Refinancing Your Home to Pay Off Student Loans: Key Benefits

Refinancing your home to pay off student loans offers a streamlined, cost-effective way to manage debt. Here’s why it’s a good idea:

  • One Monthly Payment: Combining student loans with your mortgage simplifies repayment, making budgeting easier.
  • Flexible Terms for Financial Relief: You can adjust the mortgage term to reduce monthly payments, freeing up cash for other priorities.
  • Potential Tax Savings: Mortgage interest may be tax-deductible, creating added financial benefits.

Watch the video below to hear David discuss how home refinancing can make tackling student debt simpler and more financially beneficial.

 
“Got 90 Seconds? Watch to Discover a Smarter Way to Pay Off Student Loans!”

Have you ever wondered how the Fed’s rate cuts impact mortgages? Does it really matter?

With the recent decision by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, many people are asking how this change affects their plans to buy a home or refinance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner considering refinancing, it’s important to understand how the Fed’s actions could impact your mortgage options — and whether it truly matters.

How the Fed’s Rate Cut Affects Mortgages

The Federal Reserve’s rate cuts don’t directly change mortgage rates, but they do influence them. Mortgage rates are tied to broader financial markets, and when the Fed lowers rates, it can create a ripple effect that often leads to more favorable conditions for homebuyers and refinancers. While mortgage rates may not drop immediately, they tend to stabilize or fall over time, making it easier for buyers to secure better terms.

Does It Really Matter?

The impact of the Fed’s rate cut depends on your timing and financial goals. If you’re looking to buy a home, this cut can give you an advantage by making borrowing conditions more favorable. However, it’s important to remember that mortgage rates are also influenced by other factors like your credit score, loan type, and the length of the loan. So while the Fed’s decision can make a difference, your financial situation plays an even bigger role in the terms you’re offered.

This is where having a knowledgeable loan officer can make a world of difference. Unlike large corporate programs that often focus on volume and overlook the finer details, we provide personalized guidance. Whether you’re ready to buy now or planning for the near future, we can help you uncover opportunities or create a roadmap to achieve your goals.

For Homebuyers: Why Now Might Be the Best Time

If you’ve been waiting to buy a home, the current conditions could present a great opportunity. The Fed’s rate cut has created an environment where borrowing could be more affordable. If you’ve found a home within your budget, now might be the time to move forward before market conditions shift again. Acting sooner could help you avoid rising competition for homes, as well as potential price increases.

With years of experience serving the local community, we understand the market in ways that large corporations might not. Our experience enables us to help you make sound decisions, ensuring you’re not just getting a loan, but finding the right loan that fits your long-term goals.

Refinancing: Evaluate Carefully

If you already own a home and are considering refinancing, the Fed’s move could work in your favor, but it’s important to evaluate your situation carefully. The key is to determine if refinancing will provide enough long-term savings to justify the costs involved. Your decision should also depend on how long you plan to stay in your current home. If you’re staying put for a while, refinancing could help lower your payments or offer better terms, but it’s essential to crunch the numbers first.

Working with us means benefiting from our personalized approach. We take pride in collaborating with clients repeatedly, ensuring that each refinance or mortgage is tailored to fit your needs — something big lenders might overlook as they focus on volume.

Strengthen Your Financial Standing

Whether buying or refinancing, preparing your finances is crucial. Improving your credit score by paying down debt can enhance your chances of securing better mortgage terms. Even though the Fed’s decision creates a more borrower-friendly environment, your personal financial profile is still a critical factor.

Our hands-on approach can guide you through this process, offering wisdom and insights that large lenders often miss. We are not just here to help you secure a loan today, but to ensure that you’re set up for success in the long term.

What’s Next?

At David Haley Mortgage, a branch of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp, we’re here to help you navigate these changing conditions and make informed decisions based on your unique needs. Whether you’re purchasing a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, understanding the potential impact of the Fed’s rate cut is key to making the best move. Contact us today to explore your options and take the next step toward your homeownership goals, with the personalized attention and care that only a local expert can offer.

Daniel’s Homebuying Adventure in Everett

Daniel is excited to buy his first home and has his heart set on Everett, a city known for its rapid development and diverse job opportunities. With a background in aerospace, he’s thrilled about the proximity to the Boeing company and many other aerospace companies all gathered around in the area. Daniel is also excited about the city’s plan to develop up to 15-story tall buildings in North Everett, which promises a modern lifestyle for young couples and professionals.

However, Daniel is new to the world of home buying and feels overwhelmed by the decision between purchasing and leasing. He knows that in Everett, both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on his personal circumstances. Fortunately, he’s been recommended to talk to David Haley, a local expert who has been helping people buy homes in the area for almost two decades.

Illustration of man standing in front of a house for sale in Everett, Washington

Meeting David Haley

David listens to Daniel’s concerns about the current controversial interest rates and his desire for a manageable mortgage. He explains that not all mortgages are the same and introduces him to a 3/2/1 buydown mortgage, a special financing option that could be perfect for him.

Understanding the 3/2/1 Buydown Mortgage

David explains that a 3/2/1 buydown mortgage allows Daniel to pay lower interest rates in the first three years of his loan, gradually increasing to the standard rate in the fourth year and staying constant after that. Here’s how it breaks down:

  1. First Year: Daniel’s interest rate is 3% lower than the standard rate.
  2. Second Year: His interest rate is 2% lower than the standard rate.
  3. Third Year: His interest rate is 1% lower than the standard rate.
  4. Fourth Year and Beyond: He pays the standard rate.

How Does This Benefit Daniel?

David explains that this mortgage type can be especially beneficial in Everett’s evolving market. With the area’s development and job opportunities, Daniel can expect his income to increase over time, making it easier to handle higher payments in the future. Plus, the seller of his new home agrees to pay for the 3/2/1 buydown program, placing the funds in a special savings account to cover the reduced interest portions.

What if Interest Rates Go Down?

David also reassures Daniel that if interest rates drop in the next couple of years, he can refinance his mortgage. The money in the savings account set up by the seller can help cover the fees associated with refinancing, making the transition smooth and cost-effective.

Why Work with David Haley?

David’s expertise doesn’t end with finding the right mortgage. He’s known for thinking in his clients’ terms and enjoys educating first-time buyers like Daniel. His extensive knowledge of VA loans, conventional loans, and other financing options ensures that Daniel gets a mortgage tailored to his needs, not just what’s most profitable for lenders.

Thanks to David’s guidance, Daniel feels confident about purchasing his dream home in Everett. He appreciates having a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about his financial well-being and enjoys helping people become part of the Everett community.

With David Haley’s help, Daniel embarks on his homebuying journey with peace of mind, knowing he’s made a smart, informed decision for his future.

VA Loan – Risk Assessment

In case some of you were not able to make it to the online web discussion – here is one of the biggest items we targeted on. VA loan and Risk Assessments:

Last Week’s Questions & Answers: 12/20/2011

Q: Did you know that there have been updates in DU to the Credit Risk Assessment for VA Loan casefiles? 

A: During the weekend of  Dec. 17, 2011, there were updates to DU for VA loan casefiles and evaluating
credit risk assessment. You may see loans impacted as follows:

  • Overall improved credit characteristics for loan
    casefiles may receive an Approve recommendation
  • A change in the underwriting recommendation for some
    loan casefiles. For example, some loan casefiles that previously received an Approve recommendation may now receive a Refer recommendation, particularly ones with back-end debt-to-income ratios over 45%.
  • Reduced Approve recommendation rates. The overall
    reduction may vary by customer depending on the credit characteristics of the VA loan casefiles submitted to DU.

VA Loan casefiles created on or after the weekend of Dec 17, will be evaluated using the new credit risk assessment. In addition, VA loan casefiles created prior to Dec 17, and resubmitted to DU for any reason (i.e. change in appraised value) on or after the weekend of Dec 17, will be evaluated using the new credit risk assessment if there are any changes to any key credit characteristics of the loan casefile (e.g. LTV).

When we run to find out if a home buyer for a VA Loan will qualify we run it through an automated underwriting system. This will give us specific criteria and tolerances for our loan approvals.

Should you have any questions please contact me.

FHA Mortgage – Gift Funds – Bothell, Mill Creek, Lynnwood WA

Gift funds still allowed for Home Buyers seeking to become a home owner, with home prices that are compared to 2000-2003 prices, and with today’s low interest rates, often times you can get into a home lower than what your rent payments are.

Gift funds can come from family members and all that is needed is 3.5% for your down payment, so if you were to purchase a home for as little as 150,000.00 then you will only need: 5,250.00  as a gift down payment.

There are other ways that you can accomplish this down payment if you choose to not receive a gift from your family, you can take a loan on your 401k up to 10,000.00 when you are a First Time Home Buyer.

When you are ready to go out and begin the home search make sure you have your finances, credit, and employment all worked out, by this I mean get pre-approved before you take the step to go out and look for your home. You must know what your payment and debt to income ratios will be, as well as what you can truly afford.

Buying a home can be easy when you have the right steps done in the right order, believe me, make sure you know what you can truly afford before you go out looking for a home.

Stanwood-listing-003 Who can qualify for a FHA Home loan, just about anyone, you do not have to be a first time home buyer! If you have owned a home before that is fine, you can have one FHA loan at a time, is the main guideline, however some exceptions have been seen before.

So to quickly summarize you can still purchase a home Zero Down* if you do receive a Gift! Should you seek more information and want to know what you qualify for go to the top right side of the website, click “Apply Now” and put David Haley as the loan officer and I will be glad to help you get started to owning your new home!

FHA – Increase in Mortgage Insurance – No April Fools Joke!

April 1st of 2012 will not be a good April Fool’s joke – once again FHA has been looking at their overall solvency concerns and has deteremined they need to pass along the added costs to the new borrowers.

The UFMIP will be increased from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount.  This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or LTV ratio.  FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 1, 2012.  Example: Loan Amount = 100,000.00 new Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is 1.75% = 1,750.00 being financed into new loan.

The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 requires FHA to increase the annual MIP it collects by 0.10 percent.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 1, 2012.  FHA is also exercising its statutory authority to add an additional 0.25 percent to mortgages exceeding $625,500.  This change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after June 1, 2012. UPDATE: Here is the HUD LINK

So for quick examples and here is the easiest equation. Take  your loan amount 100,000.00 time new Monthly Mortgage Insurance Cost of 1.25% = 1,250.00 then divide this number by 12 to give you the Monthly Mtg Ins Premium Cost = 104.17 per month vs. the old MI factor of 1.15% = 1,150.00 / 12 = 95.83 per month.

Now these are all numbers based on if you are only putting the 3.5% minimum investment down for this type of loan.

Taken together, these premium changes will enable FHA to increase revenues at a time that is critical to the ongoing stability of its Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund, contributing more than $1 billion to the Fund, based on current volume projections through Fiscal Year 2013.

Should you have any questions please give contact me.

MI basics: tax-deductible MI

Untitled-7-01MI Tax Deductibility passed as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

Borrower-paid MI premiums are tax-deductible through the year 2013. Borrowers should consult their tax advisors regarding MI tax deductibility. See disclaimer note below.

FAQs

Does the bill apply to mortgage insurance?

Yes, borrower-paid MI provided by qualifies for the deduction. This includes the Monthly, Single and Split Premium plans. There are varied opinions on the deductibility of lender-paid MI as the IRS has not yet clarified the deductibility. It is recommended that borrowers consult their tax advisors regarding the amount that is deductible.

What types of mortgage loans qualify for the MI tax deduction?

Loans used for “acquisition indebtedness” — that is, money borrowed to buy, build or substantially improve a residence — are eligible, as long as the debt is secured by the same residence.

This includes purchase loans and refinance loans, up to the original acquisition indebtedness. (Money borrowed against the equity in a home or when refinancing a home for any reason other than to buy, build or substantially improve a residence is called “equity indebtedness.”)

When refinancing a piggyback loan originally used to acquire a property, is the original loan amount considered the sum of the two mortgages or only the primary mortgage amount without the second lien included?

The original acquisition indebtedness is considered to be the sum of the two mortgages.

Is deductibility applicable for all loan types?

There is no differentiation among loan types.

What types of properties are eligible for tax deductibility?

The deduction applies to “qualified residences,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, that includes the borrower’s primary residence and a non-rental second home. As with mortgage interest, borrowers can deduct mortgage insurance premiums paid on both their primary residence and one other qualified residence each year. Investor loans are not eligible.

Who qualifies for this itemized deduction?

Households with adjusted gross incomes of $100,000 or less will be able to deduct 100% of their MI premiums. The deduction is reduced by 10% for each additional $1,000 of adjusted gross household income, phasing out after $109,000. (Details below.)

Married individuals filing separate returns who have adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 or less will be able to deduct 50% of their MI premiums. The deduction is reduced by 5% for each additional $500 of adjusted gross income, phasing out after $54,500. (Details below.)

The deduction is not restricted to first-time homebuyers.

Adjusted Gross Income Limits
Single OR
Married, Filing
Jointly
Allowable
MI Premium Deduction
Married,
Filing
Separately
Allowable
MI Premium Deduction

$0 – $100,000

100%

$0 – $50,000

50%

$100,000.01 – $101,000

90%

$50,000.01 – $50,500

45%

$101,000.01 – $102,000

80%

$50,500.01 – $51,000

40%

$102,000.01 – $103,000

70%

$51,000.01 – $51,500

35%

$103,000.01 – $104,000

60%

$51,500.01 – $52,000

30%

$104,000.01 – $105,000

50%

$52,000.01 – $52,500

25%

$105,000.01 – $106,000

40%

$52,500.01 – $53,000

20%

$106,000.01 – $107,000

30%

$53,000.01 – $53,500

15%

$107,000.01 – $108,000

20%

$53,500.01 – $54,000

10%

$108,000.01 – $109,000

10%

$54,000.01 – $54,500

5%

 

Is adjusted gross income calculated before or after deductions?

Adjusted gross income is calculated before itemized deductions, including the MI deduction.

How does the MI tax deduction work?

Borrowers who itemize deductions are able to reduce their overall taxable income in the same manner as mortgage interest.

Are borrower-paid, single premiums, which are paid up front in a lump sum, eligible for the deduction?

Yes, borrower-paid, single-premiums are eligible for the deduction under the new law. Borrowers should consult with a professional tax advisor to determine the amount of the MI premium eligible for the tax deduction.

If the single premium is financed, are both the mortgage insurance premium and the interest tax deductible?

We believe that if the loan is for acquisition indebtedness, both the interest attributable to the entire loan balance as well as the allocated portion of the mortgage insurance premium is tax deductible.

How would a premium refund issued during the tax year affect eligibility and the amount of the MI deduction?

Borrowers are only permitted to deduct that portion of their MI premium attributable to a tax year. If the MI is dropped, and a refund is paid, the amount refunded would reduce the amount of MI premium that could be attributable to that tax year and be deducted.

Note: David Haley and / or www.DavidHaleyMortgage.com  cannot provide tax advice. Taxpayers should consult their tax advisor to ascertain if they are eligible to take this deduction. The answers to these questions are based on an interpretation of the language of the statute, the Joint Committee on Taxation’s Technical Explanation of the statutory language, and present law. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will issue guidance interpreting the new provision, and could reach different conclusions for some of the issues raised

Mortgage Insurance, Not a Tax Deduction?

Mortgage-Insurance

Going forward Mortgage Insurance will no longer be able to be a line item deduction after 12/31/2011. As a Mortgage Insurance Company has reminded us: United Guaranty MI company. “MI tax deductibility is scheduled to lapse at midnight, December 31, 2011, now’s the time to expedite them to retain this benefit for your borrowers who qualify! MI tax deductibility will also lapse for FHA and VA loans, which were extended under the same law as private MI.”

As we found out last week, g-fees for new agency loans will be going up to pay for the two-month payroll tax cut.Under the “unintended consequences” banner analysts were quick to point out that, given the increase is scheduled for ten years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not going away any time soon unless the government comes up with the money elsewhere. F&F will not absorb this increase, nor will lenders; it will, of course, be passed on to borrowers. (The bill also will raise the annual insurance premium borrowers pay on FHA loans by one-tenth of a percent.) The increased g-fee, which makes it difficult for Congress to work on efforts to shut down Fannie and Freddie, based on current rates and a $200,000 loan, will cost the agency borrower about $11 per month. “These institutions, which have been so costly to Americans and are so necessary to the housing recovery, should not be the piggy bank for future arbitrary tax policy,” Dave Stevens (MBA) said. Due to their government ownership, investors still view their (and FHA/VA) MBS’s as safer investments than those offered by private firms. The law allows FHFA to phase in the fee over two years.
So, if you were lucky enough to close your home loan before 12/30/2011 Congratulations!

*As always seek a qualified CPA who can further assist you.* This is not to be construed as tax advice, informational purposes only!

We are hoping that the House of Representatives will continue to extend this tax credit to home buyers, as this is a benefit when you purchase a home and have less than 20% down payment. Make sure you contact your local Representative, Congressman, Senator, or local delgate. We need to extend this tax credit / deduction! As this will only help our real estate markets

Should you have any questions please contact me.

Home Building Expected to Rise in 2015

With 2015 well underway, the National Association of Home Builders is looking forward at the coming year. Strong employment, low interest rates, and the greater availability of mortgage loans are making for a very good outlook for the real estate world, as pent-up demand continues to be released across the country.

Though the Millennial generation continues to be hampered by poor wage growth and crippling student debt, this generation is starting to reach the low 30’s. More and more of this key demographic are getting ready to get comfortable and invest in real estate, which should fuel the housing market in the coming years.

With this in mind, NAHB is expecting a rise in homebuilding for 2015. Their forecast shows single-family home production rising 26% to 804,000 units. In terms of multifamily projects, the anticipation is 358,000 building starts, representing a 2% increase over 2014. Sales of new homes for single families is expected to reach 564,000, a 29.3% gain over last year, while residential remodeling is expected to rise by 3%.


Meg O. Avatar
David Haley is not your typical lender. He's incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and also incredibly fun and engaging. He makes the often-intimidating loan process feel surprisingly enjoyable. David takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly, ensuring you understand every step of the way. He's always available to answer questions and address any concerns, and he truly cares about helping his clients make informed decisions. We highly recommend David Haley to anyone looking for a lender who is both knowledgeable and personable, and who will work in your best interest.
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M. O. 1/16/2025
donna50192 Avatar
David Haley, Fairway Mortgage I was referred to David by a friend who I trusted and David Haley did not disappoint, better he went above and beyond to help me through this process, taking the time to answer all of my questions. He and his team were immediately responsive to any of my inquiries. I didn't have to wait on hold or listen to a robot giving me options to choose. This was real, personal service that we don't see enough of anymore. I highly recommend David Haley as a lender, as well as anything else having to do with financing a mortgage. I can't say enough good things about the whole process working with David. Thank you.
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d. 1/09/2025
Paul D. Avatar
Great job start to finish working with Dave and Jan highly recommend them
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P. D. 1/06/2025
Paul D. Avatar
Great job start to finish working with Dave and Jan highly recommend them
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P. D. 1/05/2025
Daniel C. Avatar
The best parts about David is that he was extremely responsive, and explained things in detail and MADE SURE I understood everything we talked about. I highly recommend his and the Fairway team’s services.
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D. C. 1/04/2025
Kacey A. Avatar
David was willing to communicate with us often and answer any questions we had. And if he didn't know, he found out! He gave valuable insight into the whole process of buying a home, not just the loan part.
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K. A. 12/26/2024
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