Post image for Mortgage Rates in Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida 05-17-2012

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Rates as of
05/17/2012 at 9:59 A
M CST
Current Mortgage Rate Trend: Improving

Visit http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/current_rates/index.htm for all current rates and APR information.

30 Year Fixed: 3.875% (3.970% APR)
15 Year Fixed: 3.250% (3.340% APR)
30 Year Fixed FHA: 3.750% (4.000% APR)
30 Year Fixed FHA 203k: 4.125% (4.380% APR)
30 Year Fixed VA 3.750% (4.040% APR)
30 Year Rural Housing: 3.750% (4.030% APR)
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Post image for The USDA Rural Housing Loan is One of The Most Affordable

The USDA loan is one of the most affordable loans for most borrowers. Although these mortgages may seem to have a few more restrictions than a FHA or Conventional loan, the rules actually work to make sure the borrowers can easily afford the payments. Here are some of the highlights of the USDA Home Loan program.

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Post image for Getting a Conventional Loan After a Short Sale

Based on the struggling economy of the past 3 years many homeowners have been forced to get rid of their property through a short sale. As people rebuild their credit and improve their incomes they are starting to get the itch to buy a home again. Here are the general guidelines for qualifying for a conventional mortgage following a short sale.

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Post image for New Research Shows Advantages of Reverse Mortgage

Since its introduction the reverse mortgage has been at the center of a storm. Lending agents have touted their benefits to people in their golden years while many consumer advocates and financial planners have cried out against the loan. But new research from an economics professor and a practicing tax attorney show empirical evidence that these loans can be beneficial if used in the proper manner.

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Post image for VA Loan Not Limited to Veterans of War

The VA mortgage has been one of the benefits offered to our men and women who willingly join the armed services of America. Most people think that the home loan program is only offered to people who are discharged from the military and served in time of war. However, that is not the case.

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Post image for Advantages of a 5 Year ARM for Jumbo Loans

In the current economic climate a fixed rate loan for either 15 or 30 years seems to be the only consideration for many people. However, since rates are so low, the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) can still be a good deal, especially the 5 year ARM for a jumbo loan.

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Best Real Estate Tips for the Year 2012

March 23, 2012
Thumbnail image for Best Real Estate Tips for the Year 2012

The last few years have brought tremendous turmoil in the real estate market. Although there are signs of improvement, in general the homebuyer will still have the advantage. But, most analysts feel that the year will be much improved. Here are some tips for sellers and buyers to follow in order to get the best deal.

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FHA Loans Have Grown in Usage Greatly: Here’s 4 Advantages

March 16, 2012
Thumbnail image for FHA Loans Have Grown in Usage Greatly: Here’s 4 Advantages

Although the FHA mortgage has been around for over 70 years it was only recently that they became popular with home buyers. Thanks to a few changes, and increase in loan limits, the FHA loan has grown in usage greatly since 2005. There are quite a few benefits for buyers to using an FHA loan for a purchase or a refinance.

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FHA Mortgage Insurance to Lower for all Streamline Refinance Transactions That are Refinancing FHA Loans Endorsed on or Before May 31, 2009

March 7, 2012
Thumbnail image for FHA Mortgage Insurance to Lower for all Streamline Refinance Transactions That are Refinancing FHA Loans Endorsed on or Before May 31, 2009

Effective June 11, 2012, FHA will lower both the upfront mortgage insurance premium and annual mortgage insurance premium for all streamline refinances that are refinances of FHA loans endorsed on or before May 31, 2009. Read the Mortgagee Letter excerpts below:

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Steps to Take to Obtain a USDA Rural Housing Loan

March 1, 2012
Thumbnail image for Steps to Take to Obtain a USDA Rural Housing Loan

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has offered a mortgage loan to qualifying borrowers on rural homes for a number of years. Getting the loan takes a few steps which can be coordinated efficiently by your mortgage broker. Here is the primary sequence of events in obtaining a USDA loan.

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