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Reverse Mortgages May Cost You More

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/31/2009

If you've been thinking about getting a reverse mortgage or home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), you need to know what Fannie Mae's been up to.

Mortgages and Obama's First 100 Days

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/30/2009

President Obama's first 100 days in office are under review, and many question his effectiveness at dealing with the housing and mortgage crisis. But for the most part, the kind of impact that his economic stimulus initiatives might have on real estate and mortgage markets remains to be seen.

Understanding the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/29/2009

Considering a first home purchase this year? Your budget might be impacted by the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Mortgage Refinance Success: Improve Credit Score

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/28/2009

If there's anything to be learned from the financial crisis of the past year, it's that good credit is essential for good loans. If you have bad credit, improving your score is the best way to get a mortgage refinance.

Banks Abandoning Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/27/2009

The homeowner strategy of walking away from foreclosure homes when home values plummet below the outstanding mortgage balance has now been given a new twist by lenders. Banks are refusing to take back foreclosure properties, leaving homeowners to assume responsibility for their upkeep.

Finding Help if You Owe More Than Your Home is Worth

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/26/2009

If you're one of the millions of American homeowners who are upside down on his home mortgage, help is on the way.

Are You Eligible for Government Loan Modification?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/25/2009

The Making Home Affordable loan modification program is now up and running. Learn how to find out if you're eligible.

Dangers of Walking Away from your Mortgage

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/24/2009

Millions of Americans are facing foreclosure but are unable to refinance mortgages because of lost home equity. Before you walk away from repaying your mortgage, consider the serious consequences, and first attempt some kind of loan modification.

Seniors Use Reverse Mortgage for Purchasing Homes

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/23/2009

The new Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) lets seniors use a reverse mortgage to pay for the purchase of a home or condo. Many are taking advantage of this to get a purchase mortgage and then downsize into affordable homes.

Steer Clear of Mortgage Rescue Scams

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/22/2009

A bad mortgage situation can quickly get worse if you become a victim of mortgage fraud.

Preparing for a Mortgage Refinance

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/21/2009

With today's stellar mortgage rates, many people are lining up for a mortgage refinance. Before you fill out that mortgage application, however, there are a few items to consider as you prepare to refinance your home loan.

Getting the Lowest Rate on your Mortgage Loan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/20/2009

Low mortgage rates are out there, but securing one is problematic.

Paying Off your Mortgage-Is it Worthwhile?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/19/2009

Deciding whether to pay off your mortgage or pad your investment account isn't as simple as running a few calculations.

Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/18/2009

Private mortgage insurance is back in vogue. Do you know how it's going to affect your home purchase or refinance?  

Important Steps for First-time Homebuyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/17/2009

It's a great time to be a first-time homebuyer. Interest rates are low, inventory is booming, and there are government incentives to help you buy. If "purchase home" is at the top of your priority list, this is the time to do it.

Mortgage Fraud Prevention a Top Government Priority

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/16/2009

Desperate homeowners who are trying to avoid foreclosure are attractive targets for mortgage fraud schemes, which have proliferated in recent months. But law enforcement agencies are taking aggressive steps toward fraud prevention as the government ramps up consumer protection.

Put More Money in your Pocket by Adjusting Tax Withholding

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/15/2009

There's a tax strategy that the IRS doesn't want you to know about, and all you have to do to benefit from it is fill out a simple form.

First-time Homebuyers Reaping Rewards from Economic Crisis

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/14/2009

As rampant inflation gradually gets squeezed out of home prices, many first-time homebuyers are finally able to afford a house. Lower rates on purchase mortgages-including popular FHA mortgage products-also make it easier for new homebuyers to take the ownership plunge.

New California Homebuyers offered Layoff Protection

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/13/2009

This program agrees to pay up to $1,500 per month to eligible, insured homeowners if they become involuntarily unemployed or accidentally disabled. The monthly benefit is available for up to six months. CAR, which is paying the first year's insurance premium, has said the program could help as many as 3,000 families purchase a California home this year.

Getting the Point of Mortgage Points

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/12/2009

Mortgage points can save you money, but today's mortgage rates are so low that you may not need the help.

Real Estate Investing: Taking Advantage of Opportunities

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/11/2009

Forward-thinking real estate investors are looking ahead to opportunities that should come with a broader real estate recovery.

FHA Mortgages: Trouble Ahead for HUD? 

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/10/2009

The FHA may be heading for a few rough patches, as it attempts to adjust to a more prominent position in the U.S. mortgage industry.  

Extra, Extra! Freddie Mac Declares Mortgage Rate Bottom

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/09/2009

Every cloud has a silver lining. The real estate and mortgage crisis continue to rain down on us, and the overall economy is still presenting unprecedented challenges. The silver lining, however, is that Freddie Mac says mortgage rates have finally hit bottom. As a result, homeowners are seizing the opportunity to refinance in record numbers.

First Time Homebuyers Back in Action

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/08/2009

A welcome new trend is underway, the likes of which hasn't been seen by the beleaguered real estate industry in years. New incentives and extremely low mortgage rates are inciting the typical first time homebuyer to start shopping once again.

Saving the Banks through Mortgage Refinancing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 05/07/2009

Mortgage rates are dropping as the Federal Reserve buys up mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury debt. Banks with mortgage units are poised to reap the rewards.

Mortgage Originations Ready to Explode

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 05/06/2009

Mortgage originations may soon hit a whopping $3.1 trillion, mostly because of a huge surge in mortgage refinances that are expected to continue to boom. With mortgage rates at all-time lows, millions of savvy American homeowners are taking full advantage of them.

Which Mortgage Refinance Option is Right for You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 05/05/2009

It's no easy task deciding what to do when your ARM is approaching a mortgage rate reset.

Which Mortgage for You? FHA Loan or Conventional Mortgage?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 05/04/2009

FHA loan products have become increasingly popular within the past year or two, both for mortgage refinance purposes and as first loans to buy homes. But conventional mortgages also have their appeal, especially when it comes to finding the cheapest possible interest rate.

How to Qualify for Government Mortgage Assistance

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 05/03/2009

One of the most important initiatives to help people through the foreclosure crisis is the new "Making Home Affordable" loan modification program. Under the plan, millions of borrowers are entitled to a loan modification, as long as they qualify for this special government assistance.

Mortgage Protection for the Unemployed

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 05/02/2009

One developer is addressing the unemployment concerns of tentative condo buyers with mortgage payment protection coverage.

Is Seller Financing a Good Strategy for You?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 05/01/2009

Seller financing is becoming more prevalent as home sellers bend over backwards to lure in purchasers. Homebuyers may be surprised to learn, however, that seller financing isn't always the perfect arrangement.