Mortgage loans in Massachusetts and the regulations that govern them have gone through some big changes recently, many consumers are unaware of how these changes can help or the effect they will have on the real estate market as a whole. There are several substantial opportunities consumers can take advantage of in the housing sector that can help consumers obtain financial security.
The federal government has made several sweeping changes to mortgage loans and added to the benefits of home ownership with tax credits and new regulations. First time home buyers can take an eight thousand dollar tax break on their 2009 federal income taxes if they purchase a home between January and December of 2009. Unfortunately if they sell the home within three years they will have to pay back that credit on their subsequent income tax return. In addition, the FDIC changed a regulation to add more transparency to the process of obtaining mortgage loans by requiring that mortgage lenders give consumers more detailed disclosure statements earlier in the loan process. This is meant to give the prospective buyer a clearer picture of the terms of the loan they are obtaining.
The companies that calculate consumer credit scores changed the system they use to determine credit worthiness that will help many consumers with only slightly blemished credit ratings by making late payments less damaging to a consumers credit score. This means that for some who have been denied credit in the past because of one or two late payments, may now be able to get financing based upon the new credit scoring system.
Those shopping for mortgage loans will notice that interest rates are really low, historically low in fact. No matter which type of available mortgage loans the consumer is looking for, fixed rate or adjustable, payments on a home purchase will be hundreds less a month than it would have been two years ago.
With the slowdown in housing sales nationwide, as well as Massachusetts, many have seen a slump in housing prices giving consumers shopping for a new home a chance to buy their dream home at a discount.
For consumer’s interested in home ownership these opportunities come together to present a perfect chance to set your financial future on a solid foundation. Keep in mind though that the currently low interest rates on mortgage loans and the low housing prices are not going to stick around long. As other consumers take advantage of these deals housing sales will go up, closely followed by home prices and interest rates. I encourage you to do some research and see for yourself how regulatory changes and slow housing sales have changed mortgage loans and home ownership for the better.