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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 12/27/2007 - 2:14am
Bankruptcy specialists contend that some mortgage companies are overcharging borrowers, even as those homeowners face foreclosure. If these claims are true, it only adds insult to injury as more predatory lending practices come to light.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 12/23/2007 - 2:12am
The overzealous lending practices that led to rising default rates are influencing more than just the U.S. economy-they're extending across the ocean, as well.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 12/14/2007 - 2:03am
Buyers, developers, and mortgage companies are always looking for creative ways to finance second homes. The "fractional mortgage" has been gaining traction and popularity for more than a decade as an attractive way to buy a vacation property.
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Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | 12/12/2007 - 2:15am
You've just been notified that your bank has recently sold your mortgage. Although unsettling, this is a very normal business transaction that will not affect your loan.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 12/10/2007 - 2:15am
Although most of us don't understand exactly how our loan payments are calculated, the process of paying off a loan through a fixed number of payments is common to all mortgages. The amount paid each month is predetermined by a mathematical procedure known as amortization.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 12/01/2007 - 11:25am
As the subprime mortgage crisis widens, so do the investigations of subprime lenders. Many are guilty of pressuring consumers into high-priced, high-risk loans, and the damage extends across a broad demographic spectrum.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 11/24/2007 - 2:19am
Foreclosures are rising to tragic levels all across the U.S., and they're happening across the entire demographic spectrum. To avoid foreclosure, it's essential that homeowners first understand exactly what it is, why it happens, and how it can result in the loss of a home.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 11/17/2007 - 2:17am
City governments and housing agencies are making homes more affordable by partnering with homebuyers on shared appreciation loans.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 11/06/2007 - 2:12am
When a 50-year anniversary rolls around, it's considered "golden." The 50-year mortgage, however, has been anything but golden for homeowners and Wall Street investors.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 10/31/2007 - 2:19am
HUD has issued a moratorium on its practice of insuring mortgages for those who receive so-called down payment assistance from sellers through non profit "gift-giving" entities.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 10/26/2007 - 1:07am
Some lenders are avoiding renegotiations with at-risk homeowners-but this lack of cooperation isn't necessarily driven by stubbornness.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 10/08/2007 - 1:13am
Usually, it's borrowers, not lenders, who get into credit trouble and face foreclosure. But these days, in the wake of the mortgage industry's subprime implosion, your mortgage company may go bust. Here are some tips on how to handle such a situation.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 10/07/2007 - 1:13am
Short sales are on the rise as borrowers and lenders struggle to stay afloat during a housing market correction.
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Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | 09/27/2007 - 1:12am
If you could pay for your next home with cash, why wouldn't you? This could be one of the nicest problems that you'll ever have.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/25/2007 - 1:13am
As the mortgage finance crisis expands, government officials are urging lenders to provide flexibility and relief to homeowners. The central bank is also supplying more money to banks to offset the impact of bad loan portfolios.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 09/20/2007 - 1:17am
Mortgage lenders close their doors and lay off employees by the hundreds as the industry's subprime woes continue.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/18/2007 - 1:12am
While the nation plunges deeper into a mortgage crisis, the leading lender is being exposed for unscrupulous mortgage lending practices. The revelations related to Countrywide-at least for now-have tarnished the entire industry's public image.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 09/13/2007 - 1:12am
Consistently timing the market is impossible; make your home-buying decisions based on what you want and what you can afford.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/12/2007 - 1:19am
With mortgage companies dropping like flies thanks to massive numbers of bad loans, it's surprising to find that one has attracted a well-heeled investor. Countrywide may be in financial trouble, but Bank of America apparently views it as an undervalued bargain.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 09/10/2007 - 1:12am
Experts say the real estate downturn hasn't hit the bottom yet. That puts even more pressure on sellers to make their homes attractive and affordable to buyers.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/08/2007 - 1:17am
The hemorrhaging of the subprime mortgage industry is the news of the year, but only a small percentage of consumers directly participate in these kinds of special loans. All of us will feel the financial aftershocks, however, when we apply for other mainstream mortgage products.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/04/2007 - 1:13am
The mortgage market is in turmoil, and lenders are hyper-vigilant. In such a cautious climate, borrowers need to have a backup plan in case they get turned down when applying for a loan. One idea is to submit multiple simultaneous applications.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 09/02/2007 - 3:12am
Jumbo mortgages have always carried slightly higher interest rates. These days, investors who stand behind those loans are especially skittish, and the rates they demand are extraordinary. As a result, these types of loans are currently in short supply.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 08/29/2007 - 1:13am
Alt-A loans are a category of mortgages that offer borrowers with good credit the convenience of not having to fully document and verify their income. While these loans are considered more secure than subprime loans, they have become troublesome due to a high volume of defaults.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 08/08/2007 - 2:01am
"No talking with your mouth full! No playing in traffic! No talking to strangers!" Generations of parents have drilled these cautionary words into the minds of their children. Similar no-nos exist for first-time homebuyers. Heed them, and your home-buying experience will be a pleasurable one.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 08/07/2007 - 1:47am
It's standard procedure for borrowers who get behind in their mortgage payments to contact lenders and credit counselors to help sort out the situation before it leads to foreclosure. But these days, many homeowners are getting results by calling an attorney instead.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 08/03/2007 - 1:12am
Finding a broker is a lot like picking a good investment. There are many different variables to consider, and if you make the right choice, you'll likely enjoy some financial rewards.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 07/31/2007 - 1:47am
In the wake of trouble in the subprime lending market, regulators are cracking down on lenders in an effort to shelter consumers from unnecessary risk. While the rules are meant to protect borrowers, they may wind up making it harder for them to get certain types of mortgages.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 07/24/2007 - 1:12am
It seems like everyone's talking about the difficulty getting mortgages, and how volatile adjustable-rate mortgages can be. But if you're a disciplined investor, you can sift through the warnings to find the right loan for you.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 07/12/2007 - 1:12am
Prior to the recently ended bull market in real estate, it was traditional to make a 20 percent down payment when taking out a home mortgage loan. Because of inflation, however, lenders began letting consumers commit less cash up front. This trend may contribute to riskier borrowing habits.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 07/09/2007 - 1:12am
The U.S. may be the leading industrial nation in the world, but it falls way behind other countries when it comes to personal savings. Cash-out home equity loans with attractive interest rates are a big factor behind this phenomenon.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 07/02/2007 - 1:12am
In a sluggish market, desperate real estate agents and mortgage brokers may pressure appraisers to artificially increase property values. But the tactic can backfire if mortgage underwriters cancel loans because they think the sales prices are too high to be justified. To avoid problems, sellers need to be completely realistic when setting the prices for their homes.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 06/27/2007 - 1:12am
Mortgages are one of the biggest purchases a person will make. They're also the most complicated. But no matter how complex a home loan can be, you need to understand how your own mortgage works-or else you could find yourself in dire financial straits.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 06/21/2007 - 1:12am
Today's kids find it increasingly difficult to finance a first home. Parents, motivated by a desire to provide financial security for their children, are helping with a so-called "parents-backed mortgage." This shared equity financing arrangement is an increasingly popular tool for assisting kids, and can provide mom and dad with extra income from real estate appreciation.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 06/15/2007 - 1:12am
With interest rates low and home prices beginning to level off, now is a great time to buy a home. Should you stretch your budget to buy the exact home that you want? This article, plus a good mortgage calculator, can help you find the answer.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 06/13/2007 - 1:12am
Counting on your fingers is a proven problem-solving technique. Unfortunately, it's useless after the first grade. Once you're an adult, you'll want to use a calculator for more difficult problems, like figuring out which mortgage term is right for you.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 05/31/2007 - 1:12am
As the number of delinquent mortgages climbs, lenders are tightening their standards for issuing loans, including such well-publicized moves as raising minimum credit scores and cutting back on 100 percent financing and low-documentation loans. The trend appears to be here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 05/30/2007 - 1:12am
Seattle-based Washington Mutual, Inc. recently unveiled a new type of mortgage designed to give consumers more options than ever before. The loan is expected to surge in popularity and will likely be imitated by other mortgage lenders around the U.S.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 05/28/2007 - 1:12am
Statistics show that a vast majority of Americans downplay the critical importance of good credit. But having a poor credit history in this area of your life can be the biggest obstacle to home ownership or mortgage refinancing.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 05/26/2007 - 1:12am
Many consumers have mortgages that have gotten progressively expensive, as interest rates have climbed higher. A record number of homes are now in foreclosure. But if you take preventive, proactive measures to monitor and protect your mortgage, you can rest assured that your finances and your home will be safe and secure.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 05/16/2007 - 1:12am
Hard money loans are made by lenders willing to accept greater risks than mainstream mortgage companies and banks. In exchange for providing loans to borrowers who would otherwise be turned down, hard money lenders charge higher interest rates. If you need a loan, and have bad credit or other problems, a hard money loan might be your easiest and best option.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 05/07/2007 - 1:12am
Utilizing the services of a resourceful mortgage broker can save you not only time but money and worry. But because not all brokers are created equal, it's important that you choose yours carefully to find one who is skillful, reliable, ethical, and trustworthy.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 04/24/2007 - 1:17am
One of the biggest misconceptions about mortgages is that if you have difficulty making your payment, the last place to turn for help is your lender. In reality, they usually offer the best opportunities for assistance, especially for homeowners who don't wait until the last minute.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 03/18/2007 - 12:17pm
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.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 03/14/2007 - 2:59am
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.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 03/09/2007 - 2:56am
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.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 03/07/2007 - 9:49am
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.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 03/06/2007 - 10:00am
Homeowners are caught in a cross-fire when it comes to the current mortgage market. Expert A says the market looks good, while expert B quotes the words of Chicken Little and tells us that the sky-or at least the price of a house- is falling. You should go with expert C-yourself-when it comes to making a home mortgage or mortgage refinance decision.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 03/06/2007 - 9:57am
Leads are like plants. With enough nurturing, they can grow into something beautiful. If you're a mortgage loan officer, this "nurturing" translates into specific tactics that will have your leads ripening to yield plenty of delicious fruits.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 02/25/2007 - 2:58am
Before shopping for a mortgage, it's important to know how the industry is organized. Here are some helpful tips to demystify that world.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 02/18/2007 - 2:49am
In the eyes of a mortgage lender, no two borrowers are created equal. Lenders tend to offer better mortgage rates to people with clean credit reports. That's why it pays to understand your report and learn how to improve it.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 02/15/2007 - 2:16am
Products are sold to consumers in many ways: Some directly through retail outlets like storefronts or the Internet, others indirectly through wholesalers who peddle their wares. Mortgages are no different, with distribution taking place through either mortgage brokers or bankers.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 02/12/2007 - 2:09am
Financial institutions recognize that traditional mortgages don't serve the needs of all borrowers. One alternative offered is the blanket loan, a cousin to the traditional mortgage, which has both business and individual applications.
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Maria Esposito - MortgageLoan.com | 02/10/2007 - 2:41am
If you had a magic genie who could grant you three wishes, one of them would probably be to find a real estate marketing idea that would consistently turn leads into customers. Don't waste time dreaming of a genie-spend your efforts conceiving an effective marketing message.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 02/09/2007 - 2:36am
Of all the real estate marketing strategies out there, a solid branding program is one of the best long-term investments you can make. The ultimate benefit of effective branding is top-of-mind awareness among your target customers-when they need a real estate agent, they'll think of you first.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 02/06/2007 - 2:57am
Creating innovative mortgage marketing ideas is an important part of a loan originator's job. Knowing which mortgage marketing tools to use to tap into the homebuyers' market can create many profitable selling opportunities. One of the most useful tools that loan originators have is their local realtor.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 02/02/2007 - 2:21am
It's a competitive world out there for lenders, and old-fashioned, shotgun marketing techniques are becoming less and less effective. What you really need are mortgage marketing tips that help you spend less time with low-probability cold calling, and more time closing new business.
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Jason Giacchino - MortgageLoan.com | 02/01/2007 - 2:10am
The Internet is a vast resource of limitless information and a wonderfully affordable means of attracting customers.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 01/24/2007 - 2:40am
Shaking off the trailer park jokes, manufactured homes are gaining acceptance as a low budget route to home ownership. Now more than ever, it's important to know the basics of financing manufactured homes.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 01/13/2007 - 8:47am
We're usually so focused on what our lenders will ask us that we may forget that the lending interview is a two-way conversation. As consumers, we can benefit by turning the tables on our mortgage lenders by asking them a few insightful questions, to ensure that we get the service and terms we desire.
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Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | 01/11/2007 - 2:00am
We all want to eliminate our mortgage payments. If you're desperate to find a way out of your debts, you'll be even more susceptible to mortgage scam artists. Instead of falling for fraud, and being taken advantage of, consider taking advantage of a debt consolidation loan or a bad credit mortgage.
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Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | 01/01/2007 - 1:00am
Charles Darwin formed his theory of evolution after visiting the Galapagos Islands. In today's day and age, Darwin could have saved himself the boat ride and just taken a look at commercial mortgage marketing. Why? Because as interest rates climb, only the commercial mortgage lenders who can adapt to their new environment will survive.
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Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | 01/01/2007 - 1:00am
Although direct mortgage marketing studies indicate that 80 percent of all sales are made after the fifth contact has been made, there's no doubt that the most important connection is the first one. First impressions apply to mortgage brokers in business as it does to anyone else in day-to-day living. Therein lies the importance of knowing the essential tips for marketing mortgages via direct mail.
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MortgageLoan.com - MortgageLoan.com | 01/01/2007 - 1:00am
The keys to successful reverse mortgage marketing are finding your audience and making an appealing pitch. Your audience, the senior population, faces a distinctive set of pressures that governs their daily decision making. Recognizing and addressing these pressures is an essential step in building your reverse mortgage business.
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