[George]

Here is a summary of the national headline news for Monday, January 6, 2025:

Political Developments

Congress Certifies Presidential Election Results:

• Congress convened in a joint session to certify the Electoral College results, officially confirming President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
• The session proceeded without major disruptions, contrasting sharply with January 6, 2021.
• Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the certification, acknowledging the outcome.

Security Measures in Washington, D.C.:

• In anticipation of potential unrest, the Department of Homeland Security designated January 6, 2025, as a National Special Security Event.
• This designation facilitated enhanced security protocols to ensure a peaceful certification process.

Economic Updates

Stock Market Performance:

• The stock market began the year robustly, with significant gains in major indices.
• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced notable increases, reflecting investor optimism about the incoming Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress.
• Analysts suggest that sustained gains could indicate further market upside.

U.S. Bond Yields Rise

• U.S. bond yields reached a two-year high ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, driven by fiscal concerns and anticipated tax cuts.
• The 30-year Treasury bond yield climbed to 4.85%, its highest since late 2023, signaling investor expectations of increased government spending and potential inflation.

Sports Highlights

Washington Commanders Secure Playoff Spot:

• The Washington Commanders achieved a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys, concluding their regular season with a 12-5 record and clinching the 6th playoff seed.
• Quarterback Marcus Mariota’s critical 33-yard run set up a game-winning touchdown by Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, who set a new franchise record with 13 touchdowns in a season.
• The Commanders are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round on Sunday Night Football.

Technology News

Microsoft Encourages Windows 11 Upgrades:

• As support for Windows 10 approaches its end, Microsoft is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11.
• The company emphasizes the enhanced features and security of the newer operating system, declaring 2025 as the “Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh.”

International Relations

U.S. Arms Sale to Israel:

• The U.S. State Department notified Congress of a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel, including air-to-air and Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and other ammunition.
• This move underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations and aims to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.

Environmental Policy

Biden Bans Offshore Drilling:

• In one of his final acts as President, Joe Biden issued an executive order banning new oil and gas drilling along most U.S. coastlines.
• This order limits fossil fuel extraction in sensitive marine areas to protect environmental interests and combat climate change.

These events highlight significant political, economic, and social developments in the United States as of January 6, 2025.

[George]

National Headlines: January 3 to January 6, 2025, and Weekend News Update: January 4th and 5th:

January 3, 2025

Political Developments:

With the deadline approaching, Congress discussed budget negotiations. Areas of focus include infrastructure funding and social programs.

Healthcare Updates:

New COVID-19 variants have led health officials to recommend updated vaccination schedules and booster shots.

January 4, 2025

Economic News:

The latest employment report shows that jobs are growing steadily, but inflation remains a worry. The Federal Reserve is contemplating an interest rate adjustment.

Weather Alerts:

Severe winter storms are forecasted across multiple states, leading to travel advisories and school closures.

January 5, 2025

Education Reform:

A significant bipartisan bill was introduced to reform the student loan system and relieve the debt burden on graduates.

Tech Innovations:

Major tech companies have announced advancements in artificial intelligence, stressing ethical concerns and regulatory frameworks.

Weekend News Update (January 4-5, 2025)

Cultural Events: Different towns celebrated New Year’s, prioritizing community and resilience amidst recent setbacks.

Sports Highlights:

The first round of the NFL playoffs took place over the weekend, featuring several captivating games that will determine the championship rounds.

This summary captures all key national events and developments for the period. If you require more information on any subject, feel free to ask!

[George]

Certainly, Fannie Mae has a number of programs which are designed to help first-time home buyers with down payment:

Primary Programs:

HomeReady Mortgage:

Down Payment Requirement: Doesn’t exceed 3%.

Eligibility: It is targeted at low to middle income borrowers, first time purchasers, and areas defined as census tracts. There isn’t a requirement to be a first-time purchaser, but income eligibility is determined on the average annual income within the area in which the buyer intends to purchase the dwelling.

Features: Policy Providing Employment Gaps, Discretionary Job Loss and Retirement Disbursements. Flexible funding sources can include gifts, grants and second mortgages. If all occupying borrowers are first-time homebuyers, then homeownership education is a prerequisite. It also includes PPP (Personal Preview Profile) waivers for allowable loans, in which borrowers can reduce their repayments while still making profit on the loans.

HFA Preferred:

Collaboration: The availability of this program goes through the state Housing finance Agencies (FHA’s) that can in addition provide a down payment loan or gift along with the mortgage loan.

Down Payment: It can be as low as 3% with PMI.

Benefits: Not only first time homebuyers but HFAs providing down payment or closing costs can also use second mortgages or additional funding including grants.

HomePath Ready Buyer Program: This is specifically designed for persons getting their first home that has been put up for foreclosure, through this program they are able to gain some percent of buying the home, specifically, three percent closings cost that is regarded, along a home owned bu fannie Mae where the outstanding payments have been made available to the buyer.

Education Requirement: You’re obligated to complete the HomePath Ready Buyer™ educational course, and the course fee is reimbursed by Fannie Mae at the time of closing.

Additional Considerations:

Community Seconds: These are secondary liens which may assist in their down payment and closing cost, and may also involve Fannie Mae’s other programs like HomeReady. They can come from many sources including government agencies, nonprofits, or employers.

Grants and Loans: With the products of Fannie Mae, they permit down payment assistance in the form of grants or loans from third parties.

Down Payment Resource Tool: In collaboration with DownPaymentResource.com, Fannie Mae provides a search tool useful for finding down payment assistance programs to potential buyers.

Key Points:

These programs have been established with a view towards facilitating the attainment of homeownership by individuals especially low to moderate income because it has been appreciated that the lack of sufficient saving for down payment has been a huge barrier for such individuals.

First time homebuyers may be required to attend homeownership education courses as part of the qualification requirements to be so as to guarantee an improvement in their perceptions of home buying and ownership.

Programs availability at times and levels of assistance may differ from one HFA or linking programs to this setting to another at state or local levels.

Because of this, even though Fannie Mae does not directly make cash payments for downpayment assistance, it has designed its mortgage products such that they integrate with certain financial assistances which are quite useful especially to first time homebuyers.

[George]

Mortgage Eligibility Requirements For A 705 Credit Score And A DTI Of 48.5%

According to your information, you have solid mortgage underwriting, work experience in the mentioned field, and a fair rent history. Your only challenge here is the DTI, which is 48.5% and might cause issues during mortgage onboarding. Therefore, understand the following:

The Importance of DTI

Limits on DTI: Most lenders try not to exceed the 43 percent limit for DTI, though there’s leeway for some, considering other factors such as credit score, employment, and rent history.

Other Considerations: Your long employment history, 705 credit score, and timely rental payments should ameliorate the concerns about your high DTI.

Approval Chances

Possibilities of Approval: This should not scare you, for a DTI that is 48.5% is higher than average. However, a mortgage is still possible, especially if the rent payments are regular and the payment history is polite.

Lender Assumptions: The decision will ultimately be strictly based on the lender’s rules and readiness to consider higher DTI ratios.

Mortgage Reserves

What Are Reserves? Mortgage reserves are savings that demonstrate that there are funds available after closing. Berth these reserves give lenders confidence that the payments will be made should the customer’s financial scenario change.

Typical Requirements: With a high DTI ratio, however, certain lenders may want reserves. This may be determined by the lender’s policies and one’s overall financial situation, reaching between one and six months’ worth of mortgage payments.

Approximate Amount: For instance, if the monthly mortgage payment is envisaged at two thousand dollars, which most likely comprises payments for the principal, interest, insurance, and taxes, then anywhere between two thousand dollars and twelve thousand dollars in reserves may be required, depending on the lender.

Using 401(k) Loan for Down Payment

Acceptable Source of Funds: Using a 401 (k) loan to pay off the down payment and closing costs is usually acceptable. However, note the effect this may have on retirement savings and the loan repayment terms.

Lender Considerations: Certain lenders might check to see if one has a strategy for repaying the 401(k), though, as the plan may adversely affect the budget.

Wrap Up

Although your high DTI poses some issues, your good credit history, employment, and renting might support your mortgage application. You should be ready to explain your financial status to other lenders and ask whether there is a particular requirement regarding reserves. Furthermore, applying to different lenders who can accept a higher DTI may also be a viable option. Getting in touch with a mortgage specialist for these services can be very beneficial in getting the feel of the market and customized solutions.

[George]

Buying a home specifically to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a prudent investment strategy, particularly if you intend to rent the unit for extra cash inflow. Consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income, and other financial aspects as follows:

Take Note of Your DTI Ratio

Current Salary: Annual: $41,000, which equals monthly – $3,417.

Desired House Price: $450,000 to $500,000.

Downpayment (3.5%): For a house worth $450,000, the downpayment will be $15,750, whereas it will be $17,500 for a $500,000 house.

Loan Amount: On the other hand, for the loan of $450,000, the amount remaining on the loan will be $434,250, and for the $500,000, it will be $482,500.

Setting Up Your Monthly Mortgage Payments.

Estimation of Monthly Payments: A rough estimation using a mortgage calculator settles at a $2,586 monthly payment. This amount is $2,323 compared to a $500,000 counterpart.

Understanding DTI through Debts.

Total Monthly Debt Payments: The estimated monthly mortgage payment amounts to $2,323 and $2,586.

Calculation of DTI: Debt-to-income is the total of debts divided by monthly earnings.

For instance, if they took out loans of $450,000, their DTI would be 67.9 percent, and if they borrowed $500,000, the DTI would be 75.7 percent.

DTI Improving Strategies.

In the case of FHA loans, the DTI ratio is substantially higher than 43 percent, which complicates the clientele’s ability to obtain financing.

How To Get Out Of This Situation.

Demonstrating That The ADU Will Generate Rental Income: At times, the price of the rental property is not high—meaning all ADUs can be used to offset the mortgage payment. Some lenders might accept that projection to add to your DTI cash flow calculation. Provide expected rental income as evidence post-construction of the ADU.

Side Jobs or Freelance Work: If applicable, try getting a temporary job to bolster the income you intend to declare on the loan application.

Consider Alternative Financing Options:

203(k) Loan: Under this program under the FHA, you can pay a single mortgage, which covers both the home and the cost of renovation or even construction of an ADU. This can be beneficial to you in such that the anticipated rental return may be taken into account.

Conventional Loans with Lower DTI Requirements: While extremely rare, this type of lender contemplates DTI more loosely when borrowers have good assets and credible credit scores.

Use a Larger Down Payment:

The only way to make that change is to remortgage while putting down a bigger deposit, as you did not underspend so much on the ADU. This would, therefore, have shrunk your DTI ratio, as lower payments and fewer loans overall could result in a lower loan-to-income ratio.

Find a Co-Signer:

Your relative and even a friend can co-sign for you. This will also enable you to put in less income whenever necessary.

Explore Different Locations:

Attempt to source homes for rental and purchase in lower-priced locales, as this could be essential in managing your new housing budget while lowering your DTI ratio.

Contact a Mortgage Broker:

A loan officer can assist you in branching out and finding a lender that will grant you a more fitting loan product.

Wrap-Up

Even though the amount of income you are currently earning makes it harder to qualify for a mortgage, there are several techniques that you can use to better your chances. You should consider working to increase the amount you earn, check available 203(k) loans, and visit a mortgage expert to get the best recommendation for your predicaments. Also, adding an ADU could be precious, so trying everything possible to achieve it makes sense. If you have any other questions or doubts, please ask them, and we will be happy to assist you with the answers!

[George]

Yes, you can apply for an FHA loan, even if you have had gaps in employment. However, the FHA has established specific criteria and advice that you should keep in mind. Here is how you can go about increasing your risk of denial.

HUD Guidelines On Having An Employment Gap

All About Employment History

Two-Year Employment History: FHA guidelines almost always require a borrower to have had at least two years of employment history. This does not imply that you need to be employed at least two years of the past two years. Rather, it refers to the fact that you worked at least for a certain period during those two years.

Gaps of Less than 6 Months: Generally, it is not such a big deal if your employment gap is less than six months. The lender may require you to explain the absence, but it would still classify you as eligible for a loan.

Too Many Gaps For 6 Months or More

Some more questions: In instances where the employment gap exceeds 6 months, lenders are likely to subject the application to a lot of scrutiny, and it makes sense to do that. The explaining and documentation process becomes more required.

All Kinds of Proof: Ideally, in such cases, one must have a stable source of income, which may include a job, self-employment, etc., to compensate for long gaps.

Needed Papers

Written Reason: Sometimes, you must write a letter explaining why you have some gaps in your employment, such as illness, education, caregiving, or any other viable reason.

Income Verification: All lenders will expect verification of your present income, including your pay slips, tax returns, and sometimes even your bank statements, to gauge your financial reliability.

Factors that may Help Borrower to qualify

Financial Profile: There are compensating factors, including high credit scores, savings, and a bigger deposit, that may help with concerns about employment history gaps.

Employment History: Once you have found a promising employment or self-employment that provides a steady income, it can only work to your advantage.

FHA Yields in the Hands of the Lender

Lender’s Choice: HUD generally says this, but most lenders have policies on employment gaps. Some are willing to accept this, and some aren’t. So, it would help if you were determined to find the lender who will get your case.

FHA loans for the unemployed require a different approach to applying since endorsing them might be a challenge. However, thorough documentation and a good overall financial status and profile should help you. For instance, throughout the application process, understanding HUD guidelines, providing explanations, and compensating factors showing stability can increase your chances. Additionally, talking to an expert in FHA loans can provide you with real-time scenarios that can help you understand your situation better.

[George]

Regarding cash-out refinancing with 80% equity in your home and having a 580 credit score, several factors can affect your chances, including lender policies and loan programs. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect.

Equity Considerations

80% Equity: If you have 80% equity, you might be able to keep up to 80% of your home’s value after being appraised, which is favorable since lenders prefer to lend money to borrowers with a lot of equity.

Credit Score offers

580 Credit Score: A credit score of 580 is considered fair, and it limits your potential options, but some lenders do not require a score above 620 and still offer cash-out refinances.

Loan Types.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance: FHA Cash-out Refinancing targets borrowers who have a score as low as 580, primarily targeting those who qualify under additional criteria, which is favorable.

Conventional Loans: Conventional loans might fit consistent borrowers who are able to maintain a score above 620, as they do require a higher score.

Lender Agreements

It is important to note that not all lenders have the same requirements; they vary from one institution to another. This is why it is essential to compare them and pick the one that best suits you and your needs.

DTI Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio will also be taken into account. A DTI of less than 43% can positively impact your application, even if your credit score could be more appealing.

Other Factors Considered

Stability of Income: Showing support for having a steady income could add more strength to your file.

LTV: Reassess your new LTV ratio after the cash-out refinance and amendments to stay within the lender’s acceptable limits.

Final Thoughts

While it might seem difficult to get approved for a cash-out refinance with a 580 credit score, owning a house with 80% equity could work in your favor. Options such as applying for FHA loans or finding lenders comfortable with these median credit scores give the best chance. A day to talk to a mortgage specialist should help analyze your case and find options.

[George]

Inflation is out of control, and home prices are still at a historic high. Mortgage rates are at 7%.

[George]

Every election season, the impact of campaign spending on electoral outcomes is a debatable and thorny subject. So-called critics, voting intellects, and advocates always give different opinions on how much funds are spent on television or radio ads, printing materials or posters, and campaign rallies. Kamala Harris is no exception.

If you have managed to miss, the following estimates reflect some of her financial spending while she was running for the presidential seat:

Estimated Spending by Category

Campaign Advertising and Media Buying:

Between $250 Million and $300 Million approximately

This includes both costs for shows like advertisements and production for those ads.

Advertising on the Campaign: About $100 Million

• Advertising on the campaign covers Hus campaign’s main ad, which is televised or on social networks.

Campaign Events During the 2020 Election: Around $50 Million

• Such costs include hotel rentals for campaign events, transport, airplane tickets, and other expenses.

Plan of Future Fund Raising Event – $30 Million

• This amount is meant to cover expenses incurred while covering the venues, tents, and catering while hosting future fundraising campaigns.

Pre-Election Polls and Strategies – $20 Million

Money for just one opinion poll, focus group, and survey might reach this fair amount.

Estimated Bid on Security and Compliance – $30 Million

• This amount is supposed to cover technology costs, logistics supporting the campaign, and deploying voter outreach software.

Bids by legal firms covering Voting compliance – $10 Million

• This amount should be enough to hire legal experts covering regulatory laws concerning this election.

In conclusion, overall, these are averages. Some facts can easily vary in amount, especially the period that the report was written about and estimates in the context of specific voting topics, candidates, and elections. One thing that served as a binding factor was that total costs indicate the amount of resources needed to run a nationwide election in its applicability. Regarding campaign contributions and funds raised during election campaign periods, it is rare to find reports that do not cover the FEC’s requirements.