What to Do When You Are in Forbearance and Changes to the Application Process

Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week we broadcast from our new Mortgage Mom Radio studio and discuss the new application form used by all mortgage lenders, forbearance and what to do before pursuing a refinance, and tips you can use to help make the mortgage process smoother and easier for everyone. And, as always, we answer your questions submitted in the comment feeds on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch! Tickets for the Walking Phoenix’s virtual concert benefiting the Pacific Mesothelioma Center can be found here: https://walkingphoenixes.veeps.com/stream/schedule Find Drew’s music at https://irishcowgirlmusic.com/ Rates Hit Historically Low Levels Interest rates hit historically low levels last year due to the pandemic outbreak and the worst quarterly decline in economic growth ever. Those rates have helped millions of homeowners to refinance and save significant money on interest expense. On the purchase side, along with several other tailwinds, low rates have fueled a bonanza in housing. Fortunately, we are closer to getting past the pandemic as vaccines are now seeing widespread distribution. This, along with enormous stimulus measures, pent-up consumer demand, and easy monetary policy, tells us the good times of ultra-low rates may have come to an end. To back up this claim, a Freddie Mac spokesperson said, "New COVID-19 cases are receding, which is encouraging and that has led to a rise in Treasury rates." Translation: Higher rates may be ahead, but not so fast. The Federal Reserve has played a pivotal role in keeping rates relatively low by purchasing $120 billion worth of Treasurys and mortgage-backed-securities per month. But despite those efforts, rates have crept steadily higher in the past month with the 10-year yield moving from .50% last August to the current level of 1.15% due in part to an improving economy, along with the aforementioned vaccination distribution and COVID-19 losing its grip. Should rates move too high too quickly, the Fed will likely do more to try and pin down long-term rates, like purchasing even more bonds. But be aware, rates are subject to inflation expectations along with the direction of stocks and bonds and the economic landscape, to name a few. Bottom line: If the economy continues to improve, rates have no other direction but to move higher. Last year this time in a strong economy, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 3.47% and if rates were to return to those levels, they would still be near all-time record lows. Mortgage Rages are Projected to Stay Low in 2021 While 2020 was definitely a roller coaster of a year, one thing is certain: The real estate market not only met expectations, it actually surpassed them and broke records. As we continue into 2021, people are once again wondering what the housing market will bring. Here are the housing and mortgage projections you want to keep in mind for the coming year. In 2020, 30-year fixed mortgage rates hit record lows, which was one of the main reasons for the thriving real estate market. These rates made homeownership affordable for many people, and eager buyers were ready to take advantage of the savings. Most experts predict mortgage rates will remain low in 2021. As a result, they also predict an increase in home sales. If you're thinking about selling your home, this is good news. Higher demand usually increases home prices, so you'll likely be able to get more for your home. If you plan to buy, you have good news to look forward to as well: Some experts think we'll see an increase in inventory as both new homes from builders and properties from hesitant homeowners who waited out the pandemic hit the market. If you're thinking about buying a new home this year, now is the time to act. Contact your loan officer to learn about the current mortgage rates and plan your next move in this burgeoning market.