Mortgage Reality Check

Some of you may have seen this on ABC News. It is a good video about the difficulties of getting a mortgage now-a-days with all the new regulations, and stingy banks. Now is, without a doubt, the most frustrating time we have seen in 9 years to obtain a mortgage. We hae always told our clients that lenders do not lend in logic, they use guidelines that often make no logical sense. The problem now is many of they have transitioned into the illogical. Not only do they use strict guidelines they are now venturing outside of the guidelines and asking for stupid things (and we mean really stupid sometimes). And often, unfortunately, it is due to laws that our terrible Congress has passed that are intended to make it "safer and easier" on you the consumer. Instead it has done the exact opposite (typical).

All of this said, you have to be careful not to let this video (and our statements) prevent you from pursuing a mortgage. There may never be another time when the perfect storm hits like it has right now. What is the perfect storm? Increadibly low rates and a dismal sellers market. You can get more house for the dollar than ever before. So from a purchase stand point it has never been better.

The same applies to refinancing. Yes, getting a mortgage can be (will be) a pain in the butt. But (no pun intended) rates are so low that you just cannot pass them up. We have seen our fair share of stupidity by lenders and law makers. However, we are here to help you navigate through the rough waters. This is why it is important you work with somebody who has your best interest at heart. You can work with a bank, but you have no buffer to help you understand why they are needing what they need. And you have nobody there to walk you through it. We often explain to people up front what issues may arise because we have seen it so much. Surprises come, no doubt. But if we can anticipate most of the garbage thrown at us all then it makes for a much smoother loan. That's our role for you.