GCA FORUMS HOUSING AND MORTGAGE NEWS for Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. President Donald Trump is going full steam ahead with uncovering what seems to be the largest fraud and corruption in the history of the United States with the help of Elon Musk and the new federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Elon Musk has been in charge of DOGE just for three weeks, and he has uncovered trillions of dollars of fraud, corruption, and blatant irresponsible spending that no doubt has been used to embezzle taxpayer funds. The fraud and corruption include paying millions of dead people social security checks and benefits. There are recipients for these stolen taxpayer funds. President Donald Trump said that the fraud Elon Musk discovered was not even 1.0% of what is coming. Potential hundreds of billions of dollars worth of fraud that Trump and Musk are expecting to reveal are from many federal giant agencies that can and will affect the housing and mortgage marketplace, which will affect homeowners and homebuyers. The agencies that affect the housing sector and mortgage markets in the United States include the Federal Reserve Board, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, which is the parent of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA), the Department of Defense (the Pentagon), the Department of Veterans Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA and USDA Loans). Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the United States Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Health and Human Services, and countless other federal agencies and third-party contractors. Another important issue that affects homeowners and homebuyers is property taxes. There are many talks and debates concerning the legality and legitimacy of property taxes on single-family homes. Many homeowners, especially the elderly, President Trump is thinking of abolishing the IRS, federal income taxes, and property taxes. President Trump is also thinking about giving the American people a stimulus check from the fraud that was committed. This is a developing story from GCA FORUMS NEWS. With the abolishment of the Federal Reserve Board, interest rates is going to drop and inflation will get back to normal because the Federal Reserve Board can no longer print U.S. Currency and the dollar will be backed by Gold and Silver.

Just checking in… I sent a number of texts and a couple of emails a week / 10 days ago. I figured you were probably both very busy with a number of things, and it might have been difficult to get back to me. A follow up on those items…….I finally had a chance to get copies made for my files of the new exterior elevation drawings I gave you a meeting or two ago. I have dropped those 24″ x 36″ sheets back in the mail to you for your files. I have also reduced them down to 8 1/2 x 11 size, scanned them, and attached them to this email so you also have a smaller, more manageable size sheet.

I have also attached the previous sketch that identified your contractors layout of the new 2nd floor bath…..if you can confirm that it indeed was constructed this way, I will change the PHASE ONE drawings to reflect this as an “as-built” condition. Since it has been completed, there is no sense in showing it as any type of new construction on the documents.

Also, was anything “constructed” with regard to the “attic space” ? If I remember correctly, you indicated you were going to get back to me once you had discussed the possibilities, based on existing conditions, with your contractor. The “attic space” could (?) have implications and affect the PHASE ONE documents depending on what construction, if any, was contemplated or constructed.

If you could zap me back with an update regarding the above when you have an opportunity, it would be greatly appreciated.

As always…THANKS

Mortgage and Real Estate News for Thursday January 30th 2025.

As of Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Mortgage and Real Estate scene shows new opportunities emerging. Let’s look at the notable developments from the data from the last few weeks.

Federal Reserve Mortgage Rates Action:

The Average Rate:

• The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan is 6.88%, a slight dip of 0.03% from yesterday.
• Similarly, for a 15-year fixed rent, the mortgage has gone below 6.30%, continuing a multi-week decline.

Federal Reserve:

• The Federal Reserve recently decided to keep the benchmark interest rate steady for the second time.
• The adjustable-rate sought is still capped at over 5.5%, which has stalled the economy for several months due to incessant inflation.
• As a result, mortgage rates have tended to be more stable.
• With that, home hopefuls can be guaranteed an improvement in their chances of being eased up to buy homes.

Trends in the Housing Markets:

Pending Transactions:

• The elevated mortgage rate has been ongoing in the Western and Northeast regions, which tends to hinder affordability.
• This resulted in pending sales witnessing a consistent decline in December 2024, which stood at 5.5%.

Inventory Levels:

• In January 2025, new home listings increased by 11%, suggesting a reduction in the “lock-in effect” from mortgage rates, which in the past dampened homeowners’ willingness to sell.
• This inventory increase can provide more options for sellers in the following months.

Buyer Assistance:

Application Payment:

• The median payments for mortgage applications on a national level saw some pain during December 2024, decreasing from $2,133 in November to $2,127.
• However, the price for application purchase remains fairly at a stale rate.
• This suggests that the lack of affordability is not more pronounced than before, even with the prevailing economic stressors.

Financial Aid from Family:

• The UK has experienced a reduction in the proportion of first-time homebuyers getting help from their family, which decreased from 45% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.
• The average gifted value also fell, a sign of economic strain on families.

Global Insights

Deficit of Mortgages:

• Homeowners with foam spray insulation are now facing mortgage defaults as industry specialists dispute the structural integrity of the application.
• Foam spray insulation poses problems for the primary mortgage market as more lenders have begun to offer very qualified terms to houses with such insulation, making sales or refinancing very challenging.

Forecast for Australia:

• National Australia Bank is now expecting the Reserve Bank of Australia to implement a 25 basis point cut in February instead of the cut issued in December, as was previously assumed.
• If the additional cut is made, it would benefit current homeowners, as monthly mortgage payments would decrease.

All these factors speak to the changes in the global real estate market and sustain the earlier conclusion regarding the emerging changes as the consequences of policies taken, shifting emotions of the market, and the emerging relations between supply and demand.

My son and nephews want to become an NMLS licensed mortgage loan originator. I know MLOs make seven figures if they are exceptional salespeople and during good bull mortgage and real estate markets. How is it like starting a career as a mortgage loan originator these days? I heard thousands of MLOs left the mortgage industry, and thousands of mortgage brokers and lenders either closed up shop, went out of business, or merged. Can you please give me a detailed comprehensive update of the mortgage industry and starting a career as a mortgage loan originator selling government, conventional, non-QM, and alternative financing mortgage loans?

National Daily Comprehensive Headline News, including the latest Southern California wildfires, inflation, stock and bond markets, rates, and overview of important news in the United States for Friday January 10th, 2025. On January 10, 2025, there will be a roundup of major national news covering the fires in Southern California, economic indicators, and national markets.

Southern California Wildfires:

Wildfires are raging in southern California, and roughly 36,685 acres of land have been burned, mostly in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Palisades Fire, Hurst Fire, and Eaton Fire are the main ones. These fires have resulted in the death of not less than ten people, destruction or damage to over 13,400 structures, and evacuation of close to 180,000 residents. Adding to the problem are severe Santa Ana winds that blow with speeds above 80-100 miles per hour and dry weather conditions. Authorities are examining the causes emphasizing extreme climate patterns.

Economic Indicators:

Employment Data:

• In December alone, the U.S. economy added more jobs than anticipated – a total of 256 thousand – thereby reducing unemployment rates.
• This noteworthy increase in employment suggests a robust labor market that could influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy choices.

Inflation Concerns:

• Anticipated import tariffs have pushed consumer inflation expectations, leading to concerns that prices may rise in the coming months.

Financial Markets:

Bond Market:

• Following yesterday’s strong employment report, U.S. Treasury yields jumped, with the 10-year yield nearing five percent.
• This change reflects investors’ readjustment of their forecasts for Federal Reserve interest rates.

Stock Market:

• The main U.S. stock indices fell, including the S&P500 (1.5%), DJIA (1.4%), and Nasdaq (1%).
• Investors worry that continued economic strength may mean higher interest rates, impacting corporate earnings and valuations.

Outlook on Interest Rate:

• The Federal Reserve, which started to cut rates in September 2024, is now expected to maintain current interest rates for longer.
• Some analysts argue that the Fed may contemplate raising rates in 2025 if inflationary pressures intensify.

Other Developments

Corporate Bond Issuance:

• Major American companies are issuing bonds faster and faster to capture current borrowing costs, keeping rising Treasury yields in mind.
• This week, $62.7 bn was raised across 39 issuers—a record.

Public Health Emergency

The U.S. Department of Health has declared a public health emergency for California due to wildfires to facilitate federal help for affected communities.

In summary, America faces several challenges, including huge wildfires in Southern California and economic dynamics marked by strong employment numbers, increasing inflation outlooks, and unstable financial markets.

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Tom Miller.

On December 15, 2024, the U.S. mortgage and real estate market is expected to see the following changes:

Trends in Mortgage Rates and Market Development: Reduction of Current Mortgage Rates

The average fixed mortgage rate for 30 years has dropped from 6.69% to 6.6% for the third week. Potential homebuyers can sigh relief, especially as we enter a low-competition winter period.

People Looking To Purchase Homes Expected To Rise

The NAR estimates selling numbers to be higher than in 2025 with the 6% mortgage stabilization rate. The sale value of previously-sector-owned homes is expected to be $410,700, which is a modest increase of 2%. The availability of additional stock and the increase in the number of people relocating to metro areas are shaping the market.

Regional Market HighlightsOuter Suburbs Advancement

According to Australia’s report, outer suburbs and non-metropolitan regions are comparatively outperforming other metropolitan regions in household demand, and the time taken to sell homes is also significantly less. Two cities in Australia, Perth and Brisbane, have seen a major decline in the median selling time, indicating significant market growth after particular times.

Attraction of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC, is gaining traction with retirees. Between 2020 and 2023, the nation saw the maximum adult growth rate of those over 65.

The local housing market has different types of properties that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Innovations and Industry ChallengesFrustrations in Mortgage Credit

In November, mortgage credit availability drastically dropped, with government indices dropping to the lowest since 2012. Reduced investor interest has affected the liquidity in the market.

Technological Advancements

There is a growing trend within the mortgage field of enhancing how customers are treated and supported during the lending process. Lenders are adapting new technologies that optimize business processes, lower costs, and address changing consumer needs to enhance and deliver value throughout the customer journey.

Consumer StrategiesApps for Mortgage Overpayment

Owners use Sprive and similar applications to make mortgage overpayments, likely reducing their terms and the total interest paid. These applications are linked to a bank account and offer cash back, and these savings contribute to such payments.

Market Outlook: Predictions for 2025

According to the experts, mortgage prices will stay around 6% in 2025, the new mark. These reductions would allow more buyers to enter the market after the interest rates increased previously. However, affordability will remain a barrier, especially in the more sought-out areas.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pQrWdi0KNtE

How does the $25,000 down payment homebuyer federal grant work? Kamala Harris has been a hypocrite and has a history of lying. Kamala Harris is very vague on the $25,000 down payment grant for homebuyers. Anyone have specifics. Harris has a reputation of promising a lot of things but never explains it in detail.

I have seen so many cases where home builders will offer seller or builder’s concession towards closing costs of $10,000 or more only if the homebuyer uses the home builder’s preferred mortgage lender. If the homebuyer uses the buyer’s own mortgage lender and loan officer, the home builder will not offer any seller concession towards closing costs. To up the ante, the home builder also will offer incenstives such as upgrades to homebuyers who use the home builder’s preferred lender. Isn’t this illegal? Isn’t this a case of steering? Why isn’t the CFPB, HUD, and state and federal mortgage regulators jumping in on this. I am sure the preferred lender is giving the home builder a kickback which is an absolute violation of RESPA and mortgage fraud. I archived this article about Home Builders Steering Buyers To Builder’s Preferred Lenders and I suggest you folks read it and save it on your archives. I use it for reference.

https://gcamortgage.com/preferred-lenders-steered-by-builders/

gcamortgage.com

Should I Use Preferred Lenders Steered By Builders

Homebuyers who go with preferred lenders steered by builders get incentives such as builder upgrades, closing cost credits, and upgrades

What does a prospective employer look in your credit. How do employers analyze credit scores and your overhall credit in the hiring and promotion process. What does a high credit score and good credit determine of a prospective employee. Will bad credit and low credit score jeapordize a job candidate from getting hired? What type of job positions will be scrutinize with their prospective employer running credit and what determines the job prospect whether or not they get the job.

What is the difference between FHA AMENDATORY CLAUSE and VA AMENDATORY CLAUSE?

• This discussion was modified 6 months, 1 week ago by  Sapna Sharma.

How does the county assessor’s office value home prices and property taxes? What does the assessed value of a home mean? What factors are used by the assessor in determining my home’s assessed value and property taxes? How can I reduce my property taxes? What is the maximum property tax increase in each of the fifty states? Do seniors get a break in property taxes in every state? Where are my property taxes used for? Should homeowners challenge property tax assessment with the county assessor? What is the step by step process in disputing and challenging your property taxes? What are frequently asked questions from homeowners about property tax assessments. What is the difference between assessed versus market value on real estate. What is the basic explanation of property assessments? How are owner-occupant homes, investment homes, and commercial properties assessed and how are the property taxes on these three different types of properties determined?

If you have late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure, lenders consider borrowers as second offenders. Borrowers with late payments after a bankruptcy or a housing event will have a difficult time getting a mortgage loan approval. Why do mortgage lenders consider borrowers having late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure, as second offenders. Why do mortgage lenders consider borrowers with late payments after a bankruptcy or a housing event have a difficult time getting a mortgage loan approval. How can you get approved for a mortgage approval with late payments after bankruptcy or foreclosure?

Is there God. Is God Real? Is God Good? The Ten Commandments. Who is our Creator? Adam and Eve. Jesus. What is Heaven? Hell? Who is Satan? Who created Earth, the sun, the moon. Life and death. What makes a person Good, Bad, or Evil. Many questions for nonbelievers.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/iVMwoQ9vr3opJMDz/?mibextid=D5vuiz

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Sharing the gospel to an Atheist in Walmart! Pray for Him 🙏 By @zachary_impellicceiri #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #Godisreal #jesuslovesyou #christian #Christiancontent #christianreels #motivation #Inspiration #truth #instagramforchristians #TheChristiansDeck | The Christian's Deck | thechristiansdeck · Original audio

Sharing the gospel to an Atheist in Walmart! Pray for Him 🙏 By @zachary_impellicceiri #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #Godisreal #jesuslovesyou #christian #Christiancontent #christianreels...

Here’s a blog about HUD Guidelines on gift of Equity.

What kind of mortgage can I get approved for during a divorce process?