Michigan is the fourth hardest hit state in the recent rise in foreclosures. To combat foreclosures state and federal legislators have made sweeping changes to regulations regarding mortgage loans to help turn the industry in the right direction. Whether you’re trying to pick up a deal on a foreclosure or shopping for a mortgage loan to get a lower monthly payment on an existing mortgage, these changes can help you achieve a solid financial footing for your future.
The FDIC’s changes to Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act) will add more transparency to the process by mandating that consumers are presented with more detailed disclosure statements earlier in the process so consumers fully understand the terms of the mortgage before they sign any papers at closing. Many unsuspecting consumers where baited into mortgage loans that didn’t fit their needs and had payments higher then they had expected which lead to this foreclosure mess in the first place.
The recently passed stimulus deals by the federal government have gone farther by helping financial institutions with much need liquidity to help borrowers refinance existing mortgage loans with a better payment plan.
Credit reporting agencies also changed the system they use to determine consumers creditworthiness by using a different statistical model. Consumers will take less of a hit on their score for one or two late payments, which will help many to qualify when looking for affordable mortgage loans.
The unfortunate events in the housing sector during 2007 and 2008 can be a blessing for some consumers looking to get in on some great deals in the real estate market. With foreclosures in Michigan, housing prices have fallen right along with interest rates on mortgage loans, setting the market up for a big comeback by late 2009 and into 2010. Those looking for real deals out there are not going to have to look very hard, but as sales start to go up many of these deals are going to dry up as well. As many consumers eye the current real estate market with fear, many savvy investors are out there snatching up some of the best deals in decades.
Interest rates on mortgage loans could not get any lower than they are currently, at a four decade low they probably won’t stay this low much longer. Consumers interested in the current low interest rates on mortgage loans and housing prices need to take the time to decide which type of mortgage is best for them.
Fixed rate mortgage loans might have a slightly higher interest rate at the beginning but the rate will never change for the life of the loan. Whereas, adjustable rate mortgage loans always have the lowest interest possible at first, they go up at fixed intervals when the loan resets. If interest rates go up, payments on adjustable rate mortgage loans will follow. Remember, a little bit of research can help you decide which type of financing is best for you in this current real estate market.