Pay Option ARMs Next Wave of Foreclosures?

While analysts are tabulating and predicting default rates on less-credit worthy subprime portfolios there may be another specter lurking in the shadows of many good credit (prime) mortgage portfolios--payment option ARMs.

Payment option ARMs are mortgages, typically given to higher creditworthy borrowers, with a low monthly rate and the opportunity to select various payment options. One popular option is a minimum payment that does not even cover the interest due, which steadily increases the loan amount over time--in many cases to a level that exceeds the value of the home. This effect, also known as negative amortization, places home owners in a no win predicament--a dramatic adjustment to the monthly payment after the introductory period and no options to refinance because the loan substantially exceeds the value of the home.

With many of these loans, to good credit borrowers, set to increase their monthly payments as much as 60% higher and with loan amounts that have ballooned to 110%-125% of the homes value the market may be in for another wave of foreclosures, this time from prime borrowers.

More Top Stories »

Government Take Over of Fannie, Freddie Imminent

Fannie, Freddie expected to be taken over by the government as early as this weekend to prevent pending failure of the two huge mortgage institutions.

Mortgage Application Woes, What to Do When Your Lender Says No

The mortgage market is in a monumental shakeup and that is leaving many borrowers with rejected stamped on their mortgage application. However, there are lots of options to improve your chances of getting approved from credit repair to government mortgage assistance programs. Learn a few simple techniques to get your next mortgage application approved.

GMAC Lays off 5000, Shutters 200 Retail Branches

GMAC became the latest in a long line of mortgage business downsizing and closings. GMAC announced on Wednesday that it will be laying off 5000 employees and closing over 200 of its retail mortgage branches throughout the US.

Fannie, Freddie May Dodge Bailout

On the heels of a reasonably priced Freddie Mac auction of $1 billion in 5-year notes Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's stock continues to climb out. This re-issuance priced at a spread of 95.6 basis points more than the 5-year US Treasury notes--signaling a reasonable risk premium and capability to continue issuing debt.

Fed Hawks Softening Inflationary Rhetoric

As the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) quickly approaches the anti-inflationary hawks are softening their rhetoric for a rate hike. Increasingly the call on September 16 looks to be one of staying the course as economic indicators continue to report in confusingly balanced, good and bad way. This certainly makes a case for the Fed to take their hands off the economic wheel again and let markets do as they may--to determine reality from hype.

Mortgage Market Giving Economists Fits, Should Mortgage Borrowers Care?

It seems we are in the perfect economic storm for mortgages. Many homeowners and potential home buyers are stuck in a confusing mix of market signals. A blend of good and bad that leave us with a balanced scorecard. This is leaving most experts offering little practical advise and instead focusing on predicting the bottom. Since, there is little market news on this Labor Day lets take the down time to step back and see what all these current mortgage trends might mean to you.

Compare Rates

National Rates

Loan Type Today
30 Year Fixed   6.05
15 Year Fixed   5.72
5/1 Adjustable   5.78

Get Your Rates »

Rates may contain points

Browse Mortgage Rates

Featured Guides

Browse our comprehensive guides to popular topics related to mortgage and personal finance.

100+ Calculators