Based on the change in mortgage rates from early May to today, the average buyer would have to pay 13 percent more in monthly payments, including taxes and insurance, according to Mark Hanson, a California-based analyst. They also have to earn 10 percent more in income to qualify for a loan based on a typical qualifying debt-to-income ratio of 45 percent.

“These are huge moves especially considering—when purchasing a house using a mortgage—most people buy based on ‘monthly payment and the maximum allowable debt-to-income ratio.’ This means first-timer share will fall even further. They are already at a multiyear low even with record-low rates,” said Hanson.

(Read More: As Prices Rise, Banks Repossess More Homes)

First-time homebuyer participation was at just 29 percent, according to the Realtors, a five-year low. Without these buyers, as investors pull back and prices rise, home sales will likely lose steam. June’s report on pending home sales, or signed contracts in May, will tell just how much rising rates are impacting sales. That report will be released Thursday, June 27.

—By CNBC’s Diana Olick. Follow her on Twitter @Diana_Olick or on Facebook at facebook.com/DianaOlickCNBC.

Questions? Comments? RealtyCheck@cnbc.com

Article source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100831431

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 09, 2012

First-time homebuyers are finding their dreams of owning a home more realistic than ever. A stronger job market and record-low home prices and mortgage rates have helped increase home sales in the US, showing positive signs for the housing market. AccessBanc Mortgage, a Bay Area mortgage broker that specializes in helping people buy a home for the first time, says based on the steadily low mortgage rates and increasing home affordability, now is the time to buy.

According to data recently released by the National Association of Realtors, home sales rose to their highest level in January and long-term mortgage rates are the lowest they have been since 1971. Home sales increased 4.3 percent in January 2012 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million. First-time buyers accounted for 33 percent of transactions in January 2012, compared to 29 percent in January 2011. AccessBanc Mortgage wants to help first-time homebuyers take advantage of upward trends like these showing positive signs for the housing market.

Buying a home can be a confusing and frustrating process, especially for a first timer. AccessBanc Mortgage helps simplify this process for first-time homebuyers in the Bay Area by offering specialized first-time buyer programs, which require a smaller down payment and make loan qualification easier. These programs coupled with historically low mortgage rates make buying a home understandable and affordable.

“We realize that everyone’s dream is to get the keys to their first home and we want to be a part of that once-in-a-lifetime moment,” commented AccessBanc Mortgage Principal Greg Erny. “While rates are low, we want to be able to help people take advantage of a great market.”

For those looking to purchase a new home, the steadily low mortgage rates are essential. Home prices are currently low, and with interest rates at unheard-of lows, people may be surprised to discover the kind of home they can now afford.

“Our expert brokers specialize in guiding first-time homebuyers through the entire mortgage process. Call us today for a free consultation,” invited Erny.

Bay Area mortgage broker AccessBanc is a multilingual office centrally located in San Jose. They have achieved Premier Relationship status with many of America’s largest lenders, giving them the ability to source mortgage loans through more than 100 lenders.

For more information about first-time homebuyer programs or any of AccessBanc’s products or services, call them at (855) 262-6302 or visit www.accessbanc.com.

About AccessBanc

AccessBanc is a San Francisco Bay Area mortgage broker committed to offering the most seasoned, professional, and competent loan consulting talent available. Because AccessBanc Loan Consultants enjoy favorable lender terms, use state of the art technology, and apply innovative solutions to knowledgeably work the market, they can offer prospective borrowers extremely competitive mortgage rates and great service.

AccessBanc’s services include: refinance, home purchase, first-time homebuyers, conventional conforming loans, jumbo loans, second/vacation homes, investment/rental properties, pre-qualification and pre-approved letters, and home equity loans / lines of credit. From home finance in Marin to first-time homebuyers in San Jose, AccessBanc’s carefully selected Loan Consultant Team can help Bay Area borrowers find the right loan.

AccessBanc Mortgage is a Real Estate Broker licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, License #00892684. NMLS #311147.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebmortgage-brokers/bay-area/prweb9267735.htm

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/03/09/prweb9267735.DTL