The New York Times ran an important story this week concerning pregnancy and mortgage approvals. Titled “Need a Mortgage? Don’t Get Pregnant“, the article discussed the difficulties that expecting and recently-expanded families are having with their mortgage financing.
NBC’s The Today Show picked up the story as well, as shown in the 3-minute clip above.
The crux of the issue is that maternity/paternity leave often leads to a change in household income and mortgage lenders will no longer assume one or both parents will go back to work full-time. The loss of income can raise a household’s debt-to-income ratio to unlendable levels.
Now, your loan officer cannot ask you about a pregnancy; such questions would be in violation of Equal Credit Opportunity Act. But he can ask if whether you expect your future employment and income situation to change. This would be a perfect time to broach the topic. And you should. If you’re found to have withheld employment and income information from your lender at a later date, it could result in an immediate loan denial plus a loss of earnest monies paid.
Across both pieces, though, the prevailing message is this: Families concurrently planning to (1) have a baby and (2) buy a home should be up-front and forthcoming with their loan officers. Financing is often still available for families expecting an addition — there’s just some extra paperwork though which to work.
Be prepared for that paperwork and you’re more likely to get your loan.
Want to know more about today's real estate market? Please call Griff Lares of Bob Taylor Properties, Inc. at 626-757-4916. No one works harder for their clients.
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Mortgage markets improved for the 5th straight week last week as consumer confidence waned and inflation data tamed. Investors ignored the news that 19 of 23 reporting S&P 500 companies beat their respective earnings estimates and sold off on stocks.
Conforming mortgage rates may be 
Mortgage markets improved again last week — if only barely — throughout a holiday-shortened week devoid of “major” data and market conviction.
Existing Home Sales Drop In June But Hint At Support For Higher Price Tiers
by Griff Lares on July 23, 2010
An “existing home” is a home that cannot be considered new construction.
The 5 percent drop in sales from May to June was expected, but a closer look at the month’s data reveals some interesting trends.
First, repeat buyers accounted for 44 percent of home resales in June, up from 40 percent in May. That’s a healthy increase for just 4 weeks’ time and the tax credit is a likely catalyst. First-timer buyers bought starter homes owned by former first-timers, who were then free to “move up” to larger, more expensive property.
Housing markets can be trickle-up and, not coincidentally, the jumbo/luxury housing market is now in the midst of rebound.
Second, June’s “distressed sales” accounted for 32 percent of all home resales, up from 31 percent in May.
A figure like this hints at the large role foreclosures continue to play in a Los Angeles home buyer’s home search strategy. And why not? The National Association of Realtors® suggests that distressed homes are sold at a 15 percent discount.
Lastly, take note that home inventories are rising. June’s 8.9 months of supply is the highest in 10 months. Excess supply leads home prices lower, all things equal.
Overall, the Existing Home Sales data from June is a mixed bag. There’s support for the middle- and upper-price tiers, but a growing overhang of supply. The market looks favorable for buyers given low mortgage rates and strong negotiation leverage.
Want to know more about today's real estate market? Please call Griff Lares of Bob Taylor Properties, Inc. at 626-757-4916. No one works harder for their clients.
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