Sean on December 28th, 2011

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Sean on January 25th, 2010

We will show you how to find the Daily CalPERS Mortgage Interest Rates online very fast.

Update** you can no longer check CalPERS Mortgage rates online as the program has been discontinued. We are still committed to CalPERS members so please contact us if you need assistance with real estate financing.

Sean on June 30th, 2009

Getting the Best CalPERS Mortgage Rate

One of the focuses of a loan under this special program is to get home buyers great loans but at the lowest CalPERS mortgage rate available.  With so many different loan options, buyers can get terms that would one, make it possible to purchase a home, two, get the right loan terms for lowering the monthly payment, and three, lock into low interest and processing fees, guaranteed.

Unlike conventional lenders, lenders that offer a CalPERS mortgage rate are going to ensure that buyers get the lowest possible rate available.  Additionally, for buyers that need help with the down payment, special funding is available whereby the buyer’s retirement would be used as collateral.  Now, while CalPERS is specific to the state of California, the PERS program is available nationwide.

The primary difference is how the CalPERS mortgage rate pertaining to what the buyer would be charged is that rates are set on a daily basis, rarely changing throughout the entire day.  In addition, these rates are structured in a way that would make it possible for the member to get through the closing costs without being strapped financially.  In this case, premium pricing is offered, making the process far more manageable financially.

This means that when looking at the CalPERS mortgage rate charged, lender, processing, and origination fees would be limited.  Using a program such as this provides the member with a huge advantage in that while not mandated to do so, escrow companies typically provide discount pricing.  Therefore, instead of the member spending time worrying about coming up with fees for a CalPERS loan, most of the fees can be covered with the premium pricing feature.

As mentioned, the CalPERS mortgage program is unique because of the opportunity for members to take out a personal loan.  Instead of scrambling for a down payment or not being able to come up with the money needed at all, the member has the ability to take out up to 5% of the purchase price, which is something that standard lenders simply do not offer.

Another unique feature to this program is the two chances to get a lower interest rate after you lock-in.  During the processing of your loan there are two days rates that are looked at to see if there is an opportunity to drop the rate.  These days are the date of final loan approval, and the date the final loan documents are drawn.
The approval process is very simple and can be started in a few minutes by going to CalPERS Mortgage Rates or by calling 1.888.415.2000


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Sean on May 16th, 2009

“Should I Rent or Should I Buy?”      

                                                                                                                             

With home foreclosures  racing towards an unprecedented rate, is it prudent to buy now or safer to continue renting?  While it seemed like “everyone” was getting in the home buying game just a few short years ago, many are now finding themselves losing their homes.  Is this a risk that you should take or is it a safe investment?  Let’s consider the pro’s and con’s of renting versus buying: 

 

http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=0&flvID=4

 

 

Advantages to Renting: 

 

·         With the unpredictable economy, you don’t lose the risk of a home foreclosure on your credit record; you can simply down size to a more affordable home.

·         Mobility – A home is NOT a liquid investment.  It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or longer to sell your home.  Renting allows you to be able to simply pack up and move once your lease is up.

·         Does not require a large, initial cash investment – Normally, all that would be needed for a rental would be a security deposit and the last month’s rent.

·         Minimal Maintenance responsibility – Your free time is yours.

·         Rent is usually cheaper than a full mortgage payment although this is not necessarily true in large metropolitan areas with tight housing markets.

·         When you are a newcomer to an area, renting allows you the time needed to look around and decide where you want to live.

 

Advantages to Buying:

 

·         Appreciation “Potential” – Although the housing market can fluctuate in any given year, in general, owning your own home is a sound investment. However, you need to understand that NO ONE can predict for you what the future will hold for the housing market.

·         With median home prices in California dipping to $224,000 in February 2009,  it  would be safe to say that you not buying at an “all time high” and home value appreciation will soon be on an upswing.

·         Tax Savings – If you itemize on your taxes, you have the potential to save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.  You are able to deduct what you pay in property taxes and interest on your mortgage.  If you’re a first time home buyer or purchasing a new home, there are additional tax savings that you may be eligible for.  See your tax advisor for specifics.

·         Pride of Ownership – Homeownership allows you more control.  Your home is your castle – make it uniquely yours.

·         Stable Housing Costs – If you obtain a fixed-rate mortgage, your principle and interest will not change.  Remember, your property taxes and insurance are determined separately and may fluctuate.

·         At some point, your home is PAID OFF.  You have built up equity that is  yours to use as needed.

Sean on March 22nd, 2009

THE POT JUST GOT SWEETER FOR HOME BUYERS IN THIS MARKET!

With home prices down, interest rates at their lowest in years, there are once in a life time opportunities to purchase a home NOW and put money back into your pocket. Consider the following options that may be available to you:

Buy a home with little cash out of pocket: As a CalPERS member, you may be eligible for 100% financing as one of the options still offered under the CalPERS Member Home Loan Program.

AND

If you’re a first time home buyer you may be able to take advantage of the Federal Government’s tax credit for up to $8,000! You must be a first time home buyer and purchase a home from Jan 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009. Qualifications apply, see (link to article) for more information.

PLUS

If you are among the first 10,000 people to purchase a new home in California as a primary residence between March 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010, you may qualify to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit off your income taxes, or up to 5% of the home’s price, which ever is less.

You may be eligible for one, two, or all three options depending on your situation. So if you are a CalPERS member first time home buyer and utilize the CalPERS 100% mortgage finance program and purchase a new home in California as a primary residence, you will hit the jackpot with little to no money out of pocket and up to $18,000 in tax savings! Now that’s a deal you should not pass up!


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Sean on March 6th, 2009

Buying a home can be very exciting and rewarding. However, nothing can be a bigger disappointment then finding out that your loan is denied before you are about to close your transaction! Just think that you are a week away from having the keys to your new home and your loan officer says that your loan was denied due to a change in your profile. This can and does happen time and time again. You can make sure that this will not happen to you. Just make sure that you don’t do any of the following while you are in the process of buying your home:

1. Don’t change jobs
2. Don’t run your credit again
3. Don’t buy any new furniture, appliances or any thing else
4. Don’t move money around or make large deposits

Any one of these could jeopardize your loan and your ability to close your home purchase. So just Don’t do it!

Sean on March 3rd, 2009

What the 2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit can do for you!

 

The window of opportunity to purchase a home is wide open; particularly if you’re a first time homebuyer.  With the Federal Stimulus Plan’s Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as you’re a first time home buyer and purchase a home this year, you can put money in your pocket right away.

 

Here are six things you need to know about the 2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit:

 

Who qualifies?:  To qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, you must be a first time home buyer or not have purchased a home for three years or more. 

 

What qualifies?  A principle residence, including a home, condo, townhouse, manufactured home, or houseboat that you occupy.  You must live in the home for at least three years to retrain eligibility to receive the tax credit.

 

How much credit can you qualify for?  The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 on homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.  That means that homes over the purchase price of $80,000 or more may qualify you for the full tax credit.

 

Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 may qualify for the full tax credit.

  

How does the tax credit work? The tax credit differs from a tax deduction in that the amount you qualify for is reduced from your income tax owed versus a “deduction” from your taxable income.  And a total plus for this credit is that it doesn’t have to be repaid as was the case with the $7,500 2008 tax credit.

 

When can you take the credit?  Right away. You can apply the tax credit to either your 2008 or 2009 tax return, which ever benefits you the most.  If you’ve already filed your 2008 tax return you can amend your return to claim the credit.

 

What does this mean for you?  By buying a home this year, you can realize tax savings right away rather than having to give it to Uncle Sam.  Coupled with the exclusive loan options for you as a CalPERS member and the current optimal real estate market conditions, don’t wait until the window starts closing to realize that now may be the most opportunistic time to invest in your future by buying your first home.

 

 

For further details and qualifications on the tax credit plan visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php#2

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