30 year FHA is 4.50% and 1.0 point for a 5.233% APR.
US Bank mortgage rate is at 4.50% with zero points and a 5.271% APR for a 30 year term FHA home loan.
SunTrust mortgage rate on an FHA 30 year is 4.25% with 1.25 points and an APR at 4.794%.
HSBC Mortgage rate is 4.625% with no points and a 4.804% APR for a 30 year FHA mortgage loan.
FHA loans remain available with a down payment as low as 3.5%. Though the lending criteria for FHA loans has tighten along with conventional mortgages, the credit requirements, income and asset requirements for FHA loans remain significantly more flexible.
The FHA mortgage rates, costs and APRs listed are for owner occupied single family properties with a loan amount of approximately $250,000.00. The bank mortgage rates listed are current as of this publication date but are subject to change. All mortgage loans require bank approval, additional conditions and some restrictions may apply.
Top Five Bank Mortgage Lender Rates June 14, 2010
Bank mortgage rates were up just slightly for the week ending June 11, 2010. The average mortgage rate from the top five bank mortgage lenders survey by Findlocalmortgagerates.com showed an increase in rate for the 15 year term home loan with a reduction in points charged while the average 30 year fixed rate home loan was unchanged with regards to the rate but increased for the average points charged.
The results of the survey this week:
30 year mortgage rate average is 4.85% with .575 points compared to last week’s average rate of 4.85% with .375 points.
The 15 year mortgage rate is 4.30% with .475 points as compared to the previous week’s average rate of 4.25% and .575 points.
Considering a mortgage loan is often the largest financial decision consumers will face. Reviewing the current mortgage rates and products available from the largest mortgage lenders is an important step to find an option that is right for your financial situation. Whether someone is just starting the home buying process, preparing to buy a new home or looking to refinance their current mortgage loan, reviewing the current mortgage rates from the largest bank mortgage lenders is a great starting point.
The top five bank mortgage lenders in the mortgage rate survey included Chase Mortgage, Wells Fargo Home Loans, Citibank, Bank of America and US Bank.
The 30 year mortgage rate and 15 year mortgage rate as well as the points charged and APRs from the individual bank mortgage lenders in this week’s survey were as follows:
Chase Bank mortgage rate for a 30 fixed rate loan is 5.00% with 0.25 points and a 5.079% APR.
The 15 fixed rate home loan from Chase has a rate of 4.50% with zero points and an APR of 4.596%.
Bank of America mortgage rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is 4.750% with 1.125 points and an APR of 4.878%.
A 15 year mortgage from Bank of America has a rate of 4.125% with 1.375 points and an APR of 4.386%.
Citibank mortgage rate on a 30 year mortgage is 4.875% with 0.50 points and a 5.099% APR.
Citibank’s 15 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.375% with no points and a 4.603% APR.
Wells Fargo Home Loans mortgage rate is 4.750% and 1.0 point for a 4.939% APR.
Wells Fargo 15 year fixed rate is at 4.25% with 1.0 point and a 4.573% APR.
US Bank offers a 30 year fixed rate home loan with a mortgage rate of 4.875% and no points with a 4.941% APR.
The US Bank 15 year mortgage rate is 4.250% and no points with a 4.361% APR.
The bank mortgage lender rates listed as well as the points and APRs are subject to change and may vary depending on the credit, income, assets and property being purchased by the borrower.
Mortgage rates listed are believed to be accurate and current as of the date of this publication. Mortgage interest rates are not guaranteed. All mortgage loans are subject to bank approval.
The mortgage rates, points and APRs in the Findlocalmortgagerates.com mortgage survey are for a home loan of between $200,000.00 and $275,000.00 on a single family owner occupied home with a minimum 20% down payment.
The bank mortgage lenders listed offer a variety of additional home financing options to help find the loan that best fits a borrowers needs. For more information on these mortgage rates, the bank mortgage lenders listed can be reached directly at the following numbers:
Chase Bank 800-873-6577
Bank of America 888-233-4124
Citibank 800-667-8424
Wells Fargo 877-937-9357
US Bank 888-831-7524
Bank Mortgage Lender Rates June 6, 2010
The most recent survey of the 30 year and 15 year fixed mortgage rates from the nation’s largest bank mortgage lenders performed by Findlocalmortgagerates.com indicated that the costs of obtaining these loans has fallen once again.
While the advertised mortgage rates for both loan products was unchanged from the previous week, the points charged by the largest bank mortgage lenders was lower bringing the total cost to obtain the 30 year and 15 year fixed rate mortgage loan down for the week.
The average 30 year mortgage rate from the top five bank mortgage lenders is currently at 4.85%, unchanged from the prior week. The average points charged is .375 which is down from the preceding week’s average points charged of 0.60.
The average15 year mortgage rate from the top five bank mortgage lenders remained at 4.25% for the week. The average points charged is .575 and that is down from the earlier week’s average points charged of 0.70.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a current homeowner looking to buy a new property or refinance an existing mortgage with just a quick review of the bank loan rates listed, prospective borrowers can get a quick snapshot of the current mortgage rates by the largest bank mortgage lenders across the nation and help narrow down the search for the best mortgage rate and mortgage lender.
The top five mortgage lenders in the mortgage rate survey include the rates of Chase Mortgage, Wells Fargo Home Loans, Citibank, Bank of America and US Bank.
The 30 year mortgage rate and 15 year mortgage rate as well as the points charged and APRs from the individual bank mortgage lenders in this week’s survey were as follows:
Chase Bank mortgage has the 30 fixed mortgage rate at 4.875% with zero points and a 4.931% APR.
Chase Mortgage promotes the 15 fixed rate home loan with a mortgage rate of 4.25% with 0.375 points and an APR of 4.401%
Bank of America Home Loans markets a 30 year fixed mortgage rate at 4.875% with 0.625 points and a 4.955% APR.
A 15 year mortgage from Bank of America has a mortgage rate of 4.125% with 1.50 points and an APR of 4.399%.
Citibank mortgage’s 30 year mortgage rate is 4.875% with 0.25 points and a 5.054% APR.
Citibank’s 15 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.375% with no points and a 4.603% APR.
Wells Fargo Home Loans 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.750% and 1.0 point for a 4.939% APR.
The Wells Fargo 15 year fixed rate is at 4.25% with 1.0 point and a 4.573% APR.
US Bank has a 30 year fixed rate loan with a mortgage rate of 4.875% and no points with a 4.941% APR.
The US Bank 15 year term mortgage rate is 4.250% and no points with a 4.361% APR
After searching for the best mortgage rate and term it can be equally important to interview the mortgage lender and look for the mortgage lender that offers an efficient process that ensures that you will receive a quick and easy underwriting process and loan closing.
The bank mortgage lender rates listed as well as the points and APRs are subject to change and may vary depending on the credit, income, assets and property being purchased by the borrower.
The mortgage rates, points and APRs in the Findlocalmortgagerates.com mortgage survey are for a home loan of between $200,000.00 and $275,000.00 on a single family owner occupied home with a minimum 20% down payment.
The bank mortgage lenders listed offer additional mortgage loan options including additional mortgage rate and point options. For more information on these mortgage rates, the bank mortgage lenders listed can be reached directly at the following numbers:
Chase Bank 800-873-6577
Bank of America 888-233-4124
Citibank 800-667-8424
Wells Fargo 877-937-9357
US Bank 888-831-7524
The 30 year fixed rate and 15 year fixed rate mortgage rates listed are believed to be accurate and current as of the date of this publication. Mortgage interest rates are not guaranteed. All mortgage loans are subject to bank approval.
NH Mortgage Rates April 26, 2010
Mortgage rates in New Hampshire have fallen modestly along with home loan rates across the nation. To compare mortgage rates in NH the following is a review of mortgage rates offered by Wells Fargo home Mortgage, one of the largest bank mortgage lenders, and Laconia Savings Bank, the largest bank in New Hampshire measured by assets.
Fixed rate mortgages are one of the most popular home loan options for buying a new home when rates are low as they are in this current rate environment therefore, the mortgage loans reviewed include the 30 year fixed as well as the 15 year fixed rate home loans.
The current 30 year fixed rate mortgage in New Hampshire offered Laconia Savings Bank is at 5.25% with no points and an APR of 5.280%. The 30 year fixed from Wells Fargo Home Loans is at 5.125% with 1.0 point and a 5.318% APR.
The 15 year fixed rate home loan from Laconia Savings Bank is at 4.500% with no points and an APR of 4.550%. Wells Fargo Home Loans is offering the 15 year fixed rate mortgage at 4.25% with 1.0 point and an APR of 4.573%.
The above mortgage rates in NH are based on a loan amount of $175,000.00 with a 20% or greater down payment for the purchase of a single family primary residence. Both of these bank mortgage lenders offer flexible home financing options to help purchase a new home. Other mortgage rate and point options are available for these term loans as well as other loan options from the mortgage lenders.
Mortgage rates are current as of this publication date but are not guaranteed. The NH mortgage interest rates, annual percentage rates (APRs) and points shown are subject to change without notice. Existing homeowners looking to refinance may find the refinance rates may vary from the purchase rates.
New home buyers can find assistance with a loan preapproval at either Laconia Savings Bank or Wells Fargo Home Loans. A preapproval is a written agreement from the mortgage lender indicating they will finance a home purchase up to a specific amount, subject to certain conditions.
For current mortgage rates from these NH mortgage lenders or additional information on their home loan products, Wells Fargo Home Loans can be reached at 877-937-9357 and Laconia Savings Bank can be reached at 800-832-0912.
Mortgage Rates in Ohio with Huntington Bank Mortgage
Huntington Bank mortgage offers a variety of banking products and services in Ohio including mortgage loans and competitive mortgage rates.
Huntington bank offers a wide range of mortgage loan programs and interest rates in Ohio for both purchases and existing home loan refinances. The mortgage loan refinance options include refinances to obtain additional cash out on a primary home or to take advantage of a lower mortgage rate or change the term or type of home loan such as 30 year loan to a 15 year or a fixed rate home loan to an adjustable rate mortgage.
Mortgage loans offered by the bank include a wide choice of fixed rate mortgage products ranging from 10 year to 30 year terms, adjustable rate loans, balloon loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, VA and FHA loans.
Current Ohio mortgage rates offered by Huntington Bank include the following terms and rates:
30 year fixed rate mortgage has an Ohio mortgage rate of 4.750% with 0.625 discount points and an APR of 5.069%.
A 15 year fixed rate mortgage has an Ohio mortgage rate of 4.125% with 0.375 discount points and an APR of 4.616%.
The Huntington Bank 3/1 adjustable rate mortgage has a mortgage rate of 4.000% with 0.0 discount points and an APR of 3.567%. The loan rate for this mortgage product is normally lower than fixed rates however the mortgage interest rates will change at predetermined intervals based upon an index.
The bank’s 7 year balloon loan has a mortgage rate in Ohio of 4.500% and 0.125 points and a 5.052% APR.
The balloon loans are often loans that are considered by borrowers who plan to live in their home for a shorter period of time and want the benefits of a fixed monthly payment. The balloon mortgage loan rate is generally lower than the rates found on either 30 year fixed rate loan or a 15 year fixed rate loan.
Huntington’s mortgage division offers several different mortgage products and mortgage rates in Ohio other than those listed. The FHA loans and the VA loans offered by the bank come with a wide range of mortgage loan options, including fixed rate mortgages and ARMs.
The Ohio mortgage rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) listed are based on a $120,000 loan amount on a single family owner occupied home, with a minimum 20% down payment, excellent credit a rate lock period of 30 days.
All mortgage loans in Ohio are subject to bank and credit approval. Ohio mortgage rates listed are current as of this publication but are subject to change at any time.
For individuals looking to buy or refinance a home in Ohio, current mortgage rates and additional home loan information can be obtain from Huntington Bank at 1-800-562-6871.
Current FHA Mortgage Rates February 27, 2010
Findlocamortgagerates.com conducts a weekly survey of the top bank mortgage lenders. The results of this survey helps borrowers compare mortgage interest rates and product information from some of the largest U.S banks so consumers looking to purchase a new home or refinance can easily find the right mortgage that fits their needs.
The following list of mortgage loans and rates is a sample form the survey. These rates are for FHA loans or a mortgage that is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans along with VA loans are generally referred to as government loans
The following list displays current interest rates for a sample of various combinations of mortgage rates and fees available on FHA loans from this week’s mortgage rate survey.
US Bank 30 year fixed rate FHA loan has a rate of 4.875% with one point and a 5.495% APR.
The same 30 year FHA loan from US Bank is available with a mortgage rate of 5.25% and no points and an APR of 5.792%.
Bank of America Home Loans offers a 30 year fixed rate FHA loan that has a mortgage rate of 4.875% and 1.375 points with an APR of 5.109%.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage offers a 30 year fixed rate FHA home loan with a mortgage rate of 5.125% with one points and an APR of 5.85%.
HSBC Mortgage rate on a 30 year FHA is at 5.125% with no points and a 5.310% APR.
SunTrust Mortgage has a 30 year FHA home loans with a mortgage rate of 4.875% and 1 point resulting in a 5.425% APR.
The APR includes the interest rate, fees, points, certain closing costs and mortgage insurance. FHA mortgage rates, points and closing costs are subject to change without notice.
The preceding is a sample of programs and interest rates; other loans and rate options are available from the listed mortgage lenders. Rates listed are for purchases on owner-occupied single family primary residences. The accuracy of the home mortgage details is not guaranteed.
All loans are subject to bank approval. Some mortgage loan products may have geographic restrictions, other restrictions may apply and additional conditions will apply to obtain these home loans.
US Bank Home Mortgage Arkansas North Little Rock
US Bank home mortgage loan officer contact for North Little Rock, Arkansas. US Bank home mortgage offers several means for starting a home loan application. Contacting the local loan officer in North Little Rock in one method for prospective borrowers to start the mortgage loan process. Potential borrowers can also call the mortgage specialist toll free number at 888-831-7524 or fill out a mortgage loan application online.
The US Bank home mortgage representative in North Little Rock, Arkansas:
Laura Criner
Mortgage Loan Officer
U.S. Bank Home Mortgage
3703 McCain Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR 72116
Office: 501-758-3537
Cell: 501-804-7390
Fax: 501-791-2095
Laura.criner@usbank.com
By contacting the toll free phone representatives or the local loan officer or by using the banks’ online resources new home loan borrowers can obtain information on home purchases, refinances and preapprovals for a variety of loans.
For purchase requests, consumers can obtain information on preapprovals, loan applications, and an understanding of the approval process.
First time homebuyers can obtain information on qualification requirements and the necessary documents needed to process a mortgage loan request.
Those existing homeowners looking to refinance can find information about lowering the mortgage rate, reducing the term, or obtaining a cash out refinance.
Representatives at US Bank home mortgage can help determine how much you can afford, estimate the monthly mortgage payments, compare the various loan options available, and more.
Mortgage Approvals and Compensating Factors
Mortgage loans are approved based on a fairly strict set of guidelines. Some of the guidelines are hard rules that can not be broken. An example of hard rule is the maximum loan to value ratios or down payment requirements. If a home loan for a particular 30 year fixed rate mortgage requires a 5% down payment or a loan to value of 95%, 4.75% down payment will not be accepted. On the other hand, some rules are general guidelines.
An example of a general guideline is the debt ratio requirement. Standard debt ratios are approximately 32% for the amount of the borrowers’ gross monthly income that can be used for the monthly mortgage payment and a 38% ratio representing the amount of the gross monthly income that can be allocated for the monthly mortgage payment and all other monthly debt obligations. These debt ratios are guidelines. A home loan applicant that has debt ratios of 33% and 40% may very well be approved for a mortgage loan.
In situations where a home loan borrower has debt ratios that exceed the guidelines or perhaps a credit history that is slightly below the requirements, a mortgage lender will look for compensating factors to justify making the home loan approval.
Compensating factors that may be used to justify approval of mortgage loans with ratios exceeding the benchmark guidelines are evaluated on a case by case scenario. Any compensating factor used to justify mortgage approval must be supported by documentation with the mortgage lender.
Common compensating factors that are reviewed to approve a home loan that is just marginally beneath the loan guidelines include:
The borrower has successfully demonstrated the ability to pay housing expenses equal to or greater than the proposed monthly housing expense for the new mortgage over the past 12-24 months.
The borrower makes a large down payment, one that is above the minimum established for the home loan program applied for, toward the purchase of the property.
The borrower has demonstrated an ability to accumulate savings and a conservative attitude toward the use of credit.
A previous credit history shows that the borrower has the ability to devote a greater portion of income to housing expenses.
The borrower receives documented compensation or income not reflected in effective income, but directly affecting the ability to pay the mortgage, including food stamps and similar public benefits.
There is only a minimal increase in the borrower’s housing expense.
The borrower has substantial documented cash reserves (at least 3 months worth) after closing. In determining if an asset can be included as cash reserves or cash to close, the mortgage lender must judge whether or not the asset is liquid or readily convertible to cash and can be done so, absent retirement or job termination.
Funds borrowed against these accounts may be used for home loan closing, but are not to be considered as cash reserves. “Assets” such as equity in other properties and the proceeds from a cash-out refinance are not to be considered as cash reserves. Similarly, funds from gifts from any source are not to be included as cash reserves.
The borrower has substantial non-taxable income (if no adjustment was made previously in the ratio computations)
The borrower has potential for increased earnings, as indicated by job training or education in the borrower’s profession
The home is being purchased as the result of relocation of the primary wage earner and the secondary wage earner has an established history of employment is expected to return to work, and reasonable prospects exist for securing employment in a similar occupation in the new area. The mortgage loan underwriter must document the availability of such possible employment.
Mortgage Rates in NY at Chemung Canal Bank
Chemung Canal Trust Company is a 175 year old financial institution headquartered in Elmira, New York. The bank operates 23 branch offices in 7 counties situated in the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Chemung Canal Trust Company is committed to the community banking philosophy and mission which means the bank builds long-term relationships with its clients and help to plays an important role in the communities they serve. As a community oriented bank, Chemung Canal makes lending decisions locally.
For consumers served in the region of Chemung Canal, the bank’s mortgage department offers a wide array of mortgage loans with competitive mortgage rates. Chemung Canal mortgage serves first time home buyer, existing homeowners looking to refinance their existing home loan, consumers who may be home build new or second home and more.
The bank’s website provides a great deal of information about Chemung Canal Trust Company including mortgage products and services as well as branch locations and hours of operations.
With Chemung Canal mortgage, a mortgage applicant can apply online or contact one of the bank offices to speak with a mortgage professional. The bank mortgage department can assist potential home loan borrowers find the right mortgage loan to fit their needs.
Mortgage loan rates promoted by Chemung Canal include the following terms and mortgage rates:
10 year mortgage rate 4.500%, 0 points and 4.58% APR with a minimum 5 percent down payment.
15 year mortgage rate 4.500%, 0 points and 4.56% APR with a minimum 5 percent down payment.
20 year mortgage rate 5.125%, 0 points and 5.17% APR with a minimum 5 percent down payment.
30 year mortgage rate 5.250%, 0 points and 5. 28% APR with a minimum 5 percent down payment.
Use one of the mortgage calculators located at www.selectcalculators.com to help determine which mortgage rates an home loan options are best for you. Check on the potential savings with different term home loans or making biweekly instead of monthly mortgage payments as well.
Additional mortgage rates and point options are available. Mortgage rates are subject to change without notice. All home loans are subject to credit approval. Any additional conditions will apply.
For more information on bank mortgage rates and home loan programs, contact the bank mortgage department directly at (607) 737-3815 or toll-free at (800) 836-3711. Mortgage rates and bank information is also available at the bank website located at www.chemungcanal.com.
Bank deposit rates can be viewed at www.selectcdrates.com including current CD rates and more.