Market Commentary

Excellent Finance Video Updates
I’m super excited that I stumbled across these video clips featuring Paddy Hirsch from American Public Media’s “Marketplace“.  I’m adding 4 new short video clips to the Homeloan TV page to help you better understand the world we live in, as well as how these realities effect our ability to get mortgages. One video is about why inflation is a concern for us all in our current state of economic uncertainty. Another video that is a great explanation of

Tax Credit Party Continues
The US Senate, and now the house have prepared a new bill that is being sent to the President today for his signature.  This new bill is mainly one that will extend unemployment benefits for another 20 weeks, but what has been tacked on to this is an extension of our $8,000.00 First time home buyers tax credit.  So now those who are in the middle of transactions and hoping to close before thanksgiving just got a little breathing room!! I really like the way they have improved the structure of this credit as well.  The new version extends the credit to those UNDER CONTRACT by April 30th, and then you have 60 days to close.  So you need to be under contract (mutu

Take advantage
If you haven’t already heard, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have dropped recently. If you or someone you know has not recently looked into refinancing options to save money, pay down your mortgage faster, and reduce interest expense, please call or email. We will quickly analyze your current borrowing and help you determine if refinancing makes sense. Recently, the Federal Reserve announced they would extend the purchase of mortgage-backed securities into early 2010, but without allocating any more funds to this effort. The Fed’s efforts of purchasing mortgages is a primary reason rates have remained so low to this point. Now, with the end in sight, experts agree th

Is a Refinance right for you?
Many of you may have heard now that rates are drifting lower and lower still.  We’re below 5% right now for most conforming mortgage scenarios, and the “fannie mae refi-plus” is a great option for qualifying for great pricing even if your home’s value has slipped.  If you want to find out just how much you would save, or how quickly that savings would be paid for in a refinance, I have developed a quick online form for my clients and friends to find out where they stand. Please fill out this form- it should take you about 15 seconds.  My staff and I will take this info and come back to you with a report that clearly lays out your possible options.

Two Portland Mortgage success stories
It has been a very busy time for us at Mortgage Trust.  Rates are super low and holding steady, and the window for that $8,000.00 tax credit is fast closing.  Affordability is rising across the board, and the annual end of summer real estate frenzy/climax is upon us. I wanted to take a moment to highlight a couple of my Portland mortgage clients whom I am particularly proud of.  To share how powerful their real estate mortgage management is and will be for their lives, one purchase, and one refinance story. First the purchase:  I have a great client who is a nurse with a local Portland hosp