There are approximately $900 billion dollars worth of interest only loans outstanding in the mortgage market today. Many of these loans are starting to reset to fully amortized payments, which means that one’s monthly mortgage payment will increase by 20%. Borrowers should not wait until the anniversary date of their reset. Once the market starts to flood with these refinances, interest rates will surely start to rise. Now is as good a time as ever to test the waters so to speak and see what options are available.
If you are capable of making the higher payment based on the 20 years, fully amortized term remaining on your original 30 year loan, then one should consider a lower interest rate based on a 15 year mortgage. Today’s rate are in the mid to low 4% range for 15 year loans. The savings generated by this type of financing can be thousands of dollars plus the reduction of 5 years on the term of your existing mortgage.
Another option is to refinance to a lower rate on a 20 year term and make accelerated payments towards principle on an annualized basis. This allows you to save up enough money so that you can make one year end payment (tax refund) that will reduce the term of your loan by 3 to 4 years without having to make larger monthly payments.
I would like to hear comments from our readers, to see what suggestions you may have. Our goal at Aequor Funding Corp. is to bring mortgage news and ideas to better help today’s home owners.

Article By
Martin Cornbluth
Senior Loan Officer
Aequor Funding Corp

For most people living inside the United States a mortgage is the most important investment they will ever make. A mortgage is more than just a loan, it is a facilitator which allows communities to grow and prosper which leads to job creation, wealth and a higher standard of living. To be the individual that guides, educates and provides individuals through this process gives me a lot of pride in what I do. I want my clients to know that I am here for them, and I want to understand their specific needs and goals.
In today’s economy most New Jersey homeowners are struggling, living paycheck to paycheck and drowning in debt. Not being able to save money, put kids through college, or even being able to go on vacation is a major concern for many homeowners. When a homeowner comes to Aequor Funding it is our job to rescue them from a tough a financial situation, and put them in a situation where they don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore.
One thing that differentiates our young company to many of our competitors is our compassion for our clients needs. Compassion is not something that can be taught in the classroom, it is an understanding. Compassion is a desire to help others. The compassion I have as well as my fellow officers have for our clients is the essence of our profitability. When I go home at night and realize how much I helped a family, it gives me pride in what I do and energizes me to go and do it even better tomorrow.

Article By:
Thomas McCann
Senior Loan Officer

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced several significant policy changes that are intended to improve their exposure to risk. The changes, effective January 1, include:
• Modification of Procedures for Streamline Refinance Transactions
• Adoption of Home Valuation Code of Conduct Guidelines (some not all)
• Updated Appraisal Validity Period
• New Appraisal Portability Regs
• New Requirement of Lenders to Submit of Audited Financial Statements for Review
• Adjustments to the Approval Process for Participation in FHA Loan Origination
• Increased Net-Worth Requirements for Lenders
Grabbing the attention of mortgage professionals was FHA's decision to adopt language from HVCC appraisal guidelines. The HVCC, which has been the subject of heated debate within the industry, was implemented by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on May 1, 2009. At that time the FHA decided not to adhere to the policy. This undoubtedly increased demand for FHA loan products as originators quickly learned of the multitude of problems associated with HVCC. The new requirements will prohibit any commissioned based lender staff member from ordering an FHA appraisal.
FHA will not require the use of AMCs or other third party organizations for appraisal ordering, if lenders do use AMCs and/or other third party organizations FHA-approved lenders must ensure that:
• FHA Appraisers are not prohibited by the lender, AMC or other third party, from recording the fee the appraiser was paid for the performance of the appraisal in the appraisal report.
• FHA Roster appraisers are compensated at a rate that is customary and reasonable for appraisal services performed in the market area of the property being appraised.
• The fee for the actual completion of an FHA appraisal may not include a fee for management of the appraisal process or any activity other than the performance of the appraisal.
• Any management fees charged by an AMC or other third party must be for actual services related to ordering, processing or reviewing of appraisals performed for FHA financing.
• AMC and other third party fees must not exceed what is customary and reasonable for such services provided in the market area of the property being appraised.
Here are a few other notable changes...
(Excerpts taken directly from Mortgagee Letters)
Appraisals
In cases where a borrower has switched lenders, FHA did not allow a new appraisal to be ordered. Instead the first lender was required, at the borrower’s request, to transfer the case to the second lender. This guideline generally slowed the loan process as the original lender often times was unwilling to transfer the case in a timely manner.
The new guideline, effective January 1, allows a second appraisal to be ordered by the second lender under the following limited circumstances:

1. The first appraisal contains material deficiencies as determined by the Direct Endorsement underwriter for the second lender.
2. The appraiser performing the first appraisal is on the second lender’s exclusionary list of appraisers.
3. Failure of the first lender to provide a copy of the appraisal to the second lender in a timely manner would cause a delay in closing, posing potential harm to the borrower.

Potential harm includes events outside the control of the borrower such as loss of interest rate lock, purchase contract deadline, foreclosure proceedings, and late fees.
FHA also reduced the length of time that an appraisal could be considered valid for collateral underwriting. Previously, FHA considered an appraisal written within the last six months to be an acceptable property valuation. Today's announcement reduces that period from six months to four.
Advertising
FHA-approved mortgagees must use their HUD registered business names in all advertisements and promotional materials related to FHA programs. HUD registered business names include any alias or “doing business as” (DBA) on file with FHA. FHA-approved mortgagees must keep copies of all advertisements and promotional materials for a period of two years from the date that the materials are circulated or used to advertise.
Who can work with FHA and FHA originated loans
A lender or mortgagee shall not have any officer, partner, director, principal, manager, supervisor, loan processor, loan underwriter, or loan originator of the applicant mortgagee who is:

(1) currently suspended, debarred, under a limited denial of participation (LDP), or otherwise restricted under part 25 of title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 Code of Federal Regulations, part 180 as implemented by part 2424, or any successor regulations to such parts, or under similar provisions of any other Federal agency;

(2) under indictment for, or has been convicted of, an offense that reflects adversely upon the applicant’s integrity, competence or fitness to meet the responsibilities of an approved mortgagee;

(3) subject to unresolved findings contained in a Department of Housing and Urban Development or other governmental audit, investigation, or review;

(4) engaged in business practices that do not conform to generally accepted practices of prudent mortgagees or that demonstrate irresponsibility;

(5) convicted of, or who has pled guilty or nolo contendre to, a felony related to participation in the real estate or mortgage loan industry—

(i) during the 7-year period preceding the date of the application for licensing and registration; or
(ii) at any time preceding such date of application, if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty, or a breach of trust, or money laundering;

(6) in violation of provisions of the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) or any applicable provision of State law; or

(7) in violation of any other requirement as established by the Secretary.
Streamline Refinance Transactions
At the time of loan application, the borrower must have made at least 6 payments on the FHA-insured mortgage being refinanced.

At the time of loan application, the borrower must exhibit an acceptable payment history as described below.

1) For mortgages with less than a 12 months payment history, the borrower must have made all mortgage payments within the month due.

2) For mortgages with a 12 months payment history or greater, the borrower must have:

a) Experienced no more than one 30 day late payment in the preceding 12 months,

AND

b) Made all mortgage payments within the month due for the three months prior to the date of loan application.

The lender must determine that there is a net tangible benefit as a result of the streamline refinance transaction, with or without an appraisal. Net tangible benefit is defined as:
• reduction in the total mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurances, homeowners’ association fees, ground rents, special assessments and all subordinate liens),
• refinancing from an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed rate mortgage,
OR
• reducing the term of the mortgage
If a credit score is available, the lender must enter the credit score into FHA Connection. If more than one credit score is available, lenders must enter all available credit scores.

If subordinate financing is remaining in place, the maximum combined loan-to-value ratio is 125 percent.
• For streamline refinance transactions WITHOUT an appraisal, the CLTV is based on the original appraised value of the property.
• For streamline refinance transactions WITH an appraisal, the CLTV is based on the new appraised value.
Revised Streamline Refinance Transactions WITHOUT an Appraisal

The maximum insurable mortgage cannot exceed:
• The outstanding principal balance minus the applicable refund of the UFMIP,
PLUS
• The new UFMIP that will be charged on the refinance.
Revised Streamline Transaction WITH an Appraisal

The maximum insurable mortgage is the lower of:

1) Outstanding principal balance minus the applicable refund of UFMIP, plus closing costs, prepaid items to establish the escrow account and the new UFMIP that will be charge on the refinance;
OR
2) 97.75 percent of the appraised value of the property plus the new UFMIP that will be charged on the refinance.

Discount points may not be included in the new mortgage. If the borrower has agreed to pay discount points, the lender must verify the borrower has the assets to pay them along with any other financing costs that are not included in the new mortgage amount.
Further Changes Currently Being Considered:
Modify Mortgagee Approval and Participation in FHA Loan Origination

Lenders seeking approval to originate, underwrite, or service an FHA loan must meet the eligibility criteria for a supervised or non-supervised mortgagee. Mortgagees with this approval status must assume liability for all the loans they originate and/or underwrite. Loan Correspondents (mortgage brokers) will continue to be able to originate FHA-insured loans through their relationships with approved mortgagees; however they will no longer receive independent FHA approval for origination eligibility.
These policy changes will require the FHA approved mortgagee to assume responsibility and liability for the FHA insured loan underwritten and closed by the approved mortgagee. These changes align FHA with the GSEs and will potentially increase the number of loan correspondents (mortgage brokers) who are eligible to originate FHA-insured loans while providing for more effective oversight of loan correspondents through the FHA approved mortgagees.

Increase Net-Worth Requirements for Mortgagees

The FHA plans to propose to increase the net worth requirement for approved mortgagees to meet industry standards. The requirement is currently at $250,000 and has not been increased since 1993. HUD is proposing an initial increase of approximately $1,000,000 that would be in place within one year of the enactment of this rule. To maintain consistency with industry standards, HUD may propose that the net worth requirements be increased further in future years to a level comparable to those required by GSEs and other market institutions. These changes will help to ensure that FHA lenders are sufficiently capitalized to meet potential needs, thereby permitting HUD to mitigate losses and decrease risks to the FHA insurance fund.
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE BETTER DECISIONS YOU WILL MAKE.

All my Best,
Article By
Rod Manrique
Senior Loan Officer

One simple technique for getting a task done right is to take pride in a job well-done. When you look at your work in all areas as a reflection of yourself, representative of who you are and what you’re about, you’ll find it much easier to become motivated to get something done, and done well.

My first experience as a loan officer was unforgettable. My client was completely swamped in debt, overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy life. I felt bad for his situation and knew that I could help. I was able to refinance his home for a lower interest rate and pay off his debt with our credit repair program. Now instead of writing over ten checks a month, he was able to just write one. Reducing his stress levels dramatically and putting his life back on track.

I take pride in my work with Aequor Funding. I am able to help people, which is an extremely rewarding experience. In the great words of Albert Schweitzer, Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

You have heard me say a million times before that is the responsibility of everyone here at Aequor Funding Corp to make sure we are constantly on top of what is occurring within our economy. In addition, we need to ensure that we are sharing this information with our clients and our friends. Today, the Federal Reserve Board had an important meeting that led to some very important conclusions. The economic policies of the United States begin with this very important Board and therefore it is crucial that we not only follow their findings but also disseminate this information to all of you.

The results of the today’s meeting were both mixed with positive and negative news. While they stated that the financial markets have improved and that household spending is starting to stabilize, they also stated that the markets are still somewhat constrained due to slow income growth, ongoing job losses, tight credit and lower housing wealth. They do feel however that the actions taken over the last year or so will contribute to a gradual return to economic growth.

You have heard us state in past newsletters that interest rates will not remain low forever. In order to curb future inflation which is an inevitable fate of this country, rates will have to increase. The good news is that the Fed realizes and confirmed today that we are still at a point where maintaining low interest rates are necessary for economic healing. They followed by saying that they will employ all available tools to promote economic recovery and to preserve price stability. They will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0-.25% and that economic conditions will likely warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period of time. The good news from the Fed did not end here. They also stated that they will purchase a total up to $1.25 trillion of mortgage-backed securities and $200 billion of agency debt by the end of the year. They are also in the process of buying $300 billion of Treasury securities. These actions are very important to help promote credit liquidity. It is because of these actions that we can’t reiterate enough to our clients that now is the time to purchase a home or refinance the one you are in. As taxpayers, we should take advantage of the one positive that came out of this financial crisis and now is the time.

The Feds meeting today leaves me feeling positive that our government is committed to our economic recovery and the actions they are taking prove that they are willing to do what it takes to make sure we rebound. As always, we will make sure to keep you posted as to the latest developments.

We hope that everyone is doing well and as always please feel free to call us should you need anything at all.

All the best!

Article By,
Gregory J. Greco Jr
VP of Sales