Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Mortgage Refinance Surge Tips for 2009

By Monique M. Zidan

Mortgage Refinance has created a surge in the lending business, somewhat unexpectedly and during uncertain economic times. Rates have dropped below 6% when the Federal Reserve made the decision to buy mortgage-backed securities to stimulate consumer financing once again.

The sudden drop in rates is proof enough the mortgage finance surge has found lenders under-prepared. This heightened activity seems to be happening during a time when they could really maximize on the opportunity to make up for the losses from last year's fiasco. Short-handed lenders are having difficulties following up with prospective customers and there are warnings to expect delays in applications as understaffed lenders race to fulfill requests for mortgage refinance.

It has been reported that consumers contacting lenders for mortgage refinance have been unable to speak to a live person and are only left with the option of leaving a message for a return phone call. Some frustrated consumers are unable to simply leave a message as lender mailboxes and voicemail are unable to handle the call volume, not to mention the mortgage refinance agents.

Consumers contacting lenders for mortgage refinance have been unsuccessful in speaking to anyone directly when calling lenders and some are left with the option of leaving a message for a return call. Frustrated consumers are unable to simply leave a message as lender mailboxes and voicemail are unable to support the volume of callers.

Lenders are pulling staff from other departments to handle the demand for mortgage refinance. Consumers are worried about the possibility of rates going back up before they can lock in. The history of fluctuating rates proves there is great chance this could happen as it is possible it can change from one hour to the next.

When a consumer is told it could be two weeks before they can get back to you about mortgage refinance, I believe the best advice to give in this situation would be to contact as many lenders as it takes. Be in touch with someone that can actually get to the point of locking in the rate quicker than the rest, without compromising everything else that encompasses processing the loan.

As the refinance business continues to see growth, it would be wise to seek out a lender that will be able to process the application right away and not have get through other applications while you wait for a couple of weeks before they can get to it. Some customers are told to fill out the form or application on the lender's website for a mortgage refinance.

Now is a good time to be in touch with connections directly related to the lending industry or connections with a real estate agent that can act as a liaison between the lender and customer looking for a mortgage refinance. Keep in mind there is a good possibility the lender may not reply at all to the message or when the online application was submitted. With business booming for lenders, it would be smart to pursue and secure that magic number before it is lost. - 16003

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