September Sees Large Jump in HECM Applications, As Expected

We knew that reverse mortgage applications were likely to jump to new levels in September, but we did not know how much- until now. September’s FHA Outlook report shows a 72.4% increase in HECM applications in September versus August. 19,055 HECM applications were submitted in September, versus 11,051 in August.

Therefore, while only 9,473 reverse mortgages were endorsed by the FHA in September, up from 8,933 in August, the number appears poised to climb in October and November, as those who applied before the principle limit factors fell 10% on October 1st complete their applications. It is also interesting to note that the number of purchases and refinances made up a very small percentage of the reverse mortgages endorsed, with 137 HECMs for Purchase and 790 HECM Refinances endorsed in September.

Finally, as the fiscal year ended, it is good to see that the FHA’s predictions were fairly in line with the actual results. 162,619 HECM applications were filed, as opposed to the 165,000 projected in FY 2009. Of those, 114,691 HECMs were endorsed in FY 2009. This is an increase of 2.3% from last year, though still below the projected 119,700 endorsements. Nonetheless, it appears that the reverse mortgage industry grew in FY 2009, despite the recession, and appears poised for a strong beginning to FY 2010.

HECM Volume in September Increases Over August

September’s HECM volume report as published by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Development) showed that the number of HECMs endorsed increased by about 500 loans from August to September. The number of HECMs endorsed in September was 9,473, while 8,933 HECMs were endorsed in August. However, this number does not reflect the dramatic increase in the number of case numbers assigned the last week in September during the final days of the former PLF limits. As such, the number of HECMs endorsed should rise rapidly in October and November, as they are processed and closed.

In the meantime, the HECM lenders in the top 10 remained unchanged from August. These top 10 lenders are measured by the total number of HECMs endorsed so far this year, explaining why some lenders that have left the reverse mortgage business are still in the top 10. The list is as follows:

1. Wells Fargo

2. Bank of America

3. World Alliance Financial Corp

4. Financial Freedom

5. One Reverse Mortgage

6. MetLife Bank

7. Countrywide Financial

8. Generation Mortgage

9. Urban Financial Group

10. 1st AAA Reverse Mortgage

It will be very interesting to see if this list changes in the next two months as the number of HECMs endorsed increases dramatically. The complete list for September can be found on the HUD website. The changes will be reflected on the Reverse Mortgage Guides website in the Lender Directory within the next week.

Housing Market Bounces

As the news today that housing resales dropped in August sent stocks spiraling downwards, those within the real estate industry were faced with a really interesting reality. The housing market rebound may not be as linear as once hoped.

Existing home sales fell 2.7% in August after a record increase of 7.2% electrified the industry in July. However, there are many factors that likely played into the change. The federal tax credit of $8,000 for new home buyers is due to expire soon, likely contributing to the glut of deals in July. Jobless rates continue to be high, as do foreclosures. With many foreclosures yet to hit the market (likely knocking home prices down), it seems reasonable to think that the market may not climb steadily, but rather peak and valley as it restarts.

This may just mean that government programs and incentives (such as the tax credit) are important to getting consumers back in the market, and that sellers may just need to watch timing to match the ups and downs of the market. Even when home sales increase, the inventory of houses on the market is still high and unlikely to dissipate rapidly. But sellers can likely work within the curves of the market to best optimize when to sell their home (and at what price).

Finally, the coming winter means that it’s unsurprising that home sales will dwindle. Home sales generally increase during the spring and summer, with the warmer temperatures. Sales will probably decrease as fall changes to winter.

This Week's Reverse Mortgage Rates: August 25, 2009

This week’s reverse mortgage rates are below. The rates are effective for the week beginning August 25, 2009.

APR:

HECM CMT 300: 3.44

HECM CMT 325: 3.69

HECM CMT 350: 3.94

HECM LIBOR 225: 2.516

HECM LIBOR 250: 2.766

HECM LIBOR 275: 3.016

HECM LIBOR 300: 3.266

Expected Rates:

HECM CMT 300: 6.48

HECM CMT 325: 6.73

HECM CMT 350: 6.98

HECM LIBOR 225: 5.97

HECM LIBOR 250: 6.22

HECM LIBOR 275: 6.47

HECM LIBOR 300: 6.72

Rates fell this week for both the HECM CMT and the HECM LIBOR. The expected rate for the HECM LIBOR fell over two tenths of a point. The expected rate for the HECM CMT fell just under two tenths of a point. It is great to see the rates declining at such a dramatic rate again.

Reminder: The HECM CMT will cease to be offered on September 1st. This is the last week we will list the rates for the HECM CMT.

This Week's Reverse Mortgage Rates: August 18, 2009

This week’s reverse mortgage rates are below. The rates are effective for the week beginning August 18, 2009.

APR:

HECM CMT 300: 3.47

HECM CMT 325: 3.72

HECM CMT 350: 3.97

HECM LIBOR 225: 2.523

HECM LIBOR 250: 2.773

HECM LIBOR 275: 3.023

HECM LIBOR 300: 3.273

Expected Rates:

HECM CMT 300: 6.67

HECM CMT 325: 6.92

HECM CMT 350: 7.17

HECM LIBOR 225: 6.20

HECM LIBOR 250: 6.45

HECM LIBOR 275: 6.70

HECM LIBOR 300: 6.95

The APRs and expected rates for both the HECM CMT and the HECM LIBOR declined this week. While rates for the HECM LIBOR have yet to fall to the level they were at earlier this month, the decline in expected rate of five hundredths of a point will still be nice for borrowers. The rates for the HECM CMT are the same as they were the week of August 4th.

Reminder: The HECM CMT will cease to be offered on September 1st.

This Week's Reverse Mortgage Rates: August 11, 2009

This week’s reverse mortgage rates are below. The rates are effective for the week beginning August 11, 2009.

APR:

HECM CMT 300: 3.49

HECM CMT 325: 3.74

HECM CMT 350: 3.99

HECM LIBOR 225: 2.526

HECM LIBOR 250: 2.776

HECM LIBOR 275: 3.026

HECM LIBOR 300: 3.276

Expected Rates:

HECM CMT 300: 6.77

HECM CMT 325: 7.02

HECM CMT 350: 7.27

HECM LIBOR 225: 6.25

HECM LIBOR 250: 6.50

HECM LIBOR 275: 6.75

HECM LIBOR 300: 7.00

While the APR for both the HECM CMT and the HECM LIBOR remained mostly unchanged from last week, the expected rates for the HECM LIBOR and HECM CMT rose again this week. The increase was fairly significant, amounting to a tenth of a point on the HECM CMT and slightly more than a tenth of a point on the HECM LIBOR.

Reminder: The HECM CMT will cease to be offered on September 1st.

This Week's Reverse Mortgage Rates: August 4, 2009

This week’s reverse mortgage rates are below. The rates are effective for the week beginning August 4, 2009.

APR:

HECM CMT 300: 3.49

HECM CMT 325: 3.74

HECM CMT 350: 3.99

HECM LIBOR 250: 2.779

HECM LIBOR 275: 3.029

HECM LIBOR 300: 3.279

Expected Rates:

HECM CMT 300: 6.67

HECM CMT 325: 6.92

HECM CMT 350: 7.17

HECM LIBOR 250: 6.39

HECM LIBOR 275: 6.64

HECM LIBOR 300: 6.89

Rates for the HECM LIBOR and HECM CMT rose again this week, though the APR for the LIBOR declined. However, the rate of increase in expected rates was lower this week than it has been in past weeks.

Reminder: The HECM CMT will cease to be offered on September 1st.