Article Archive March, 2007

Saving Students from Debt

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 31, 2007

Recent developments at America's top colleges and universities indicate that there's a new school of thought when it comes to helping students pay for higher education. Today, funds are being rewarded less on academic merit and more on financial need.

Which Refinance Mortgage Loan is Right for You?

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 30, 2007

Considering a mortgage refinance? Prepare yourself for an informed decision by knowing when to choose a fixed-rate mortgage and when to choose its adjustable-rate counterpart.

The Dos and Don'ts of Home Equity Loans

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 29, 2007

There are right ways and wrong ways to approach every financial transaction. When it comes to home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loans, doing things the right way can result in significant short and long-term savings.

Shopping for a Certificate of Deposit

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 28, 2007

Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer healthy yields at virtually no risk-an ideal combination for many investors. While the CD concept sounds like a no-brainer, choosing the right option among many requires discipline and organization.

Lousy Housing Market? Don't Sell…Refinance!

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 27, 2007

Many homeowners feel stuck between a rock and a hard place now that buyers control the reins of the real estate market. Selling into a falling market is risky; but you can avoid that fate by using a creative mortgage refinance strategy to relieve the pressure.

One Closing, Two Home Mortgage Loans

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 26, 2007

Loan closings aren't fun-so why suffer through them more often than necessary? If you're in the process of closing a home mortgage loan, consider simultaneously obtaining a home equity line of credit (HELOC) from the same lender.

Debt Consolidation Traps

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 25, 2007

When you have too much debt, it's easy to believe that a debt consolidation strategy can free you of your burden. Despite overly optimistic advertisements, however, it often doesn't work out that way. Debt consolidation can be loaded with hazards…so be smart when seeking out a solution to your credit problems.

Personal Finance: Creating an Emergency Fund

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 24, 2007

The tried-and-true advice of financial professionals is to build and maintain an emergency cash fund. It can be discouraging, however, to keep your hard-earned money in a low-rate account. That's why a certificate of deposit (CD) can be an excellent tool for the disciplined investor. CDs offer higher rates than traditional savings accounts, as well as protection against that sudden compulsion to spend.

Family Car Values: Finding the Perfect Wheels

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 23, 2007

Choosing the perfect vehicle for your family isn't easy. Prepare yourself by taking a quick inventory of automobile safety ratings online and select the features that will best protect your children.

Tips for Buying a Second Home

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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | March 22, 2007

If you've been dreaming of a second home, 2007 may be the year to make that dream come true. When the real estate bubble burst, the hardest hit sector was the second home market. Prices are still falling, making a second home purchase through a home equity loan a wise and attractive option.

A Safe Investment Plan: Create a CD Ladder

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 21, 2007

Safe investments that provide reasonable returns are few and far between. Basic savings accounts earn only pennies on the dollar, and the stock market is a gamble, even if you do the research. If you're seeking a middle ground, consider laddering certificates of deposits (CDs) as a safer investment strategy.

Become a Source for Better Mortgage Marketing

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 18, 2007

In today's competitive marketplace, it's very difficult to distinguish yourself from other brokers and attract new clients. By making yourself a trustworthy source of information, you'll enhance the service you provide, and set yourself apart from the pack.

Five Helpful Tips for Debt Management

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 16, 2007

You deserve a high five if you want to get your debts under control. Here are five debt management tips to help you achieve your goals.

Know Your Home Mortgage

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 14, 2007

When it comes to shopping, we're a society that sweats the small stuff. We'll surf the Internet, and drive across town to research blenders, HDTVs, and video games, ad nauseum. However, when the product is a home mortgage (the biggest purchase most people will ever make), the majority of consumers are flying blind.

Choosing a Credit Counseling Service

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 13, 2007

Struggling under a debt burden is oppressive. To make matters worse, some of the businesses offering credit counseling are more interested in earning fees than helping you improve your situation. Protect yourself by knowing how to pick a reputable credit counseling agency.

Debt Management for Couples

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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | March 12, 2007

Financial compatibility is not a given in committed relationships. If you haven't yet done so, it's time to address your household debt openly with your spouse, and work together towards a solid financial future.

Refinancing Your Mortgage? Know the lingo

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 11, 2007

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And when you're shopping for a mortgage refinance, it's financially prudent to know what your loan officer knows-or at least have an inkling of what he's talking about. Understanding the ABCs of mortgage terminology is one way to improve your product knowledge and help you negotiate a better deal.

Don't Take Advantage of Your Second Mortgage

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 10, 2007

There are consumers who believe that home equity is the same as cash in a mattress. They think that the equity will always be there, ready whenever they need it. But people who treat home equity like a savings account are in for a rude awakening.

Clients Wanted: Mortgage Marketing Tips for Lenders

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 09, 2007

Consumers typically know how to locate lenders when seeking a loan, but it's more challenging for lenders seeking consumers. The following basic tips will help you, as a lender, to develop a marketing strategy to attract new clients.

Mortgage Refinancing for the Self-Employed

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 08, 2007

Being your own boss can be both a highly frustrating and very rewarding experience. The process of getting a mortgage when you're self-employed serves as a perfect example. It may be difficult to qualify for a home equity loan, first mortgage, or mortgage refinance. However, there are some significant benefits.

First Aid for Monthly Mortgage Payment Blues

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 07, 2007

Are your finances flat-lining when your monthly mortgage payment comes due? Don't panic. While a lender could foreclose on your property, there are alternatives that can help to resuscitate both you and your finances.

Cash in on the Refinancing Boom

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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | March 06, 2007

As we enter 2007, homeowners are refinancing their mortgages at the fastest pace in almost two years. For some, it represents a wise financial move. But there are several factors to consider before deciding if a mortgage refinance makes sense to you.

Don't Get Trapped by Home Equity Loan Pitfalls

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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | March 05, 2007

Have you ever noticed how people "in the know" also happen to be "in the dough?" The wealthiest people often make smart investment decisions based on informed opinions. You can do the same when it comes to debt, especially with home equity loans.

Refinancing: Debts and Taxes

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- MortgageLoan.com | March 01, 2007

Have you recently done a mortgage refinance? Whether you borrowed to pull out equity or to access lower refinance rates, you've moved one step closer to accomplishing your financial goals. As tax season rolls around, it's important to keep that positive momentum going by understanding refinance-related tax deductions.