Friday 27 November 2009

Home Loan Mortgage Modification Facts to Help You Qualify!

By Tiffany Nelson

Are you trying to figure out this whole home loan mortgage modification process? Trying to understand it, find out if it is right for you and trying to find a place to start? You are just like millions of other homeowners confused and frustrated, needing the facts!

The first fact that you need is simple! Do your homework! Find out what your specific lender requires for approval. Every lender will have unique requirements, most will be similar but you need to know what your lender wants from you! You can't expect to qualify for anything if you don't know the criteria used to make that determination! There will be specific forms, information, documentation that you must have and complete accurately to apply!

The second fact that you must know is that the Federal Government has allocated $75 billion; yes I said billion dollars to lenders in order to assist you with saving your home! The lenders now have a lot of monetary incentive to get your loan modified! The idea is to help homeowners before it's too late. If you are delinquent now, or you think you will be delinquent soon, you need to contact your lender and get things started!

The third fact, and this is an important one, DO NOT give any financial information to your lender before getting all the information together accurately! Once you submit any financial information to your lender, you cannot change it! You can't make any adjustments at all! You get one chance at this; make sure you fill everything out accurately and completely before disclosing any specific information to your lender! You can contact your lender and ask what the requirements and criteria they use to approve a home loan mortgage modification without disclosing any of your financial information! Ask what documents are needed, what criteria must be met, get all the information you need in that first communication with your lender. Then take the time to fill everything out properly! Accuracy and completeness is paramount here! Only after you have gone over everything 3-4 times and are confident in your preparation should you give any financial information to the lender.

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Wednesday 9 September 2009

Home Mortgage Modification and Refinance Using The Obamas Stimulus

President Obama and the Government have enacted their home refinancing and modification stimulus plan. This plan will allow millions of homeowners the chance to refinance or modify their current home loan into a new 2% fixed rate mortgage. Taking advantage is easy, and the savings easily add up to hundreds per month.

There are 2 Main Parts to Obamas Stimulus Package:

1) Home Mortgage Refinancing Assistance.

2) Home Loan Modification Assistance.

Here are some details on each of these Components to Obamas plan:

1.) Home Mortgage Refinancing Stimulus Plan
Using this plan homeowners are able to refinance through 2 of the biggest mortgage lenders in the country, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, even if their mortgages are worth more than the actual value of the home. The only eligibility requirements are that the home loan is financed or insured by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Even if you are financially secure enough to be able to pay the monthly mortgage payment you can still take advantage of this plan.
Another condition of this plan is that the home to be refinanced is actually the homeowners primary residence. This refinancing stimulus plan from Obama only applies to primary residences not investment, or second properties.

2.) Home Loan Modification Plan
The Obama administration will be giving cash incentives to mortgage lenders who approve loan modification for "at risk" homeowners. Using this program, the homeowner will be able to avoid foreclosure, and get their home loan into a fixed 2% interest rate. Homeowners would also get to waive any late fees they have and their will be no closing costs associated with a home loan modification using this plan. Also, homeowners who take advantage of this plan will be able to get a mortgage payment that does not exceed 31% of their gross monthly income.

Refinancing a home loan using this plan will no doubt save millions of homeowners hundreds of dollars every single month. Taking advantage of this plan is very easy to, and even encouraged by Obama. Homeowners can use this to save their money and improve their standards of living. Also, this plan should restore some consumer confidence in the housing market.

By By Michael Petrone

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Monday 31 August 2009

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance - Advice and Help

Most likely, your home will be the most expensive thing you ever own in your life. It is only normal that you would do anything in your power to keep it. However, home ownership can be a financial nightmare, but that can change with mortgage refinancing. Getting a more affordable monthly mortgage payment will help you keep your home, and strengthen your finances.

However, just because it is possible to get a bad credit mortgage does not mean it is easy. Here are some important questions you must ask yourself prior to applying for a bad credit mortgage refinance:

Do I really need to refinance my home loan?


You should always look into other possibilities of raising money, or something extra in addition to your normal income. Paying off bills with overtime hours, sales of a few possessions or good financial planning, can result in a refinance not even being needed. Also, never forget the associated costs and fees with refinancing a mortgage. Sometimes, these fees and costs make a bad credit mortgage refinance not worth it, and you would be better off in your current loan.

So is a Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance really my best option?

Doing some easy research and comparison shopping between different mortgage lenders will help a homeowner get the best deal.
Always take refinancing a mortgage seriously. If a mortgage refinance is done wrong, it could cost you thousands of dollars, or maybe even your home. Even homeowners with bad credit, especially in todays market, can get an approval. It has never been easier for homeowners with poor credit scores to get approved for a refinancing. Take action now.

By Michael Petrone

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Thursday 27 August 2009

Is a 100% Home Loan Impossible?

There are one or two banks or lenders that give prospective home buyers 100% home loans, but there are specific requirements.

This type of home loan is only available for a purchase price of up to R300 000 and a joint or single monthly income of R15,000.

So what about the rest of you that do not fall into that category?
Well, unfortunately the maximum you would get is between 85% - 95% of the purchase price and you would have to give the rest as a deposit, plus cover the legal fees.
This could end up being quite a large amount, therefore we have a suggestion.
If you are currently renting, work out or get a qualified mortgage originator to work out how much you qualify for and what the approximate monthly installment would be.

What you should do then is to take the difference in what you would be spending on a home loan and your current rent and save that on a monthly basis for about 6 months.
Well, if you do that you will see if you would be able to comfortably afford a home loan installment and not get a shock if you suddenly just buy and your installment is much larger.

After 6 months you could then use what you have saved up and put that towards your deposit. Depending on the amount you want to buy for, this may actually be enough to cover your deposit and some of your legal fees.

By Zulika Van Heerden

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Saturday 22 August 2009

Applying for Your First Home Mortgage? What You Need to Know

The following home mortgage tips will help you figure out how to best go about the home mortgage loan process for your situation.

Home Mortgage tip #1 Interest Rates

Before applying for your first home mortgage loan you will want to shop around and see what average home mortgage loan rates are. Shopping for home mortgage rates online is a timesaver and frequently have lower rates as well. Your home mortgage rate will affect how much money you have to pay back over the term of the loan, so the lower the better.

Home Mortgage Tip #2 Fixed or Variable Interest Rate

When it comes to your home mortgage loan there are more options than just a loan you pay back over a set amount of years. You can choose different home mortgage interest rates that work best for your current and future situations. So, before you apply for a home mortgage loan do some research on variable and fixed interest rates to find what will work best for you.

Home Mortgage Tip #3 Down Payment

When applying for a home mortgage loan for the first time you might not be aware of the general down payment you will be required to make. Many times a home mortgage loan requires between 10 and 20% of the price of the home, but if you have good credit sometimes you can make a lower down payment and still get a good deal on your home mortgage. This depends on the home mortgage lender, so shop around.

By Jay Moncliff

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Friday 14 August 2009

Commercial Mortgages - Finding the Right Commercial Mortgage Lender

If you are considering the purchase or refinance of a commercial property, securing the best possible financing is an integral part of your long-term success. Getting your commercial mortgage isn't rocket science; it's a matter of strategy and execution.

However, before you can prepare your loan proposal for success, you must understand the commercial mortgage process and how to find a lender. This article will discuss a variety of strategies that can give you insight about the commercial mortgage market and help you land the best lender and loan for your unique situation.

Understanding the Commercial Mortgage Lending Climate

Many business owners and real estate investors have realized the extraordinary profit potential of owning commercial real estate. When I refer to commercial real estate, I'm talking about any property that is owned for investment purposes. These are properties that generate a cash flow for the owner. Or in the case of owner-occupied property, these are properties where the owner runs a business.

Many business owners prefer to build equity in an owner-occupied property rather than continuing to pay an ever-increasing monthly rent to their "smart" landlord. These savvy property owners enjoy the relative safety and predictability of owning commercial real estate; they like the positive cash flow, tax benefits and appreciation their investment delivers.

Keep in mind that financial institutions are in the business of turning companies and individuals into property owners. They're eager to lend money to responsible borrowers. And even today, while mortgage success is more challenging than it has been in decades, funding is still abundantly available for qualified investors and projects.

If your transaction makes sense, there are many lenders who will work creatively with you to get it funded. Never forget that lenders WANT to make loans. And as a qualified borrower with a sound loan requirement, you have more leverage than you might imagine.

Target Your Lender

There are literally hundreds of lenders active in the commercial real estate marketplace. Each of these lenders has different criteria for the transactions that will interest them. Matching your specific transaction to the most appropriate lender is an important first step to getting your transaction funded.

When choosing a lender, make sure you're working with an institution that is willing and able to make the loan you need. If you're working on your own, you might start out by phoning your local bank and asking to speak with a commercial mortgage officer. Explain to them the specifics of your loan transaction and ask if the transaction meets their lending profile.

Key questions you might ask include:

- Do you finance my type of property?
- Is my transaction and appropriate size for your institution?
- What types of loan programs are available?
- How quickly can you close a loan?
- How does your due diligence process work?

If you have specific loan requirements, make them known at the start. For instance, some borrowers are not able or willing to provide tax returns. These borrowers require what is known as a stated-income commercial loan--but not every lender offers this type of program. Other borrowers may have low credit scores, require cash out from a transaction, need very short-term financing, have properties with negative cash flow or have other requirements that place them outside a given lenders loan parameters.
Regardless of how strong you think your loan request is, never waste time trying to get a lender to fund a transaction that is outside of "their box." Regardless of what your loan officer tells you, these loans rarely get done.

Being referred to a lender from another industry professional is a big plus. The lender will know you're probably qualified and serious, and they will not want negative feedback making its way back to the referral source. You should always ask your realtor, accountant, attorney, banker, or others professionals for a solid referral to a potential lender.

If you learn that the institution you've contacted is not interested in working with you, don't sweat it. Simply have the lender suggest another commercial mortgage broker or lender that may be more appropriate for your situation.

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Monday 3 August 2009

Know the Mortgage Loan Requirements Before Buying a Home

Generally, mortgage loan requirements are not very complicated, but getting a mortgage can be quite a bit of work. Accurate and organized financial records can greatly simplify this process. Make a usual habit of keeping all records of your financial history in one easily located place. A strongbox or file cabinet is perfect for this purpose.

For many reasons, you have probably already kept copies of your tax returns. These will be needed when applying for mortgage loan. This is the best record of your income history.

You will need copies of all bank statements for at least the previous two months, and sometimes more. This will include all checking, savings, retirement, and any other financial account that you hold.


You will be required to provide the name, address, telephone number, and any other pertinent information about your employer. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide all 1099 forms. This will show your overall profit for the year, before you have deducted your expenses.

If you are retired, and receive your income from Social Security, pension, or another source, you can not be denied a mortgage loan, as long as your debt to income ratio is appropriate. A bank will expect you to provide accurate documentation of the source of your income.

More often than not, you will be expected to have a certain amount of money dedicated as a down payment. A portion of this money may be held in escrow. This will ensure that all necessary taxes and insurance will be paid.

You may be asked for copies of both your Social Security card and your drivers license. These will be added to, and kept in your mortgage file.

As you can see, the requirements for a mortgage loan are not complicated, however accurate record keeping will certainly simplify this matter.

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Saturday 25 July 2009

How To Use Obama's Mortgage Stimulus Plan and Refinance a Mortgage

President Barack Obama has enacted a mortgage stimulus plan which will allow millions of homeowners the opportunity to refinance their home mortgage into a 4.5% fixed rate. This "Home Affordability Program" will give homeowners the chance to save hundreds of dollars per month. Here is how:

Currently, there are numerous grants available to homeowners, regardless of their credit rating. This government program is targeted towards people who need short term help. These grants can be used for loan repayments

There are loan modification programs available to homeowners who are facing "Financial Hardship" this can be, medical bills, loss of income or job, other debts. These loan modification programs will allow homeowner to have a monthly mortgage payment that is no more than 31% of their gross monthly income.

Also, the total amount of all other debts, including mortgage payments, must not exceed 51% of the homeowners gross monthly income.

The Federal Reserve and President Obama would like to see mortgage interest rates locked into a low 4.5% for all current and potential homeowners.

Homeowners can save on the cost of a mortgage counselor by getting free help from HUD appointed mortgage counselors, who act as representatives for you when talking to banks or lenders, for free.
Homeowners who have seen the value of their property fall by 15% or more during this mortgage crisis will be able to refinance into a 4.5% fixed rate home loan. This will help homeowners who have seen their property values drop as the housing market crashed.

President Obama knows that the economy is facing hard times and is trying to help homeowners. The government has set aside over $75 billion dollars to help homeowners refinance their mortgage. Home foreclosures are on the rise and home prices are falling. This mortgage stimulus plan will help to stabilize the housing market and with that, home prices will start to rise. Refinancing a home mortgage the right way will save you a lot of money, especially with this "Home Affordability Plan" from Obama. Take advantage of this great chance and speak with a mortgage lender or bank.

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Saturday 18 July 2009

Do You Meet Requirements For an FHA Loan?

Many people have a dream of owning their own homes. Some of these people feel they will never succeed at this dream. However, with the help of an FHA loan they may well be able to buy a home. These loans are backed through the Federal Housing Administration and are much easier to qualify for than other loans.

There are still things that you are required to meet in order to receive a loan. This program has been created for people who have a tough time meeting the requirements of conventional lenders.

A loan that you apply through the FHA for is one for which you will not need to have a minimum income to get. However, you will need to show that you have had an income that is steady for the last three years, and you were able to pay bills in a reasonable amount of time.


The ways that an income can come in are through seasonal work, child support, VA benefits, unemployment compensation, retirement pensions, SSI, and several more. There must be a ratio met that proves you will be able to pay for a loan. With only 29% of the money you have coming in going for housing cost, and another 41% allowed going for long-term debt.

For a FHA loan you will need to have a down payment that you can place on a home. This amount needs to be equal to 3% of the purchase cost.

The Federal Housing Administration will also check your credit. However, for a loan through the FHA you don't need great credit. These loans again are made easier to qualify so more people are able to own a home. And people who have not established credit can still get a loan also. As long as the requirements are met there are several people who can now have their dream of owning a home.

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Saturday 11 July 2009

Mortgage Shopping Considerations

The right mortgage is the single most important fiscal decision you can make. This loan will affect you for 30 years, and any mistakes in selecting the right financial product will cost you dearly over the course of these 30 years. Begin your shopping excursion with the knowledge of your own credit profile. What you do not know can - and will - hurt you! Mistakes, wrong accounts, and also inaccuracies in your credit profile lead to a reduction of your overall credit rating. The lower your credit rating, the more money a mortgage loan will cost you. Thus, you credit rating is directly tied to the interest rate of the mortgage for which you are applying. Know what is in your credit profile, clean it up if necessary, and then apply for a mortgage loan once the credit rating is accurate.

Of course, before you can actually apply for a mortgage loan, it is a good idea to shop around for a favorable interest rate. Mortgage rates are rarely ever constant and instead appear to be in a constant state of flux. As such, they subject to change because of current economic changes, treasury bills, and of course also the bond market. While it is not necessaryto be as knowledgeable as a securities trader about these items, it does pay to know which way the mortgage rates are heading. If they head downward, try to wait out the market until they reach their lowest points. Conversely, if they are heading up, you may either consider waiting until the loan rates are once again low enough to be favorable, or if you want to lock in the current rate and protect yourself against actually having to pay more for the loan in the near future.

With credit profile and loan rates firmly checked, it is now time to decide on a loan product. There are a variety of loans specifically designed for the different needs consumers may face. Some loans are set up for those who wish to pay off the loan within 15 or 20 years. In other cases there is the loan product that is tailored for the borrower who anticipates only spending a short period of time as homeowner of a particular property - usually five years or less. These loans anticipate the change in ownership and are advantageous as they feature low payments at the onset of the loan, but later on actually increase. Someone who will only stay in a home for a brief period of time will find this kind of fiscal vehicle to be very advantageous.

Another set of considerations to think about are the various fees that are charged during the application process. These charges are added to the cost of the credit, which is the interest rate. They may encompass fees, brokerage commissions, charges, and in some cases also nonsensical costs that drive up the overall amount of money the new home is costing you. As a consumer you have the right - up front - to demand a fee schedule from a lender you are considering. Check through the fees and if they are too high, ask for the fee schedules of various other lenders as well. You may be surprised to learn that some borrowers have actually successfully negotiated lower fees and costs with their lenders!

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Saturday 4 July 2009

Low Mortgage Rates Gone With 10-Year Treasury Note Uptrending

Over the last eight months Americans have been spoiled with historically low mortgage rates. Some home owners had the opportunity to refinance close to or under 4.5%. Much of this was due to government interaction. The government, especially Ben Bernanke, did everything he could to force interest rates lower. While overall rates were heading down, the 10 year treasury yield was heading higher.

Anyone who knows anything about the credit market knew that the declining, low mortgage rates would not last. If the 10 year treasury rate was increasing, eventually home loan rates were going to follow. The scary part about it all is the fact that it seemed to all happen at once. Over the course of a three week period, home rates went from 4.8% to over 5.6%. This is an amazing jump for any type of interest rate whatsoever.

What is even scarier is the fact that many of the individuals who thought they were locked in under 5% will find that they are not going to get their mortgage funded because the lenders are seeing higher rates as well. Many of these home owners are going to feel that this is not fair and something should be done about it, but sadly, nothing can be done. If anyone is to blame for this mess it is President Obama and Ben Bernanke.

If they would have let rates been set by the free market system we would not be seeing a spike like this. They would already be set at the accurate range without the interaction of the Federal Government.
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Thursday 2 July 2009

Poor Credit Home Loan - What to Know About

Let's face it: The economy's on the rocks and it doesn't show any signs of improvement in the near future. People are struggling to pay bills, in certain instances, and though they may be late paying them, they're still being paid. If this is the case, and buying a home is just on the horizon, what to know about a poor credit home loan might be something worthwhile to take the time to learn.

To begin with, the term "poor credit home loan, " can go by different names. In the mortgage and real estate business these are called "subprime loans, " for the most part. This term, especially, has been the subject of much debate since about October of 2008, when the housing market began to fall apart, somewhat due to the effect of too many of these loans being held in too many lenders' portfolios.

Now, it's not that there's anything inherently wrong with a poor credit home loan being extended, when the conditions - and the buyer - are a good risk. There's a world of difference between a buyer who may have had a few slow payments on some credit cards and one who's just went into - or just emerged from -- a major bankruptcy. These days, it's almost a certainty that the latter buyers will have a difficult time in getting a loan.

But many other buyers won't have a huge amount of difficulty in getting a loan based on poor credit, though it's also a certainty that the interest rates are going to be anywhere from 1 to 4 or more points above what's called the prime lending rate. It's a good thing for many that these sorts of loans are still being extended, even in these troubled economic times.

Prime rates, for a fact, are generally reserved for buyers nowadays with credit scores (called FICOs) ranging from 700 to 800 or better. Almost nobody below 700 will score a prime loan in the current lending environment. And keep this in mind: Any delinquencies on the credit report the mortgage lender or broker will pull will have to be cleared up before any lending decision is made.

In fact, clearing up a credit report should be the goal of anybody prior to applying for even a poor credit home loan. In many cases, this can mean saving a full percentage point on the cost of any home loan, sometimes resulting in the savings of at least 100 dollars a month, and thousands over the life of the mortgage.

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Friday 26 June 2009

Home Mortgage Grants - Getting Money to Help With Your Mortgage

Applying for a home mortgage grant can help individuals get the cash they need to reduce their mortgage, help with closing costs, or get down payment assistance on the purchase of a new home. Particularly now when there are numerous government and private agencies trying to do everything possible to fix the real estate market, there are a number of resources to help individuals get the financing they need for their mortgage.

The big difference between a home mortgage grant and a traditional loan is that there is no repayment plan with grant money. This is funding that has already been allocated by government agencies or private groups and is provided to qualified individuals who apply to receive these funds.


Because mortgage grants are not loans, there is generally no credit check, down payment or cosigner needed when submitting a request. While there is a review process for each application that is received, there are many people that qualify that don't realize these programs exist, which is why so much of this funding goes unclaimed every year.

Those who do qualify have a habit of incorrectly submitting their request for mortgage grants and get denied simply because of small, but costly errors. Those who take the time to read the eligibility requirements and submit an application that shows why they match those qualifications have a better chance at getting approved.

Once approved the cash grant is either sent to the individual in the form or a check or directly deposited into their account. If awarded, it is important to closely review the terms to be sure that the money is spent appropriately in order to avoid having to pay the grant funds back.
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Thursday 25 June 2009

Best Home Mortgage Loan Refinances

A home mortgage is one of the most commonly used methods to buy a home in many countries. A mortgage is a kind of loan which uses the property that is being bought with the loan as collateral.

Home mortgage loan refinance is an option where the borrower takes out another mortgage using the same property as collateral. This second mortgage should be used for clearing the first mortgage. This allows the borrower to convert a previous high-interest-rate mortgage into a low-interest-rate mortgage. It would also enable the borrower to convert a long-term loan into a short-term loan, thus saving considerably on interest and overall repayment. Most borrowers, due to lower interest rates, increasingly prefer home mortgages. The adjustable mortgages are one of the most popular kinds because of the decreasing rates. Hence, they are ideal as refinancing options.


The best way to identify a good mortgage rate for refinancing is to get in touch with a mortgage broker or agent. You can also directly contact the lender for the best refinancing options. Generally, mortgage refinance rates differ from country to country and even state to state. They also differ based on the kind of home, the credit profile of the borrower, the kind of mortgage, the annual income, the occupational status of the borrower and other important aspects. The lender or the broker would be able to give the best home mortgage loan refinance option by considering these and other factors such as the estimated home value, the first mortgage balance, the first mortgage rate of interest, existing rate type, the amount of cash being borrowed through refinance, and the monthly debt payments.

Before taking a refinance mortgage loan, check a number of brokers and select one who is giving the best terms at the lowest rates. Go for a registered mortgage lender only. There would be certain fees and additional expenses such as discount points, settlement costs, closing costs, transaction fees, and others. Also, check your credit report before you apply for a refinance mortgage loan, since this could affect your credit rating and your chances of getting a higher loan at a lower rate.

Most of the mortgage lending companies can be contacted directly or online. There are also easy-to-use online calculators that enable you to find out the best refinancing option. You can also get quotes from these companies online by providing certain basic information. There are many companies and brokers who have exclusive websites for providing information about the best home mortgage loan refinances. Rates and options can easily be compared online.
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Sunday 21 June 2009

Find Solid Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans are one of the many forms of a line of credit that can be used for a variety of things and is based on the value of your home or property. When you are looking to borrow against your home a home equity line of credit loans will likely be among the first you'll consider when you need money.

There are a variety of home equity loans available within this sector including home equity bad credit loans and home equity loans online. Often you can apply for the loan and within hours know if you've been approved and within days have the money deposited into your account for use. This is one of the best ways to get a home equity loan and one you should consider.


As with any home loans you need to make sure you are working with a reputable loan company and are protected financially by all the legal means necessary. When you are borrowing online this can be a little more difficult to do, but is just as important nonetheless. You can check out the site of a loan company and look for clues to how valid the company is. There should be full contact information, a physical address, certifications, dispute and recourse information and answers to all the questions you may have.

You can find the home equity line of credit you need, online and offline, by doing a little bit of research and finding the company you are most comfortable to work with. Find the right home loan company for you and you will find the best home equity loans possible for your specific financial needs in a short amount of time.
The right loan agent can make all the difference too and you should feel trust and reliability toward them in order to have the best loan experience possible. Don't be afraid to negotiate the terms of your loan, as this will help you get a loan pulled together that you can not only handle, but will improve your credit down the line.
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Saturday 20 June 2009

What is a "Mortgage Rate Buydown"?

I want to talk about something today, called an "NJ mortgage rate buydown." You may be familiar with mortgage rate buydowns, or you may never have heard of them before. Basically, it is a way to further reduce an interest rate that your NJ mortgage loan officer has quoted you, by paying an extra fee. That's it, there ain't no more! Of course, I can't just end the article right there, so I'll give you some more detail about how this actually works. Let's say that your New Jersey mortgage company has quoted you an interest rate of 6%. For whatever reason, you think you can get a lower rate than that, even though 6% is still very good. You can tell your mortgage guy or gal, that you would like to pay a point on the loan, as a method of "buying down" that interest rate to, say, 5%

By doing this, your total NJ mortgage closing costs will definitely be higher, but you avoid paying that 6% interest rate! You see, if 6% was the lowest that this company
offered, paying that one point on the loan could enable them, financially, to give you that 5% rate you really wanted, which will save you likely over $100,000 over the life of your mortgage term. So basically, you are trading your "cash money", by paying a point on the loan, over a higher monthly payment. Some people choose to do it one way, others do it another way, it's really just a matter of whatever you prefer. Think of it like a subsidy. It's like socking away twelve hundred in the bank and withdrawing $100 every month for twelve months to help make your NJ mortgage payment.

You are trading one thing for another, because that was what was important to you at the time... just getting the lowest possible rate.

Another thing, aside from a mortgage buydown, is the length of your mortgage term. That in itself, is a way to "buy down" the monthly payment. Simply put, if you elect to get a shorter mortgage term in New Jersey, you generally get a lower rate as well. The reason for this is because it is seen as lower risk to the lender, even though your monthly payments will be higher. So now, I hope you have a better understanding of what a mortgage buydown is, and how you can use it to your own benefit
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Friday 5 June 2009

Are You Ready For a Loan Today?

Things have really changed quite a lot in the last twenty years, and the credit requirements of the past may not necessarily apply in today's home loan application.

Financial advice from your father may be dignified, but he may not be completely aware of how times have changed. One will need to be aware of what's really important in finance today!

It used to be certain that you needed a great credit character to secure a home loan from your local bank. Having great credit does make things a lot easier, but you can still get a loan despite your questionable credit history. Simply showing that you have been making an effort to gradually improve your credit rating may be enough to convince a lending institution to take a credit risk on you. However, you must make sure you haven't had any recent bad credit marks registered leading up to your mortgage submission.


Providing 20% or more as a deposit was the standard before a bank would even consider you for loan. These days' things have changed substantially. Many mortgages products and lenders will allow for anywhere up to 95% to 97% funding with very little deposit. It would be wise to try and save as much as you can though, as every little bit you can add to your deposit will reduce the amount of mortgage insurance premium that will be applicable and payable by you.

People will tell you that you need to have a credit card history to prove that you're a valid credit risk. This is also not true. You can prove your history of repayments with your utilities records, car payments, rent etc. In fact no credit card history is a lot better than a dubious one!

Banks used to put a strong value on ones employment stability. Showing years of consecutive employment with the same employer was always considered a pretty safe bet. However, these days things have changed a lot, and people are more short-lived in their occupational roles than ever before.

This doesn't mean that you're a credit risk; you may just have a great career track. Today's lending lenders are aware of the demands of today's workplaces, and will look at your continuous earning history and employment growth potential as being a lot more important.

There are some credit guidelines that haven't changed at all though. Banks can and will decline you or have risk loaded excessive interest rates if they think you're at risk to default, based on the evidence in the provided documents you present and of late, their own unique credit scoring scale.

Make sure that your recent history on any monthly commitments ( credit cards, personal loans etc) reflects disciplined payments, all on time and in full, whilst trying to save as much as you can for the deposit. There is nothing banks appreciate more than the security cushion of a reasonable deposit or current commitments conducted well.

So stop throwing your money on rent each month and start to build your campaign to secure a home loan. A perfect way to make sure that you are on the right track is by speaking with an industry accredited mortgage broker, and having a good look at your current financial situation together.

Remember, they want to help you successfully apply for your future loan, and showing a willingness to work with your broker will help your situation in securing that final Formal Approval!
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Sunday 31 May 2009

No Doc Home Equity Loan - Getting the Loan You Need is Easy!

Are you self employed, an independent contractor, or someone that works for cash? If so, then this can make it very difficult to get the home equity loan you want or need. When you need to get a no doc home equity loan you need to understand a few things first or you will be in trouble. Here are some of the things you need to know.

First, you should know that if you are not someone that struggles to prove your income, then you need to avoid this type of loan completely. This is not your loan and will just be something that you probably cannot afford. Plus the interest rate will be very high and it will cost you more than it is worth.


Second, the self employed is the type of person that the no doc home equity loan was designed for and this is because they struggle to prove their income and all the money they make. This type of person will simply write down a number on a piece of paper and sign it. This will work for their income documentation and this is the number the lender will work with.

Last, if you work for tips, then the no doc home equity loan might be for you. This is the type of loan that can help you if you do not claim all of your tips. It will keep you from having to work with the numbers on your paycheck stubs or from your tax returns. This might be the only way you are able to get the mortgage you need.
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Wednesday 27 May 2009

Government Grants For Home Repair - Repairing Your Home Using a Government Grant

It almost doesn't seem believable, does it? The thing is there are lots of grants available just for people looking to fix up their home, whether it is replacing shingles on a broken down roof or changing the insulation in a home. You could be wondering why the government is willing to give you money when fixing your home doesn't benefit them, but the truth is it does.

Broken down homes hurt not only the people living in them but also the economy and the environment. A home that needs repair will have poor resale value and could even lead to a house being empty for years. That's space where people could be living, and often times no one would buy a place to repair it. Instead, they'll just build a new home which would mean taking up more undeveloped land. The government wants to help prevent this from happening, so if you're willing to get the work done, they're willing to give you the money.


If you're thinking about making your home more energy efficient, the government grants for home repair are here to help. Energy resources are limited and the government is fully aware of the importance of conserving energy. Changes like better insulation, new energy conserving water tanks, and low energy heating systems are all great uses for a home repair grant. These changes have the greatest impact on older houses and increases your chances of being approved for a grant.

So you see, your home repairs will help you and your community. There are hundreds of government grants available, many of them listed on-line. Grants only require a simple application process and absolutely no fees. Apply today so that your government can assist you in making life better for everyone.
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Tuesday 26 May 2009

Home Equity Loan - Reap The Advantage Of Equity

The equity that your home possesses is a great asset to you. Its value is understood only when you are short of cash and in need of money to meet necessary expenditures. Against it you can get a home equity loan.

To begin with, the equity of a home is the market value of the home minus the outstanding dues on the house. This loan is a kind of secured loan where the equity of the house is kept as collateral.

You can avail two schemes under this loan - closed end home equity loan and home equity line of credit (HELOC). The first option provides you a one time big amount at the time of taking the loan. The interest is calculated on the total amount. The second option is more like a credit card. Depending on a predetermined withdrawal limit, you can borrow amounts according to your needs. The advantage of this option is that the interest is charged on the amount withdrawn and not on the total amount.


In home equity loan you can borrow an amount in the range of £5000 to £75000, depending on the value of the equity. Some lenders even offer up to 80 percent of equity as loan. The repayment term of this loan ranges from 5 to 25 years.

There are many merits of home equity loan. The interest rate is tax deductible and is cheap due to the secured nature of the loan. You can borrow money according to your need and can fetch a large amount. Also you will have a longer period to pay off the loan easily.

You can utilize the loan according to your wish. You can spend it on education of medical fees, on home improvements, buying cars or on a holiday tour. Moreover, if you have a bad credit history, you can still get this loan at better terms. All you have to do is to research thoroughly.

You can go online to find home equity loan fast and in a hassle free manner. You can get quotes form different lenders and compare them before settling for a suitable one.
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Friday 22 May 2009

Home Equity Loans to Pay Off Consumer Debt - Is It Wise?

You have surely heard about debt consolidation through home equity. Many debt advisors suggest applying for an equity loan in order to use the money to pay off consumer credit card debt. Though the idea of reducing debt by unifying the payment and replacing unsecured debt with a secured loan may sound tempting, there are other factors that should be considered. There is a big question mark as to the convenience of resorting to loans to pay off consumer debt.

What Is The Purpose?

Via obtaining one of these loans you can get enough funds to cancel outstanding consumer debt. When compared to credit card debt. These loans provide cheaper financing because the interest rates charged are more than significantly lower. Therefore, you would be exchanging expensive debt for inexpensive debt thus reducing the amount of your monthly payments by up to 60% or even more.


Moreover, your debt will be unified into a single loan with a single monthly payment. It all seems very promising as you obtain a debt reduction and simplify your bills too. However, not all debt advisors agree about this. Though most of them admit that there are benefits to be obtained from consolidating with these loans, there are also many among them that point out that the drawbacks can overrun the benefits.

What Are The Objections?

The main objection about exchanging consumer debt for a home equity loan or line of credit is that by doing so you are paying off credit card debt which is unsecured with a secured form of finance. This implies that you are increasing the risk for you and decreasing it for the lender. Why? Because the lender now has an asset that can be subject to foreclosure in case you fail to repay the money owed.

The property that provides the equity is used as collateral for the loan thus, securing its repayment. This extra assurance is what helps you obtain a lower interest rate and more flexible loan conditions. But, in turn, it risks your property which can be sold in a public auction in case you default on the equity loan. Advisors point out that if you are currently unable to afford your monthly payments, chances are that you may fail to afford the loan payments too and collecting will be a lot easier for the lender with a secured form of financing.

Is It Advisable Or Not?

As usual, there is a bit of truth on both sides. You can really free up a lot of cash by consolidating your consumer debt with a home equity loan but the consequences can be disastrous if you fail to repay the loan. The asset can be subject to foreclosure and it is also true that unsecured debt can be negotiated with the lenders or credit card issuers to obtain similar or equal results than with consolidation.

However, what these advisors fail to point out is that the lenders have legal actions to recover their money even if the debt is unsecured. It may be more expensive and it may take longer but they can still endanger your property by taking legal actions to recover their investment. Therefore, the use of home equity to pay off credit card debt should be considered as an option but taking the necessary precautions. You should just make sure that the resulting payments will not imply too many sacrifices and put your property at risk.
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Thursday 21 May 2009

Home Equity Loan Advice for People With Bad Credit

Home equity loans are a type of loan that places a second lien on a property. Thus, these are commonly referred to as second mortgages. There are certain benefits and disadvantages to these loans. For example, it is easier to qualify for a home equity loan with bad credit, and the money can be used for expenses such as home improvement or debt consolidation. Some home buyers use a home equity loan to avoid private mortgage insurance or jumbo loans. The negative aspect is that a second mortgage uses your home as collateral. Non-payment on the loan may possibly initiate a foreclosure.

Here is some advice for people looking for a home equity loan.

1. Avoid Negative Amortization on the First Mortgage
To qualify for the first mortgage, a borrower with bad credit may have chosen a loan program that resulted in negative amortization. On these loans, the monthly interest payment is less than the interest due, and the mortgage balance rises over time.


When a borrower wants to keep their payments low in the beginning, a lender may recommend a negative amortization adjustable rate mortgage. Before a home equity loan is approved, the mortgage lender closely assesses the first mortgage. Many lenders instinctively reject a home equity loan if the first mortgage is a negative amortization.

2. Don't Count on Home Appreciation

Several home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow more than their home's equity. This is dangerous because borrowers place all their confidence in the likelihood of fast home appreciation. Regrettably, home market values can shift unpredictably, wherein some properties may experience a slight decrease in value. As a result, borrowers may owe more than their home's worth, and they are obligated to stay in the home. Selling a property under these circumstances means the homeowner will encounter a considerable loss, and end up owing the mortgage lender a ton of money.
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Tuesday 19 May 2009

Home Equity Loan Online - Comes With Multiple Soothing Factors

Financial helps are integrated in one's life naturally. For several reasons, you may need an external financial help. Usually, when you are ready to put something for the security against your help, you always have a preferable term and condition. So to avail a better deal for your loan facility, you can utilize your home as collateral. Such loan facilities are available as home equity loan online in the market that can reach you instantly as well.

Home equity loan online is a secured loan that requires you to put your home as collateral, while availing the loan. The equity of the home, here is considered for the collateral that is freed after the full repayment made by you. The equity value of a home is that part of your home that is free of any obligations and has a market value.


Here, the loan amount depends upon the equity value of your home, and can be up to the total value of the equity value. However, the general amount that is available here ranges from £3000 to £100000 that can be repaid over a flexible period of 25 years.

Home equity loan online has always a lower interest rate, as the lent money has less risk for the collateral put against it. These loans are processed online to deliver it fast. Several lenders are available online that can be accessed any time and can also be asked for the loan by a simple online application. This loan can be obtained for multipurpose that help you invest the loan amount without any restriction. The most common utilities of this loan are, paying outstanding bills, buying a car, renovation of home, meeting the wedding cost, and debt consolidation.

Your credit status is not a matter of hassle, while availing home equity loan online. So, even with the condition of your bad credit, you can apply for this loan without any hesitation.

A loan facility on a preferable terms and conditions is the need of your financial condition. A low rate and longer repayment duration can make your loan option affordable and help you in avoiding the worry of unwanted burden on a loan. Home equity loan helps you get viable financial options, as it has multiple factors that soothe you on your repayment.
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Monday 18 May 2009

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan enables the home owner to borrow money based on the existing equity in the home. The ability to secure this type of loan is useful to homeowners who want to put the equity in their home to good use. This article will consider ways for homeowners to save money on a home equity loan.

Improve Your Credit Score
Homeowners should work on improving their credit scores before applying for a home equity loan. This is important because these scores will impact the rates of the loan such as the interest rates and those with higher credit scores are likely to be offered lower interest rates. Over the course of the loan this can result in a huge savings.


Shop Around for Lenders
Shopping around for lenders can also save homeowners money on their home equity loans. This is because lenders may have different fees and offer different interest rates. Selecting the lender offering the lowest fees and interest rates helps the homeowner to save money.

Increase the Value of Your Home
Making improvements to the home can also result in a financial savings on the home equity loan. This is because home improvement projects can increase the value of the home and make the homeowner eligible for lower interest rates because the difference between the amount they owe and the value of the home increases.

Only Borrow What You Need
When taking out a home equity loan the homeowner should be careful to only take out a loan for the amount of money they need. They may be qualified to borrow more but in the long run they will pay more in interest if the principle is higher. If the funds from a home equity loan will be used for a specific purpose it is best to take out a loan equal to the amount of money needed.

Consider Your Local Bank
Finally, homeowners should consider their local bank when seeking a home equity loan. This might be worthwhile if the homeowner does quite a bit of business with the bank because they may be willing to offer him a better rate on the home equity loan if he already has several accounts with the bank. For example a homeowner who has both personal and business accounts with a particular bank and also has a first mortgage with that bank may receive a better rate than another homeowner who has a similar financial profile but has no previous history with the bank.
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Saturday 16 May 2009

Where To Get A Bad Credit Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans are given to home owners in regards to the value of the home. The most important condition considered by lenders before releasing a loan is the credit history or report of the borrower. If a home owner has a bad credit it reduces the chances of getting a home equity loan. This necessitates the help of bad credit home equity loan information and services.

If you have a bad credit report, then the bad credit home equity loan information and services will assist you by furnishing you with the necessary information that will enable you acquire a loan even with your bad credit. A platform is created for both you and the lender to bargain the terms of the loan, arriving at favorable conclusions.


While bargaining for a home equity loan with a bad credit report, you should understand that your choices are limited so, accept what is provided. In a normal sense, the home equity is the difference between the real value of the home and the outstanding debt to be paid. In simple terms, the home equity loan offers you the amount of money you have already invested in your home - this occurs in the case of a good credit report. But with a bad credit, the borrower will be given an amount less than the amount a home owner has invested already (i.e. the home owner is given about 80% of the home equity).

Another factor that can affect your bargaining for the amount of money the lender can borrow is your ability to repay the loan. If your monthly income is high, more money will be released to you in the loan, up to 125%, even with your bad credit. This is true because, it will increase your ability to repay the loan since the monthly repayment will be higher and the lifetime of the loan shorter. But you should not expect a lower interest rate than what is obtainable in the market, since the lender is at risk by giving a bad credit home equity loan.

To get a bad credit home equity loan information and service provider, go online, there are lots of them available to assist without commission - they usually recommend you to the lender, sanctioning your loan application - this helps you to easily get a lender. They also help the lender review individuals applying for loans.
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Home Equity Loan Options - Types of Loans Available

Most borrowers looking for a second mortgage establish one of two types of credit lines that are attached to a home. These are commonly known as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or an equity loan. There are some differences between these types of loans so it is important to understand the differences before deciding which one is the most beneficial for your personal financial situation.

HELOCs
HELOCs are revolving lines of credit that work very similarly to a credit card. The line of credit is open for use at any time. When the line is used, the borrower is responsible for making payments based on the amount that has been used. When the line is paid down it is available to be used again. The main difference between a home equity line of credit and a credit card is that home equity lines of credit are usually fully tax deductible.

Equity Loan
Equity loans work more like a regular mortgage than they do like a credit card. A home equity loan allows borrowers to access the equity in their home like a home equity line of credit, but an equity loan requires that the borrower take the loan in a lump sum. This means that the borrower will begin paying interest on the total amount of the loan and not just on the amount that is actually used. Another difference between a home equity line of credit and an equity loan is that once the borrower pays down or pays off the equity loan it is usually not available for them to use again.

Further Comparison
Both types of second mortgage options usually have higher interest rates than first mortgages. HELOCs and equity loans usually have adjustable or variable rates as opposed to fixed rates. Some lenders, however, do offer equity loans at a fixed rate. These types of equity lines usually have closing costs associated with them, while the variable rate options typically have very little or no closing costs required.

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Friday 15 May 2009

What You Should Know About Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan is essentially a type of second mortgage. You'll be borrowing money against the value of your home. This carries risk, but can be worth it in the end if you know what you're doing.

The most common type of home equity loan is a "closed end" home equity loan. This type of loan essentially allows you to borrow a certain amount of money against the value of your home. You cannot borrow more money on the same equity loan, so if you need more money later, you'll have to try and take out another loan.


Most people find that getting a home equity loan can go a long way toward helping them to get out of debt. Since you're borrowing money against your house, there is a greater chance that you'll end up with a lower interest rate than you're used to. This will probably result in a much lower monthly payment than most other loans.
One reason to get a home equity loan is if you are in a lot of debt and have several high interest payments to make each month. If you can get enough money in an equity loan to pay off your other debts, you'll be able to effectively consolidate all of your debt into one low monthly payment.

It is essential, however, that you make sure that you're able to meet your monthly payments after you get a home equity loan. After all, if you start missing payments, you might lose your house. Therefore, you should make a very careful assessment of your financial situation before you apply for the home equity loan. If you do not think that you'll be able to pay even the low monthly payments on this loan, then don't take the loan. If you're considering the laon for debt consolidation purposes, you might be better off looking at one of the many other debt consolidation options that are available to you.
The closed end home equity loan is not the only loan of its type. If you are looking for something that's a little more flexible, then you might want to go with a home equity line of credit instead.

A home equity line of credit works very similarly to a loan, and can definitely help you reduce your interest rates and monthly payments. The major difference, however, is that a line of credit will allow you to borrow more money against your house when needed - in some cases, up to 125% of your home's value.
While a home equity loan is better in most cases, the line of credit is a good idea if you're not sure how much money you need to borrow right away. With the line of credit, you can increase the amount of money you've borrowed against your house easily.

You will more than likely also want a home equity loan if you have a lot of credit card debt. While credit card interest rates are traditionally very high, home equity interest rates are fairly low. Since it's likely that you've ended up with several credit cards, you will probably have a lot of debt that you can easily consolidate with one home equity loan.

A home equity loan may be right for you if you need to consolidate debts quickly, and you're sure that you'll be able to pay off the home equity loan without missing any of your payments. If you are taking the loan for debt consolidation, be sure you have the discipline to use all of the loan for that exact purpose!

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