Article Archive February, 2007

Finding a Bad Credit Mortgage Broker

Bad credit can become an impediment to fulfilling your dreams of home ownership. There are, however, solutions in the form of "bad credit mortgages." Locate a mortgage broker who specializes in these particular loans. They can do the research, uncover options and resources, and help you explore bad credit mortgage alternatives.

Disadvantages of Second Mortgages

The yin and yang of second mortgages tells us that every advantage will have a complementary disadvantage. These are wise words, because while these loans have plenty of benefits, there could be a number of pitfalls.

The Basics of the Mortgage Market

Before shopping for a mortgage, it's important to know how the industry is organized. Here are some helpful tips to demystify that world.

HELOC Shopping Spree

Shopping for tomatoes? You generally know to avoid the ones that are overripe, exceptionally bruised, or incredibly moldy. Shopping for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be just as simple, provided that you know what to look for.

The ABCs of Debt Consolidation Loans

At the beginning of each year we make resolutions to reach new goals. One satisfying resolution is to improve your financial life by getting out of debt. One of the simplest and most productive ways to do that is to replace burdensome borrowing with a convenient and cost effective debt consolidation loan.

Down Payment Problems? Try a Second Mortgage

A piggyback ride helps kids get from point A to B. A piggyback mortgage can help homeowners get around Private Mortgage Insurance-but only if the loan makes sense.

"Fix and Flip" Refinancing

If you're trying to make money by using the "Fix and Flip" real estate investment strategy, don't let the recent rise in mortgage rates bring you down. Since the real estate market has slowed to a crawl in many parts of the country, the "fast cash" from "fix and flip" might not be readily available. But with a cautious approach, there's still money to be made.

Tips to Reduce Monthly Mortgage Payment

Do you fear the end of the month, when the bills roll in and stretch your budget to its breaking point? If you're feeling a cash crunch, consider these tips for lowering your monthly payments with a mortgage refinance.

Say Goodbye to Credit Cards with Debt Consolidation

Today's consumers are the equivalent of shoppers gone wild, having accumulated an enormous amount of credit card debt. However, this plastic pile-up can be reduced with a whole lot of discipline, and debt consolidation through a home equity loan or mortgage refinance.

Understanding Your Credit Report

In the eyes of a mortgage lender, no two borrowers are created equal. Lenders tend to offer better mortgage rates to people with clean credit reports. That's why it pays to understand your report and learn how to improve it.

Good Timing: Buy Real Estate Now

The lucky number for people waiting for the real estate market to stabilize may be 17. After 17 rate increases, it now appears that the Federal Reserve Board has taken a breather. As a result, rates have stopped climbing, and the housing and home mortgage markets are looking good.

Found Money: Buy a New Auto with a Cash-Out Refinance

If you're living in a home with a vast amount of equity, you may be sitting on the ideal source of financing for replacing the old clunker sitting in your garage. A cash-out mortgage refinance might be just what you need to purchase a new car.

Mortgage Broker or Banker: What's the difference?

Products are sold to consumers in many ways: Some directly through retail outlets like storefronts or the Internet, others indirectly through wholesalers who peddle their wares. Mortgages are no different, with distribution taking place through either mortgage brokers or bankers.

Refinancing: A Potentially Healthy Addiction

Refinancing mortgage loans is the most popular way to generate quick and easy cash. As interest rates change, homeowners can use strategic mortgage refinance plans to save more money. There are pitfalls, but if you use home equity loans wisely, you'll reap substantial rewards.

Baby boomers and second homes

Baby boomers grab more headlines than Brangelina or TomKat. Because of their sheer numbers, their buying decisions are heavily scrutinized by researchers and the media. One of the hot topics is their effect on the housing market, particularly in regards to financing second homes.

Reducing the Cost of Home Improvement

Americans will spend approximately $2 billion in home improvements in 2007, to add features, space, and equity. How they plan and finance their projects will determine whether they generate positive net worth or unnecessary debt. A good home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be the key to success.

Cover Yourself with a Blanket Loan

Financial institutions recognize that traditional mortgages don't serve the needs of all borrowers. One alternative offered is the blanket loan, a cousin to the traditional mortgage, which has both business and individual applications.

Good Debt Management: Financial Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common pitfalls on the road to financial health. Learn to recognize them so you can get back to the business of good debt management

Creating a Marketing Message

If you had a magic genie who could grant you three wishes, one of them would probably be to find a real estate marketing idea that would consistently turn leads into customers. Don't waste time dreaming of a genie-spend your efforts conceiving an effective marketing message.

Real Estate Marketing: Creating a Brand

Of all the real estate marketing strategies out there, a solid branding program is one of the best long-term investments you can make. The ultimate benefit of effective branding is top-of-mind awareness among your target customers-when they need a real estate agent, they'll think of you first.

Finding the Best Home Improvement Loan

After much thought, you've decided to go ahead with that home improvement project. Your next step is to obtain the financing. Get ready to learn the basics and your funding search will be as efficient as possible.

Remodeling with Home Equity Loans: The Advantages

Many homeowners remodel to add space or enhance conveniences. But remodeling also increases the value of your home. Home improvements can come with big price tags, which means that you'll likely need financing. A home equity loan is a good way to pay for any size home improvement project.

Using Realtors for Marketing Leads

Creating innovative mortgage marketing ideas is an important part of a loan originator's job. Knowing which mortgage marketing tools to use to tap into the homebuyers' market can create many profitable selling opportunities. One of the most useful tools that loan originators have is their local realtor.

The Right Time to Tap Home Equity

How do you know when to take a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC)? It all depends on your plans for the money.

Three New Mortgage Marketing Ideas

It's a competitive world out there for lenders, and old-fashioned, shotgun marketing techniques are becoming less and less effective. What you really need are mortgage marketing tips that help you spend less time with low-probability cold calling, and more time closing new business.

The Ultimate Lender Market: Tapping Into the Web

The Internet is a vast resource of limitless information and a wonderfully affordable means of attracting customers.

National Rates

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

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