Just how bad is the foreclosure situation? In some states, the mortgage crisis is particularly severe. In Ohio, 5.2 percent of all home loans are now either three months past due or somewhere in the process of foreclosure. Michigan and Indiana are not far behind. In Michigan alone, one of every 100 houses saw foreclosure actions initiated in the three-month period covered by the survey. More
Reporting from Washington - The United States tries to take care of its warriors, a tradition that Congress has continued in little-known sections of the latest home buyer tax credit legislation and one of the government’s main programs to help military owners who must sell their houses for less than what they owe. 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. 1, 2006, and Sept. More
With interest rates near rock bottom and home prices down, this ought to be a great time to buy a home. But for most people, it's a lousy time to get a mortgage. Years after the collapse of the real-estate market and resulting financial crisis, it takes nearly pristine credit scores and hefty down payments to get the best rates. In the process, they shape how much it costs to borrow. More
Financially stressed homeowners looking to cut their mortgage payments through a loan modification, short sale or principal reduction under one of the Obama administration's programs needn't wreck their credit scores in the process. Other alternatives to modification -- such as foreclosure and bankruptcy filings -- can tank your scores and take years to rehabilitate. Kenneth R. More
Remember when you refinanced your home mortgage to get a lower interest rate and pay less every month?How quaint. And how utterly out of date. The 88 percent cash-out refinancing rate was close to the all-time record and could surpass it later this year.Meanwhile, the typical refinancer hasn't been scouring the market for an interest rate lower than that on his existing first mortgage. More
One of the popular ways to save money on mortgages is to use what is known as the biweekly mortgage payment plan. With the biweekly mortgage payment plan the borrower makes payments on his mortgage every two weeks, instead of once a month. The biweekly payment is one-half of the monthly payment. There is no doubt that this will save you money. This seems astounding! Doesn't it? More
Common Financial Terms
Collateral
Collateral is used to describe an object of high value that is used to guarantee the repayment of a loan. If repayments are late, or the agreement is defaulted, the collateral is taken in place of the repayment. Collateral is almost always something extremely valuable. More
A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows seniors to turn some of their home's equity into cash. Unlike a home equity loan or second mortgage, however, the loan doesn't have to be paid back until the home is sold or it is no longer the mortgage holder's primary residence. - Income from a reverse mortgage typically does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. More
2009 is a Year of Opportunity"Adversity breeds opportunity." Remember what Warren Buffett says; "buy when others are fearful and sell when others are greedy."Contact me if I can help with your plans.Mark Goldman, CMPSSan Diego, CAloanguy@markgoldman.com(858) 487-1875 More
Many homeowners tackle household repairs and improvement projects themselves to save money. Yet when it comes to updating their mortgages, these same do-it-yourselfers may not even consider it. Why? Modifying your mortgage can save money, and it's not difficult. Here's how:
A loan modification is simpler than refinancing. When modifying your mortgage, be sure to shop around. More
