Article Archive December, 2006

Financing Tips for Buying a Condo

By:

Andrew Beattie - MortgageLoan.com | December 31, 2006

While owning a house is the goal of many, it's expensive to purchase and maintain a single-family residence. Condominiums, however, offer an alternative for people who want to own a home without the headaches of a house with comparable mortgage rates.

A Low-Fee Way to Tap your Home's Equity

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 30, 2006

Real estate prices continue to fall, which means that time is running out to tap into your home's equity. Using a fixed-rate home equity loan to pay off adjustable rate debt is one of the smartest moves a consumer can make to get ahead of the snowballing effect of the real estate slowdown.

Home Equity Loans: Know the Lingo

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 29, 2006

Make sure that you know the basics of home equity loans before making the biggest decision of your financial life-choosing a mortgage or second mortgage loan.

Student Loan Consolidation: Take The Pressure Off

By:

Maria Esposito - MortgageLoan.com | December 28, 2006

Most students finance a college education with loans. They leave their graduation ceremonies with degrees and debts. The solution to this problem is a student loan consolidation.

Home Equity Loans: Protect Yourself From Fraud

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 27, 2006

Timing is the key to comedy. It's also a big part of mortgage lending fraud; but this kind of funny business yields no laughs for the audience. Deceptive mortgage lenders know the right time to stick it to consumers. However, armed with a little knowledge, you can protect yourself from three distinct types of mortgage fraud.

Fueling Entrepreneurialism with Home Equity

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 25, 2006

Self-employment is a fast-growing segment of the American economy. The early challenge for many would-be entrepreneurs is raising the necessary capital to turn business ideas into profits. Home equity might be the leg-up you need to get ahead in the race for market share.

Facing the Challenges of a Bad Credit Home Equity Loan

By:

Jason Giacchino - MortgageLoan.com | December 24, 2006

If you've abused credit in the past, you may have trouble borrowing money in the future. However, if you're a homeowner, you may be able to find a source of funding by tapping into the accumulated equity in your home.

Saving for College

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 23, 2006

College tuition expenses are on the rise with no end in sight. If you take time to understand the savings options available, you may be able to avoid loans altogether. Specialized college savings plans with tax and other advantages may make a compelling argument for putting that money aside now.

Used Cars and Auto Warranties

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 22, 2006

People who buy a used car manage to resist car dealers' latest temptations. Instead of going ga-ga over this year's sleek and sexy models, folks who opt for good value kick the tires in the used car area of the lot. They also choose extended warranties, which are quickly becoming a valuable part of any value-driven decision.

Choosing The Perfect Home Equity Loan

By:

Maria Esposito - MortgageLoan.com | December 21, 2006

Everyone knows there isn't any such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to clothing. The same is true for home equity loans. Knowing what you want the money for will help you decide which type of loan best suits your needs.

Three Mortgage Refinancing Myths

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 20, 2006

Don't believe the negative hype about mortgage refinancing. Even though interest rates have risen of late, plenty of homeowners are refinancing to meet their needs. Here are three myths about today's mortgage market that can help you determine whether a refinance is the solution for you.

Funding Dreams with a Personal Loan

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 19, 2006

One of the most appealing features of the personal loan is flexibility. Because the funds can be used for virtually any purpose, personal loans have gained popularity as a means of funding dream projects, like launching that new business or taking an exotic vacation.

How Long is Too Long? The 50-year Mortgage

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 18, 2006

There was a time when it was scandalous for a woman's skirt to reveal anything above the ankle. However, years passed, perspectives changed, and the miniskirt eventually arrived. There's an equally radical development in mortgage loans-a once unheard of repayment term of 50-years has recently hit the market.

Refinance with a HELOC

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 17, 2006

If you're ready to refinance your mortgage, your next step is deciding which type of loan works best for you. Begin by making a list of all the features that you'd like your mortgage to offer-low upfront costs, low payments, or a quick pay-off. If saving out-of-pocket costs is your top priority, a home equity loan (HELOC) refinance might be just the ticket.

Shopping for a Broker for a Mortgage Refinance

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 16, 2006

As mortgage refinance alternatives become increasingly popular, so do mortgage brokers. But many of us are not sure how to shop for one, or what to look for to find one who's reputable. Here are some helpful insights for sizing up mortgage brokers and their services.

Clean up Your Act with a Debt Consolidation Loan

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 15, 2006

Most messes aren't self-cleaning. If your financial situation has gotten messy with credit card debts, you can't ignore it and hope it will go away. Consider a home equity debt consolidation loan. It could be just what you need to get your finances squeaky-clean.

Reap Some Rewards: Get a Scholarship

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 14, 2006

As mortarboards fly through the air at high school graduations, many parents and students are wondering how they're going to afford college tuition. If you don't have enough stashed away to cover the costs, you'll need either scholarships or student loans. Once you learn what's available to you, you'll become a happy reaper.

Counter Christmas Spending Blues with HELOC

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 13, 2006

Everyone wants to say "Ho-Ho-Ho" when the Christmas season arrives. And with all the sales and credit deals on the market, it's hard for consumers to say "No-No-No" to buying gifts. To avoid overspending, a home equity loan can give you the flexibility you need to keep your inner Santa flush with funds.

New or Used? Which car is right for you?

By:

Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 13, 2006

Confused on whether the next car you buy should be used or new? That's natural, considering the traditional arguments for buying either have eroded. But before you base your purchasing decision on whether or not you'd like that new car smell, kick the tires on these considerations.

Home Improvement Loans: How Lenders Evaluate You

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 12, 2006

Not every borrower qualifies for a lender's best rate. Lenders look at many factors to assess your risk profile, and then determine a suitable interest rate for your loan. While each lender's evaluation process is unique, there are common risk-measuring sticks common to them all.

Protect Your Business with a HELOC

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 11, 2006

As the housing market cools and property prices plunge, extra home equity accumulated during the recent real estate boom evaporates like the morning mist. The time is now right for homeowners to take out home equity loans, while the collateral value of their homes is still high. And a home equity loan-in particular the home equity line of credit (HELOC)-is a great way to finance business expenses.

Managing Your Debt: Learn How To Budget

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 10, 2006

If you're feeling weighed down by credit card debt, it's time to make a change. Unlock your financial freedom with budgeting and good debt management practices.

Using a Mortgage Refinance To Pay for College

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 09, 2006

According to the CollegeBoard's 2006 Trends in College Pricing, tuition expenses have risen significantly since the early 1980s, with four-year public colleges showing the largest increases. As costs rise higher and higher, more parents are facing the realization that they haven't saved up enough money to fund their child's education. Many of these parents are turning to a cash-out mortgage refinance to raise the funds they need.

Choosing a Tax Debt Relief Specialist

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2006

More than two centuries ago, Ben Franklin observed that life's only certainties are death and taxes. In today's world, where tax evasion can lead to the imprisonment of entertainers and the seizing of homes, the Founding Father's words still ring true. If you have a tax debt, now is the time to address it.

Profit by Choosing Your CD Wisely

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2006

If you're disappointed with the earnings on your savings account, consider a certificate of deposit. A CD is insured, just like your savings, but rates are higher, giving you more bang for your buck. Since there are several different types to choose from, it's important to know what you're getting before you hand over your cash.

Tips on Applying for Personal Loans

By:

Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2006

Personal loans are unsecured extensions of credit that are used for a specific purpose, like debt consolidation or unexpected expenses. This article provides an overview of the personal loan, including how it works and how to assess your personal loan options.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Know the Basics

By:

Jan Lindsey - MortgageLoan.com | December 07, 2006

Adjustable rate mortgages can help you get the house you want, and save you money every month once you're in it. They're most useful to homebuyers who expect to stay in their homes for only a few years, or who expect their incomes to climb in the future.

No Time Like Now to Buy Your Dream Home

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 06, 2006

The media is filled with headlines that can strike fear in a home seller's heart. Real estate prices are falling, houses are languishing on the market, and adjustable mortgage rates continue to climb. If you've been waiting to find your dream home, this market represents a golden opportunity.

Refinancing: The Downside

By:

Joan Roelke - MortgageLoan.com | December 05, 2006

Is high interest credit card debt or a variable-rate mortgage loan strapping your cash flow? Refinancing to a fixed-rate loan and paying off your debt now could be your answer. By knowing the positives and negatives of a mortgage refinance, you can determine if it is the right financial choice for you.

Goodbye HELOC, Hello Mortgage Refinance

By:

Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 04, 2006

If you need money for home improvement projects, a mortgage refinance may offer a better deal now than a home equity line of credit (HELOC). HELOC rates have risen significantly, so this may be the perfect time to refinance into a new loan, even if it means accepting a slightly higher mortgage rate.

Taking Advantage of Deals on Home Equity Loans

By:

- MortgageLoan.com | December 01, 2006

If you've been looking around your castle, and noticing that it might be starting to look a little shabby, consider a home equity loan to make home improvements. Banks are offering competitive deals to stimulate their mortgage businesses, and you may be in a position to benefit from all the competition.