The key is recognizing those things that bring us closer to the core of who we are and doing them.  That is easier said than done though, right?  Most important realization though: WHO I am is much greater than what I do for a living. I would bet that is true of you too.  So: Who are you in 2010?

Homebuyer Alert…

For prospective homebuyers who are on the fence about making a home purchase, the next few months represent a countdown of sorts for two reasons.

The first of these, the coming expiration of huge tax incentives, may be a bit more obvious to most borrowers. April 30, 2010 is the last day to enter into a home purchase contract and still potentially qualify for a federal income tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and up to $6,500 for repeat homebuyers.. The credit can be claimed only on contracts that close by June 30, 2010.

Secondly, beyond the waning benefit of the Federal income tax incentive, another form of stimulus will soon disappear, as the Federal Reserve winds down a program that has been keeping home loan rates artificially low.

Rate Alert…

The lowest rates of 2009 were driven down to their attractive levels because of the Fed’s Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) purchase program. Home loan rates have an inverse relationship with the value of MBS. When these securities trade higher on the market, rates move lower and vice-versa. So when the Fed originally agreed to be a big buyer, it helped provide a market for MBS, which helped keep prices high and, as a result, helped push home loan rates low.

And while the Fed continues that program through the end of March 2010, the reality is that the Fed’s “extension” was really more of a rationing intended to prevent home loan rates from spiking as the program is phased out. It’s sort of like weaning the market off of its life-saving treatment instead of forcing it to go cold turkey.

Already, some in the media have mistakenly reported the extension of the program through March as good news, telling consumers that rates will continue to decline, and remain low into the spring. This gives a false sense of security that homebuyers and refinancers simply cannot afford.

The problem is…

Those reports do not accurately report what’s going on or where rates are really headed. That can have a very costly impact on consumers who may miss out on historically low rates if they listen to these media outlets.

Here’s what’s really going on…

In May 2009, the Federal Reserve’s purchases of MBS peaked at an average of $25 Billion per week. As of November, the average weekly purchases dropped down to $14 Billion. At the end of November, the Fed had already used over 80% of the allocated funds for MBS, meaning less than 20% remained to be used over four months.

Making the problem worse is that the Fed now has less money available to purchase MBS while at the same time, the supply of these securities has increased as a result of refinance and purchase activity that was triggered by lower rates.

Why is that important?

As the Fed now has fewer funds to last through the remaining months of the program, its ability to keep rates low will wane.
As the Fed’s program winds down and ends, we’ll likely see two things happen.

First, we will probably see higher levels of volatility-with rates sometimes shifting dramatically in the middle of the day. That means it is more important than ever for buyers to work with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who has a finger on the pulse of the market at all times and can provide trusted, proven advice.

Second, since MBS will have less support from the Fed, rates are likely to rise over time.

In short, while rates are still very good, they may not be for long.

What should you do to protect yourself?

First and foremost, work with a knowledgeable mortgage originator who studies and monitors the market.

Second, don’t be fooled by media stories that only report the headlines and don’t understand the underlying implications of the Fed’s actions. If you ever hear something in the news but aren’t sure what it means to your situation, feel free to call or email me for in-depth answers and advice.

Finally, if you haven’t yet explored how the current rate environment might benefit you or someone you know, let’s arrange a time to sit down and discuss your unique situation as well as your short- and long-term goals. Remember, rates are still very good, but they may not be for long.

Technical signals are showing it’s time for a reversal in the bond market, so look for rates to start going up steadily in the very near future.  Don’t snooze, I think these rates will start going up very soon. And NOW is the time to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit.  This info sheet will be helpful to brief you on the details of the program, but please talk to your accountant for further details.

Article from earlier this year courtesy of the Mortgage Market Guide, but very relevant as the strategy of the MBS purchase plan is changing the end of September that will most likely impact mortgage rates for the worse.

The Fed’s been at it again, offering words that sound encouraging at first blush, confirming that their buying program of Mortgage Backed Securities is in full swing and will continue as needed. Of course, the media will pick this up and offer their own interpretation, saying “Good news, the Fed’s words on continuing their purchasing program mean that rates will continue to drop lower, and remain low into the summer…” But is this really what that means? Not so.

Here’s the truth.

Yes, the Fed has been buying Mortgage Bonds, but if you look at what they are purchasing, they are buying a lot of FNMA 30-yr 5.5% and 5.0% Bonds…which won’t have much of an impact on present interest rates. Why? First, see the Fed’s purchases for yourself by hitting this link: Direct Link to View Fed Mortgage Bond Buying – http://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/mbs/index.html.

So why is the Fed buying these Bonds? Well if you think about it, it’s very smart of the Fed…and maybe even a little sneaky…because 5.5% Bonds actually represent outstanding mortgages with rates of 6 – 6.50%, which are precisely the loans being refinanced at today’s great interest rates.

Stay with me here…

With rates at present low levels, many of the mortgages in these FNMA 5.5% pools being bought up by the Fed will be refinanced and paid, thus giving the Fed a quick recoup on some of their investment. And this is likely a big reason why the Fed said they could continue this purchasing program beyond June, if necessary. Bottom line, the Fed buying these higher rate coupons will not necessarily help rates to move lower, as their actions do not impact the loans being originated at today’s low rates.

Here’s the most important part.

Sometimes I talk to clients who are in a situation where it makes sense to refinance right now, and save $250 per month for example. But when they hear the media throwing around teases of lower rates ahead, they decide to hold off on making the decision to save the $250 per month right now, in the hopes of gaining another $30 per month in additional savings with a lower rate than where we stand presently. Now clearly, rates could turn higher, and this window of opportunity could pass them by entirely.

The clincher is this:

Even if those clients ultimately are correct in timing the market, and eventually grab that lower rate and save another $30 per month – think of what they have lost by waiting. While they delayed, they lost the savings they could have gained by taking action sooner – or in the example used, $250 – for every single month they waited. So even if they got lucky and obtained the rate they were looking for, it could take years to make up what they lost by waiting.

I don’t want anyone to miss an opportunity by either waiting, or not understanding what is at stake. Let’s talk further on this – call or email me and let’s discuss what this might mean for you.

Increased Net Worth: Few things have a greater impact on net worth than owning a home. In a comparison of renters versus homeowners, the Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance found that the average net worth of renters was just $4,000 compared to homeowners at $184,400.

A Big Tax Deduction: One of the largest tax deductions available is the amount of interest paid on a mortgage. In fact, a $150,000 home at a 5.50% interest rate can add up to approximately $8,000 in first year’s interest. This amounts to a significant savings – effectively reducing the amount of a homeowner’s monthly loan payment.

Long-Term Appreciation: Over the last few years, home prices have corrected and become more affordable. While that’s good news for potential buyers, it has overshadowed the long-term appreciation of a home’s value. The reality is, despite market ups and downs, real estate historically appreciates around 6% per year. Even if you calculate a modest appreciation of 3%, a home purchased today for $150,000 should grow in value to $364,000 over 30 years.

$8,000 Tax Credit: Don’t forget, the government is offering an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers – or for folks that haven’t owned a home during the past three years. However, the program is scheduled to end soon. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service recently reminded potential buyers that they must complete their first-time home purchases before December 1, 2009 to qualify for the special credit, which means the last day to close on a home and qualify for the credit is November 30, 2009.

If you’re considering purchasing a home or refinancing, this is an ideal time. Call or email me today to discuss your specific situation and how you can benefit from today’s market.

Source- MMG WEEKLY

Interest rates are still hovering around 5% and the clock is ticking for the first time home buyer $8000 credit to end on November 30. There is no time like the present to purchase a home! Bozeman still has good inventory, but there are definately properties going under contract and coming off the market. Call me today for a list of available homes!

Additionally the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer credit will expire as of November 30, 2009. It’s crucial for homebuyers to be prepared to take action. Many are doing just that recently as they are recognizing the opportunity that has presented itself. Last week home loan applications surged to their highest levels since late May according to The Mortgage Bankers Association.

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you, or perhaps a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker that might be thinking about a home purchase. The combination of reduced home prices, motivated sellers, low home loan rates, and the potential of a juicy tax credit is too great an opportunity to miss.

Scholarships: These two sites provide available scholarships with no age limits or restrictions- www.Fastweb.com www.SuperCollege.com

The Government: Individual states are offering a variety of grants to help boost your current at-work sills. Check out these sites for more information-  www.careeronestop.org www.opportunity.gov

Employers: Numerous employers are still offering tuition assistance, especially if it can be documented that  the educational program will increase job performance or increase longevity with that employer. For those who are considering a return to the classroom while still maintaining their current job, this is another viable option.

Shannon Renevier
VP/Real Estate Loan Officer

(406) 566-7677 Direct
(406) 566-7605 Fax

srenevier@rmbank.com

2901 W. Main
Bozeman, MT 59718

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32051101/ns/business-real_estate/