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

As of December 17, 2024, the mortgage and real estate markets are experiencing notable developments across various regions. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Mortgage Rates and Trends

• Current Averages: The national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is approximately 6.78%, rising over the past five days.
• This upward trend followed when rates reached their lowest levels since October.
• State Variations: Refinance rates vary by state, with New York, California, and Arkansas offering some of the lowest rates between 6.70% and 6.90%. In contrast, states like Kentucky, Hawaii, and Illinois have higher rates, ranging from 7.02% to 7.09%.
• Expert Predictions: Economists forecast that mortgage rates will remain above 6% into 2025, with some estimates reaching 6.8%. Factors influencing these projections include potential inflation and national debt concerns.

Real Estate Market Highlights

• Luxury Rentals: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler rents an 8,500-square-foot mansion on Miami Beach’s exclusive Hibiscus Island for over $70,000 monthly. This property features luxurious amenities, including ocean and skyline views, a private dock, and extensive recreational facilities.
• Australian Market Dynamics: In Australia, housing has become the foremost concern in 2024, with costs escalating significantly. Mortgage holders face increased interest rates, leading to financial strain for many. The average monthly mortgage repayment has nearly doubled from $2,291 in 2022 to $4,428 in 2024.
• UK Housing Outlook: The UK propertSignificant25, such as stamp duty threshold alterations effective April 1, potential mortgage rate reductions later in the year. These factors are expected to influence the UK property market, behavior, and market activity.

Market Predictions and Buyer Behavior

• Potential Market Surge: Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran predicts that if mortgage rates drop to around 5%, it could cause a significant increase in homebuying activity, making the housing market “go ballistic.” Mortgage rates have fallen to 6.6% but fluctuate between 6% and 7%.
• Millennial Hesitancy: Millennials born between 1981 and 1996 exhibit caution when entering the housing market. Past economic crises and volatile home prices have led this generation to view homeownership as a speculative asset, contributing to a lower homeownership rate than previous generations.

The mortgage and real estate landscapes are characterized by fluctuating rates, regional disparities, and shifting buyer sentiments. Stakeholders should closely monitor these trends to make informed decisions in this dynamic environment.

Brent Norkus, of Goosehead Insurance is the preferred referred insurance agent at Gustan Cho Associates in Oakbrook, Terrace, Illinois. GCA Mortgage Group, a dba of NEXA Mortgage is licensed in 48 states including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brent Norkus of Goosehead Insurance is availabe seven days a week, eveningss, weekends, and holidays. Brent Norkus of Goosehead Insurance, unlike other insurance agent, is hands on and leads by example. Like to thank Brent Norkus of Goosehead Insurance for this article on property homeowners insurance

https://gustancho.com/property-homeowners-insurance/

• This discussion was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

gustancho.com

Property Homeowners Insurance is Required by Lenders

Property Homeowners Insurance Is required by lenders to protect both the homeowners and lender's interest and collateral which is the home

Shoud I rent a house or buy a house now? I know that you will get way less house for the money but I do not want to get priced out of the housing market and rent forever.

Motorhomes, also known as recreational vehicles (RVs), are designed for living accommodations. They are equipped with amenities found in homes, making them suitable for travel, camping, and extended stays. Motorhomes come in various sizes and styles, ranging from compact camper vans to larger Class A motorhomes. Here are some common types of motorhomes:

Class A Motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious motorhomes, resembling buses. They often have spacious interiors with amenities like full kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. Class A motorhomes are built on heavy-duty chassis.

Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans) are smaller, van-based motorhomes. They are more compact and easier to drive than Class A or C motorhomes but have limited interior space. Class B motorhomes typically include basic amenities like a small kitchen and bathroom.

Class C Motorhomes: These are built on a truck or van chassis, with a distinctive overhang over the driver’s cab. They compromise Class A’s size and Class B’s maneuverability. They often have sleeping areas over the cab, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living space.

Travel Trailers: While not technically motorhomes, travel trailers are towed by a separate vehicle. They come in various sizes and floor plans, offering flexibility and the option to detach the living space from the towing vehicle.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers: Similar to travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers are towed by a pickup truck with a special hitch. They provide more stability and interior space compared to traditional travel trailers.

Motorhomes typically feature various amenities, including sleeping quarters, kitchens, bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, entertainment systems, and storage space. Some high-end motorhomes may include additional luxuries like satellite TV, washer/dryer units, and slide-out sections that expand living space when parked.

Owning a motorhome allows individuals or families to travel conveniently with their accommodations, making it a popular choice for road trips, camping, and extended vacations. Motorhomes are becoming increasingly popular. It’s like having a mobile vacation or a second home.

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

What is correspondent mortgage lending?

With Mortgage Rates Jumping from 2.0% to 8% in 2 years, inflation out of control, coronavirus pandemic outbreak, home values surging to all time highs, voter fraud, out of control political corruption, is the Mortgage Industry struggling?

Electric car blog that is very informative. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/22/electric-vehicle-boom-demise-00133064

politico.com

Why the battle over electric cars is primed to take off

“In my district, … this is not playing well,” GOP Rep. Lisa McClain said. “And let’s be honest, Michigan is a very influential state for the upcoming election.”

Can someone please explain how the Revenue Share residual income program works for mortgage loan officers at NEXA Mortgage. I am getting conflicting answers. Thank you in advance.

Happy Hump Day !!

VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024 – VA News

news.va.gov

VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024 - VA News

By pausing foreclosures and extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program, we can continue assisting Veterans with their loans while we launch our newest home retention option, the VA Servicing Purchase (VASP) program.

I want to APPLY NOW for a mortgage but have outstanding collection accounts. What is the statute of limitations on collection accounts for a mortgage?

Why business partnernersips fail?

It is ridiculous how Healthcare costs are skyrocketing. Mortgage lending have caps for costs and fees such as the high cost rule. Borrowers cannot be charged more than 5% of the total cost of the loan which included third-party costs such as prepaid, escrow, homeowners insurance, title charges, etc. Compare the high cost cap to Healthcare. Especially prescription drugs.

Help with financing 2nd home – Rental Income Property

What if I have a non-occupant co-Borrower with poor credit, What To Do???

That’s it, I’m looking to refinance. Initially quoted me a 30-year fixed at 6.5% in March, but when the underwriters got through with me it was a 30-year interest-only with 8.25%. Not happy! Nevertheless, my lender – LendingTree.com- grants returning customers a refinance at NO costs.
The general situation is here. Any advice appreciated.
I owe CC debt approx $60K (AVG. APR 6.5%)
I have Interest only Home loan (8.25% $366K, 100% financing)
I earn 7K/month
Net Current monthly liabilities $6,200 (cc payments, mortgage, insurance, etc)
I have cash of $20K
Credit score 680

What to do with the cash? Am I to pay off some of my CC debt to boost my credit score or make a down payment to get a better mortgage? How about buying points, and which way is the lending market looking to go within the next 6 months?

I have an auto loan in my name for my wife’s vehicle. My question is that the loan is about 2 years old and down to about 11,000 owed. Do I refinance now with my credit union?

Chicago, Illinois branded as the top three city in the .United States.

https://youtu.be/BhgSz7XF_K0?si=VeC5qr39Uc8Yxnlf

What is domain authority and domain rankings. What is Spam score and back link? What are toxic back links?

Veterans and Credit Mix: Diversifying the Financial Portfolio

Welcome to Day 17 of our series, where we continue to aid our valiant veterans in their voyage through the world of civilian credit. Today’s focal point is credit mix—a somewhat lesser-known yet integral component of credit health.

Deciphering Credit Mix: More than Just Cards

Credit mix pertains to the various types of credit accounts you hold, such as credit cards, mortgages, installment loans, and retail accounts. It accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. A diverse credit mix can demonstrate your ability to manage different kinds of credit responsibly.

Why Credit Mix Matters for Veterans

For veterans who might have been away from mainstream financial systems during active duty, understanding and building a diverse credit mix can be instrumental in establishing a robust credit profile in civilian life.

Strategies for a Healthy Credit Mix

• Start with the Basics: If you’re new to credit, begin with a credit card or a small installment loan, ensuring timely repayments.

• Consider Diversified Borrowing: Over time, if you find the need for larger loans (like auto or home loans), these can enhance your credit mix.

• Avoid Unnecessary Debt: While diversifying is good, taking on debt unnecessarily just to “mix it up” is not advisable. Only borrow what you need and can repay.

• Seek Secured Options: For veterans finding it challenging to get approved for traditional credit, secured credit cards or loans can be a stepping stone to building a credit mix.

Veteran-Centric Viewpoints on Credit Mix

• Leveraging VA Loans: Veterans have the unique advantage of VA loans for home purchases. This can be a valuable addition to your credit mix while offering better terms than conventional loans.

• Utilizing Military Lending Options: Some credit unions and banks cater specifically to military members and veterans. Exploring these can offer avenues to diversify your credit types.

• Financial Transitioning After Service: Post active duty, there may be opportunities to engage with various credit types. This transition phase can be an opportune time to thoughtfully diversify credit.

Challenges in Building a Diverse Credit Mix

• Overextension: While seeking a varied credit mix, there’s a risk of overextending financially. Always be cautious of your capacity to manage and repay debt.

• Misconceptions: Some may believe that having several credit cards equates to a good credit mix. In reality, diversification across different types of credit is what counts.

• Short-Term Score Drops: Initially, when you open a new credit type, there might be a slight drop in your score due to hard inquiries. However, in the long term, responsible management of the new credit can be beneficial.

Credit Mix in the Grand Financial Symphony

A diverse credit mix, while influential, is one instrument in the grand orchestra of credit health. It needs to harmonize with other components like payment history, credit utilization, and credit inquiries to produce a favorable credit score.

Concluding Day 17: Charting the Course with Diversified Financial Instruments

In the vast ocean of credit, having a diversified fleet of financial instruments can aid in navigating turbulent waters. For our veterans, understanding the value of a varied credit mix is akin to understanding the significance of varied skills and tactics on the battlefield.

As we culminate today’s segment, our unwavering goal shines bright: to arm our nation’s heroes with comprehensive financial knowledge, allowing them to sail smoothly through their civilian financial journey.

Stay tuned for Day 18, where we’ll dive deeper, unearthing more facets of credit and finance, ensuring our veterans are always a step ahead in their financial quests.

What do mortgage underwriters ask for CPA letters from self-employed borrowers?

• This discussion was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

What credit score model do mortgage lenders use? Is VantageScore so much higher than FICO? Do Mortgage Lenders Check FICO or Vantage? For the majority of lending decisions do most lenders use your FICO score? And which type of FICO score? FICO 2, 4, 8?

How far off is VantageScore from FICO? What FICO or Vantage Score Model does FHA, VA, USDA, FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC, and Non-QM mortgage loans use? What is a good FICO score to get a mortgage?

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes bill that would have given undocumented immigrants access to home loans. Can you please explain the $150,000 Housing Grant Bill to undocumented immigrants in California?

https://www.foxla.com/news/newsom-vetoes-bill-housing-loans-illegal-immigrants

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

foxla.com

Newsom vetoes controversial bill that would have given housing loans to illegal immigrants

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial bill that would have given hundreds of thousands of dollars in housing loans to illegal immigrants.

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

Can you please explain in detail what is the NAR Settlement for 2024? How will the NAR Settlement affect realtors? What is the ruling against the National Realtors Association? Who is going to benefit and receive money from the NAR settlement? Walk me Through August 17th, Buyers Now Pay Their Realtor’s Commissions. I started reading more into the August 17th 2024 date where suddenly homebuyers now pay the buyer real estate agent. Home sellers are only responsible to pay their seller real estate agent. As someone who plans to be both a seller and a buyer sometime in the near future, I am interested in both sides of this. This is really complicated and many real estate agents think they will be out of business. Maybe there are no real answers yet, but I want to hear other’s thoughts.

https://youtu.be/QKItI0C3K6M?si=X5fPAt7i4sEd783H

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by  Lilly.
• This discussion was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

What are mortgage rates today Monday August 5th, 2024. Why is the Dow Jones Industrial Average Down 1,000 points? Why are the 30-year U.S. Treasuries down and what does this mean to mortgage rates? Why is Gold and Silver down and what this mean? What is the Federal Reserve Board thinking?

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.

It’s about time to expose human traffickers and pedophiles at all levels. The mainstream media, politicians, Hollywood Elites, far left liberals, and Globalists cannot cover it up anymore. Pedophilia is becoming an epidemic on a global scale and if the good guys continue to be quiet and not speak up, they are no different than the evil worshippers of Satan. Hollywood Superstar Mel Gibson is speaking out about Oprah Winfrey who has a history of harvesting trafficking of children and Pedophilia. Watch this YouTube video clip about Mel Gibson speaking out on Oprah Winfrey. Just unfreaking believable.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/KQodZAkzHQcVpMis/?mibextid=NqTh7c

facebook.com

HOLLYWOOD IS DONE!! OPRAH IS PISSED!! Mel Gibson Exposes Oprah's SECRETS That Nobody Knew About | HOLLYWOOD IS DONE!! OPRAH IS PISSED!! Mel Gibson Exposes Oprah's SECRETS That Nobody Knew About | By Grav3yardgirl fansFacebook

HOLLYWOOD IS DONE!! OPRAH IS PISSED!! Mel Gibson Exposes Oprah's SECRETS That Nobody Knew About