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Conforming Loans
A Conforming Loan is a type of mortgage that meets the guidelines set by government-sponsored entities such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These loans have limits on the credit requirements, loan amount, and DTI ratios to ensure they meet the specific standards set by government entities.
Jumbo Loans
A Jumbo Loan is a type of mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits that are set by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. This makes it a non-conforming loan. Jumbo loans are designed for financing homes in expensive areas or high-value homes where conforming loan limits might not be sufficient.
The Differences Between Conforming and Jumbo Loans:
The main difference between the two lies in the loan amount and the requirements set by government-backed agencies
Loan Limits:
Conforming: Must fall within the maximum loan limits set by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. For 2024, the limit is typically $726,200 in most areas, though it can be higher in high-cost regions.
Jumbo: Exceeds the conforming loan limit, allowing for larger borrowing amounts. There is no federal limit on how high the loan can go, though lenders will set their own maximums.
Credit Score:
Conforming: Typically require a credit score of 620 or higher, this makes them more accessible to borrowers with an average credit.
Jumbo: Lenders tend to look for a higher credit score, often around 700 or higher, since the larger loan amounts can add more risk.
Down Payment:
Conforming: These loans are more flexible with down payments being as low as 3% to 5% depending on the loan type.
Jumbo: Often needs a larger down payment anywhere from 10% to 20% of the property value, lenders tend to set their own minimums.
Property Types:
Conforming: Can finance a variety of property types: primary homes, second homes, investment properties, etc.
Jumbo: Lenders may restrict the types of properties for jumbo loans, mainly for certain investment properties or multi-family homes, though this varies by lender.
Remember, that these minimum requirements apply to some of our loan options. There are many other alternatives and requirements available as well.
October Mortgage Rates
“These rising rates are influenced by economic uncertainties, including upcoming employment reports, the presidential election, and Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. Despite the uptick, current rates remain below the 7.76% average observed last year”, says MarketWatch. According to Bankrate, on October 31st, we ended the month with an average of 6.88% for a 30-year fixed, 6.14% for a 15-year fixed rate, and 6.14% for a 5/1 adjustable mortgage rate.
One thing to remember is individual rates will vary. Rates also depend on your credit score, loan amount and more. Make sure to stay on top of mortgage rates so you can get the best deal for your dream home!
What Does This Mean For You?
Mortgage rates in October 2024 experienced fluctuations, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rising to 6.88% by the end of the month. This slight increase may affect both homebuyers and sellers.
For homebuyers, this could increase borrowing costs. Higher interest rates tend to lead to larger monthly payments which can reduce overall affordability. This may result in adjustments in budget or home price range. This increase could also lead to potential market hesitation. Rising rates may lead to some buyers delaying their decisions to purchase a home hoping for future rate decreases. However, waiting holds a risk of further rate increases and rising home prices as well.
For homeowners, refinancing may be a great option. If you purchased a home when interest rates were even higher, you may be able to lower your monthly payment by refinancing. Click this link to speak with one of Essex’s Expert Loan Officers in refinancing!
The fluctuations in interest rates highlight the importance of speaking with a professional on alternative financing solutions. Essex offers many different loans to fit your current financial situation. Let Essex help you fight the burden of higher rates.
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