by Tanta on 6/12/2008 06:20:00 PM

According to the LA Times, the jumbo market is showing "signs of a thaw," which isn't really great news but isn't terrible either and things may be looking up except perhaps not really. Or something. You read it and tell me what we're supposed to think.

As usual, though, I enjoyed the obligatory Suffering Homeowner anecdote. First three grafs:

When the federal government enacted rules in February to help borrowers get big mortgages, Rick Garcia hoped he'd finally be able to refinance his West Hills home.

The 35-year-old veterinarian started looking for a new mortgage six months ago but says he hasn't been able to find an affordable one.

"We're in June, and I still haven't done it," Garcia said. "How long do you wait?"

Last four grafs:

He has a good job -- he opened his own veterinary practice three years ago, working out of a mobile van throughout Los Angeles County -- and a strong credit history.

He wants to borrow about $650,000 to pay off his mortgage and student loans, replacing his current adjustable-rate loan with a 30-year fixed-rate.

But Garcia is looking for a loan for which he doesn't have to fully document his income, and he's not sure when he'll find one.

"When things drag on for six months it becomes stressful," he said. "You start to feel like it's not going to come through."

I hate to break it to Garcia, but he's going to be waiting a long time for a jumbo cash-out stated income loan on an LA property at a rock-bottom interest rate.