05 Jan 09 Rates Drop and More Lenders Offer Mortgage Relief

Mortgage interest rates have dropped dramatically ever since the Federal Reserve unveiled a plan last month to buy up to $500 billion of mortgage securities backed by government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The program also entails buying up to $100 billion of debt issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. The Fed cutting rates benefits home refinancing and mortgage relief and foreclosure prevention alternatives.

Direct Mail Marketing Company, Kelly Media Group president, Jason Cardiff said in a statement yesterday, “Conversion rates for mail pieces targeting troubled homeowners with loan modification offers have received phenomenal double digit numbers.” Cardiff continued, “We have not seen mail to call ratios in the mortgage business since the 125 second mortgage boom in the late 90’s.” We are seeing positive results for mortgage brokers, law firms and loan modification companies. banks need to trust restored as well and the only motivating reason for consumers to start borrowing again will be low mortgage rates.”

Federal Reserve Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged

Fed Maintains Rate at Range of 0-0.25%.

Can borrowers with bad credit refinance into an affordable payment or will they lose their home to foreclosure? In a recent report, Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft said, “Interest rates for thirty-year home loans with fixed rates declined for the tenth straight week.” Mortgage rates dropped to 5% but how many distressed homeowner will actually qualify for a refinance loan with these 5% rates?

Former Ditech executive, Jeff Morris said, “Loan modifications give these rejected homeowners a new opportunity to negotiate a lower mortgage rate and in many cases the interest rate the lender agrees to is less or equal to the prime rate that mortgage lenders are offering “A” paper borrowers with 740+ fico’s with equity and full documentation.” Morris continued, “What it means in laymen terms I that struggling borrowers that can’t qualify for a refinance loan, still qualify for a loan workout that actually has a lower interest rate.”