Living Well Blog - Hilton Head, SC
a division of Gateway Realty
Ric Spiehs, Mortgage Loan Officer · SunTrust Mortgage Hilton Head Island, SC
843.342.8004 · Richard.Spiehs@SunTrust.com · www.SunTrust.com
Financing Investment Property
July 01, 2010 by Ric Spiehs
Today's low real estate prices and historically low interest rates make purchasing investment real estate attractive; and despite changes in lending guidelines, it’s still possible and affordable to finance a non-owner occupied property.
Interest Rates - What, Why, and What Now?
December 14, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
As 2009 draws toward a close I thought it might be worthwhile to take a look at current mortgage rate levels as well as were they have been in the last year. If you have been following real estate at all you know rates have been historically low for a very significant period. These sustained low rates have been the result of the Federal Governments intervention to create demand for mortgage backed securities as well as low inflation expectations in the marketplace.
Case Schiller Index
November 03, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
On October 27th a small piece of economic data came out that did not make many headlines, but I believe it is a significant sign of better times ahead in our housing market. The data was the Case Schiller index.
Debt Management
October 27, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
As a mortgage professional I am excited about some of the opportunities these sustained low rates have been able to provide. In the past, rates have dipped quickly and the benefits have been reserved for a few select homeowners who monitored rates and put themselves in a position to act quickly. In 2009, many more people have been able to take advantage of them.
The Fed and Your Interest Rates
October 13, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
So the good news is in the short term we should still have very low rates based on the completion of the MBS program. The uncertainty lies in what will happen in the first quarter of 2010 when mortgage rates will be dependant on the normal market demand.
The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act
September 30, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
The new MDIA rules create specific timeframes and waiting periods associated with its use. There are no exceptions to these waiting periods and borrowers maynot waive this right. A proper understanind of the new rules and guidelines can increase your odds of a smooth purchase or sale.
Navigating Short Sales & Foreclosures
August 25, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
It is important for the buyer to understand what these terms mean and also know how they may affect the negotiation and subsequent purchase process for the buyer. As with any real estate transaction they each pose their own individual problems and opportunities.
FHA & VA Loans
June 30, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
Amid the turmoil that has engulfed the home financing environment some traditional mortgage programs have been quietly making a comeback. FHA and VA loans have become very attractive options for homebuyers who are looking to take advantage of current real estate prices but may not have a large down payment.
The Ripple Effect
June 15, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
The term “Ripple Effect” is often used in an economic context to describe how changes in one market can indirectly influence other markets.
The Fed’s Influence
June 08, 2009 by Ric Spiehs
Over the last six months the Federal Reserve has made a number of adjustments in an effort to stimulate our economy. The Fed is trying to create market conditions that induce businesses to invest in themselves and individuals to continue to consume goods and services provided by these businesses.
