31
Dec
By Mike Pfefferman
Holidays

Looking Ahead to a New Year of Helping You Achieve Your Homeownership Dreams

As we approach the end of this year, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had together with all of you. This year has been filled with growth, new opportunities, and the realization of long-held dreams, whether it’s buying a new home, refinancing to secure a better rate, or exploring the best mortgage options available. We are honored to have played a part in helping so many of you achieve your homeownership goals.

As we look forward to the new year, we are excited to continue guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of home financing. With the challenges and triumphs of the past year in mind, we are ready to face the future with renewed dedication, fresh insights, and a steadfast commitment to helping you find the best mortgage options for your unique situation.

A Year of Growth and Gratitude

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who trusted us with your mortgage needs. Whether you were a first-time homebuyer, someone looking to refinance, or a family in search of a construction loan, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with you. We’re thankful for the trust you’ve placed in us and the relationships we’ve built along the way.

In the past year, we’ve seen incredible resilience and adaptability from our clients. In a year filled with market shifts, rate changes, and economic fluctuations, you’ve shown us how important it is to be well-prepared and to have the right people by your side. Your patience, determination, and commitment to your goals have inspired us all, and we are proud to have been part of that journey.

As we move into the new year, we will continue to be here for you. Ready to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide the resources you need to make informed decisions about your home financing. From helping you navigate complex loan structures to securing the right type of mortgage for your needs, we are here to ensure you feel confident and well-informed every step of the way.

Here’s to a successful, prosperous, and exciting year ahead, we can’t wait to help you make your homeownership dreams a reality!

30
Dec
By Mike Pfefferman
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 30th, 2024

With Christmas concluding the prior week, there were few reports other than Consumer Confidence, which had come in slightly below expectations. This should prove to have little impact, especially in the following week. With the New Year on the horizon, there are no reports other than the Chicago Manufacturing output report for the entire week. Happy Holidays!

Consumer Confidence

A post-election pop in consumer confidence fizzled at the end of the year, owing to worries about the U.S. stock market and a potentially higher cost of living as a result of new tariffs. The index of consumer confidence dropped 8.1 points to a three-month low of 104.7 in December, the privately run Conference Board said Monday.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw an increase of 0.08% with the current rate at 6.00%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw an increase of 0.13% with the current rate at 6.85%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates saw an increase of 0.03% for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw an increase of 0.03% for this week. Current rates at 6.46%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 219,000 compared to the expected claims of 225,000. The prior week landed at 220,000.

What’s Ahead

Chicago PMI Report will be the only release for next week.

27
Dec
By Mike Pfefferman
Tax Debts

How to Buy a Home if You Owe Taxes

If you’re considering buying a home while dealing with unpaid taxes, you might be wondering how your tax debt affects your mortgage approval. The good news is, it is possible to buy a home even if you owe taxes. Here’s what you need to know about how owing taxes can impact your homebuying process.

How Owing the IRS Affects Buying a Home

You might not need to wait until your tax debt is completely paid off to apply for a mortgage. It’s important to speak with a loan officer who can guide you through your options based on your specific financial situation. If you’ve been paying off your tax debt through a payment plan, be sure to let your loan officer know and provide supporting documentation and proof of payment.

Getting a Mortgage While You Owe Taxes

While paying off your tax debt isn’t always required before getting a mortgage, there are specific qualifications for mortgages when you have unfiled taxes or a tax lien.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with Unfiled Taxes

When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide the last two years of your tax returns. If your taxes are unfiled, you’ll need to file an extension with the IRS or your state government to remain eligible.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with a Tax Lien

A tax lien gives the government a legal claim to your property due to unpaid taxes. Federal and state liens typically need to be paid off before closing to qualify for a mortgage. The IRS releases the lien within 30 days after the tax debt is paid in full.

Exceptions to the Rule

In some cases, exceptions are made for tax liens if you have a payment plan in place. These exceptions depend on the type of loan program.

Conventional Home Loan Requirements

  • Fannie Mae (FNMA): Requires you to pay off all past-due taxes, including any tax liens, in full before closing. However, Fannie Mae allows installment plans unless there’s a Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
  • Freddie Mac (FHLMC): If you have a tax lien, Freddie Mac requires it to be paid off or be under a repayment plan for at least three months. Payment history must be documented and included in your debt-to-income ratio.

Government Home Loan Requirements

Government-backed loans (like VA, USDA, and FHA) have more flexibility but still require you to resolve your tax lien situation.

  • VA and USDA: You must pay off tax liens in full or have a repayment plan for at least three months.
  • FHA: If your tax liens are delinquent, they must be current or part of a written payment agreement that’s included in your debt-to-income ratio. You’ll need to make at least three months of timely payments.

Does Owing Taxes Affect Mortgage Approval?

Tax debt won’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but paying off your debt will increase your chances of approval. If you can’t pay off your tax debt in full, request an installment agreement and ensure you’re making timely payments.