Mortgage rates will tick higher but remain at historically low

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So The Fed Increased Rates

Many analysts weighed in regarding the “after-effects” of the first rate increase by the Federal Reserve in almost a decade. At least initially, these predictions seem to be bearing out. For example, according to Freddie Mac’s chief economist, Sean Becketti, interest rates should remain at “historically low levels” throughout 2016, in spite of whatever moves the Federal Reserve is expected to make. “We take the Fed at its word that monetary tightening in 2016 will be gradual, and we expect only a modest increase in longer-term rates,” Becketti said. “Mortgage rates will tick higher but remain at historically low levels in 2016.”

Yes, we experienced the first increase in the prime rate of banks in almost a decade. But with regard to long-term rates, these rates have barely moved in the weeks after the Fed’s action. The rate on the 10-year Treasury note averaged 2.26 in November. On January 5, the rate was 2.25. Of course, world events have intervened to help lower rates as well. Keep in mind that if the Fed continues to raise short-term rates in 2016, it is expected that long-term rates will eventually drift upwards. This would include an increase in rates on home loans. 

However, though many are expecting more increases, intervening events such as world conflicts may very well tie the hands of the Fed with regard to their ability to move as quickly as some are predicting. Domestically, the most recent employment report released Friday is a good indicator of future activity absent of such world influences. The increase of jobs of _____________ was __________________ and it will help _______________________. The message? Though rates are low right now, those who wait too long to purchase a home may be paying a higher price for that home and higher financing rates as well

Rates on home loans were mixed this past week, with 30 year fixed rates below 4.0% once again. Freddie Mac announced that, for the week ending January 7, 30-year fixed rates fell to 3.97% from 4.01% the week before. The average for 15-year loans increased slightly to 3.26%. The average for five-year adjustables rose one tick to 3.09%. A year ago, 30-year fixed rates were at 3.73%, lower than today’s levels. “Concerns about overseas economic developments have dominated financial markets to start the year. U.S. Treasury bond yields fell amidst a global equity selloff and flight to safety. In response, the 30-year mortgage rate dipped 4 basis points to 3.97 percent.” Note: As of January 1, Freddie Mac is no longer providing survey data for 1-year adjustables. Rates indicated do not include fees and points and are provided for evidence of trends only. They should not be used for comparison purposes.

Current Indices For Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Updated January 8, 2016

Index Jan 7 December
6-month Treasury Security 0.46% 0.50%
1-year Treasury Security 0.66% 0.65%
3-year Treasury Security 1.22% 1.28%
5-year Treasury Security 1.61% 1.70%
10-year Treasury Security 2.16% 2.24%
12-month LIBOR   0.981% (Dec)
12-month MTA   0.322% (Dec)
11th District Cost of Funds   0.644% (Nov)
Prime Rate   3.50% (Dec)

Provided by Katharine Dizon of The PNC Financial Services Group

BEST FINANCING RATES FOR DOWNTOWN LOFTS AND CONDOS

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Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc BRE#01889449

Loft Lending Problems – Downtown Los Angeles Area Home Financing Issues

While today may be the very best time to buy a home while competing buyers are dormant for the holiday season, there are few issues to be aware of regarding financing.

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Most Downtown Los Angeles lofts are industrial or commercial conversions that are special exceptions under the City of Los Angeles Adaptive Re-Use Ordinance. Many residential lenders will completely fail, delay or charge additional points to try to handle loft financing.

More than 25% of currently active DTLA lofts and condos have current or recent litigation that can affect the livability, financing ability and investment potential of the homes.

Out of area lenders, especially out-of-state lenders will have more delays. The paperwork is often processed incorrectly and must be re-done. Just this week, a buyer who wanted to move on a weekend was forced to wait until the following week because her lender and notary in Texas signed a document in a way that was unacceptable in California.

New consumer protection laws are also causing bureaucracy delays.   If a buyer needs to make a change to a signed mortgage agreement, it may now cause an extra 3-day delay for each change to the contract.

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Keeping these issues in mind, most real estate and finance experts now agree that interest rates and monthly payments will be going up.  Savvy buyers will take advantage of today’s low interest rates for the lowest monthly payment.

Because of the warm climate, and the fact that most Downtown Los Angeles buyers usually have no children in school, the home buying season starts very early in Downtown. Most prospective home buyers wait until after the holidays, and then there is a mad rush starting January 2. All of these buyers become competition for each other, driving up the price.  The most dedicated home buyers will start in October through December as to take advantage of less competition, allowing the placing of lower initial offers and saving money on the final home price.

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LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN L.A.  [MAP]

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SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE UNDER $400,000  |  $800,000,  |   $30,000,000
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Corey Chambers Realty Source Inc BRE#01889449

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