Articles by Subject

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/21/2009

Thinking of becoming a first-time homebuyer? There are certainly a lot of incentives to do so right now, including low prices and mortgage interest rates, plus that $8,000 federal tax credit. But are you ready to take that step?

Do You Qualify for the Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/19/2009

With the recent extension and expansion of the homebuyer federal tax credit, both existing homeowners and first-time buyers are now eligible for a credit. So what do you have to do to qualify?

Jumbo Loan Freeze is Slowly Thawing Out

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 11/18/2009

There’s good news for well-off homebuyers looking to take advantage of current market conditions – jumbo mortgages are coming back.

Should You Still Consider an ARM?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/14/2009

Is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) right for you? Although ARMs got a bad reputation during the meltdown of the housing and financial markets, they’re still out there and still make sense for some borrowers. The question is, are you one of them?

Rules Changing for FHA Streamline Mortgage Refinance

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/12/2009

What has been one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to refinance a mortgage is about to get a bit tougher. New rules for the FHA Streamline refinance take effect Nov. 17, meaning approval will no longer be practically guaranteed for borrowers with FHA mortgages.

Can You Get Away With Not Paying a Second Mortgage?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 11/10/2009

Many of the people who are in serious financial difficulty with their home loans have both a first and second mortgage. Faced with foreclosure and perhaps even bankruptcy, some may wonder “what if I just stop paying the second mortgage? What’s the worst they can do?”

Getting a Mortgage When Self-Employed

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 11/07/2009

Getting or refinancing a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be a real challenge these days. With the virtual disappearance of stated income loans, it’s become much more difficult for anyone who doesn’t get a regular paycheck to qualify for a home loan. But it still can be done.

Refinancing Your Mortgage When You're Underwater on Your Loan

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 11/06/2009

With the steep drops in home values in recent years, many homeowners who would like to refinance their mortgage to take advantage of the dirt cheap interest rates now available have been unable to do so, because they owe more than their property is worth. But now they have an option.

What If the Lender Rejects the House You've Chosen?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 11/05/2009

So you’ve found the house of your dreams. The price is right, the buyer accepts your offer and your lender has already prequalified you for a mortgage of that size. So you submit your paperwork, the lender takes it under consideration and then after a few weeks – rejects the sale.

Good Time for A Home Improvement Loan?

By:
Kirk Haverkamp - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 11/02/2009

Thinking about a home improvement project? With carpenters and other skilled trades hungry for work, and mortgage interest rates their lowest in decades, it looks like a great time to tackle a major home renovation. The major problem is, can you get a home equity loan to fund it?