Article Archive September, 2006

Helpful Hints: Choosing a Mortgage Lender/Broker

In the land of the free and the home of the brave, there are always plenty of consumer choices. Just think how many different places you can go to buy a pair of shoes, for example. The same holds true for mortgages. There are a multitude of entities offering mortgage loans: Bankers, brokers, credit unions, and home sellers, too. It can be overwhelming, but it can also work to your advantage. Simply find the reputable lender offering the best price, and the miracles of the free market can result in an ideal mortgage.

Rising Interest Rates? Time to refinance your HELOC

With interest rates rising, there's no time like the present to get your financial ducks in a row in order to save money. Back when rates were still cheap, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), with their low introductory adjustable rates, were the preferred way to go. But now that they're becoming pricey compared to other loans, consumers are seeking prudent alternatives.

Money Problems? Consolidate Debt with a Home Equity Loan

Are you wary of promises to "wipe away debts?" While such offerings may be tempting, the only way to make your debts disappear is to pay them. However, it's possible to make paying off debts a reality with intelligent use of your most important asset-your home.

Bad Credit? You Can Get a Mortgage Loan

If you're discouraged because your bad credit seems to present an insurmountable obstacle to owning a home, don't be. There are many financing options available to you, once you understand the sub-prime mortgage marketplace.

Bad Credit Home Equity Loans

America is the land of opportunity-especially when it comes to mortgages. Even those who have damaged credit and need a home equity loan will discover that there are plenty of lenders out there willing to do business. The key to picking the right mortgage is to get many different offers and keep a sense of perspective about your overall financial situation.

Rising Interest Rates? Time to refinance your HELOC.

With interest rates rising, there's no time like the present to get your financial ducks in a row in order to save money. Back when rates were still cheap, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), with their low introductory adjustable rates, were the preferred way to go. But now that they're becoming pricey compared to other loans, consumers are seeking prudent alternatives.

Lenders Are Sweetening Home Equity Loans

Is the home equity spending spree coming to a close? After years of low interest rates, homeowners are no longer tapping equity like it's water from the faucet. Interest rates on a line of credit, once hovering in the 4.5 to 5 percent range, have crept into the 8 percent area. It's put a crimp in the mortgage business, prompting lenders to get innovative. Instead of just offering the usual alternative- fixed-rate home equity loans- lenders are proposing a variety of intriguing new incentives.

Home Equity Loan Helps Prepare for Sale

One of the smartest ways to add value to your home is to spruce it up with a quick makeover. And if you plan to sell your house, such a strategy can pay off in a higher sales price and a shorter time on the market. A home equity loan is an ideal source of cash to help finance such a project.

Refinancing to a New ARM

Mortgage borrowers are arming themselves with a new perspective on home loans. Instead of instinctively reaching for the 15- or 30-year mortgage when it comes time to a mortgage refinance, borrowers are warming to the notion of adjustable rate mortgage (ARMs). Complete with low introductory interest rates, ARMs allow borrowers to stretch their dollars and afford bigger mortgages. It's giving rise to a new viewpoint on home loan refinancing.

Bad Credit Mortgages and Home Equity Loans

If you've abused your credit in the past and want a home equity line of credit, don't give up. Loans may be harder to come by, but they're definitely available to you. In fact, many lenders specialize in so-called "bad credit" loans, and lend money to people who have low credit scores, bankruptcy, judgments, liens, and other blemishes on their borrowing record.

Bi-weekly Loan Programs

Nowadays, there are many mortgage programs with complex bells and whistles. But one of the oldest and most sensible programs is the bi-weekly mortgage payment plan. Based on solid economic common sense, it can save you a significant amount of money over the lifetime of your mortgage.

Finding a Home Mortgage with Limited Funds

For many, the American Dream of homeownership is a far cry from the cold, harsh financial realities. Without sufficient money for a down payment and not enough income to make monthly payments, homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for a growing number of consumers. However, there are unique approaches to financing that could make home ownership a realistic option once again.

Home Mortgages for the Long-term

Housing costs have ballooned during the past few years. Even if they come back to earth, buyers are still facing challenges when trying to secure manageable mortgages. To meet the demand, mortgage lenders have begun offering longer amortization schedules, including 40- and 45- year mortgages. These may be attractive if you're shopping for a dream home with an expensive price tag.

National Rates

Loan Type Today
30 Year Fixed   6.11
15 Year Fixed   5.75
5/1 Adjustable   5.83

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