Refinance News

Lee Farkas, the former chairman of Taylor Bean & Whitaker (TBW) was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison. Farkas was convicted of a 2.9 billion dollar fraud scheme making the highest ranking executive to go to prison during the financial crisis.

Charges included allegations he misappropriated more than $1.4bn from Colonial Bank’s mortgage warehouse lending division to keep TBW afloat. The fraud, which began in 2002, contributed to the failure of Colonial Bank in 2009 and had far reaching effects throughout the US economy.

Farkas was also ordered to relinquish 38.5 million dollars. I wonder how much more money he has hidden away.

I'm sure that people who like to see the Wall Street Executives that contributed to the financial crisis experience a similar fate. Many Wall Street Executives contributed in a similar manner causing the same, if not more, devastation than Farkas.

Last Thursday, the average rate on the 30 yr fixed mortgage fell to 4.61%. That's down from 4.63% and the lowest level since mid-December.

The average rate on the 15 year fixed mortgage, a popular refinance option, slipped to 3.80% from 3.82%. That is the lowest point since late November for a 15 yr fixed mortgage rate.

Homeowners and first time buyers should consider refinancing or obtaining a mortgage before rates increase. Contact your mortgage professional to see what make sense for your situation.

Mortgage rates continue to climb to their 5 month high as investors sell treasuries. This past week rates increased .15% to 4.61% on the average 30 year mortgage. The previous 30 year average was 4.46%. Many borrowers that haven't taken advantage of these records low rates are still scrambling to qualify for a mortgage. Borrowers should speak with their mortgage professional to see if they can qualify and whether they are able to save money refinancing their present mortgage.

Mortgage applications fell last week .09%. While purchase applications increases 1.8%, refinance applications, which are a greater portion of the mortgage application universe, decreased 1.4%.

The increase in the purchase applications is a good sign but it may only be a one time occurrence. It may not be a sign of a strengthening real estate marketing. We will have to wait for more numbers to see if purchase applications continue to trend upwards. Expect refinance applications to fall if mortgage rates continue to rise.

New mortgage applications are up. Spurred on by record low mortgage rates new mortgage applications were up 3.4%. Refinance applications were also up 9% last week and about 30% over the past month.

Potential home buyers, keep in mind that the tax credit ends April 30th. If you plan on purchasing a home the tax credit is a nice benefit. Receive $8,000 tax credit for a first time home buyer and $6,500 tax credit for repeat home purchases. Speak with your mortgage professional and realtor about specifics to the program. You can also contact me through the contact form on my blog.

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