Matthew Masner Mortgages

05/04/2024

Josh Emfield and I had a full class last week for our new core CE class for real estate agents, VA Loans & Veterans - All You Need To Know. Feedback was good and it seems everyone learned a lot. It is critical for us as professionals know how best to help Vets take advantage of the benefits they have earned! VA loans are a great opportunity for Vets!

02/04/2024

New month, new quarter, new goals, more opportunities! With rates slowly inching down, opportunities are expanding! The number of transactions are way up from last year! Now is a great time to take advantage of current home prices before appreciation goes crazy again. Also, keep in mind that there are ways to keep the mortgage down to make the immediate purchase work while waiting for the rates to dip further. So, if you are looking for a first home, a new home, or an investment property, but are worried about the current rates, know that there are ways to reduce your mortgage payment. If you are on the fence, you most likely will get more for your money now and a much lower payment later. Reach out if you have questions.

20/03/2024

I am excited to announce the new Real Estate Agent CE class that Josh Emfield and I have developed has been approved for 2 core credits and is being offered for free on March 29th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The class is titled “VA Loans & Veterans – All You Need to Know.”
In the class you will learn how to better serve your veteran clients and the unique features of VA loans.

If you would like a link to the class, please message me.

We are also in development for a similar class geared toward vets. The main goal is to help vets better understand their earned VA Loan benefits and how to take advantage of it. If you want to be notified when the class is available, message me below.

20/03/2024

Although interest rates remain a bit high, consensus is that interest rates will fall over the next year. If you have been holding off on purchasing for the rates to fall, now might be the time to act utilizing a temporary rate buydown. To put it simply, it is a way to get your payments lower during the initial period of the loan (terms can vary). This is worth considering in light of opportunity to refinance before the temporary reduction runs out. If you think this might work for you, let’s talk.

12/03/2024

It's an exciting time for potential buyers and investors alike. This March, I want to focus on helping you prepare for the spring purchase season and the promising expectations of falling mortgage rates. If you have been hoping to buy but have been discouraged by the market over the past couple of years, keep reading!

Spring Into Action: Gearing Up for Purchase Season

Spring is historically the time when the housing market blooms, bringing an influx of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. With the promise of warmer weather and longer days, now is the perfect moment to prepare if you're considering entering the market. Here are a few tips to get you started:
• All Buyers: Get your financial documents in order, ensure your credit is in good shape (see below for more information), and reach out for a pre-approval.
• First-Time Homebuyers: My first piece of advice do not assume that you cannot buy. There are many opportunities for finance right now. There are 100% financing options, many down-payment assistance programs, and a lot of flexibility with interest rates and terms. I have programs for no down payment, 1% down, 3% down, 3.5% down, 5% down, etc. In addition, there are a lot of grant programs and lender credits available. Chances are, I can find a good fit for you.
• Wanting to Upgrade: If you are in the position to upgrade or downsize, there are many good financing options and ways to make a purchase affordable! The same advice applies to you, do not assume that it cannot work right now. Let’s talk and see what options are available.
• Investors: I have been working with and helping to prepare many investors. If you fit in this category, most likely you are starting to consider making a move and/or looking at options. I have a wide variety of options and pricing for you! In addition to typical conventional financing, I have many investment property financing options that do not require qualifying income, programs where you can cross-collateralize several properties into one mortgage note, options to close with an LLC, and very aggressive rates!
• Unique Circumstances: For those self-employed borrowers and individuals with unique considerations, I have you covered. Whether it is a 3.5% down payment ITIN, bank statement loans, etc., reach out to me to see what programs would work best for your unique situation. If you are in a time crunch, do not worry, I can get you closed!
• Programs to Fit Your Needs: I have an incredible portfolio of programs to help with almost any purchase needs. From lot loans and single-close construction loans to 2nd mortgages and cross-collateral loans. Let’s talk and see what works for you.
Falling Rates: A Window of Opportunity
Mortgage rates are expected to fall this year. Experts expect this as soon as this summer. Expectation is that as soon as rates do come down, due to the incredible pent-up demand, values will rise. This means that we are in a golden opportunity right now to get more for your money! If you are considering purchasing a new home, now might be the time to act.
Here's how you can make the most of this opportunity:
• Stay Informed: Rates can fluctuate based on a myriad of factors. Keep in touch for the latest updates and advice on when to make your move.
• Be Prepared: Get pre-approved (that way if the right opportunity arises, you are ready), ensure your credit is in good shape and you have all necessary financial documentation up-to-date. This preparation can speed up the process once you decide to apply for a loan or refinance.
• Act Decisively: In a market where timing is everything, being ready to move quickly can make all the difference. I am here to help you navigate this process smoothly and efficiently.

Is Refinancing Worth It Right Now?

Even in a climate where rates are higher, refinancing your mortgage can still be a strategic financial move for several reasons. Refinancing can be a valuable tool for consolidating high-interest debt, allowing homeowners to leverage their home equity to pay off credit card balances, personal loans, or other debts, potentially saving on interest payments in the long run. Furthermore, for those looking to make significant home improvements or invest in other properties, tapping into home equity through refinancing can provide the necessary funds. Despite higher rates, the financial benefits of refinancing in these contexts can outweigh the costs, offering peace of mind, savings, or investment opportunities that align with your long-term goals. I can help you with traditional rate/term refinances, cash-out, 2nd mortgages, exterior development financing options (building an ADU or putting in a pool), etc.

I Am Here for You

My commitment to you extends beyond just transactions. I am here to provide guidance, support, and expert advice tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. Whether you have questions about the current market, need advice on your mortgage options, or are ready to take the next step towards homeownership, I am just a phone call or email away.

Don't miss out on the possibilities this spring brings. Contact me today to explore your options and prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead.

Preparing Your Credit

I have put together a simple worksheet to assist you in making sure your credit is working for you! If you would like a copy of the worksheet, please reach out to me and I will send you a copy.

28/02/2024

What kind of personalized service is possible when financing a home?
Just to give you an idea, exact rate (specific rates to match your needs), term flexibility (anywhere from 10-30 years in single year increments), program flexibility (Conventional, FHA, Va, Jumbo, Investor, Bank Statement, 100% Financing, ITIN, etc.), quick turn times (most applications can be cleared to close from 2-4 weeks. There are so many options that if you are in a position to purchase or refinance, chances are there is a program that will work for you.

27/02/2024

07/04/2023

Are you ready to go for it?

The calendar says that it is spring. I will admit that between snowstorms it does seem that way. Springtime correlates with an increase of home buying activity as people are ready to start house shopping. Are you prepared? Motivated? Excited?

While interest rates are still higher than we were used to for quite a while, buying a home is still possible! There are a lot of financing options available. In fact, in some ways, changes have taken place to make a mortgage more affordable, such as the changes to FHA mortgage insurance premiums.

As for the bulk of the mortgage payment, the principal and interest portion, there are generally 3 main factors that influence the monthly payment amount.

The first I’ll discuss is the loan amount. Generally speaking, the loan amount is the difference between the sales price minus the down payment. The loan amount factor in your mortgage payment really comes down to how much of a down payment you can come in with and the negotiated price of the home.

The second factor is the interest rate. While this is determined by the market, there are also steps a buyer can take to reduce their interest rate. This can be done by ensuring the best credit score possible, by the type of loan secured, and by paying discount points. It is pretty safe to assume that interest rates will come down sooner or later.

The third main factor is the term. Typically, interest rates are best for shorter termed loans. However, the trade off is that the monthly mortgage payment is higher with a shorter termed loan.

If you are ready to go for it, or if you want help preparing, let me know. There is a lot you can do to prepare, and I can help you act strategically to get you in the best situation.