Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert

www.VAHomeLoansTacoma.com or www.VAHomeLoansSeattle.com

General Rules for Eligibility

Military Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility:

Note:  Applications involving other than honorable discharges will usually require further development by VA.  This is necessary to determine if the service was under other than dishonorable conditions.

Wartime - Service During:

• WWII: 9/16/1940 to 7/25/1947
• Korean: 6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955
• Vietnam: 8/5/1964 to 5/7/1975

You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  If you served less than 90 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service connected disability.

Peacetime - Service during periods:

• 7/26/1947 to 6/26/1950
• 2/1/1955 to 8/4/1964
• 5/8/1975 to 9/7/1980 (Enlisted)
• 5/8/1975 to 10/16/1981 (Officer)

You must have served at least 181 days of continuous active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  If you served less than 181 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service connected disability.

Service after 9/7/1980 (enlisted) or 10/16/1981 (officer)

If you were separated from service which began after these dates, you must have:

• Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 181 days) for which you were ordered or called to active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or
• Completed at least 181 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 USC 1173 (Hardship), or 10 USC 1171 (Early Out), or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability;
• Been discharged with less than 181 days of service for a service-connected disability.  Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances for the convenience of the Government.

Gulf War - Service during period 8/2/1990 to date yet to be determined

If you served on active duty during the Gulf War, you must have:

• Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or
• Completed at least 90 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 USC 1173 (Hardship), or 10 USC 1173 (Early Out), or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability, or
• Been discharged with less than 90 days of service for a service-connected disability.  Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances, for the convenience of the Government.

Active Duty Service Personnel

If you are now on regular duty (not active duty for training), you are eligible after having served 181 days (90 days during the Gulf War) unless discharged or separated from a previous qualifying period of active duty service.

Selected Reserves or National Guard

If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of 6 years in the Selected Reserves or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills and 2-week active duty for training) and

• Were discharged with an honorable discharge, or
• Were placed on the retired list, or
• Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service, or
• Continue to serve in the Selected Reserves

Individuals who completed less than 6 years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.

You May also be determined eligible if you:

• Are an unremarried spouse of a veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or
• Are a spouse of a serviceperson missing in action or a prisoner of war

Note:  Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit.  However, a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must apply no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility.  VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 6, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.

Eligibility may also be established for:

• Certain United States citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in WW II.
• Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with WW II service, and others.

For additional information on VA Home Loans, Call Kevin Tinsley (253) 472-1500 www.alltechmortgage.com

www.FHAHOMELOANSTACOMA.COM

Financing a home with a FHA mortgage in Tacoma can be a challenge if the seller has recently acquired the property.  Due to the large number of foreclosures and short sales, you may come across homes where the owner of the property has only owned the home for a short time.  In this case, if you are planning to finance the purchase with an FHA LOAN, you will have to wait 90 days before you can enter into a purchase and sale agreement to purchase the property. 

Hud has recently made some exemptions to this 90 Day rule.  Below are the exceptions:

* HUD Repo's
* Owned by Federal, State or Local Governments Agencies
* Owned by State of Federally Charted Financial Institutions
* GSE owned Fannie and Freddie Mac
* Inherited Properties
* Employer owned from employee transfers
* Non-Profits on HUD's approved list to purchase REOs at a discount
* Properties in a designated federal disaster area
* Builder selling newly built home
* Foreclosed, or Mortgagee (Lender) "acquired" properties

**Any title change to the property in the proceeding 90 days will trigger the 90 day rule.  Examples:  Seller transfer the property to a LLC, Seller creating a revocable living trust, Seller transferring the property to a living trust, and quit claim deed transfers. 

TIP:  Request a copy of the ownership record, preliminary title, or any other document to show how long the owner has owned the property before making a offer to purchase the property.

If you do have to wait for the 90 day period to expire, keep in mind you may be subject to higher interest rates in the future and may no longer qualify for the home.

For more information on this topic, Call Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert - Kevin Tinsley at (253) 472-1500 or visit us on-line at www.alltechmortgage.com or www.fhaloanstacoma.com

For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Housing
Office of Single Family Housing

Why You Need a Home Inspection

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will:

• Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction and mechanical systems.
• Identify items that should be repaired or replaced.
• Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes.

After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the findings from the home inspector, usually within five to seven days.

This brochure is primarily for homebuyers that buy their homes with the help of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs. All homebuyers can benefit from the information in this brochure to understand the difference between home inspections and appraisals, the benefits of home inspections, how to find a qualified inspector, and the importance of radon testing.

Home Inspections Are Not Appraisals

A property appraisal is a document that provides an estimate of a property's market value. Lenders require appraisals on properties prior to loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property. Appraisals are for lenders; home inspections are for buyers.

FHA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), requires lenders to obtain appraisals of properties securing FHA-insured loans. FHA requires appraisals for three reasons:

• To estimate the market value of the property.
• To make sure that the property meets FHA minimum property requirements/standards (health and safety).
• To make sure that the property is marketable.

The FHA appraisal process will note property deficiencies that are readily observable and found not in compliance with HUD's minimum property requirements/standards (Handbook 4905.1 REV-1 and Handbook 4910.1). These deficiencies may not be the same as those items noted in a home inspection report.

About FHA Home Inspections

FHA helps individuals and families become homeowners by providing lenders with mortgage insurance for certain loans.

FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your future home, and FHA does not perform home inspections. If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, nor can it buy the home back from you.

That's why it is so important for you, the buyer, to get an independent home inspection. Ask a qualified home inspector to thoroughly examine the physical condition of your future home and give you the information you need to make a wise decision.

The Bottom Line: Spending Hundreds May Save Thousands

When you make a written offer on a home, you should insist that the contract state that the offer is contingent on a home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector. You will have to pay for the inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you far more in repairs down the road. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then your offer can proceed.

Finding a Qualified Home Inspector

As the homebuyer, it is your responsibility to carefully select a qualified inspector and pay for the inspection.

The following sources may help you find a qualified home inspector:

• State regulatory authorities. Some states require licensing of home inspectors.
• Professional organizations. Professional organizations may require home inspectors to pass tests and meet minimum qualifications before becoming a member.
• Phone book yellow pages. Look under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service."
• The Internet. Search for "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service."
• Your real estate agent. Most real estate professionals have a list of home inspectors they recommend.

Radon Gas Testing

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General of the United States have recommended that all houses should be tested for radon. For more information on radon testing, call the National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-Radon or 1-800-767-7236. As with a home inspection, if you decide to test for radon, you may do so before signing your contract, or you may do so after signing the contract as long as your contract states the sale of the home depends on your satisfaction with the results of the radon test.

Information Resources

HUD has resources available for information about homebuying and homeownership. You may find the following services helpful.

Internet
www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov
HUD's website contains comprehensive information about home inspections, homebuying, homeownership, selling a home, making home improvements, and other housing-related topics- in English and Spanish.

National Lead Information Clearinghouse
Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint, and some of these have lead hazards. To protect your family, it is recommended that you get a lead-based inspection and/or risk assessment. For more information, contact the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
HUD supports a network of approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling services across the nation. For a complete list of HUD-approved agencies in your area, call the toll-free HUD housing counseling referral line 1-800-569-4287 or visit the HUD website at www.hud.gov.

HUD-Approved Lenders
A searchable database of HUD-approved lenders, including banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions, is available on the HUD website at www.hud.gov.

http://www.fhahomeloanstacoma.com Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert - Kevin Tinsley All Tech Mortgage
(253) 472-1500

FHA insured mortgages offer many benefits and protections that only come with FHA:

Easier to Qualify: Because FHA insures your mortgage, lenders may be more willing to give you loan terms that make it easier for you to qualify.

Less than Perfect Credit: You don't have to have a perfect credit score to get an FHA mortgage. In fact, even if you have had credit problems, such as a bankruptcy, it's easier for you to qualify for an FHA loan than a conventional loan.

Low Down Payment: FHA loans have a low 3.5% downpayment and that money can come from a family member, employer or charitable organization as a gift. Other loan programs don't allow this.

Costs Less: FHA loans have competitive interest rates because the Federal government insures the loans. Always compare an FHA loan with other loan types.

Helps You Keep Your Home: The FHA has been around since 1934 and will continue to be here to protect you. Should you encounter hard times after buying your home, FHA has many options to help you keep you in your home and avoid foreclosure.

FHA does not provide direct financing nor does it set the interest rates on the mortgages it insures. For the best interest rate and terms on a mortgage, you should compare mortgages from several different lenders. In order to initiate the loan application process, please contact an FHA approved lender.

An FHA insured mortgage may be used to purchase or refinance a new or existing 1-4 family home, a condominium unit or a manufactured housing unit (provided the manufactured housing unit is on a permanent foundation).

HUD's internet site can provide additional information on FHA mortgages by going to: www.hud.gov/buying/index.cfm

You can also find an FHA approved lender in your area by going to: http://www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.html

You may also wish to contact a HUD approved housing counseling agency in your area for unbiased and free counseling on your particular situation. You can find a list of these agencies at www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm

There are also many local and State government programs available that use HUD and/or non-HUD funds to provide grants for the downpayment or to help pay closing costs. To find out what programs are available in your area visit www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm

Finally, if you would like to see a short webcast video about the homebuying process, visit the following web site: www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/buying.cfm.

All Tech Mortgage Inc. is your gateway to great mortgage products from Washington State's top mortgage lenders. Locally based in Tacoma, we shop, compare rates & fees and connect you with the best mortgage banks in the Northwest. The interest rates we quote are typically .25% - .50% lower than most national mortgage companies like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, BECU & USAA Mortgage. Plus our fees are some of the lowest in the industry.

http://www.alltechmortgage.com Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert
(253) 472-1500 FHA Home Loans Tacoma | FHA Mortgage Rates Tacoma | FHA Approved Lenders Tacoma | www.fhatacoma.com | www.fhahomeloanstacoma.com

7403 Lakewood Dr W, STE 2 Lakewood, WA, 98499    google map | yahoo map

With another round of buying by the Federal Reserve, mortgage rates dropped back to early January levels.  This has created an opportunity for homeowners to refinance their mortgages into record low interest rates in the mid 4's. 

All Tech Mortgage beats the National Average in Mortgage Rates

Mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac said Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.98 percent this week.  All Tech Mortgage is quoting rates as low as 4.50% 4.610 apr with 720+ Fico scores and under 75% LTV.  We are also seeing a lot of people switch to a 15 year loans, especially those that might have refinance in the early 2000's. 

All Tech Mortgage Inc. is your gateway to great mortgage products from Washington State's top mortgage lenders. We shop, compare rates & fees and connect you with the best mortgage banks in the Northwest. The interest rates we quote are typically .25% - .50% lower than most national mortgage companies. Plus our fees are some of the lowest in the industry. 

We specialize in No Cost and Low Closing Cost Refinance home loans.  All Tech Mortgage offers true wholesale pricing from our lending partners.  At All Tech Mortgage, we never expect your business, but hope to earn it with our aggressive pricing, speed, and overall efficiency.

Tacoma, WA

15 Year Mortgage Rates in Tacoma, WA have hit  4.50% (4.610apr)  with a 1pt loan fee.  By switching from a high 30 year fixed rate to a low 15 year rate, homeowners can save thousands of dollars over the life of their loan.  On a 30 year loan, the first payment consists of approximately 90% interest and only 10% towards principal.  Compared to a 15 year loan, where 60% goes towards interest and 40% goes to reducing the loan balance.  For those wishing to payoff their mortgage by retirement age, a 15 year mortgage is a great home loan option.  The best mortgage...is the one paid off!

Kevin, I wanted to thank for the referral this past month.  Aaron was a pleasure to work with.  The transaction went very smooth and I wanted to thank you for a flawless closing.  I look forward to working with you soon.  Best Regards, Brian Thayer - John L Scott - University Place, WA

______________________________________________________________________

Kevin, Joel & I would like to say thank you with all of your help with our refinance.  We appreciated your honesty and willingness to answer all of our questions.  You were very patient and made the process smooth and painless.  Sincerely,  Kristin & Joel

______________________________________________________________________

Kevin, Just wanted to thank you for all your efforts & patience in helping us buy our new home.  It's nice to know  we'll have someone we can count on in the clutch who really know their business.  Your results in such a short period of time were nothing short of spectacular!  Keep in touch and all the best with you & your family.  Sincerely,  Chris & Deanna

www.alltechmortgage.com

Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert

Kevin Tinsley

Need a great first time home buyer program?  Our Great Start Loan provides an initial interest rate of 3.75% with the stability of a fixed rate. 

Fannie Updates Investor & Second Home Policy 

Highlights

•·         Limited to 10 properties financed in total (this includes primary residence and any other properties).

•·         Commercial properties or those greater than 4 units do not count toward the 10 property rule

•·         Properties titled to and financed by an entity (LLC, etc) do not count toward the 10 property rule

•·         Down payment options vary depending on number of units and number of properties financed

Qualifying

•·     Easier to qualify than what most people realize

•·     Entire down payment must come from borrowers own funds, no gifts allowed

•·     Seller contributions cannot exceed 2% of the sales price

•·     Cash Reserves Required - depending on number of properties owned

•·     Anticipated cash flow can often be used to offset the new payment making it easier to qualify

•·     Borrowers with multiple rental units can use rent to offset payments making it easier to qualify

Benefits

•·     Tax benefits associated with owning rental properties can be significant

•·     Prices are at record lows creating great buying opportunities

•·     Rental property buyer's don't have a home to sell giving them a negotiating advantage

•·     Lower prices = Lower down payment requirements and lower monthly payments

•·     Lower monthly payment = better cash flow

Don't let your investors miss out on an investment buying opportunity by working with a lender who may not be familiar with investment property lending.  Call Kevin Tinsley at www.alltechmortgage.com with any refinancing or investor financing questions.  (253) 472-1500

The Federal Reserve's plan to lower interest rates is working...

With interest rates again below 5.00% and lenders getting backed up,  I thought I would pass along a few tips to make the refinance process a little less stressful. 

1. Get an accurate balance of any mortgage liens on your property- 1st, 2nd mortgage's or HELOC's, or other items you may have purchased that are liens on your property ie. new windows, furnace.  If you plan to keep your HELOC (home equity line of credit) open, contact that lender and ask for their "subordination requirements" and get a contact number for that department.

2. Pull together all the necessary items you may need in order to speed up the application process:
    A.  2008 & 2007 W2 Forms
    B.  Paystubs - Covering a 30 day period'
    C.  1-2 Months bank statements - all pages
    D.  1-2 Months stock, retirement or other asset account
    F.  2007 tax return if self employed, you have investment property, or commission income
    G.  Name & Phone number of your homeowners insurance agent
    H.  Copies of your current mortgage statements - helps the escrow or title company order your payoff statement.

3. Be available for the appraisal appointment as soon as the appraiser can come out.  - Otherwise they may not be back in your area for a few days.

4. Plan to spend 5-15 minutes on the phone asking questions about the process, timing, and other factors involved in refinancing your home.

Another thing to remember, Not everyone can benefit by refinancing! 

There has to be a clear benefit before you should consider refinancing.  If you would like a second opinion on refinancing and have already selected another lender, feel free to use us as a second set of "eyes" to make sure your getting the right loan for you're particular situation.  My direct number is (253) 472-1500 ask for Kevin

Press Release

Release Date: December 30, 2008

For immediate release

The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced that it expects to begin operations in early January under the previously announced program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and that it has selected private investment managers to act as its agents in implementing the program.

Under the MBS purchase program, the Federal Reserve will purchase MBS backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae; the program is being established to support the mortgage and housing markets and to foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally.

Further information regarding the structure and operation of the MBS purchase program is provided in the attached set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

What is the policy objective of the Federal Reserve's program to purchase agency mortgage-backed securities?
The goal of the program is to provide support to mortgage and housing markets and to foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally.

Why is it necessary for the Federal Reserve to transact in the agency MBS market via external investment managers?
The operational and financial characteristics of MBS purchases are significantly more complicated than those associated with the assets that have traditionally been purchased by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has chosen external investment managers as a means of implementing the MBS program quickly and efficiently while at the same time minimizing operational and financial risks.

Because of the size and complexity of the agency MBS program, a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process was employed to select four investment managers and a custodian. The investment managers are BlackRock Inc., Goldman Sachs Asset Management, PIMCO and Wellington Management Company, LLP. The selection criteria were based on the institution's operational capacity, size, overall experience in the MBS market and a competitive fee structure. The contract for a custodian is not yet final.

What securities are eligible for purchase under the program?
Only fixed-rate agency MBS securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae are eligible assets for the program. The program includes, but is not limited to, 30-year, 20-year and 15-year securities of these issuers. The program does not include CMOs, REMICs, Trust IOs/Trust POs and other mortgage derivatives or cash equivalents. Eligible assets may be purchased or sold in specified pools, in "to be announced" (TBA) transactions, and in the dollar roll market.

What is the investment strategy that will be employed?
Investment managers will employ a passive buy and hold investment strategy in accordance with investment guidelines prescribed by the Federal Reserve. Purchases will be guided by commonly referenced market indices. The agency MBS program will involve the outright purchase of up to $500 billion in agency MBS by the investment managers on behalf of the Federal Reserve by the end of the second quarter of 2009. The New York Fed will adjust the pace of its purchases based on input from the investment managers about market conditions and the impact of the program. The investment managers will be required to purchase securities frequently and to disclose the Federal Reserve as principal.

The investment strategy may involve the use of dollar rolls as a supplemental tool to smooth market supply and demand. A dollar roll is a transaction involving the sale of agency MBS for delivery in the current month and the simultaneous agreement to repurchase substantially similar (although not the same) securities on a specified future date.

Does the agency MBS program expose the Federal Reserve to increased risk of losses?
Assets purchased under this program are fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae, so the Federal Reserve's exposure to the credit risk of the underlying mortgages is minimal. The market valuation of agency MBS can fluctuate over time based on the interest rate environment; however, the Federal Reserve's exposure to interest rate risk is mitigated by the conservative, buy and hold investment strategy of the agency MBS purchase program.

When will the purchases begin?
Purchases are expected to begin in early January, 2009.

Who will the investment managers trade with and who is eligible to sell agency MBS to the Federal Reserve under the program?
Initially, the investment managers will trade only with primary dealers who are eligible to transact directly with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Primary dealers are encouraged to submit offers for themselves and for their customers.

Will the agency MBS held by the Federal Reserve through this program be eligible for lending through the Treasury Securities Lending Facility (TSLF) or the daily System Open Market Account (SOMA) securities lending operations conducted by the New York Fed?
There are no plans for the agency MBS held by the SOMA to be available for borrowing through the TSLF or the daily securities lending program.

How will purchases under the agency MBS program be financed?
Purchases will be financed through the creation of additional bank reserves.

What is the legal basis for the agency MBS purchase program?
Purchases of agency MBS in the open market, under the direction of the FOMC, are permitted under section 14(b) of the Federal Reserve Act.

How is the Federal Reserve's agency MBS purchase program related to the U.S. Treasury's efforts to purchase agency MBS?
The Federal Reserve's agency MBS program is separate and distinct from the U.S. Treasury's program but both programs are aimed at fostering improved conditions in mortgage markets.

How will holdings under the agency MBS program be reported?
Balance sheet items related to the agency MBS purchase program will be reported after settlement occurs on the H.4.1. statistical release titled "Factors Affecting Reserve Balances of Depository Institutions and Condition Statement of Federal Reserve Banks." There will be an explanatory cover note on the release when the new items appear for the first time. However, these data may be published well after trade execution due to agency MBS settlement conventions. In addition, the New York Fed will publish the SOMA agency MBS activity in more detail on its external website on a weekly basis.

What measures will the Federal Reserve take to ensure that an investment manager implementing the MBS program will not have an unfair advantage relative to other market participants due to the information it receives about the MBS program?
Each investment manager will be required to implement ethical walls that appropriately segregate the investment management team that implements the Federal Reserve's agency MBS program from other advisory and proprietary trading activities of the firm. The New York Fed will monitor each investment manager's compliance with this requirement.