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    • How can I avoid mortgage foreclosure?

      Date: 2010.06.27 | Category: Mortgage | Response: 0

      Mortgage foreclosure can occur if homeowners, who have taken a VA, conventional loan, or an FHA insured loan, default on the mortgage payments. Foreclosure can lead to the lender gaining possession of a borrowers home. If the value of the home is less than the mortgage amount, the homeowner may have to pay the balance amount to the lender under a deficiency judgment. Foreclosures have a negative impact on the credit score of a home owner.

      In order to avoid foreclosure, there are several things that a homeowner can do. These include communicating to the lender ones inability in making payments as soon as possible and requesting assistance. If necessary, homeowners should back their communication with relevant financial figures such as expenses and income from various sources. They should not abandon their premises or they may not qualify for the assistance.

      There are several housing counseling agencies approved by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development; they offer up-to-date information on the various programs initiated by government and private organizations that are designed to help homeowners facing the prospects of foreclosure. Housing counseling agencies, which also provide credit counseling services, provide their services at no cost.

      In order to avoid forbearance, homeowners can try and apply for Special Forbearance. This may lead to a revision of the repayment schedule and in some cases the payment may either be revised or suspended. A rise in expenditure and a fall in the monthly income may enable homeowners to qualify for a new monthly plan. Similarly, mortgage modification may result in extension of the period of repayment and may open up refinancing options. Homeowners who have undergone a financial crisis stand to benefit from mortgage modification as they can chart out a more manageable repayment plan.

      Homeowners can also take recourse to a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. This entails voluntarily handing over the property to the lender. Such a deed does not hurt a homeowners credit rating as much as a foreclosure. A homeowner, who is a defaulter on payments, and does not qualify for other alternatives, has not been able to sell the house, and is not in default with respect to other mortgages, qualifies for a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

      A homeowners qualification for any of the above mentioned alternatives is determined by the lender. However, homeowners should be aware of solutions that are not genuine. It is highly advisable to take the help of housing counseling agencies in such matters. Homeowners in financial difficulties are liable to fall prey to scams such as equity skimming in which a homeowner is tricked into signing the deed of the property to another person. There are several counseling agencies that are not genuine and often charge homeowners for services that can be done for free. It is imperative that homeowners check the background of the counseling agency before deciding to go with a particular firm.

    • Home Mortgage Loan Mistakes Most Homebuyers Make

      Date: 2010.06.06 | Category: Mortgage | Response: 0

      MISTAKE #1: Over shopping your loan

      Your credit score is based on the perceived risk associated with extending you credit. Over the years, the credit reporting agencies have determined that a borrower who seeks credit from many different lenders is riskier than others. Therefore, they decrease your credit score each time a lender pulls your credit report.

      Each time you call a lender seeking the best possible rate and terms for your home mortgage, he has to pull your credit report. This is factored into your credit score, and a lower score decreases your likelihood of getting the best rate and terms.

      While some consumers are ONLY focused on rates, you should seek the guidance of a National Association of Responsible Loan Officers member that is willing to speak with you about your loan options. There are literally hundreds of loan products available and every borrower has a different financial situation and financial goal. We highly recommend having a consultation with your loan officer so they can tailor a program to meet your individual needs instead of focusing exclusively on rates and points. You may likely find a better product than the one you were shopping for.

      MISTAKE #2: Trying to hide past financial difficulties

      One of the important services a responsible loan officer offers is helping you overcome past financial difficulties that may hinder your ability to have your loan approved. Your loan officer is on your side.

      Supply the information that will help your loan officer provide you with the best possible rate and terms and minimize the impact of your past credit history. The fact that you have recovered from past financial problems makes you a better risk than others who havent yet faced challenges. Overcoming past financial difficulty proves that you honor your commitments and dont give up.

      MISTAKE #3: Allowing a loan officer to put misleading or untruthful information about your income, expense or cash available for down payments on a loan application in order to get a loan

      Providing untruthful information on a loan application is fraud. Mortgage fraud is prosecuted by federal authorities, and they will find out about the fraudulent information. Do not allow yourself to become an accomplice of a loan officers fraudulent loan application.

      Even if a loan officer fills in the information for you, if you do not believe the loan application is 100% truthful, you should refuse to sign it until the loan officer corrects the application. While many loan officers try to help borrowers by misstating the facts, the truth is that they are simply getting themselves and their borrowers into a lot of trouble.

      MISTAKE #4: Borrowing more than you can repay

      All of us understand that we may have to stretch our monthly budgets a bit to afford the homes we want. However, you will put your entire financial health in jeopardy by buying a home you simply cannot afford.

      If you buy an expensive home and find you cannot make the monthly payments, you could face a huge loss when you have to sell that home quickly to get out from under your mortgage. Or worse, you could be forced into foreclosure or bankruptcy.

      It is much better to be patient, buy a home you can comfortably afford, make payments, build equity and then transition into a larger home after a couple of years. Yes, the larger home will cost more then, but the home you purchased will also have appreciated during that time. Most importantly, you will have built a successful financial foundation that allows you to experience all of your dreams, including that dream home.

      MISTAKE #5: Relying on interest rate advertising

      Some loan officers use interest rates to get your attention; however, they may actually end up costing you more. Such rates are often derived by using a 30-year mortgage coupled with an accelerated payment plan.

      You may decide you like that option, but you cannot directly compare the interest rate on that mortgage to other opportunities. This loan could cost more than other mortgages with seemingly higher interest rates.

      It is critical to find a loan officer you can trust to review the options available to you and the best possible rates for your financial situation. Only a responsible loan officer can give you all of your options in an understandable way.

    • Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in Florida with a Poor

      Date: 2010.04.18 | Category: Mortgage | Response: 0

      Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in Florida with a Poor Credit History

      Florida is a lovely place to have a house in; unfortunately the real estate prices are rather forbidding for most. And for someone with a bad credit past, it gets tougher. However, if Florida real estate has is in your dreams, you can still get a mortgage loan, even with a bad credit if you know how to look for it.

      Before we get into shopping for the best mortgage rates, let us understand how the credit score of a borrower determines the scope of his search. Most lenders will willingly lend to a person with A credit score but someone with a C or a D grade wont get so lucky.

      Fortunately, recent entries into the Florida lending industry have led the industry into being more liberal when approving loans. For instance, if there are more than 4 late mortgage payments in a period of 12 months, it calls for a B score, however if these delays have a plausible explanation the lender may excuse the default and consider a score of A.

      There are companies who specialize in giving loans to high-risk borrowers and they are known as Sub-Prime lenders. Even though loans from the Sub-Prime source continue to dominate the high-risk borrowers segment, the government-sponsored agency, Fannie Mae too is beginning to acknowledge the potential in this category. With the availability of more options, a borrower with bad credit can afford to get choosy and not jump at the first approval he gets for the fear of not getting another chance.

      The Internet is a good place to look for multiple mortgage options and even for specifically Florida Mortgage Loans, without the borrower having to reveal his credit status. One may even go to a mortgage broker in order to locate the best quotes, but they can be expensive. Ask for reference from friends and colleagues for a good mortgage lender, since a recommendation is always assuring.

      Once you narrow down your choice, here is a checklist that you must go through.

      1.First analyze your financial status, if you find you have come out of your past credit blues and can commit more you can consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). An ARM allows for a lower rate of interest in the initial years with an option to refinance at a lower, fixed rate after the first couple of years. However, if you find yourself financially burdened, a fixed rate payment would be more appropriate. Search, negotiate and settle for a rate of interest and for terms and conditions that suit your financial status.

      2.Find out how much penalties are imposed for pre-payment. Heavy penalties will take away the advantage of any timely payments that you may be able to make and that may get you a refinance on better terms in the next few months.

      3.Most Sub-Prime lenders exploit the vulnerability of high-risk borrowers and slap on high closing costs at the end of the loan. There are more lenders out there willing to do business than one would have you believe and a little negotiation can always add to some cost shaving.

      4.Avoid paying any upfront or processing fees; the only fee acceptable should the one you pay for your credit application.

      5.Ensure that everything goes on paper in writing, from the rate of interest, to the closing costs to the pre-payment penalties and that nothing comes as a surprise after you have signed the contract.

    • Getting A Mortgage From Beginning to End

      Date: 2010.04.04 | Category: Mortgage | Response: 0

      Purchasing a home is incredibly exciting and stressful. Knowing as much as possible before you purchase is the key to reducing stress.

      Getting A Mortgage From Beginning to End

      The mortgage process can often be a confusing one. Most homebuyers are interested in their dream home, not their lender. Throw in endless forms and document requests, and the mortgage process can quickly become miserable. Here is an overview of how it works, which will hopefully cut down on your stress.

      Searching for the best loan is the first step. The best loan for you is entirely dependent upon your situation. A low interest rate may be a key for one person, while a low down payment might be critical for another. Other factors include your credit score, length of the loan and so on. I highly recommend you dont apply with the bank where you have a checking account. If they know it is your first loan, you are going to get a poor deal. Shop around or use a mortgage broker to do so.

      Getting pre-approved is not a required step, but you should do it. This single step will cut the stress factor of buying a home by at least half. Instead of sweating your loan application during escrow, you can relax because you are already approved. This free time gives you the opportunity to nag the seller for breaks on the home purchase.

      The next step is to file a mortgage application. Many people make the mistake of providing the minimum amount of information possible. Dont. If you have credit problems or some other negative, the lender will find them. Provide as much information as possible on your application.

      Part and parcel with your application is supporting documentation. This is where a mortgage broker can really help. A lender is not going to take you application at face value. Unlike applying for a credit card, the lender wants to see supporting documentation. You will commonly be asked to submit tax returns, pay stubs, bank account statements, investment account statements and so on. The lender will inevitably lose some of these and ask for them again. Welcome to the mortgage loan process!

      Appraisals, inspections and title searches will next be ordered on the property. The lender wants to make sure the seller has the right to sell it, the home is in good shape and it is worth enough to justify the loan. There isnt much you can do during this step, so relax.

      At this point the loan is processed to get everything in shape for the underwriter review. The underwriter is the buck stops here person for the lender. The underwriter will approve or deny the loan. They may also ask for additional information or offer adjusted terms. If this occurs, you can make counter offers.

      Assuming the loan is approved, commitment time is the next step. Yep, you will sign the loan documents. This sounds simple, but many people cant help but get nervous about committing to the repayment of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Just do it!

      Assuming everything is going well with the purchase, the next step is closing. The lender will wire money to the title company, escrow will close and you are the proud owner of a new home and hundreds of thousands in debt!