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House Rejects Bailout and Stock Market Reacts, Dow Down 777.68

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 30, 2008

Considered a bi-partisan done deal, the enormous market bailout bill was voted down in dramatic fashion. With 95 Democrats and 133 Republicans casting "Nay" as their vote the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 did not even make it out of the House of Representatives.

Mortgage Rates Down

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 30, 2008

Mortgage rates descend, but won't make it easier to get a mortgage.

FHA Financing For a Dirt-Cheap Fixer-Upper

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | September 30, 2008

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can help you get a great deal on "vintage" real estate.

New Angle on Home Equity Loans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 30, 2008

A new service allows homeowners to cash out their equity without incurring interest charges and loan repayments.

Wachovia Goes to Citigroup with FDIC Assistance

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

Wachovia becomes the latest giant to fall into an apparent three bank consolidation. Wachovia was acquired this morning by Citigroup. The FDIC assisted agreeing to absorb losses above $42 billion and would get $12 billion in preferred stock and warrants from Citigroup.

$700 Billion Bailout Bill Set to Fail in the House, Dow Craters 500 Points

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

House of Representatives votes down the $700 billion market bailout bill. Bringing surprise and shock into the financial markets, which headed down as much as 500 points (Dow) during the losing vote.

Mortgage Rates Flat

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

Expect mortgage rates to remain stagnant.

$700 Billion Bailout Bill on its Way to House Vote

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

After an intense weekend of negotiations the formally named Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is headed to the House of Representatives for its first vote. Senator and Republican Presidential nominee, in a statement on ABC's "This Week," probably captured the sentiment of Congress and Americans the best, "This is something all of us will swallow hard and go forward with."

American Youth: "Save" is a Four-Letter Word

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

Many young whippersnappers need a lesson in financial responsibility. Are you one of them?

Better Oversight for Appraisers

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 29, 2008

In the ongoing aftermath of the subprime crisis, attention has turned to real estate appraisers and what role they might have played in the turmoil.

Credit Card Woes: Escalating Debt

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 28, 2008

Woe is me, says the credit card holder. In reaction to credit card companies spiking interest rates, the Federal Reserve Board has proposed new rules regarding consumer credit card debt. While the changes may be heralded as relief for consumers, issuers of plastic are arguing that all they'll do is increase consumer debt over the long haul.

Lawmakers Reach Bailout Breakthrough Early Sunday Morning

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 28, 2008

Working through Saturday evening and into the wee-hours of Sunday morning Congress hammered out a tentative breakthrough. Negotiations, and volatile debate spanned the entire weekend. Discussions were reported to have been peppered with elevated voices and plain language.

Protect Yourself From Reverse Mortgage Fraud

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 28, 2008

Financial scammers are using reverse mortgages to rip off the elderly. Protect yourself by knowing the law and the scams.

HELOC Cancellation: Are You at Risk?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 27, 2008

HELOC lenders are now realizing that they were overly enthusiastic about approving big credit lines for borrowers. As they try to reduce their risk exposure, some homeowners are getting a surprise notification that their HELOC has been cancelled.

Mortgage Crisis: Communities to the Rescue

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 27, 2008

All over the country, people are feeling the effects of the subprime mortgage crisis. As home values plummet and foreclosure rates soar, communities are finding new ways to provide mortgage assistance to their neighbors.

Are Reverse Mortgages Too Expensive?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 26, 2008

Reverse mortgages are now wildly popular because the senior citizen population they serve is growing faster than any other demographic group in the entire U.S. But some critics argue that reverse mortgages cost too much to make them a suitable retirement planning vehicle.

Mortgage Rates on Rise

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 26, 2008

Mortgage rates continue to climb as the market anticipates the final details of the $700 billion bailout.

Government Steps in with Mortgage Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 26, 2008

The federal government has unleashed the FHA to help at-risk mortgage borrowers keep their homes.

JP Morgan Assists FDIC as WaMu Becomes Largest Bank Failure in History

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 26, 2008

While the Nation focused on the contentious negotiations over the $700 billion bailout of the financial market a giant oak fell quietly in the forest. The FDIC seized Washington Mutual on Thursday afternoon, and immediately sold their assets to JP Morgan for $1.9 billion.

Mortgages Availability Tightening, Existing Home Sales Continue to Fall

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 25, 2008

Mortgage rates are down, but homes are not selling. Why? The disconnect is directly linked to the objectives of the current $700 billion bailout being proposed by the Bush administration and US Treasury--our system of credit has ground to a halt.

Best Foreclosure Prevention: FDIC Loan Modification

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 25, 2008

Sheila Blair, head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), is a passionate advocate of mortgage loan modification to avoid foreclosure. Now she'll have a chance to put her ideas to the test with the FDIC takeover of a failed bank that specialized in bad mortgages.

Refinance Your Option ARM

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 25, 2008

Experts are concerned that option ARMs could fuel another wave of mortgage defaults. Is your option ARM set to disarm your finances and implode?

Congress Talks: Bailout Plan Needs Homeowner Provisions

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 25, 2008

The emergency federal bailout plan has been drafted. The proposal involves buying up mortgage-related assets from failing financial institutions; but are homeowners going to get some help, too?

Senior Troubles: Bankruptcy on the Rise

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 24, 2008

The rising costs of health care and consumer goods have hit the elderly population hard. A clear indicator that the older popular is struggling is the rise in senior bankruptcy rates, which are reaching double-digit territory. In this difficult economy, our 55-plus population needs to seriously reevaluate how they'll make ends meet.

Warren Buffett Invests $5 Billion in Goldman

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 24, 2008

At the closing bell, after another punishing day on Wall Street, a $5 Billion vote of market confidence came from the heartland. The iconic value investor Warren Buffett struck a deal with Goldman Sachs that may overshadow the $700 billion Treasury bailout.

Slight Uptick in Rates

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 24, 2008

Mortgage rates continue subtle upticks as the Treasury bailout plan gets Congressional scrutiny.

Interest Rate Mystery: Fed Cuts, Yet Mortgage Rates Climb

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 24, 2008

Some of the greatest financial minds of our time are puzzled by the fact that, in recent years, mortgage rates have failed to follow Fed rate cuts. The odd and paradoxical divergence is largely unexplained, but is attributed to the fact that we're in a new global economic frontier.

Bankruptcy Filings on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 23, 2008

There's still no light at the end of the tunnel for our economy, as the latest figures report a startling rise in the number of bankruptcies.

Government-Backed Loans Not Doing the Job

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 23, 2008

Some people complain about taxpayer-funded mortgage assistance, while backers support government refinance help initiatives. But both may agree on one thing: mortgage assistance doesn't seem to be working, thanks to high mortgage rates and continually-rising loan fees.

Paulson's $700 Billion Plan is Bitter, but Necessary Medicine

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 23, 2008

The American taxpayer is angry at picking up the tab for greed and excess. Congress wrestles with a crisis that can little afford time for deliberation. However, a theme is emerging--it is the bitter medicine that will heal us.

Mortgage Rates Neutral, Looking for Clarity

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 23, 2008

The Bond market struggled early Monday and then trading thinned as investors look for clarity.

Improve, Don't Move, with a Home Equity Loan

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 22, 2008

The housing market's bursting bubble has crippled the industry. Instead of leap-frogging to a bigger and better house, many homeowners are opting to improve their current dwelling. It's a smart move, especially if you use a home equity loan. Just be certain that your improvements will help the resale value of your property.

Financial and Mortgage Market Bailout-Dissecting the Paulson Plan

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 22, 2008

Congress was handed a monumental weekend task--review and prudently approve a $700 billion dollar bailout. The proposal is eerily short and simple (full text of legislation). Many are urging Congress to ask more questions prior to singing this broad proposal.

Eyes on Bonds

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 22, 2008

Today will set the tone for this week's mortgage rates.

The Economy's Future: The Candidates' Plans

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 22, 2008

Some say that the U.S. economy is teetering on the edge of another Great Depression. Find out what the presidential candidates plan to do about it.

How to Raise Your Credit Score

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 21, 2008

A credit score is your financial fingerprint. Full of your financial history, it's the most effective way for a lender to identify your creditworthiness. Many people are shocked to discover that this fingerprint can lead to a thumbs-down from a lender. Here are some simple ways to improve your credit score.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for Your Parents?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 20, 2008

Reverse mortgages have grown in popularity, but the risks are still there.

Paulson Going to Congress with Significant Taxpayer Bailout Plan

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 19, 2008

Like it or not the US taxpayer is coming to the rescue of the financial markets. Following weeks of firefighting rapidly, unpredictable, and calamitous individual financial services crisis Treasury Secretary Paulson comes with a comprehensive plan to stop the madness.

Mortgage Rate Volatility

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 19, 2008

Mortgage rates are certain to volatile over the next few weeks.

Home Value Declines Leave ARM Holders Under Water

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 19, 2008

Millions of ARM loans will do-or have already done-an "ARM reset," which means that they undergo a scheduled monthly payment adjustment. Because they typically begin with a low teaser rate, they generally go much higher when the ARM reset kicks in, and it's not unusual for monthly mortgage payments to double.

Places to Stash Cash in Today's Market

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | September 19, 2008

A regular savings account is hardly the safest choice. A standard one with a major U.S. bank today brings a 0.2 percent annual interest rate. But inflation is running amok at 5 percent. In other words, your carefully stashed $100,000 will be worth less than that in next year's dollars, or about $95,200 after accounting for interest and inflation.

Mortgage Rates Up

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 18, 2008

Mortgage rates beginning to climb.

Loan Modification can Prevent Foreclosure

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 18, 2008

Loan modification-which means officially changing the terms of an existing mortgage-is one of the best methods to prevent foreclosure. But those facing foreclosure aren't always eligible for loan modification, because the terms and conditions may be hard to meet.

Reverse Mortgages as Foreclosure Saviors

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 18, 2008

Reverse mortgages, or HECM loans, are commonly used to help senior citizens tap into their home equity for retirement. But some distressed homeowners are also turning to reverse mortgages to reverse the momentum of looming foreclosures, and save their homes from repossession.

Loan Modifications, Government's Preferred Foreclosure Remedy

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 18, 2008

Cleaning up a uniquely collapsing mortgage market it going to challenge the creativity of the US government. One of the most innovative solutions that is under 'beta testing' is the broad use of loan modifications.

How to Set up Laddered CDs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 17, 2008

Build a CD ladder to optimize the liquidity and performance of your time deposits.

Where to Find Government Refinance Assistance

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 17, 2008

Don't panic if you need to refinance quickly; dozens of state and federal government programs can help.

Mortgage Rates Drop, Refinance Boom Ahead?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 17, 2008

Last week mortgage rates plummeted to a five month low and took the steepest weekly dive in 28 years. Does this forecast a mini refinance boom? Not likely. Lower rates does not mean easier mortgages, this time around.

Say Good-bye to Down Payment Assistance Programs

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 16, 2008

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 shuts off an important form of funding for some homebuyers.

Fed Likely to Leave Rates Unchanged

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 16, 2008

An economic roller coaster ride preludes today's Fed meeting. A continual battle between mortgage market recovery, a softening economy, and the dull roar of inflation in the background. However, despite the economic drama of the last month the Federal Reserve is most probably going to do nothing--leaving benchmark lending rates at 2%

The Fed Meets Today

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 16, 2008

After a weekend filled with US government and Wall Street deal making, a Monday opening that hit the stock market as hard as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a mortgage market continuing to crash the only certainty is that the Fed will not raise the target funds rate.

Get out of Debt Before the Economy Gets You

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 16, 2008

The American economy is sputtering, and with oil prices unstable and foreign powers like China and India gaining momentum, our country faces an uphill climb. Debt elimination should be on everyone's mind. With a little debt consolidation and a whole lot of discipline, you can make it happen.

Loan Modification Plan: FDIC and IndyMac

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 15, 2008

The FDIC and IndyMac Federal Bank, FS have put their heads together on a loan modification program that will help at-risk borrowers avoid foreclosures.

Mortgages: Harder to Get and More Expensive

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 15, 2008

Mortgages-whether from the FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or private lenders-are getting more costly and increasingly difficult to qualify for, thanks to an ongoing financial crisis. Rather than helping Americans fulfill their American dreams and buy their home, banks seem to be putting obstacles in the path.

Expect Over Active Markets

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 15, 2008

Today, following a Wall Street weekend deal-attempting marathon, is expected to be a very active trading day.

Home Buyers and Mortgage Refinance Get Discount on Fannie, Freddie

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 15, 2008

Life has sprung back into mortgage lenders and banks. Borrowers are calling for the new, low rates and loan officers are calling past clients to tell them the good news. Mortgage rates have dropped at a 28 year historical rate--over 0.50 percent in one week. With rates as low as they have been since April 2008 homeowners are thinking this is a unique opportunity to get out of risky adjustable rate mortgages.

Presidential Politics: Will Candidates Clean Up Mortgage Mess?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 14, 2008

Mortgage reform is a hot topic these days, particularly as the presidential campaign gain's momentum.

Mortgage Rates: Know When to Lock

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 13, 2008

If you love gambling but can't afford to fly to Las Vegas, consider floating your mortgage rate. Not locking in a rate is a definite gamble; it can yield big rewards or big losses. Know the odds before you take the risk.

30-Year Fixed at 5 Month Lows

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 12, 2008

Well below 6 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage, mortgage rates drop to 5 month lows.

Money Management Software Makes Internet Home

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | September 12, 2008

Keeping your accounts organized has never been easier; but which software package should you use?

Compulsive Cash-Out Refinancing is a Risky Scenario

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 12, 2008

Frequent cash-out refinancing can be a financially risky strategy, because a cash-out refinance can bleed the equity out of your property. Before doing a refinance of any kind, it's important for homeowners to carefully study the bottom line and the long-term repercussions of such a move.

Mortgage Rates at 5 Month Low, Biggest Weekly Drop in 28 Years

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 12, 2008

If you were waiting for another chance to lock in that low 30-year mortgage rate it is here, and the government is hoping you will take it. This week 30-year mortgage rates tumbled under 6 percent to the lowest rates since April. This 0.5-0.6 percent, one week drop, is the single largest since the 1980s when mortgage rates hovered around 15 percent.

Government is Making it Simple to Find a New Mortgage

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 11, 2008

There are millions of homeowners and home buyers that desperately need to find the right mortgage. Some need more reasonable payments, while others are taking the opportunity to get a great deal on distress housing prices. Fortunately for all of these eager borrowers the US government wants to make the process of getting that new mortgage as easy as possible.

Do Savings Accounts Matter?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 11, 2008

Savers, who are seeing their wealth dry up from inflation, are being overlooked, as federal resources rally to help those who've been far less responsible.

How to Avoid Foreclosure

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 11, 2008

Foreclosure prevention tops the wish list for many American homeowners; but avoiding foreclosure in today's market can be extremely challenging. It is possible, however, and borrowers should pursue solutions to avoid foreclosure--especially opportunities for loan modification.

Lehman Open Market Shopping is Unsettling to Investors

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 10, 2008

Lehman is expected to end its long and public quest for a suitor today. Plans are to outline its plans today to strengthen its balance sheet and calm investor nerves. The latest turn away by the Korea Development Bank, who confirmed that talks have ended, sent Lehman shares plummeting 45 percent to close at $7.79 on Tuesday.

What Makes Mortgage Rates Tick?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 10, 2008

Many economic indicators influence mortgage rates, but the biggest factor is still Fed policy. Current mortgage rates aren't following a completely predictable pattern, so borrowers should look long term rather than trying to guess week-to-week rate changes.

Saving Celebrity Homes from Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 10, 2008

Foreclosure isn't just for the mainstream population; celebrities are getting hit with mortgage problems, too.

Recession Talk Resurgent on Latest Unemployment Reports

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 09, 2008

August's unemployment numbers surged 84,000 to 6.1 percent, a five-year high. Rallying back the recessionary and doomsday economist. Coming out of the Fed's annual economic summit with dialogue that seemed certain to point to Fed rate increases at the September FOMC--the other shoe has dropped.

Advertising and the Home Equity Fiasco

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 09, 2008

In the 1980s, financial companies set out to change the perception of second mortgages among the American public. Unfortunately, no one predicted just how expensive that endeavor would ultimately be.

Are Online Mortgage Rates for Real?

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 09, 2008

The Internet could easily be considered the "misinformation" superhighway. Every day, people post articles with inaccurate information. But the big question for homebuyers is, how accurate are online mortgage rates?

30-Year Fixed Down on Fannie, Freddie Bailout

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 08, 2008

Government rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has intended effect--mortgage rates are heading down.

WaMu on the Ropes, Tosses Killinger, Files Recovery Plan with OTS

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 08, 2008

Washington Mutual (WaMu) a constant whisper on the bank failure watch list, has aggressively moved to save itself. Today WaMu announced the ousting of chief executive Kerry K. Killinger and agreed to file a recovery plan with its chief regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS).

Combating the Stress of Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 08, 2008

Foreclosures are still on the rise, and they're taking a toll on the American psyche.

Fannie, Freddie Bailout Helps Market Not Troubled Homeowners

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 08, 2008

The government hopes its takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Sunday will bring stability to the free falling mortgage market. Unfortunately, the move is unlikely to help the growing number of homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payment.

Government-Backed Mortgages Key to Economic Recovery

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 08, 2008

Many first-time homebuyers, veterans, senior citizens, and people who are delinquent on mortgage payments but otherwise have good credit will benefit from provisions in the new housing bill.

Refinance out of a Risky Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 07, 2008

Home values have plummeted, while the interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are rising. The bubble has obviously burst for the U.S. housing market, and it may be "refinance risky mortgage" time for you.

Tenants: Protection from Landlord Foreclosure

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 06, 2008

A California bill seeks to establish protections for renters whose landlords aren't staying current with their mortgage payments.

Ginnie Mae Steps Up to Plate in Mortgage Crisis

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 06, 2008

The Housing Stimulus Bill gives the FHA and Ginnie Mae the challenge of leading the country out of a mortgage crisis.

Government Take Over of Fannie, Freddie Imminent

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 06, 2008

Fannie, Freddie expected to be taken over by the government as early as this weekend to prevent pending failure of the two huge mortgage institutions.

Mortgage Application Woes, What to Do When Your Lender Says No

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 05, 2008

The mortgage market is in a monumental shakeup and that is leaving many borrowers with rejected stamped on their mortgage application. However, there are lots of options to improve your chances of getting approved from credit repair to government mortgage assistance programs. Learn a few simple techniques to get your next mortgage application approved.

Need a Refinance? Try a private lender

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 05, 2008

As it becomes increasingly difficult to borrow for a refinance from traditional banks, more and more consumers are turning to private lenders. While this strategy usually costs more, it involves fewer hassles and more assurances that loans will go through without delays.

Jumbo Loans May Offer Jumbo Rates

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 05, 2008

Conforming loan limits may have changed, but lenders are still treating jumbo loans like damaged goods.

Mortgage Rates Head Downward

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 04, 2008

Market proves Fannie, Freddie can continue to competitively finance debt. Sends Fannie, Freddie stock up and the US Dollar is ticking up.

All About Fixed-Rate Mortgages

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 04, 2008

The recent upheaval in the subprime mortgage market has made borrowers skittish about using adjustable-rate mortgages. With current 30-year fixed mortgage rates low, and home values still sinking, many homeowners are opting for a fixed-rate product.

Can't Refinance? Consider Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 04, 2008

When you have a mortgage you can't afford and refinancing isn't an option, don't dismiss the possibility that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may actually help you in the long run.

GMAC Lays off 5000, Shutters 200 Retail Branches

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 04, 2008

GMAC became the latest in a long line of mortgage business downsizing and closings. GMAC announced on Wednesday that it will be laying off 5000 employees and closing over 200 of its retail mortgage branches throughout the US.

Mortgages: It's EASY Being Green!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 03, 2008

Green mortgages are giving homeowners incentives to go green, one home at a time.

Debt Relief: Calling All Debtors-Help With Your Next Move

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 03, 2008

Personal finance is a lot like chess. Each game requires good strategy and calculated decision-making to win. Make a careless move with your money and you could wind up heavily in debt. If you find yourself in this kind of jam, consider a debt consolidation loan.

Fannie, Freddie May Dodge Bailout

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 03, 2008

On the heels of a reasonably priced Freddie Mac auction of $1 billion in 5-year notes Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's stock continues to climb out. This re-issuance priced at a spread of 95.6 basis points more than the 5-year US Treasury notes--signaling a reasonable risk premium and capability to continue issuing debt.

Foreclosure Prevention: A Spike in Prime Mortgage Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

Just when we were getting used to the subprime crisis, lenders are now reporting record defaults and foreclosures related to prime mortgages. The trend indicates that the ongoing housing crisis isn't seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Instead, we might be heading for another train wreck.

Life Insurance: Is Longevity Insurance Right for You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

Longevity insurance offers protection against the possibility of outliving your bank account.

Fed Hawks Softening Inflationary Rhetoric

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

As the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) quickly approaches the anti-inflationary hawks are softening their rhetoric for a rate hike. Increasingly the call on September 16 looks to be one of staying the course as economic indicators continue to report in confusingly balanced, good and bad way. This certainly makes a case for the Fed to take their hands off the economic wheel again and let markets do as they may--to determine reality from hype.

Market Watches Freddie Debt Sale

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

All mortgage and investor market eyes are on Freddie Mac's debt sale today.

Refinancing: Frequently Asked Questions

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

Need refinancing answers fast? You're in the right place.

Is No Cost Refinancing Right For You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 02, 2008

The no-free-lunch rule applies to mortgages, even those that call themselves no cost mortgage refinances.

Overview of No Equity Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

When the conditions are right, the no equity second mortgage is a powerful option for homeowners.

Home Equity: Thawing out a Frozen HELOC

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

Hundreds of thousands of consumers are getting notices from their banks that their home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have been frozen. This is causing a wave of credit crunch panic. There are options for responding to a HELOC freeze, but the lender still wields most of the power.

Mortgage Payment: Age Old Dilemma-Invest or Pay Down Mortgage?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

You get a sizeable raise that leaves you with some extra money every month. Does it make more sense to send that extra cash to your mortgage lender or to your brokerage account?

Learn About Streamline Refinancing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

An FHA or VA streamline refinance can reduce the payments on your mortgage, fast.

Learn About Money Market Accounts

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

You could spend countless hours searching online for the best money market rates, but that won't necessarily lead you to the top money market account.

Mortgage Market Giving Economists Fits, Should Mortgage Borrowers Care?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

It seems we are in the perfect economic storm for mortgages. Many homeowners and potential home buyers are stuck in a confusing mix of market signals. A blend of good and bad that leave us with a balanced scorecard. This is leaving most experts offering little practical advise and instead focusing on predicting the bottom. Since, there is little market news on this Labor Day lets take the down time to step back and see what all these current mortgage trends might mean to you.

Understanding 125% Second Mortgages

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

All that glitters is not gold. The 125% 2nd mortgage may reduce your monthly debt payment, but it's important to understand the risks before you jump in.

Learn About Piggyback Second Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

The piggyback 2nd mortgage is a small loan used in tandem with a first mortgage in order to help the buyer of a home avoid out of pocket expenses. Like other somewhat exotic mortgages, the piggyback loan should be used wisely and viewed with a modicum of caution and prudence.

Home Equity FAQ

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

Find the answers to all your questions about home equity and home equity debt.

Benefits of a Chase Second Mortgage

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

The Internet has become an active marketplace as people search for second mortgages. In particular, people have been looking up information on Chase second mortgages. Available in a fixed rate, fixed-term home equity loan or line of credit, the Chase second mortgage can help a homeowner tap his equity.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | September 01, 2008

The FHA's home equity conversion mortgage program (HECM) is designed to let older homeowners convert equity into cash without selling their homes. HECM loans are a type of reverse mortgage, and are made by banks, credit unions, and other typical mortgage lenders.