Finally, Some Hope for Homeowners

The Hope for Homeowners foreclosure prevention program offers a solution for at-risk homeowners.

Safe Haven for your Cash? Try Local Banks

Not all banks are teetering on the edge of financial collapse. In fact, many are humming right along with a business-as-usual mentality.

FDIC Negotiating with Treasury for Broad Loan Modification Plan

FDIC Chair Sheila Bair has been advocating a broad program of loan modifications since the beginning of the mortgage meltdown. A program that would allow troubled homeowners to renegotiate their mortgages to into something they could pay and avoided certain foreclosure. The process has received much skepticism from Treasury and banks who would potentially absorb hair-cuts in principle or interest rates on the current loan.

Get Frugal, but Enjoy Halloween

This Halloween, parents are scared out of their minds. They're not fearful of things that go bump in the night, but of items that go cha-ching at the cash register. Between the costumes and the candy, saving on Halloween can be a tall order. Here are a few tips that can help.

Mortgage Applications are Following Mortgage Rates, No Housing Recovery

Mortgage Bankers Association's regular survey of mortgage applications showed a 17 percent spike last week. Tracking tightly a sharp decline in mortgage rates last week, mortgage applications continue to follow rate trends.

Mortgage Meltdown: Is Affordable Housing to Blame?

Some critics, desperate for a way to explain the current mortgage crisis, have been blaming it on the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Under the CRA, banks receiving federal insurance are encouraged to lend within their own communities, even if those areas are economically depressed. The CRA was meant to provide low-income Americans with more affordable housing.

How Warren Buffett Avoided the Subprime Meltdown

Warren Buffett, the richest man in America, was financially exposed to the housing industry, but managed to avoid severe subprime mortgage losses. Banks and mortgage companies should pay attention to the stock market wizard, and take a lesson from his investment philosophy.

Fed Cuts Rate Half a Point, Now at 1 Percent-Mortgage Rates Head Higher

The Federal Reserve unanimously cut the benchmark rate to 1 percent. This expected, but historically extraordinary rate is one in a long line of efforts to avert a continuing to deteriorate US economy.

Market Leaps Nearly 900 Points, Eyes Turn to Fed Rates Today

Shortly after US markets opened yesterday, with the Dow hovering just over 8000, traders eyes flashed with opportunity. The broader market seemed very cheap and appealing.

Holiday Credit Crunch

Santa's familiar "Ho, ho, ho" may be replaced this year by "Woe, woe, woe." With the economy sputtering and credit lines closing, retailers are already expecting a dismal year. This is bad news for the U.S. economy, which relies heavily on holiday spending.

Mortgage Rates Up as Yields Spread

Yields on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae mortgage bonds continue to widen as compared to US Treasuries. This gap is pushing mortgage rates back up.

Mortgage Rewrite Plan will Help Homeowners

As $700 billion moves into the economy to stem the housing meltdown, loan modifications and mortgage rewrites should be a big boon for homeowners. HUD-through its FHA component-will, for example, refinance many troublesome mortgages into affordable FHA fixed-rate loans.

What the Economic Crisis can Teach the Kids

The kids can learn some valuable lessons from the grownups' financial foibles.

US Home Builders Propose Home Buyer Plan to Help Housing Market

Home sales unexpectedly jumped 2.7 percent in September, giving hope for a bottom to the housing market. Home builders, hit hard by the collapsing housing market are now presenting Congress with their own recovery plan. The plan pulled from the history books would include a generous tax credit and a federal program to subsidize current market rates.

How to Protect Your Money with the FDIC

FDIC coverage limitations are a little complicated. If you know them, you'll avoid the possibility of expected losses on your bank deposits.

All About Peer-to-Peer Lending

As consumers demand alternatives to traditional bank lending, more and more companies are getting into the person-to-person lending business.

Mortgage Rate Down as Credit Begins to Thaw

Mortgage rates will open the week significantly lower as last week showed signs of credit beginning to thaw in the interbank, commercial, and consumer markets.

Breaking the Cycle of Foreclosures without Economic Recovery is Daunting

Foreclosures continue to surge, up 55% from last year and the future doesn't look any better. Estimates by Economy.com forecasts 7.3 million homeowners will default between 2008 and 2010, with 4.3 million expected to end in foreclosure. How do you break this trend? Or, perhaps more importantly, $700 billion in taxpayer allocation later why haven't we?

Gas Saving Tip: Drive a Scooter

Americans, who are trying to find ways to save money on gas, are converting to a long-standing mode of transportation used in Europe: Mopeds. Sales of scooters in the U.S. have increased more than 60 percent this year, as people look for ways to adapt to high fuel prices.

Want a Hybrid Vehicle? Good Luck with Financing!

Banks and other lending institutions aren't denying the environmental benefits of a hybrid vehicle. However, sometimes they're denying the financing for them, particularly to people with poor credit. Car loans, like home mortgages, are getting tougher for people to find.

Markets in for Wild Ride

Asian markets down 10%, European markets down 7%, and US Futures triggering circuit breakers well before US market open.

Portfolio Management: Biting the Bullet through the Financial Crisis

No pain, no gain. That evergreen is as true in financial planning as it is in the gym.

Is Your Money Market Fund Safe?

News of value losses in money market funds sent shivers down the spines of investors from Maine to California. Learn what the federal government is doing to help you keep the faith.

FDIC Chairman Brings New Loan Modification Incentive Plan

Loan modifications are certainly looking like the necessity plan with 7.3 million homeowners forecast to default between 2008 and 2010, with 4.3 million expected to end in foreclosure according to the latest numbers from Economy.com. Which is precisely the message FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair brought to Congress yesterday.

Mortgage Rates Spike, but Could Be on the Decline

There are lots of unusual effectors in the market driving today's mortgage rates. Most of them are driven by unique forces of intervention, which make forecasting mortgage rates incredibly complex. However, it is possible to take a survey of these influencers and navigate to a reasonable trajectory.

The Shrinking of Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are both trying to shore up anemic balance sheets to regain healthy cash reserves. But that guarded approach to mortgage lending might send mortgage rates higher and make mortgage qualification much more difficult for the average American.

Seniors Whacked by the Mortgage Crisis

As the number of Americans in the "baby boomer" demographic peaks, seniors and retirees face the brunt of the mortgage crisis at a time when they're most vulnerable. According to the AARP, older people across the U.S. may suffer the most from the nation's current economic strife.

30 Year Fixed Hovers at 6%

Mortgage rates continue to bounce up and down, but seem to continue finding equilibrium around the 6 percent mark for 30 year fixed rate.

Mortgage Bankers Looking for Lending Options in High Cost Markets

If you are looking to buy or refinance a house in New York or California you may find financing that mortgage nearly impossible. Temporary loan-limit increases for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, approved by Congress earlier in the year are set to expire.

Small Business and the Mortgage Bailout

While oversized and overextended financial firms get all the attention, small business owners are quietly struggling to get by.

Finding the Culprits of Mortgage Fraud

Who can we blame for the U.S. mortgage crisis and financial industry meltdown? Mortgage brokers, investors, or corporate executives? Or is it the regulators, who are just now going after the crooks?

California Protects Consumers from Shady Mortgage Brokers

The state of California usually leads the charge when it comes to progressive legislation. Now, Californians have new mortgage laws and mortgage license regulations. But consumer advocates wonder if it's enough to protect borrowers from mortgage broker fraud.

Mortgage Rates Volatile

The market is still trying to find its equilibrium, which continues to inject volatility into the equities and bond markets--mortgage rates.

Combat Rising Unemployment: Tips for Getting a New Job

It's practically impossible to find a job using the mega online job boards anymore. The current market demands a more personal approach.

Bernanke Encourages Additional Stimulus Package as Consumer Weakness Mounts

In an unusual endorsement of Congressional fiscal policy Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke strongly endorses a second stimulus package. Is it possible that the current economic slowdown has spooked Chairman Bernanke? Yesterday's statements are in sharp contrast to Bernanke's assurances, during his confirmation hearings, that he would avoid giving Congress recommendations of fiscal and tax policy.

Are More Gas Shortages Ahead?

The ongoing financial crisis has been good for one thing: It's taken our minds off the fact that we could be facing gas shortages in the very near future. Even though gas prices have stabilized and even dropped, the long lines in Atlanta after the recent Hurricanes Ike and Gustav are proof that there might be a nationwide gas shortage.

Debt-settlement Companies take Federal Trade Commission Spotlight

The dire consequences of our nation's debt problems have come full circle in recent months. As our most prestigious financial institutions have crumbled, our nation has begun to reassess its addiction to easy credit. Debt-settlement companies have become more popular, and more scrupulous.

Who's to Blame for the Mortgage Crisis?

While the mortgage crisis undermines the entire economy, nobody is taking responsibility or accepting accountability. But plenty of people are playing the mortgage meltdown blame game. Lots of fingers point to rating agencies that gave high marks to grossly underperforming assets.

Congress to Help with Student Loans

The shaky nature of the economy has cast doubt over the entire lending world. Much attention has been focused on the housing market, but student loans have also become under question. Recently, Congress has taken steps to ensure liquidity in the market, providing a dose of confidence for the future.

Personal Finance in Schools: An Answer to Financial Crisis

A little bit of financial education could go a long way to improve our nation's financial health.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise

Mortgage rates continue to rise as volatility continues to invade the equities market causing the same erratic movement in the debt markets.

US Attorney Hunting Down Mortgage Crooks, Ready to Indict

US Attorney Thomas O'Brien, Los Angeles' top federal prosecutor, is routing out mortgage fraud in the heart of the mortgage bubble. Orange County and metro-Los Angeles was home to three of the largest mortgage lenders and biggest implosions of the current mortgage crisis. All three are under investigation by O'Brien's office.

Shining Light from Mortgage Mess: FHA Loans

Mortgages are in increasingly short supply as economic chaos continues, but consumers are getting some vital relief from the FHA. The number of FHA mortgage applications has soared, nearly tripling in 2008, as troubled banks and other mortgage companies reign in their credit.

Learn about FHA Lenders

Do you know what an FHA lender is, and whether or not you should use one?

Mortgage Applications Leap Upward, Even as Mortgage Rates Climb

Mortgage applications increase for the second straight month. Despite a jump in mortgage interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports the biggest single month surge in refinance applications in five years.

Four Ideas to Sell Home in Struggling Market

Check out the ads in the real estate section of your local newspaper. If you read between the lines, you'll probably sense messages like, "Selling home-desperate!" or "Need to sell home, but can't find buyer. PLEASE!" If you're a seller, there are steps you can take to sell your home in a tough market.

Money Crunch Solutions: Get a Second (or New) Job

A second job can improve your income, but it might not make your life any easier.

How will the Bailout Affect Mortgage Rates?

Regardless of how the financial bailout plan affects the overall economy, mortgage rates may fall in the short term, but will have to rise before long. Without raising underlying interest rates, which will eventually push mortgage rates higher, the nation can't wage its financial battles.

Paulson Will Invest in Thousands of Banks, But Can He Get Them to Lend?

The Treasury has now shifted its strategy in deploying the $700 billion rescue legislation. It will now use $250 billion to directly capitalize "thousands" of "healthy" banks according to Tuesday statements by SecretaryPaulson.

Is Your 401(k) Safe?

Bad financial news piled upon more bad financial news might have you worried about your 401(k) funds.

How Mortgage Bailout Will Affect You

While Wall Street and Main Street compete in a tug-o-war over the mortgage bailout plan, average Americans wonder how the colossal expenditure will impact their personal finances. It's too soon too to predict the overall outcome, but some good and bad consequences are inevitable.

Obama Announces a Larger Economic Vision

On the campaign trail in Toledo, OH yesterday Senator Barack Obama grabbed a piece of the euphoria emanating from the largest stock market rally in history--announcing a much grander economic plan. Offering another $60 billion in rescue efforts, Obama proposed an expanded economic platform that brought parallels to President Roosevelt's New Deal.

The Real Problem in Housing: Mortgage Guidelines

Mortgage rates have declined in recent weeks, but that doesn't mean lenders are working around the clock to qualify borrowers and fund loans.

European and Asian Markets Rise On New International Assurances

Following a Friday meeting of the G-7 (Economic leaders of the top 7 industrialized nations) and the British government's initialization of a program to inject capital into their banks--Asian and European markets rally.

Lenders to FHA Foreclosure Help: Thanks, But No Thanks

The FHA's new Hope for Homeowners program is supposed to be an answer to this country's foreclosure problem. Mortgage lenders like the idea, but only after other efforts have failed.

Getting a Mortgage in Challenging Times

In the wake of the tidal wave of bad news that has hit the mortgage market, there's a profound new lending landscape. The good news is that you can still get a mortgage. The bad news is that money will be harder to borrow, particularly if you have bad credit.

Mortgage Rates Likely to Rise

Expect ongoing uncertainty and volatility in mortgage rates today.

US Government Takes Columbus Day to Get Down to Work

Normally a day for government offices and banks to take the day off, this Columbus day was all about a different type of recovery. The US stock market and Treasury department seemed to have picked today to spark notions of a financial crisis recovery.

Cheaper Mortgage Rates Could Ease Household Pain

The mortgage and energy industries have delivered a one-two punch. Fortunately, it will have a positive impact. Oil prices and interest rates have dipped, providing a source of debt relief for people looking for a mortgage refinance.

Can the FHA Handle a New Expanded Mortgage Role?

Many are concerned that HUD may already be strapped for cash due to ongoing efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures. But as the FHA, its main component, takes on more responsibility and greater debt, HUD will be faced with newer and bigger challenges.

Can Foreclosure Prevent You from Voting?

Voter challenge laws in the state of Michigan are stirring up controversy, as rumors circulate about the Republican Party's intention to use foreclosure lists to block voters at the polls.

Crisis Savior: Mortgage Loan Modifications

Now that IndyMac Bank, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac have all failed, the federal government appears to be in the driver's seat to fix the foreclosure problem. Many argue that the answer lies in rolling out strategic loan modifications to at-risk borrowers.

Has the Housing Market Hit Bottom?

As real estate sales slump, so do home prices. As prices sink, market value and equity vanish, and foreclosures rise. Now, fresh Commerce Department evidence indicates that we're still in a downward spiral and far from the end in terms of foreclosures and lower housing prices.

Market Hits Record Lows, Are We Doing Too Much?

The US Stock Market plummeted to record breaking lows Thursday despite increasingly extraordinary measures by the government. It seems that nothing will bring confidence back to the investor. Meanwhile, a lack of financial trust between banks and companies continues to tighten the credit knot that is strangling the markets.

Mortgage Rates Operating in Unprecedented Environment

Mortgage rates are now officially operating in a historically unprecedented environment. This would trigger broad, cautious counsel to lock rates. Although we have seen steady downward pressure on mortgage rates throughout the week yesterday sparked an unusual effect in the bond markets.

Are Low Mortgage Rates Here to Stay?

Immediately following the Treasury takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, borrowers took advantage of much lower mortgage rates, and refinance applications surged. But with extreme financial uncertainty in the U.S., mortgage rates are poised to rise again before too long.

Mortgage Rate Tumble

Mortgage rates continue to fall.

Paulson Takes Page from British, May Directly Inject Capital into US Banks

On Wednesday the British government launched a plan to offer up to £50 billion ($87 billion) to major banks like Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, and HSBC Holdings shoring up their capital and directly strengthening their balance sheets. In exchange, the British government would get preferred equity positions in the banks.

Housing Issues Active in Congress

Congress faces some emotional arguments as lawmakers conduct ongoing hearings on two separate housing proposals.

Secret to Growing Rich: Save, Don't Leverage

It's hard to find an American who doesn't live without a little bit of debt, but too much could crush your savings dreams.

Expect Volatile Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are expected to be volatile today as market determine how they will react to coordinated worldwide central bank rate cut.

Real Estate Investors Ready to Gobble Discounted Properties

As home values continue to slump, foreclosures are swamping the market. It may be a sad day for people who lost their homes; but for many real estate investment companies, it's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

US Fed and Major World Central Banks Coordinate Rate Cut

Major world central banks react to a broadening global economic crisis by taking extraordinary measures to coordinate monetary policy. In a move to reduce growing stress in the world credit markets central banks cut interest rates by a 0.5 percent.

Fannie, Freddie Mortgages Rescue Strategies

With Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now under government control, mortgage refinance and government assistance programs to promote foreclosure prevention will be their main focus.

Seller-Assisted Down Payments Still Alive

The Housing and Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 effectively killed off seller-funded down payments by banning their use with FHA-insured mortgages after October 1. Now, consumer groups are rallying with lawmakers to protect this form of funding for homebuyers.

Loan Modifications, Not Government Bailouts May Be the Answer

Bank of America is to launch an $8.6 billion loan modification program. Initiated as settlement for a mounting number of predatory lawsuits inherited in the acquisition of Countrywide. This loan modification program could trigger two historic landmarks: the largest predatory lending settlement and the largest loan modification program.

Freddie, Fannie Intervention Means Good Time to Refinance

The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could potentially increase your tax bill down the road. It can also mean it's a good time to refinance.

Mortgage Rates Drop on Equity Fears

Mortgage rates continue to drop as fear seizes the equity markets.

Understanding the Bailout Rescue Plan

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008-better known as the rescue plan-finally passed after causing widespread controversy in Congress and an extreme backlash from the general public. It won't cure our economic problems, but should revive paralyzed credit markets.

Takeover at Fannie/Freddie by the Feds

With the government takeover of mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage market got a needed boost. In the wake of the news, loans from the FHA and other lenders became much less expensive, and that could potentially save the ailing real estate market.

Is FHASecure Helping Anyone?

FHASecure was touted as the federal government's plan to rescue homeowners from the teeth of foreclosure. The official word is that the program is working; but has it truly had an impact on the foreclosure pipeline?

Presidential Politics: Views on Fannie, Freddie Bailout

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have given the U.S. presidential candidates another economic issue to argue.

Mortgage Rates Tumble Below Pre-Meltdown Levels

In the wake of the Fannie Mae takeover, mortgage interest rates declined, and the overall cost of taking out a home loan or doing a mortgage refinance fell almost 10 percent. That's unexpected good news for homebuyers, because mortgage rates are now as low as they've been since 2004.

FHA Stealing Market Share from Private Mortgage Insurers

Companies offering private mortgage insurance (PMI) are suffering catastrophic losses due to an avalanche of foreclosure-related claims. But the FHA, which offers HUD-backed FHA loan guarantee reassurance to banks and investors, is quickly capturing that lost PMI market share.

House Set to Vote Again on $700 Billion Bailout

Once again the fate of the $700 billion economic stabilization legislation sits in the chambers of the House of Representatives.

Taxing Politics: Where the Candidates Stand

Tax policy changes with every new administration. Do you know how you'll be affected this time?

Home Loan Shopping: Apply to Multiple Mortgage Lenders

The mortgage marketplace is tight. While many borrowers are just happy to get approved, there's nothing stopping you from applying to a variety of different mortgage banks for your loan.

Getting the Most from Your Reverse Mortgage

New government regulations make it easier for seniors to get money from their home equity with a reverse mortgage.

Foreclosure Rates: A Growing Problem

Various foreclosure assistance programs were supposed to stall the upward momentum of high foreclosure rates, and even reverse the expanding epidemic. Instead, the situation is getting worse, and there appears to be nothing anyone can do to stop the rising tide of defaults.

Senate Passes Bailout

Senate decisively passes the $700 billion financial market stability legislation.

Senate Evening Vote Ends Passes Bailout Plan, House Now Holds Keys

In an evening vote by the Senate, most likely not a coincident that it was after US market close, the $700 billion rescue bill passed decisively. This leaves the House of Representatives to muster the necessary support to pass similar legislation to what was voted down on Monday. Enhanced by the Senate to include Republican favored expanded FDIC insurance, tax breaks for businesses and individuals, as well as a support to loosen market-to-market SEC regulation the legislation goes to the House for a vote as early as Friday.

US Senate to Vote on $700 Billion Rescue Plan

Tonight the US Senate will take their turn at passing the $700 billion bailout plan. On the heels of a stunning defeat in the House of Representatives on Monday that sent the US Stock Market down 700 points, the Senate will attempt a modified version.

Improve Your Chances of Selling Your Home

As the real estate market continues its descent, home sellers are becoming more innovative. The days of setting up a "for sale" sign are long gone. For people who have "selling home" on the top of their priority list, tactics like home staging and house trading are becoming useful.

How to Buy a Foreclosure

When times are tough, it seems like the rich get richer. Today's housing market is no different. Real estate investors with the means to buy foreclosure properties are moving quickly. Be forewarned: This can be a tricky business.

Mortgage Applications Plunge

Mortgage rates balance on little to no activity, while mortgage applications plunge.