California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Mismanagement has Santa Ana winds forcing wildfires to a new catastrophic level. January 8, 2025, marks one of the worst wildfire emergencies in Los Angeles’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The Palisades Fire was amongst its most destructive fires historically.

Fire Progression and Impact

Size and Containment:

• In no time, the Palisades Fire has expanded to consume over 15,832 acres without containment.

Destruction:

• This fire burned at least a thousand structures and broke the Sayre Fire (2008) and Bel Air Fire (1961) records.

Casualties:

• There have been five confirmed deaths as well as many casualties, such as a firefighter aged twenty-five years who suffered serious head injuries.

Evacuations:

• Around 70,000 residents have been required to leave their homes by law, and shelters are being used to house them.

Contributing Factors:

Weather Conditions:

• Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts of more than 100 mph and very dry conditions, have spread the fire far more quickly and hampered efforts at containment.

Power Outages:

• Due to the fires, approximately 400,000 customers in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas have no electricity.

Community and Culture:

Historic Sites:

• This includes Will Rogers State Historic Park, which has lost its Stables and Will Roger’s house, and Topanga Ranch Motel in Topanga State Park.

Educational Institutions:

• Palisades Charter High School and Palisades Elementary School suffered severe damage, which disrupted education for many learners.

Entertainment Industry:

• The Critics’ Choice Awards and several movie premieres are some cultural events postponed or canceled due to this predicament.

Emergency Response:

Government Action:

• Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency and obtained federal support against these flames.

Firefighting Efforts:

• Over 1,400 firefighters are fighting the firestorm with help from other states’ resources.
• Harsh weather conditions led to an array of problems.

https://youtu.be/BeaHDHYJAqA?si=7frG0Hq1odigks7U

• This discussion was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  Gustan Cho.

As of the week ending on April 25, 2024, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is reported at approximately 7.877%. It’s important to note that these rates have seen some fluctuations, and various factors including economic conditions and the borrower’s credit profile influence the final rate offered. For those considering refinancing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate refinance loan has slightly increased to about 8.425%​​.

Mortgage rates are significantly influenced by economic factors, personal financial details of the borrower, and the specific conditions of the mortgage market at the time. For instance, someone with a strong credit score and a substantial down payment might secure a lower rate, while those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments might face higher rates​​.

If you’re thinking of securing a mortgage or refinancing your current one, it would be beneficial to compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation. As of April 30, 2024, the housing market is showing signs of resilience and growth in certain areas despite ongoing challenges like high mortgage rates and affordability issues. Key insights include:

• Home sales have seen a mix of increases and decreases depending on the region. Nationally, existing home sales have improved month-over-month but are still below the levels from the previous year. New home sales show slight growth compared to the previous year, indicating a shift where more buyers are opting for new homes due to the low supply of existing homes​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

• The National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasts a significant increase in existing-home sales to 4.71 million for 2024, which is up from the previous year. This growth is expected to be concentrated in markets with high demand such as Austin, Texas, which is noted as a top market to watch due to pent-up housing demand​ (http://www.nar.realtor)​.

• Mortgage rates have remained steady with an average of around 6.8% as of March, impacting both buying and refinancing activities. Although this presents challenges, there’s an uptick in both refinance activity and purchase applications as the market adapts to these conditions​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

Overall, while the housing market faces headwinds from higher rates and price pressures, certain regions are experiencing growth, and there’s a general sense of cautious optimism as the market adapts to the economic landscape of 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQgJlwKskc

Daily Mortgage and Real Estate News for Wednesday, January 8th 2025:

By January 8, 2025, there are outstanding changes in the United States mortgage, real estate, and business sectors:

Updating about Mortgage Rates:

Current Rates:

• The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is approximately 6.91%, marking the highest rate since July 2024.

Projections:

• Fixed mortgage rates will not fall until next year, as forecasted by analysts, averaging around 6.4% for 2025.
• This is slightly lower than the annual average of 6.7% last year but still above that historic average between this year and the past six years (2013-2019), which was less than or equal to 4 percent.

Housing Market Trends:

Home Prices:

• Nationally, home prices are projected to rise 3.7% in 2025, followed by 4% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2023.
• This trend will continue due to limited housing inventory and sustained demand.

Sales Activity:

• Existing home sales are expected to increase by about a half percentage point, or nearly one hundred thousand homes, to as many as four million units.
• This is far below the historical annual mean level within our analysis period – eight years (this decade).
• Besides, the housing supply may improve compared with last year’s data, including more new house constructions anticipated to total over a million units.”

Regional Insights:

Hudson Valley, New York:

• A luxurious manor in Hyde Park, initially valued at $45 million in 2021, has been resubmitted for sale at $11.25 million after three years of futile attempts to sell it.
• The considerable price reduction highlights the difficulty encountered in the upper-end real estate industry.

Banking and Financial Services:

TSB Bank Initiative:

• TSB has launched a new 5&5 mortgage scheme that gives tenants a 5% reduction on their first home, provided they put down a minimum 5% deposit.
• This initiative is intended to help renters buy the homes they are already living in, remove any complexities landlords could encounter while selling them off, and offer affordable housing alternatives as property prices rise.

Economic Indicators:

Stock Market Movements:

• On January 8, 2025, the U.S. stock futures are moving downward following a tech sell-off, with NASDAQ, S&P 500, and Dow Jones trending slightly lower.
• Hence, markets and federal agencies will be closed tomorrow for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
• Moderna stock is climbing on expectations of a bird-flu vaccine after the first U.S. death from the disease was reported.
• Bitcoin and crypto stocks are falling as a strong labor report diminishes hopes of Federal Reserve rate cuts.
• Palantir Technologies’ shares continue to decrease because analysts are worried about its high valuation despite its good performance in 2024.

Challenges in Homeownership:

Affordability Issues:

• A twenty-six-year-old Perth resident earning $80,000 per annum experienced difficulty making his loan repayments when he initially could afford them easily.
• When his fixed-rate time lapsed, he had to tune into repayment that became highly increased—having to sell personal things to ensure payment was made regularly.
• This shows how many property owners feel financial pressures due to rising costs plus interest rates.

Market Outlook:

The mortgage and real estate market is characterized by higher mortgage rates, increasing home prices, and a greater focus on affordability and economic indicators. Prospective buyers and sellers should follow these trends to make wise decisions.

Summary of National Headline News Updated of January 3rd, January 4th, January 5th, and January 6th 2025, including Weekend News Update of January 4th and 5th 2025:

January 3, 2025

On January 3, the 119th U.S. Congress sat in session for the first time. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in the senators, and Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House.

Janet Yellen To Be Nominated as U.S. Treasury Secretary:

• Joe Biden’s administration is set to nominate Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary.
• Joe Biden blocks Nippon Steel’s $7 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel over national security concerns.
• According to Fox News on Saturday, a newly released report shows that the president has ordered the government to buy less from China and other foreign sources over concerns about supply chain vulnerability.

Surgeon General Calls For Cancer Warnings On Alcohol Bottles:

• Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggests that alcohol bottles be marked with cancer warnings.
• This is because there is a clear link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

SpaceX launches United Arab Emirates Communication Satellite Thuraya 4-NGS:

According to ABC News, SpaceX launched its communications satellite Thuraya 4-NGS for the United Arab Emirates on Friday via a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

January 4, 2025

Terrorism in New Orleans? So far, fourteen people have died after a terrorist attack took place on New Year’s Day. Homemade bombs filled with special explosives were used by the attacker, indicating the involvement of high-level terrorist training and possible connections with international terrorist organizations.

Winter Storm Blair Disrupts Central U.S.: According to NBC News, Winter Storm Blair caused major disruption across central the USA last Tuesday, resulting in four deaths.

Kansas City, Missouri, and Louisville, Kentucky, were particularly affected by heavy snowfall, with the latter receiving its heaviest snowfall in a quarter of a century. For instance, around 1,900 flights were canceled, and more than 254,000 utility customers lost power.

January 5th, 2025

Congestion Pricing New York City:

New York City was the first city in the United States to introduce congestion pricing for vehicles below 60th Street into Lower Manhattan and Midtown. This initiative aims to reduce traffic jams and generate revenue for public transportation improvements.

U.S. Provides Arms to Israel: The U.S. State Department informed Congress about an intended $8 billion weapons deal with Israel that includes air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and other ammunition, thereby enhancing their strategic alliance between the two nations.

January 6th, 2025

Election Results Certified By Congress: On January 6, amidst heightened security measures and a January 6 m, Congress met to confirm Donald Trump’s presidential victory earlier this year. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the session, announcing election results formally without any altercation like last year’s event on January 6.

Shore Drilling:

In one of his final acts as President, Joe Biden banned new oil and natural gas drilling across most of America’s coastline to accomplish environmental objectives and mitigate climate change effects.

These events underscored important political shifts alongside environmental conservation and safety challenges experienced within the U.S. during the first week of January 2025.

Are there corrupt cops? How could that be when the recruitment and hiring process of police officers include a thorough assessment of the police applicant’s background. Background investigation includes interviews of former and current employers, co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, classmates, and teachers. Background investigators of police officer recruits will check the candidates credit and employment backgrounds, criminal arrests and convictions, public records, and medical and psychological history records. Many law enforcement agencies will conduct written psychological examinations as well as an oral interview with a board certified psychologist. Other police agencies will have polygraph examinations as part of the background investigation process. Like many other professions, there are bad apples in law enforcement. Here are some videos of corrupt police officers caught on tape.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/8rZBrhjnZ3sU7GQR/?mibextid=D5vuiz

facebook.com

When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare | When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare #cops #police #thinblueline #lawenforcement #policeofficer #UK #usa | By BlackRoastFacebook

When Evil Cops Got Caught Red Handed | Mr. Nightmare #cops #police #thinblueline #lawenforcement #policeofficer #UK #usa

This video clip is funny. Pranking a guy until he literally goes nuts.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/Z1LV4FFvHHBExZ2A/?mibextid=D5vuiz

facebook.com

Please HOLD 📞 | Billy Rosewood IV | you_funny_fooker · Original audio

Please HOLD 📞. you_funny_fooker · Original audio

I’m thinking about buying a house, I wanna check my credit score online. What is a reliable place to check it? Do you guys have any free tools online?

Most all potential home buyers are familiar with looking for homes online and scheduling a visit to view interesting properties with their realtor. Once you pick the home that is right for you, your agent will guide you through completing and submitting a purchase contract.

But what happens after the contract is accepted?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just published an excellent summary of the activities that happen between signing the contract and closing on your home.

Agents, please share this Consumer Guide with your clients!

https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-steps-between-signing-and-closing-on-a-home?grp=residential&narmail=(STO)%20EdgeUp-DataFeedTemplate&date=11-21-2024&user=3294294&itid=11726886

nar.realtor

Consumer Guide: Steps Between Signing and Closing on a Home

Once you sign a purchase agreement on your new home, there are still several steps to complete before you can finalize—or “close”—the transaction.

Can I get an MLO licensed in TEXAS if I have a collection in my credit report and a letter saying well Fargo is suing me?

We live in NC and filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy on our business, and a Chapter 11 on the personal side after COVID closed our business. Both my husband and I had upper 700’s for credit before. Ch11 was confirmed on Feb ’21, and the final decree was issued on 11/12/21. We have a home mortgage

and HELOC, as well as our SBA loan debt repayment, which we’d like to roll into one mortgage with a refi. The SBA loan repayment will be repaid by the end of 2022, but there is no penalty to repay early if we could refinance. Are we just out of luck with a refi and have to wait 2 years or is there any option to do a refinance now with a decent rate?

Renting a home for two years, the owner decided to sell to me via notice to vacate. I have bad credit, owe taxes and zero for a down payment. What are my options in Michigan.

Live in Missouri and if my bankruptcy is dismissed how long do I have to wait to get a cash out refinance?

What rates should I expect and how long will it take to close and what do I need to show for getting approved for Non-QM loan for a house (Sale Price $680 K)

* My Mortgage Scores are 720+

* Last year gross business income $853K

* Business Checking has over $150K

* Self Employed since 2007 running the same company.

. If Biden dies or gets impeached do we have to worry about this ding bat becing our President?Kamala Harris is being questioned by millions of Americans on her mental health state and her intelligence level. Is this idiot pretending to be dumb and stupid or is Kamala Harris a real idiot. Kamala Harris has zero brains 🧠 and seems this goof 🤪 is pretending to be a creature with a single digit IQ. Is this brainless moron the number 2 in charge of the United States? How humiliating to have this creature to represent the nation and be a power leader. The Imbecile in Chief. She has zero respect and is not a liked person in any way or form.

https://youtu.be/k7TCTQQWIZI?si=-hQw0rw-TbyD7SxJ

I am waiting until I file my 2022 taxes to apply for an FHA loan; I hear lenders are a lot stricter due to COVID-19, especially with those who are self-employed. My question is, with a 630 average FiCO score (2,4,5) and my new taxes showing increasing income in the new year (2023), what other concerns should I have or try to prepare for when I apply for an FHA? DTI is low as well

I have been self-employed for 8+yrs, and my wife is W-2, My question is I want to qualify for a mortgage loan only using 1 year of tax returns, What would be the best solution for us, I have read that Freddie mac, if allowed, would accept 1 year of tax returns but is there any other options available for us, Thank you!

I am an independent mortgage loan officer and get paid 1099. I do very well but have a lot of write-offs (unreimbursed business expenses), so I declare very little or negative adjusted gross income on my federal income taxes. Due to the low or negative adjusted gross income, I have had a difficult time getting finance on a 2015 45-foot Catamarans Yacht, which is priced at $525,000. It is 45 feet long by 26 feet wide. I think I need to change paths and get a commercial or business loan on this yacht and tell the lender that I am using this Yacht for business purchases only. Can you write off a yacht as a business expense? Can I get a purchase price expense deduction on a yacht? Can I make the yacht a mobile mortgage office? Can my business write off a yacht? Can you get a 30-year fixed rate loan on a yacht? What is the oldest yacht a bank will finance?

Can you buy a yacht as a business expense? What are the tax benefits of owning a yacht? How long of a loan can you get on a yacht? How hard is it to finance a yacht? Can you deduct mortgage interest on a yacht?

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I paid credit off for about 2 years and brought it down to 2 stateside creditors. one credit card loan with 30% interest, and a car loan at 18%. The balances were too high to pay them off quickly and I could not handle the interest rate so I just recently obtained a loan at my bank at 8% to pay them off over 12 months. I know I am saving a ton of money but just wondering if a consolidation loan will be a negative when my credit is reviewed down the line? Increase my credit score, eliminate all high interest credit, eliminate stateside debt.

Dear Gustan Cho Associates Team,

I am a veteran interested in obtaining a VA loan and would like to clarify a few aspects of my situation. I initially filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in March 2022, but after my separation from the Navy in May 2024, I converted to Chapter 7 in June 2024. Since the discharge, I have been working to rebuild my financial stability. My only current income comes from my 100% VA disability compensation and the BAH I receive from my GI Bill. I am actively searching for work but have not yet found a position that fits. Additionally, I am living in an apartment rented under my cousin’s name, with all utilities also in their name, so I don’t have any formal lease or utility bills in my name.

I’ve heard that your team specializes in helping clients with non-traditional cases, and I’m hoping you might be able to guide me through this process. Specifically, I have the following questions:

1. Do you have experience working with clients who have converted from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
2. What is the earliest I might qualify for a VA loan given my conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7?
3. What additional documentation will I need to provide to show my financial recovery and improve my chances?
4. How do you approach manual underwriting in cases like mine, and what factors are most important?
5. What kind of interest rates and loan terms could I expect based on my financial history?

Additionally, regarding my current living situation and income:

1. How does my current living arrangement, where I am not listed on the lease or utility accounts, impact the manual underwriting process for a VA loan?
2. Can I provide alternative documentation to verify my living situation, such as a rent-free letter or a notarized letter from my cousin who holds the lease? Would this be acceptable for meeting the requirements of rental verification?
3. Will the fact that my only income right now is from VA disability compensation and my BAH significantly affect my chances of qualifying for a VA loan? Are there compensating factors, such as savings or financial reserves, that could help offset this?

I appreciate any guidance you can provide and look forward to discussing how we can move forward with the loan process. Thank you for your time.

Danny Vesokie is President of Affiliated Financial Partners Commercial Loan School, a training program for Commercial Loans. It is a three day one on one training school online with lifetime support. I have known Danny Vesokie for years and he has trained people who want to get into Commercial lending through his Affiliated Financial Partners Commercial Loan Officer School.

• This discussion was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

We do not see a real credit score minimum published anywhere. However, most lenders are not accepting low credit scores for a USDA loan. What is the truth here? What is the lowest score possible for an FHA loan?

My employer sent me a legal notice through an advocate for not serving the notice period, where I served 30 days instead of 45 days. They asked me to pay 40K as compensation and 20K for legal notice. What should I do?

If you are a builder of one to four unit homes, we can get you a 25% down payment on the land and up to 100% on the construction costs at competitive rates and fast closing. No credit score required, no maximum debt to income ratio, and no income verification. Please inquire if you are interested in getting new construction financing on spec homes

Car enthusiasts garage fans, if I were a betting man, I would say the best car for the money that you can enjoy is a piece of art if it sits in your garage. Yet, Car Enthusiasts Gargage Fans get a second bonus when other cars decline in value, the Ferrari 599 GTB will skyrocket in value is the Ferrari 599GTB. MADE between 2007 and 2011. $370,000 MSRP. If you can pick. one up at $150,000, great investment.

Is Kamala Harris the best candidate The Democrats have to face former President Donald Trump for 2024 Presidential Election? Are the Democrats that desperate of having a semi-descent candidate for President? Do Democrats think the American people are that stupid? Do Democrats need to name Kamala Harris, the person who slept her way up the political latter? Kamala Harris slept with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to kick off her political career. Kamala Harris is not too smart. Many people cannot believe how she even became a lawyer let alone District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States. Now she is running for President? OMG. What has Kamala Harris ever achieved in her political career. Watch this video clip about Kamala Harris.

https://www.youtube.com/live/RcsRfo16ZC8?si=gFA0rsAlw8iu0KLU

I am considering taking out a VA loan, but I need to know how to go about this. I understand that I have to meet certain requirements to qualify, but I’m not sure what they all are, especially when it comes to getting the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Would someone be kind enough to explain it to me and take me through all the procedures for obtaining the COE?

Do I need to pay mortgage insurance?

How long do derogatories stay on your credit report? Can you please break down how long the following types of credit stays on your credit report: Late Payments, Credit Inquiries, Collection Accounts, Charge-Off Accounts, Judgments, Tax-Liens, Repossessions, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Judgment, Short-Sale, Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure, Child Support, Alimony, Unpaid Parking and Traffic Tickets, Medical Collections.

Does you company work to get subordinate agreements from IRS for buyers who have a tax lien in California?

Hello hope you’re well, have question for you. My brother was divorced but the house is in his wife name and his and the payment and deed are in both. He has 3 children will his part go to his kids.