Responsibility in Home Loans Goes Both Ways

Whilst watching the news on a local Phoenix TV Station recently, I came across a human interest story about a couple who were in danger of losing their Phoenix home as they could not afford the payments. In this case, the homeowners had an interest rate of 9%, we will get to that later, and the mortgage broker who had arranged the loan in the first place had told them that would refinance after a few months in order to get lower monthly payments.

Firstly, they did not have great credit, plus they had no down-payment, hence the aforementioned interest rate. Also, given those circumstances, they were gambling that home prices in the Valley of the Sun would go up, of course they didn’t, which would enable them to refinance with a better loan-to-value ratio, they couldn’t. The fact is, they could not really afford the payments in the first place, and were using their meager savings to supplement them until re-financing. It was a house of cards, and it all came tumbling down. Yes, it is sad, but also quite predictable. If you are paying 9% in a 6% world something is not right. If you cannot afford the initial payments don’t take the loan. Do not take an adjustable rate loan with a low teaser start rate if you know you will not be able to afford the payments when the honeymoon period is over. Do not gamble that your home will increase in value in the next 6-12 months. You don’t know! Nobody knows. Some, but not all, lenders are quite willing, and ethically-challenged enough, to tell you anything you want to hear, in order to get you to sign on the dotted line. This is not an Arizona specific problem, it could happen anywhere.

The second case involved a gentleman in California who re-financed his home in order to finance his home-based used car business. The lender failed to supply, as required by California law, the loan documents translated into the language used predominantly in the negotiation. The borrower claimed he was duped, however he did admit an English speaking friend had read and translated the terms of the loan to him. Now he could not afford the payments and was looking to lay off the blame. In this case, I know for a fact that in order to be a car dealer in California, you must (amongst other requirements) have a storage facility for at least four cars, not at your residence. It must be completely separate. My point is, in this case, the borrower was quite willing, and ably abetted by the lender, to circumvent the rules while it suited his agenda. When he could not make the payments, he cried foul.

In both these cases, the borrowers played a little loose with the rules, or ignored early warning signs in pursuit of their goals. The will both certainly pay a price in the future because of bad credit, late payments and maybe even foreclosures.

Studies have shown that many times ethnic minorities end up paying more for their home loans than other folks. What the P.C. police do not tell you is that in most of those cases the victims were taken advantage of by people of the same ethnicity, that is to say unscrupulous people taking advantage of their own. In the end we are responsible for our actions, but remember everything must be in writing. If the broker “said”, then have him put it in writing. If he won’t, well you know the rest.

July 16th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Best California Refinance Mortgage Loan Rates Online

Refinance mortgage rates in California may be more affordable than you think. With today’s low interest rates, refinance home loans are available to more people than ever before.

The internet has also made getting mortgage rate quotes easier and faster than ever before. With one easy online application you can have multiple lenders give you their best refinance loan quotes. Virtually anyone with a computer and an internet connection can find the lowest refinance mortgage rates online.

The easiest way to get the best rate quote, is to fill out an online application, and let the lenders, brokers and bankers come to you. Gone are the days of going from bank to bank searching for a loan. Now you get to pick and choose your loan.

Do you want cash out of your home? Cash out mortgage refinancing is a great way of pulling money out of your home when you need it. You may even be able to do a cash out refinance without raising your monthly payment . If you’ve been paying down your mortgage, or your home has risen in value, then you may be able to get extra cash out of your home.

Do you want a lower interest rate? If the interest rate on your ARM is due to change soon, you should consider whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage. In most cases, refinancing is best when the new interest rate is lower by 2% or more, than your current mortgage interest rate. This could mean big savings for you over the life of your loan.

July 14th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

California Bad Credit Mortgage Loans – 3 Things to Avoid When Applying for Home Loan

If applying for a mortgage loan with poor credit, there are steps you can take to help get a better rate. Granted, if your credit score is low, the likelihood of getting a prime rate is slim. Still, reasonable rate bad credit mortgage loans are available. As a homebuyer, you must be willing to research various lenders and compare different loan programs. Moreover, homebuyers should avoid maneuvers which could hurt their chances of approval.

Avoid Late Payments When Applying for a Mortgage

Even if your credit score is good, the occasional late payment is common. If planning on buying a home, it is important to establish a good payment history with creditors – before applying for a home loan. Mortgage lenders understand that situations occur which make it difficult to pay bills on time. However, if hoping to buy a home, it is important to begin creating good credit habits.

Many lenders approve mortgage loans to people with several late payments. Yet, these persons pay higher rates. To avoid an increase in mortgage rate, attempt to submit all credit card and loan payments on time. If possible, adopt new payment habits at least twelve to six months before applying for a home loan.

Limit the Number of Credit Inquiries

A common mistake made by some homebuyers is allowing several mortgage lenders to pull their credit. Shopping around for a home loan is smart. However, if comparing three or four individual lenders, do not consent to having your credit checked. Instead, request no-obligation quotes from lenders.

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide’s Recommended Bad Credit California Mortgage Lenders.

Quotes do not involve credit checks. However, buyers must provide an accurate credit description. To do so, it helps to obtain a copy of your personal report online, which does not count as a credit inquiry. Once the lenders remit a quote, compare the different offers and choose the loan with the best rates and terms. Next, complete a mortgage loan application. To finalize the loan approval, the chosen lender will pull your credit.

Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts

When applying for a mortgage loan, it is important to maintain a low debt to income ratio. Obtaining new credit lines and applying for a mortgage is a bad idea. For example, if you buy a car before your mortgage loan is finalized, this will increase your debt to income ratio. This could affect whether you still qualify for the approved loan amount. To avoid the hassle of having to re-qualify for a mortgage loan, postpone opening new credit accounts until the loan closes.

July 14th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Just When Should I Refinance My Home?

OK, this is one of my favorite questions. The reason I like it so much is that it gives me a chance to “preach” about the way the world should work (according to Bob), at least about how property ownership should work.

Refinancing a home is a serious decision, not to be taken lightly or often. Our goal should be to get the home paid off, and refinancing can both help and hinder this process. In my opinion the best and most valid reason for refinancing a home loan is to reduce the total interest paid and shorten the time of the loan. A good example of this is to refinance into a 15 year fixed rate loan, during a time when interest rates have fallen. If you are coming from a 30 year loan this will increase the monthly payment (many times not your immediate goal) but “wow” the end goal of a paid off loan will really be advanced. What a great plan if you can do it.

More commonly though, the move from a 30 year term to a 15 year term, is just not palatable. In this case the refinancing may be more of a monthly cash flow move than a loan term adjustment. As interest rates decline there is real incentive to change the loan to capture the new and lower rates (thereby saving monthly payment costs). All situations are different, but on average you will need to achieve at least a 1% point reduction in order to have things make sense. Why? – Loan costs, that why. A refinance is not free, it may be presented as free or no cost by some, but in reality the costs are either upfront or are buried in longer terms or increasing the balance on the loan. Fees are also incurred with the title change, re-recording of the trust deed, escrow fees, notary fees, and other fees that I have left out. Just remember – loans are not free – people get paid from somewhere. Most calculations will show that the costs to refinance are not recovered until about 4 years of reduced interest rate payments. That usually means break even is about 4 year down the road from the refinance.

I see many instances where the income of a home owner changes so drastically that lowering the monthly payments becomes an immediate necessity. OK, I can buy into that. If conditions require it, then a refinance may be in order.

Now here is where I start “preaching” – If borrowers are refinancing in order to reduce payments and use the extra money to buy cars or “toys”, then I have real heartburn. Our homes are not a source of funds for us to siphon off – they are where we live, where we raise our families, and where we can feel safe and secure. The mental security of a “paid off” home is not to be underestimated. The security and the peace of mind are awesome.

by Bob Foust

July 10th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Implications of Divorce on Your California Refinance

Divorce is no easy thing. Already trapped in emotional turmoil, you still have to be sane enough to deal with the legal and financial issues, especially if you have little children to take care of and a mortgaged house. Already thinking of relocating? A California refinance could be your ticket out of the blues.

Who Takes the House?

A thorny issue in divorce is the home. If you’re the wife and saddled with young children and with nowhere to go, losing the home can be traumatic. Yet, you can refit the ship to make things work in your favor, barring legal issues that disqualify you to the home that is presently mortgaged. There will be some technicalities to deal with before you fly to California. Refinance loans can always help you move on with your life.

You take the house if it’s a property you owned and mortgaged before marriage. But during the marriage, if your spouse contributed towards the monthly payment, you can sell the house to solve the issue and contact a refinance company to buy a new home from the sales proceeds of your property.

If the house was brought by your spouse through a loan and the documents bear both of your names, the only recourse would be to sell the house to remove your names from the contract. If this is not sold and your spouse resumes the mortgage, the bank or the mortgage lender can always run after you if there are late or unpaid dues. As long as your name is on record, you will be affected by the non-payment of the mortgage.

Or if your spouse agrees, you can refinance the home in your name alone. This absolves him or her from any default payment on the mortgage. It’s your sole responsibility then to take charge of the mortgage and arrange for a California refinance.

Ex-couples always decide for a sale to get rid of the encumbrances of a mortgage, which is a smart move for both of them. The next issue is to get each their equal share if the house is sold, but the court often has a say on the matter after deliberating considerations.

What to Do Before Moving?

Before a refinance, you’ve have to check out those beautiful houses for sale and choose one within your budget. Make sure that a house is available for sale so you know how much you are going to borrow. Once your California refinance has been closed, start planning the move. There is packing to do, children to be removed from school, and movers to contact.

A month before your move, inform your boss and file your resignation. Or if you’re self-employed, check out the possibilities for your business in sunny California. It’s no use going to California not knowing how you’re going to survive alone.

The move will affect the children, but take things one at a time because there’s no shortcut to solving this problem. So deal with those fits of crying, tantrums, and defiance patiently – even if you’re miserable and angry yourself.

The emotional side is the hardest to deal with, but the physical and financial aspects has to be resolved fast if you have little children to look after. Be glad that a California refinance is available to help move ahead.

July 9th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

California Bad Credit Mortgage

California is a beautiful place to live There is no doubt about that. But, to live in California you must pay the price, which is sky high real estate prices. Renting, as opposed to buying in California, can save a little bit of money. However, renting has the disadvantage of not building any equity. As home prices in California continue to rise, you may want to be a homeowner and take advantage of the home appreciation factor. If you’re going to be paying a lot of money to live in California anyway, you might as well be making some money on top of it too, right?

Now, if you have bad credit and are trying to get a home loan for California home prices, this may seem like an impossible situation. Home prices are high and if you already have poor credit, the fact that you need to be approved for such a high loan amount can be an added difficulty when trying to get a home loan.

However, there is hope. There are so many programs available today to help people with recent bankruptcys, collections and even foreclosures, obtain mortgage financing. There are nationwide mortgage service companies that can either approve you directly or get you in touch with a lender who can approve you.

Here are some suggestions of things you can do to aggressively help yourself get qualified for a mortgage loan in California, with a bad credit history:

1. Pull your credit and review it – Pulling your own credit will not negatively affect your credit score like having someone else pull it will. For a list of the links to the three major credit bureaus, click on the link at the bottom of this article. Look over your credit history and make sure that everything is reporting accurately. Sometimes, something as small as an account being reported as currently being due as opposed to being included in a past bankruptcy can be the difference of 10-15 or more added points to your credit score.

Make sure every account that is closed is reported as being closed. Make sure that every account that was reported in a bankruptcy is reported that way, and not being reported as money still owed. If you have small collection accounts, try to pay them off and then fax confirmation that the account was paid off to the major credit bureaus so that they can adjust your credit report right away. Editing this information on your credit report is easier than ever today because all three major credit bureaus now make it possible to dispute and inaccuracies online. You could pull all three reports, dispute all inaccuracies and be done in less than an hour now. Just a few years ago, it used to take hours or days to fill out all the necessary paperwork.

2. Find a seller who is motivated to pay closing costs or carryback a percentage of the loan – If you find a seller who is really motivated to work with you, that may help you get approved with a lender. If the seller can pay your closing costs, this can free up that money so that you may have a small down payment. If the seller is willing to carryback a percentage of the loan then the loan-to-value may be low enough that the lender may consider that as good as a down payment. If the seller is motivated to work with you, they may be willing to work through a down payment assistance program to help you make a down payment. It is illegal for a seller to give you the down payment for their house, but through down payment assistance programs like Neighborhood Gold and the Nehemiah program, it is totally legal.

3. Borrow or ask for a gift from relatives toward a down payment – After you have financed the house, you can usually take out a 2nd or 3rd mortgage up to the full value of your house, and then you would be able to repay the relatives. Keep in mind that if you intend the money to be as a loan only from the relatives, you would need to disclose that to the lender before you close. Lenders usually have regulations about where the down payment is coming from and if you are not honest, it could be considered defrauding a lender.

July 9th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Refinance Mortgage Loan – Ignore Those Teaser Rates

When you hit to refinance mortgage loan because of the incredibly low initial rates that you see basically a teaser. Since most people believe that low rates indicate the best deal, fall into the trap and are in the grip of a loan that can not afford to be locked.

What a teaser?

Have you heard them all. Avoid offering loans at interest rates very low during the early years. It can be harmless and most of the time, peoplelike the idea of pay for low-interest loans during the first period. But after that, reality sets in.

The borrower could not deal with rising adjustable mortgage rates, nor were they ready for this painful reality. They were led to believe that it was not with low interest rates early the next so steep. But the mortgage refinance adjustable rate fluctuates irregularly and usually remains on the high rate of scale.

You may encounterOffers, which boasted of "no hidden fees" or "no closing fees." Beware. Closing costs can not be abolished. And 'the lawyer to pay after having wrapped up the deal, after all. Termination rights can not directly provided to you on accounting, but the fee will be your loan, which all more expensive.

If you also said that everything is fine, if you get less for the scheduled payment, have to do your homework. be a monthly fee for Private Mortgage Insurance raisesYour loan and pay this insurance for years, putting the burden of mortgage payments for 15 or 30 years.

Shop around and compare

Avoid companies with attractive offers. You know, if it is with those who are blunt about their rights and services. You have nothing to hide and are several programs suited to your financial circumstances.

Unlike most unsuspecting loan applicants, do your research thoroughly. Haste isonly lay waste to your finances. Fortunately, many companies speak clearly when it comes to taxes. We now tell everyone – the fees, the processes involved, your responsibility and role.

Getting a mortgage refinance with open eyes. Taxes are always possible, but you can compare a company, other taxes into one. There can be only a fraction of a difference, but if the fees are very low or almost "nonexistent" be careful.

Use the online mortgagecalculators to get a preview of your monthly payments for 30 or 15 years. You will note that there are other fees added like taxes, the amount of which varies from state to state. These calculators provide the transparency and the assistance you’ll need to understand how your money is spent. But when you shop around, don’t immediately fill out forms. Use your powers of observation. Online brokers will help you sift through the multitude of information that makes your shopping for a refinance mortgage loan company difficult.

Since this will be another loan for you, you’re better off getting the assistance of a refinance mortgage loan broker. The right broker can match your specific needs with the right mortgage company.

July 1st, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

How to Find a Mortgage For Buying a Home

You will definitely realize that on most of the occasions you will require a loan. Getting the loan is however not an easy task. You need to have a good credit score and the social security number is a must. You should also pray that you get the right person for the mortgage. There are many mortgage brokers available in the market. But you will find that some of them are good one and some of them are not too good. In fact there are many aspects which you will have to keep in mind.

Some of the points which you need to keep in mind are as follows:

1. The first thing which you will have to keep in mind is that you should know that which mortgage scheme will be the best for you. There are so many mortgage schemes available that you will definitely be mesmerized and you cannot really find the solution as there will be so many of them.

2. You will also have to calculate the term for which you want to have the loan. You should make sure that you select the right term. It is quite true that you will have to pay less money in one installment in case of 30 year loan scheme. This is certainly very important to understand. But you will have to understand one more thing that the interest rate will be higher. However you will also have to keep in mind the fact that you might not be able to bear the heavy installment and this will definitely be not good for you.

3. For getting the loan you must have a good credit score. This is certainly very important for you. If you find that you do not have the good credit score then you must try to correct your credit score at first. As far as the credit score is concerned, you can get the credit report from any of the three credit bureaus. I assure you that if you will have a good credit score then you will definitely have a very good time. You will easily be able to get the loan without any difficulty.

4. You should have a plan in your mind as well. Keep this thing in your mind. If you will make the regular lump sum payment then thus will certainly reduce the burden on you.

These are some of the points which you need to keep in mind. Only then you will be able to find the mortgage for your home.

June 29th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Jack Up Your Career Move With a Refinance Mortgage Loan

Career moves can be stressful. But if the pros outweigh the cons, then you have a good thing going. It may mean you have to say goodbye to the old neighborhood, uproot your family, and start anew, so you have to be ready with your planned refinance mortgage loan.

Not Just A Case of Money

Deciding on a career is not always about money. There are several reasons that go beyond the usual petty office indifferences. But when the tension in the work place is already choking you and running your self-esteem in the shredder, it’s time to go.

But making a career move is not always about money or getting a refinance mortgage loan for a beautiful home by the beach in far-flung Florida. The decision is also influenced greatly by family matters like:

1. distance of home from the kids’ school.

2. long commutes from office to work.

3. unsafe neighborhood.

4. a child going to college.

Non-family reasons could be:

1. unhealthy environment and culture at the workplace.

2. more pink slips.

3. undervalued or underrated work.

If you’re still at your old office cubicle, unsure of what to do, have your blood pressure checked. Don’t wait until you blow up and ruin everything. You’ll still need the good graces of your boss after all for good referrals and such.

The impending company merger made up your mind. This meant that some people in the office would be offered as sacrificial lambs. Since you have been bypassed for promotions several times (another gloomy sign), you suspect you’ll be the first to go. Rather than go meekly like a lamb, you’ll exit like a lion. Anyway, you’ve got a refinance mortgage loan, a new job waiting, and a house ready to snap up in Florida.

It’s Time

When the signs are out in the open, it’s time to look up opportunities outside the office. Update your resume if it hasn’t been aired for a long time and ask your friend at the staffing agency to find you the best match anywhere. While you’re busy consolidating your chances for a better-paying job, or a job that you’d pay top dollar just to get in, let your wife complete all the requirements for your refinance mortgage loan. Since you’ve been a good customer (you pay your monthly installment on time) and you have not incurred incredible credit card debts, your loan papers will be processed faster than you can blink.

Say Goodbye at the Water Cooler

Going to the water cooler and saying goodbye to friends and colleagues can be a sentimental journey, especially if you’re leaving after 8 years with the company. But you have finally decided that your stint is over. The signs were all over the place. It was now time to go and map out your refinance mortgage to finance your move and your new home.

But you’ll miss your friends, especially Mr. Dane who never refused you small loans whenever you were short of cash. You’ll never hear Ms. Old Maid scold and fuss, she who always borrowed your orange stapler and your headphones. There’s John, your poker buddy and Precy, the office beauty who walks like the world will always wait for her.

The goodbyes at the water cooler will be outwardly cheerful. You’ll miss them all and they’ll miss you – the office jack-of-all-trades. So slap the guys back and kiss the women goodbye. It’s time for the biggest change in your life. Your refinance mortgage will start you afresh on a new lease in life. If you’ve made a smart career move, make a smarter refinance mortgage loan choice this time around.

June 24th, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments

California Home Mortgage Loan Applications

A mortgage is very efficiently used in creation of a lien on a contract basis. The mortgage as a lien is usually created on a piece of real state – a house, for instance. It is more than often used deliberately as a method by which individuals or businesses can buy residential or commercial property in California without paying the full value up front. Therefore, it is quite evident that a mortgage is of prime importance to the mortgager, even more than the mortgagee.

An individual will always look for mortgage rates which are very low. He has the full sovereignty to go through all the mortgage rates available to him. Any rational human being will try for that financial company or bank that will best provide him with lowest rates in mortgages.

After this stage the most important stage becomes the filling out of applications. This is the most crucial point, and represents the first important formalities of the procedure of getting a mortgage loan in California. Eligibility for applying to any of the Californian companies giving home mortgage loans varies from company to company. But the only rigid criteria for the eligibility are that the applicant has to be a resident of the state of California. Various professional and licensed home mortgage loan brokers can also assist in getting the applications from various sources and loan mortgage companies.

Application procedures for California home mortgage loans have been made simple for the applicants, as they are also available online. Nowadays, with the advent of online customer care, there is a plethora of self-catered sites that help their customers to choose, compare, calculate and evaluate all the rates that are available to him in the city, or even in the country. There are easily downloadable application forms provided by the companies of California giving loans for home mortgages.

June 23rd, 2010 by blythe100 in Uncategorized | No Comments