The Labor Department’s Jobs Report

The Labor Department’s Jobs Report came in much worse than analysts expected, with 240,000 jobs lost in October. In addition, the Unemployment Rate jumped to its highest level since 1994.

In market news, Stocks are coming off their worst back-to-back days since the 1987 Stock Market crash. Although Stocks opened higher this morning, they could be in for more of a decline as today’s poor Jobs Report sinks in. This could create selling pressure on Stocks, which may help bonds improve.

Currently, prices are battling a strong ceiling of resistance. Should prices break out above current levels, it would be very bullish. Therefore, I recommend floating, even though prices are modestly weaker right now and may even worsen slightly before bouncing.

Changes in Loan Programs – There is change afoot!

Dear Friends and Clients!

Happy October! Wow another great week of change! I know you are getting busy out there! I am NEVER too busy for any of your referrals!

Changes in Loan Programs – There is change afoot!

Mortgage guidelines are changing for conventional and FHA financing. I am keeping up with these to keep you informed. See the bullet points below:

· Turning a primary residence into a rental requires 30% equity for conventional and 25% for FHA to count rental income toward qualifying ratios.
· Investment properties require a 20% down payment.
· Second Homes require only 10% down!
· FHA now requires 3.5% down payment as of October 1, 2008.
· Down Payment assistance (Seller Paid) – like Nehemiah, HART, etc is not allowed as of October 1, 2008.
· Down Payment assistance – Gift funds from a family member, non-profit, employer still ok.
· Bankruptcy Seasoning – Discharged = 2 years with re-established credit Dismissed = 4 years with re-established credit.
· Short-sales – two-year seasoning period with re-established credit.

NOTE: MOST FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS WILL QUALIFY FOR A LOAN!! IT IS NOT DOOM AND GLOOM! Let’s take a dream of homeownership and make it a reality and focus on what we can do!

Market Update
The Labor Department reported this morning that 159,000 jobs were lost in September. This is much worse than the 105,000 lost jobs that economists were expecting.

Normally, Bonds would move higher on the news; however, speculation that rate cuts may be coming in the future has Bonds bouncing around a bit.

Attached you will find my current rate sheet for the weekend. These rates have been accumulated from, Chase, Wells Fargo, IndyMac, Countrywide, Citi Mortgage, Wachovia, and Everbank. I have handpicked the best rates from all these banks for the most popular loan programs, so that I can ensure you and your clients the very best deal.

Rates closed the week

Rates closed the week up on some products and flat on other.

· Unemployment rate is up to 5.5% from 5.0% last month
· The half point raise was the biggest jump since February of 1986
· Oil prices continue to rise and started the day at $136 per barrel. Watch this as inflation causes interest rates to increase.
· It’s NOT all bad though… the stock market lost some of its gain today which is good for mortgage pricing. We’ll see how things play out next week.

Unemployment rate to nearly 5%

Last week we had a poor jobs report reading for March with a loss of 80,000 jobs which increased the unemployment rate to nearly 5%. Remember, the jobs report is the economic number with the biggest impact on mortgage rates.

Also, are you curious about your credit card debt? What should you keep your eyes peeled for? Have a productive week and make it great!

Oh by the way, I’m NEVER too busy for any of your mortgage referrals.

Working for a Living

This week we are still looking at the jobs report and its effects on the stock market. It has caused some concern that the Labor Department could still revise the report lower. Mortgage bonds are still at a two year low.

Economists are still looking at a possible rate cut in coming meetings to help the slowing economy; however, with inflation raising it is unlikely future cuts will happen.

There are tips in today’s update for you to review regarding who is taking the losses in the market and what you can do to protect yourself with home loan rates and great advice regarding your credit cards. I hope this information helps you with your financial planning.

If you are a home owner and have an adjustable rate mortgage, 30 year fixed, or pay option ARM, and are looking to lock in a low rate give me a call and ask me about a NO POINTS AND NO FEES REFINANCE. It’s a great time to get locked in. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Getting back to work

Happy New Year!

Hope you had a great week getting back to work. Check out today’s rate sheet attached in PDF format. Mortgage Bond pricing is at the best levels since September 2005. This result comes from a Jobs report that showed only 18,000 news jobs created when expectations were 70,000. With the unemployment rate up a tick to 5.0% from 4.7% the weaker economic news is stirring the markets and improving bond pricing. If you have buyers or past clients interested in purchase or refinance money NOW is a great time. Let me help you get them pre-qualified and provide them the information needed to decide on the best loan program for their situation.

I am NEVER too busy for any of your referrals! Have a great weekend.