Government Help for Homeowners is finally here

Help for US homeowners came this week in the form of Increased Loan limits for Fannie Mae (FNMA), Freddie Mac (FHLMC), and Ginnie Mae (Government loans such as FHA, VA, & FHA Secure). This week the United States Congress, Senate and our President, G.W. Bush all came to an agreement on an economic stimulus bill that includes a very important set of provisions for Homeowners. It increases the loan limits for the above entities from a cap of $417,000 for Fannie & Freddie and $362K for FHA to as much as $729,750 in high cost areas such as Coastal California, parts of Florida, New York, and select markets. Overall, it is likely to help hundreds of thousands of homeowners attain affordable, secure financing for their homes during the next year. The increases are temporary (until December 31, 2008) for some of the programs, so those looking to refinance should contact us very soon to get started. We anticipate that this will not only result in lower rates for many loans formerly considered "Jumbo", but will increase the ability to get qualified as these loan programs allow financing up to 97% of a homes appraised value without large penalties or rate increases.

This is welcome relief for thousands of Adjustable Rate Mortgage holders who are worried about rate resets and would like to lock into a more secure 30 year fixed rate mortgage. VanDyk Mortgage is ready to meet the increased demand with our streamlined, simple process for application & documentation handling. Consumers can apply direct at http://www.vandykfunding.com/, then go to the secure "loan application" button at the top of the page. Our processes are largely paperless, which will reduce the timelines for your loan approval and closing.

VanDyk Mortgage is a privately owned Mortgage Banker offering loans accross much of the nation. We have been in business over 21 years, offering FHA, VA, and Conventional financing direct. We are considered experts at FHA loans due to our large volume with HUD. We also have achieved "Full Eagle" FHA Direct Endorsement from HUD, an accomplishment that we are very proud of.

Please visit us online at http://www.vandykfunding.com/ or give us a call at 866-900-2342 to ask us any questions you may have about your loan, the mortgage market, or just to say hello.

Relief for Jumbo Mortgage Loan holders

The Senate passed the Economic Stimulus plan this week, it just awaits confirmation on amendments by congress and a signature from the President. The biggest winners in this economic rescue plan are middle to upper-income Americans who can refinance their jumbo home loans at cheaper rates. The stimulus package temporarily raises the maximum size of mortgages that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase and market as securities from $417,000 to as high as $729,750 in expensive parts of the country like New York City and California. The increased loan amount limits could save borrowers as much as 1% on their mortgage, which would translate to $300-500 per month for the average jumbo borrower.

Caution. This is a sunset clause though, and it will expire an december 31, 2008. Do not wait if you are going to refinance your Jumbo loan or want to purchase a home with a Jumbo loan at the enhanced lower rates.

It makes a similar change for loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, (FHA) which insures loans to borrowers with weaker credit. The limits on FHA will rise to the same amounts, based on geographic area and the average cost of housing. The increase with FHA is a much bigger benefit, as the increase has no sunset clause at this point, and these loans were capped at just over $362K in the highest cost areas. Combined with FHA secure, this initiative provides a welcome boost to help homeowners refinance out of troublesome ARM loans.

VanDyk Mortgage is a Privately held Mortgage Banker specializing in direct funding of FHA & VA loans, plus Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Conventional loans. Call us first to work with the experts for your next home loan at 866-900-2342 toll free, or visit us at www.vandykfunding.com.

The return of the Jumbo loan

Finally this week, we are seeing the return to relative normalcy of the Jumbo Loan. Several of our investors are offering us competitive rates on Jumbo loans (those over $417K) again. We are seeing a reasonable spread between the conforming (<417K) and Jumbos again, with Super Jumbo & Ultra Jumbo once again being offered. Many of the Jumbo programs have been either suspended or priced through the roof by lenders in the wake of the August 2007 secondary market mortgage meltdown.

We have always felt that Jumbo Loans would return to normalcy, and return with reasonable rates & qualification guidelines. There is simply too much demand for these, and there are many low-risk, premium borrowers who banks should be happy to lend money to.

If you have a Jumbo Adjustable Rate Mortgage, we suggest you call us to review your position, and make sure you are in the most appropriate loan to match your taste for risk, affordability (avoid increasing ARM adjustments), and reducing Interest expense. We can help you sort out how, when & how much your ARM rate & payment will adjust. We can help you figure out the margin, index, recast point, payment options, etc. Call Brian Skaar at 866-900-2342 x106 or visit us online at www.vandykfunding.com.

Jumbo Help

The Secondary Market for non-conforming mortgages has become very Volatile. This means all loans over $417,000 (excellent, good or poor credit alike) or with rough credit history have become more expensive overnight. Excellent credit Jumbo mortgages jumped from 6.5% to over 8% in the span of 2 days this month. Now that is Volatile. To quote Cramer from Mad Money, "Rich People like me can't get a loan" . Well that isn't quite the whole truth, he just doesn't know the right people. He should call us.

If you have a Jumbo Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM, it is imperative that you act now to get that converted into another loan product, as we do not know what the future holds, both for rates and will you qualify to refinance.

Many folks had refinanced into Pay-Option, Neg-Am or Option ARM loans in the past couple years thinking their rate was actually 1% (not even the Fed lends money that cheaply) and have found their interest rate accrual much higher than they thought, their loan balances climbing upwards with every "minimum payment" (Negative amortization), and many are dangerously close to their trigger point.

What is a trigger point? When your loan balance grows to a predetermined level, your minimim payment option, and your Interest Only options disappear, leaving you with Principal & Interest Option for your monthly payment. This is a huge payment increase that few can afford. If you don't understand or are concerned about your loan, please don't hesitate to contact us. (contact info below and in the profile).

If you want the best available options to refinance your mortgage, you must choose a Loan professional, one that is truly savvy with this market. A loan pro that knows what investor is offering that same Excellent Credit Jumbo Fixed loan at 1% below the rest of the market. (we know this) But more importantly, the Loan Pro who can get your loan done before things change again.

We are students of the Mortgage Market, The Investors that lend mortgage money, and our clients needs & wants. Summary, we are here to cover you, so call us, we can get it done. We bank loans, and we also broker. We are like a Quick Strike Tactical Mortgage Operation. We can get your loan done before things change.

Do you know when your mortgage is going to adjust?

Do you know what your payment is going to adjust to?

Do you know what your options are?

If you do not know the answer to all three questions above, or are uncomfortable with the answers, Please give us a call at 866-900-2342, x106 or apply online at www.vandykfunding.com . We are here to help.
Thanks, Brian Skaar