Articles by Subject
Are There Any Downsides to Refinancing Your Mortgage?
There are a lot of advantages to refinancing your mortgage. But what about the downsides? Are there any disadvantages borrowers need to be aware of before taking out that new loan? Read More» |
How Soon Can Your Refinance Your Current Mortgage?
How soon can you refinance your mortgage after taking out your existing loan? With interest rates scraping along at historic lows right now, it’s a question many homeowners who bought or refinanced in the last couple years are asking themselves. Read More» |
Consider Repayment Schedule When Refinacing a Mortgage
Looking to save money on your mortgage by refinancing? While the interest rate is the main thing people focus on, the mortgage term – how long it takes to pay off the loan – is an often-overlooked factor that can provide major savings over either the short- or long-term when... Read More» |
Rules Changing for FHA Streamline Mortgage Refinance
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. Read More» |
Refinancing Your Mortgage When You're Underwater on Your Loan
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. Read More» |
Figuring Out if You Should Refinace Your Mortgage
It's not a question with a simple answer. Whether or not refinancing makes sense for you will depend on the type of loan you have, the interest rate you're paying, your credit score, how much equity you have in the home and a variety of other factors. And some of these will determine whether you... Read More» |
Calculating How Much Your Home Is Worth
How much is your home worth these days? The nationwide decline in home values over the past three years has many people worried about how far "underwater" they might be on their own mortgages, i.e., whether they owe more than their home is worth. It's a particular concern for anyone... Read More» |
Tighter Rules for FHA Streamline Refinance
Thinking about refinancing an FHA loan, using that oh-so-easy FHA Streamline Refinance? Better act fast. Thinking about refinancing an FHA loan, using that oh-so-easy FHA Streamline Refinance? Better act fast. As of Jan. 1, the FHA is making some major changes to the highly... Read More» |
125 Percent Refinance May Present Challenges
For homeowners who are "underwater" on their mortgages, the 125 percent refinance option offered under the administration's Making Home Affordable Program may seem like a dream come true. But making that dream a reality could turn out to be a challenge. Read More» |
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Refinancing a Mortgage
With mortgage interest rates as low as they are right now, homeowners can save a lot of money by refinancing their home loan. But it's not as simple as finding a good interest rate and jumping on it - there's a lot more to it than that. Read More» |
What Does It Cost to Refinance A Mortgage?
With interest rates remaining near historic lows, homeowners have been rushing to refinance their mortgages and save money. But a low interest rate is only part of the picture - there's also the question of the fees that must be paid. So what should you expect to pay to refinance your mortgage? Read More» |
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage as a Debt Consolidation Loan?
Thinking about a debt consolidation loan? For someone with a lot of credit card debt and other obligation, rolling all those bills into one monthly payment can seem like an attractive option, particularly when you can get a lower interest rate in the bargain. But there are downsides ... Read More» |
Cash-Out Refnancing Still an Option for Some
Need money? Got equity in your home? A cash-out refinancing might be the right solution for you - and yes, it's still possible despite the collapse of housing values and credit markets. Read More» |
Refinancing a Mortgage With Bad Credit
So you're looking to refinance your mortgage but you've got bad credit. What can you do? Read More» |
5 Rules for Mortgage Shopping
A lot of people made mistakes in buying homes and shopping for mortgage financing in recent years. The current foreclosure crisis makes that pretty clear. So how do you avoid repeating their mistakes if you're looking to take advantage of the current combination of low housing prices and interest... Read More» |
New Truth-in-Lending Protections Take Effect
They haven't drawn a lot of attention, but some new consumer protection rules under the Truth in Lending Act took effect July 30. Here's a rundown on how they'll affect you if you're planning to purchase a new home or refinance your current mortgage. Read More» |
New Rules On Appraisals Draw Fire
If you're thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, you're going to need an appraisal so the lender has an accurate evaluation of what the property is worth. But recently, that's gotten a bit more complicated, thanks to a new rule called the Home Valuation Code of Conduct.... Read More» |
Some states offer financial aid to avert foreclosure
When it comes to government foreclosure avoidance programs, much of the focus has been on federal efforts such as Making Home Affordable. But many states offer their own programs as well, some of which even offer direct financial assistance for qualified homeowners. Read More» |
Home Prices Predicted to Keep Dropping
Despite recent suggestions that the housing market is stabilizing, home prices will likely continue to decline another two years, according to a leading assessment of real estate market trends. Read More» |
25-Year Mortgage Refinancing Option Offered
You don't often hear about 25-year mortgages, but it's one of the newest options the Obama Administration is adding to the mix under its Making Home Affordable Program. Read More» |
Improving Your Credit Score
So how do you go about improving your credit score? Good credit is the key factor in getting the best interest rates when buying a home or refinancing a mortgage. In today's tight credit markets, it even can determine whether you qualify for a loan at all. Read More» |
MHA Refinace Limit Raised to 125 Percent
Many homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages now have a new option for reducing their monthly payments - refinancing under the government's Making Home Affordable Program. Read More» |
Is It Worth It to Refinance Your Mortgage?
Is it worth it to refinance your mortgage? With recent signs that interest rates may be headed back down again, many people may be wondering if refinancing would make sense for them. As always, the devil is in the details. Read More» |
FHA, VA Mortage Holders Can Reduce Payments With Streamline Refinance
With all the attention that's been focused on the Making Home Affordable program, it's easy to forget there are other options out there for reducing your mortgage payments. And if you have an FHA or VA mortgage, there's one that's simply fantastic - a streamline refinance. Read More» |
What Fees Will You Pay to Refinance Your Mortgage?
So you've been thinking about refinancing your mortgage? It's not enough just to obtain a lower interest rate - whether you'll save money or not depends in large part on the fees you'll pay to refinance. Read More» |
Do You Qualify for a Fannie Mae Mortgage Refi Plus?
Fannie Mae is tackling the Home Affordable refinancing program with RefiPlus and DU RefiPlus. One of these could be your ticket to a quick and affordable mortgage refinance-but only if you qualify. Read More» |
Lower your Expenses: Refinance your Mortgage
Taking advantage of historically low mortgages rates with a refinance mortgage could save you thousands on your mortgage loan. Read More» |
Mortgage Refinance Surge causes Surge in Lending Jobs
Job creation in the mortgage industry looks promising as a major industry association predicts growth in mortgage originations this year. Read More» |
Mortgage Refinance Success: Improve Credit Score
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. Read More» |
Preparing for a Mortgage Refinance
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. Read More» |
Saving the Banks through Mortgage Refinancing
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. Read More» |
Mortgage Originations Ready to Explode
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. Read More» |
Which Mortgage Refinance Option is Right for You?
It's no easy task deciding what to do when your ARM is approaching a mortgage rate reset. Read More» |
How to Qualify for Government Mortgage Assistance
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... Read More» |
Tougher Standards for Mortgage Refinance
Doing a mortgage refinance these days is tough, because lenders-including those doing FHA mortgages--want to see a higher credit score and more proof of assets and income. But they also don't want to refinance until home equity loans or second mortgages have been repaid. Read More» |
New Government Website Helps Troubled Homeowners
The Obama Administration is supporting its Making Home Affordable initiative with a website that offers guidance and advice to troubled homeowners. Read More» |
Mortgage Refinance Fees on the Rise
Anyone who has applied for a mortgage refinance lately in order to capture lower mortgage rates can testify to the fact that mortgage fees have increased. That often defeats the whole purpose of doing a mortgage refinance in the first place, and is helping to prolong the real estate crisis. Read More» |
Credit Cards Block Mortgage Refinance
A mortgage refinance has always been dependent on a good credit score. In the past, people with solid credit histories have had nothing to worry about. However, recent actions taken by the credit card industry are affecting even credit-worthy people who've always played by the rules, casting... Read More» |
Mortgage Refinance Strategies during Mortgage Crisis
If you'd like to take advantage of the low mortgage refinance rates available as a result of the mortgage crisis, there are some hoops that you're going to need to jump through to save a little money. Read More» |
Fannie Mae Eases Mortgage Refinance Rules
Mortgage applications have been on the rise lately, as rates for home loans have dropped to historic lows. Now, Fannie Mae would like to further increase the number of people looking for a mortgage refinance. They've loosened guidelines, allowing people with poor credit easier access to a new... Read More» |
Fannie and Freddie Extend Foreclosure Moratorium
The nation's largest two mortgage companies are giving distressed mortgage borrowers a little more time to stay in their homes. Read More» |
ARM Mortgagees Faced with Refinancing Conundrum
Mortgage rates on adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) skyrocketed last year, so many homeowners are eager to do a mortgage refinance into a safer and more affordable fixed-rate loan. However, interest rates have fallen, which may mean that it's still cheaper to stay in an ARM and let it reset to the... Read More» |
Mortgage Refinance Boom
Mortgage rates are almost as low as they've ever been, and savvy, qualified homeowners are taking advantage of the trend to lower their monthly payments. Read More» |
America's New Savings Plan: Mortgage Refinance
Mortgage rates are edging lower after the government announced a plan to purchase mortgage-backed securities. Homeowners are using the trend to save money on their monthly mortgage payments. Read More» |
Hear Ye, Hear Ye-Get Your Appraisal-Free Mortgage Refinance!
The economic crisis has been unprecedented in many ways, but the latest news concerning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac takes the cake. The mortgage refinance companies are considering issuing refinanced loans without home value appraisals. Read More» |
Government Cutting Mortgage Rates: Is Now the time to Buy or Refinance?
Even as the industry pleaded with the government to allow people access to rates of 4.5 percent, the Federal Reserve cut keys rates to almost zero. Now, 30-year fixed rate mortgages are being offered at 4.5 to 5 percent, and it may be time to take advantage and buy or refinance a home. Read More» |
Tax Break for Refinancing or Selling Home
A tax lien can be a major roadblock during a property sale or mortgage refinance. The IRS has initiated a program to ease this process, thus helping some homeowners save their homes or otherwise avert financial disaster. Read More» |
Helping Homeowners Refinance Mortgages takes Government Spotlight
The foreclosure problem has stymied the feds. Treasury and Federal Reserve officials are now considering programs that would provide direct help to at-risk homeowners, as other foreclosure prevention efforts have failed to produce results. Read More» |
Is Now the Time for a Mortgage Loan Refinance?
Mortgage rates have fallen recently on the news of greater federal foreclosure prevention efforts. If you want to achieve lower monthly expenses, now's the time to evaluate the savings you might realize with a mortgage loan refinance. Read More» |