Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Credit Reference for Mortgage Loan

Author: Anirban Bhattacharya

What if I don't have any credit references on my credit report or just a few accounts? Will I have a credit score? Will I be able to get a mortgage loan? You can obtain a mortgage loan even if you have limited credit references or no credit at all on your credit report. It is also not a requirement for you to have a credit score in order to obtain a mortgage. Even if you have limited credit as little as one credit reference a lender can still obtain a credit score for you. If you have little or no credit references on your credit report, the lender will work with you to develop what is called a ""nontraditional"" credit report that will contain information on how you manage financial obligations like rental payments, utility payments, and other items that do not normally appear on a credit report. Will my lender tell me my score? The decision is up to the lender and they are not required to share credit scores with borrowers. The lender can tell you if a credit score was used as part of the decision to approve or deny your loan. If your loan is denied, the lender can help you understand what reasons caused the denial and what you can do to get on the path to homeownership. How do I know if the information used to calculate my credit score is correct? How do I get a copy of my credit report? Your credit report reflects the information reported to the credit bureaus by each of your creditors. This information changes every time something is added or deleted from your credit file. For in¬stance, paying off an existing account, opening several new accounts, or exceeding the credit limit on one of your accounts will be reflected in your credit record. Sometimes credit reports are inaccurate. There are also situations in which the time between when you open or close an account or make a payment and when this information is updated in your credit report makes it appear your credit report is inaccurate. The best way to ensure that the information contained in your credit files is correct is to periodically request copies of your credit report. Each credit bureau keeps its own records, so you may want to request copies from all three: Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian. Credit bureaus general¬ly charge a small fee for a credit report; however, some states now require that they give free or discounted reports. In addition, if you have been turned down for credit because of information contained in your credit report, you are entitled to receive a free copy of your report within 60 days of the denial. If you think your report contains mistakes, notify the appropriate credit bureau listed in this brochure directly to ensure that the errors are corrected in your file. They will investigate the item and remove any incorrect information. If information in your credit file changes, your lender may want to request another copy of the report and a new credit score. Keep in mind, however, that making changes to your credit report may not change your credit score. It is recommended that you obtain and review a copy of your credit report before you begin the mortgage loan process. To obtain a copy of your credit report, contact the following credit bureaus: Equifax: (800) 685-1111, TransUnion: (800) 916-8800, Experian: (800) 682-7654. For additional information, you may want to visit the Equifax, Trans Union, or Experian world wide web sites: Equifax: equifax.com, Trans Union: tuc.com Experian: experian.com.

If there are errors in my credit report do I have to wait for them to be corrected before applying for a mortgage? No. If you have reviewed your credit report and found errors, you should contact the credit bureau immediately and get it to correct the information. You still can apply for a mortgage while this information is being corrected. Just explain the circumstances to the loan officer and explain that the credit bureau is correcting the information.

If you already have applied for a mortgage loan , your loan officer still can evaluate your credit report and your loan application without a credit score by reviewing the information that is correct in your credit report. However, lenders do consider consumers who establish a pattern of frequently paying their bills late to be greater credit risks than those who pay on time. As a result, lenders often are reluctant or unwilling to extend new or additional credit to these consumers. Credit scoring reflects not only this concern, but the actual experience of lenders.

About the author: Myself webmaster of www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans,

Florida Home Loans , refinance loans, constructions loans.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

How a mortgage loan credit scores determined?

Author: Anirban Bhattacharya

A credit score is based on information in your credit report, including information about how you have handled debt and credit accounts in the past. The calculations that make up a credit score are developed by looking at the way millions of consumers manage their credit. Credit scores have proven over time to be a reliable indicator of whether or not a consumer would repay a loan. A score is determined by summarizing a number of factors in your credit report. These include:

PAYMENT HISTORY. How have you paid your debts? How often have you paid your bills after they were due? How you paid your bills in the past gives the lender some indication of how you can be expected to pay them in the future. If you have a record of paying your bills after the due date, this can lower your score. How often you have been late paying your bills, how recently your payments have been late as well as how long you remained delinquent on any bill at one time are important factors.

OUTSTANDING DEBT. How many consumer loans and open charge accounts do you have? What are the current balances on these accounts? The lender wants to know how much credit you have and how much you have used. Research has shown that the number of credit accounts you have as well as how much of your available credit is used is important.

CREDIT HISTORY. How long have you had credit? Generally, the longer you have had and have successfully managed credit, the higher your credit score. However, people with relatively new credit histories or those with only one or two accounts can obtain high scores as well. If you have recently established credit or have only a few credit refer¬ences, which does not mean that you cannot get a mortgage. Working with your mortgage lender, you may be able to establish a ""nontraditional"" credit report that is based on how well you have paid other types of debts, such as rent and utility payments.

CREDIT INQUIRIES. How many times have you authorized a lender to check your credit record? How many new accounts have been opened recently? Every time you apply for credit for an automobile or con¬sumer loan, to open a new charge account, etc. the lender checks your credit history with one of the credit bureaus. This is called an ""inquiry"" and is recorded in your credit report. Sometimes, having many inquiries within a recent period on your file indicates that your credit usage may be increasing and creates an additional level of risk for the lender. However, don't worry that checking with several lenders about a mortgage loan will have a negative effect on your credit score. The credit report data used to calculate credit scores does not include auto or mortgage loan inquiries that occur in the 30-day period prior to the score being calculated, and auto and mortgage inquiries that occur in any 14-day period are always considered one inquiry.

TYPES OF CREDIT. What types of credit do you have in use? Do you have a mixture of types of credit, such as credit cards, personal loans, etc.? Your credit score is calculated based on your history in these and other areas. Having established credit, paying your bills on time, and keeping the balances on open accounts to moderate levels will help ensure that you have a strong credit history and a good score.

Are credit scores discriminatory? No. Credit scoring is an objective process, based only on the infor¬mation in your credit report. Factors such as age, race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, income, employment, and where you live are not considered in determining your credit score. Credit scoring is a bias-free tool that helps lenders evaluate the likelihood that you will repay the loan based on how you have managed debt in the past. Because credit scoring evaluates the information in credit reports in the same objective manner, one borrower is just as likely as another to have a high credit score.

What's my score? Is that good or bad? Credit scores typically used in mortgage lending range from approxi¬mately 300 to 900. Generally, the higher your credit score, the less risk of future default you represent to the lender. This is a strong indica¬tion that you have successfully managed credit in the past and are likely to repay a mortgage loan . Keep in mind that your credit score is only one factor that the lender uses to evaluate your mortgage loan application and that the final decision whether or not to approve your mortgage loan is made by the lender after careful analysis of all of the information the lender has collected. Can my score be improved? The answer is, over time, certainly. But it may be difficult to immediately ""fix"" your credit score. The most effective way to make sure that you have the best possible credit score is to manage the credit you already have in a responsible manner. You can do this by following two simple rules.

1 Avoid becoming delinquent on any of your credit obligations (credit cards, automobile loans, or other installment loans). Consumers occasionally miss a payment on one of their bills. This can happen for any number of reasons. Isolated situations like these, although they should be avoided and will have some effect on your credit score, should not have an effect on your ability to get new credit. A mortgage foreclosure on your credit report will have a major effect on your credit score and your ability to get new credit in the future.

2. Avoid overuse of your credit cards and other credit accounts. Just as it is important for you to pay your bills on time, it is also important that you control how much money you owe, especially on your credit cards. Lenders are increasingly concerned about the credit risk of consumers who seem to overextend themselves by using most or all of their available credit even if these consumers are still making payments on time.

Why would the lender need to be concerned if you still are making your payments on time? In recent years, there have been many news accounts of people in financial difficulty because they have used their credit cards up to their maximum limits and then struggled to make their monthly payments. For some consumers in this situation, the burden of these monthly payments becomes so great that they stop making payments altogether. Some file bankruptcy. This can happen to people who have never before missed a payment.

So, while you may think everything is fine no matter how much you charge, as long as you can pay your monthly bills on time, the fact is that you are actually a higher credit risk than those that manage their credit accounts more conservatively. Credit scores are developed by looking at the way millions of consumers manage their credit and are able to identify consumers who are becoming overextended, before they become delinquent. This risk is reflected in the credit scores of those consumers.

About the author: About Author: Myself webmaster of www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans,

Florida Home Loans , refinance loans, constructions loans.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Mortgage Loan - Credit Report Information

Author: Anirban Bhattacharya

Credit Reporting and scoring - History and Tips Your ability to manage credit is an important factor in determining if you will repay your mortgage loan. How does the lender decide if you are a good credit risk? During the loan application process, the lender will obtain a credit report on you and any co-borrowers. Credit reports are provided by credit reporting companies/credit bureaus. They provide information about how you have managed debt, including: * How much and what types of credit you use, such as credit cards, auto loans, or other consumer loans; * How long you have had and used credit;and * How promptly you pay your bills. The three major sources of credit information about consumers are Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. Lenders will obtain your credit record from all three of these credit bureaus. The lender will evaluate this information to determine whether or not you are likely to repay the mortgage loan in a timely fashion. How does the mortgage lender evaluate the information in the credit report? One way is through credit scoring. What is a credit score? A credit bureau score, is one of many pieces of information that the lender will use when evaluating a mortgage loan application. A credit score is a summary of a borrower's credit report and a numerical measurement that reflects a borrower's management of credit. Your credit score is based on the records compiled by credit bureaus and includes the information reported each month by your creditors, such as the amount of existing credit you have and your payment history. A credit score considers all of the information in the credit report and converts this information into a number that helps the lender determine the likelihood that you will repay your loan on time. 00 is the lowest possible score, 900 is the highest. 680 to 700 is considered excellent, and less than 620 is typically considered sub-rime, though if there are errors on the report, this would be considered. Credit scoring is an objective process, based only on the infor¬mation in your credit report. Factors such as age, race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, your income, employment, and where you live are not considered in determining your credit score. Is credit scoring new? Banks and other lenders have used credit scoring for over 30 years for credit cards and other types of consumer loans, such as automobile and home equity loans. Now, credit scoring is being used in mortgage lending. Why is credit scores used? Lenders want to extend credit to people who will pay them back, and pay them back on time. They also want to be objective in making lending decisions. In order to approve your application for a mortgage loan, your lender must evaluate and understand many different risk factors, including your ability to repay the debt as well as how you have managed credit in the past. Because borrowers' credit histories can range from being very simple to being very complex, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a given credit history is acceptable or unacceptable, or whether certain information represents a strength or a weakness. By using credit scoring, a lender can quickly and objectively evaluate your credit history in a consistent manner, and determine the likeli¬hood that you will repay the loan as agreed. The use of credit scores not only improves the accuracy of the analysis of your credit history, but does so in a way that enhances the efficiency and consistency of the underwriting process. How does a lender get my credit score? When you apply for your mortgage loan, you will give your lender permission to check your credit history with the various credit bureaus. More than likely, the lender will obtain your files from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. In addi¬tion to obtaining a

c redit report , the lender will also request a credit score. Your score is calculated by the credit bureau -- not your lender -- and is based only on the information contained in each of the credit bureau's files.

About the author: Myself webmaster of www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans,

Florida Home Loans , refinance loans, constructions loans.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Personal Debt Relief

Author: Martin Lukac

Debt relief is the forgiveness or partial forgiveness of a debt. Other definitions have also been applied such as the slowing of a debt or the stopping of the interest on the debt as well. In terms of personal relief this has been seen to be an escalating problem over the last few years in many places around the world. This problem is by no means limited to the United States but it is prominently seen there as the figures correlate to the fact that the average American household has debt to as much as $19000 that is separate from their mortgage payments. This means that they can often have mortgage payments as well as this debt and that is an astronomical figure to deal with.

With the presence of such large debt loads it is no wonder that there are many problems being faced by individuals in the repayment of these loans. These individuals are continually burdened by the debt that they have and often see this debt increasing with interest rates. They are consumed by the debt and the mistake that is often undertaken is that they continue to create more debt to repay older debts. This can eventually lead to bankruptcy and much care must be followed when dealing with the issue of debt.

When you are in need of debt relief the impulse is to be persuaded into signing up with one of the debt consolidation firms on the market. This option may work for some but for many it can spell disaster for many. These companies that are private companies promote themselves as debt relief organizations use marketing ploys to persuade people to turn to them but do not offer the best personalized solutions to reducing debt. They are often interested in the consolidation of the loans by using the property that you have as security and making the loans into a mortgage repayment. Many a person has lost their home in this way.

When debt is a concern that is consuming you should first turn to a consumer's association that provides advice before turning to the commercialized companies. They will more often than not have experience with the matter and be able to guide you to the better options for debt forgiveness. Their interest is not in getting you to use your home as security for a loan but in leading you to debt free living.

In addition to providing you with links to ways to debt relief and agreements with debt relief companies that are credible you will be taught what you are doing wrong by the provision of tips. You may even receive financial planning advice that can serve you well and avoid you getting yourself into the same situation again. This is important as most often the problem lies with the individual living above their means and the problem is not solved with debt relief and the person will soon go back into debt again.

About the author: Martin Lukac represents RateEmpire.com Debt Relief financial marketplace. RateEmpire.com is a destination site of credit information, personal finance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates. Article source:

Personal Debt Relief

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Get Your Home Loan, Regardless of Your Credit Rating

Author: Dipti Nagpal

Unforeseen expenses, like medical bills or missed payments, are a fact of life, and can easily set you off track. When these things happen, they affect your credit, and your credit report will list your bad credit. It may easily destroy your opportunity in securing a home loan that you urgently need.

For applications of a home loan , your credit score determines whether you will receive the loan or not. Before bankers approve your loan, they will examine your payment history on all your past loans, bankruptcy filings, and other financial factors. Should you have bad credit, you will almost certainly not procure the home loan you need. You can approach smaller finance companies for help, as most of them offer bad credit home loans . You can obtain these loans without worrying about your unimpressive credit history, as these loan companies target people with bad credit. Although these home loans help to keep your monthly payments affordable, you need to understand that this type of borrowing comes with extremely high interest rates.

However, you can benefit in many ways from these home loans , regardless of the interest rates. You can trade your present mortgage for a new financing... if the amount of the new loan is higher than your previous mortgage, you will receive additional cash. With the new home loan , you can consolidate all your debts into a single low monthly payment. You can extend the period of payment to meet your budget, and your previous creditors will stop harassing you; now, you only deal with the one creditor.

Bad credit should not have to prevent you from missing out the opportunities that are available to everybody. Some lenders will approve your home loan regardless of your credit history; with the home loan for people with bad credit, you can now get a much needed home loan which, providing you meet your payments, will give you a new lease on life.

About the author: Dipti Nagpal represents ICICI Bank India's largest home loan provider. ICICI Bank offers a wide range of banking products and financial services to corporate and retail customers. Find low interest

home loans , home improvement loans, housing loan, office premises loans from ICICI Bank!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Buying a House - Advantages of buying over renting

Author: Dan Standeven

The following are some great advantages to buying and owning a home instead of renting. For one it is largest and most important investment you will ever make. Here is a list of the top 4 reasons one should buy their own home.

1) Equity: As soon as you buy your house you have gained considerable equity. A 5% to 10% down payment has given you 100% ownership of that property. As time goes by payments are made your mortgage decrease, the property has appreciated and your equity continues to grow. Even if your home never appreciates which is very unlikely and stays the same you are continuously paying down your mortgage. If you rent, your payments are similar to what a mortgage payment would be, with really gaining only one main benefit and that is having a roof over your head. You are literally paying someone else's mortgage and creating equity for someone else

2) Sense of Ownership: It's a great feeling buying your own home. There is a great sense of ownership and accomplishment. It's great feeling knowing you can paint the walls without consequence. Having the ability to hang pictures whenever and wherever you want. Also being able to remodel and renovate, knock out walls, add bathrooms and pretty much do whatever work or improvements you want with gaining all the benefits for improving your property.

3) Stability: Owning a home gives you great stability in a couple of ways. It's a great feeling to know that if you lock in a mortgage rate for 5 even 10 years that your payments won't change. As far as renting goes, depending on the municipality's rules, a landlord generally can increase the rent whenever they want and to whatever rate they want.

4) Future: Owning your own home gives you some great advantages for your future. Aside from building equity in your home you are paying down your mortgage. The great thing about a mortgage over rent is that eventually you pay it off. Once you have paid off your mortgage no more monthly payments, this then dramatically increases your disposable income.

Don't get me wrong renting serves a great purpose and for most of us it is where we start. However these are just some of the many reasons why buying your own home has many great advantages over renting. Gaining equity on a home that you can take pride in owning, which will greatly enhance your future while providing stability in the now, seems pretty good when your padding someone else's pockets.

About the author: Dan Standeven is an Author and seasoned Real Estate enthusiest who provides Free Real Estate Articles including articles such as

Advantages of Buying over Renting

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Home Insurance Savings

Author: M Katz

Select the Right Sort of Home Insurance

Before you go shopping for home insurance, take a minute to understand what you need. Most people understand that premiums will vary by zip code and the value of their home. The value of the contents inside the home, and the condition of the home will also have an effect on premiums. However, the type of home insurance you purchase will also be affected by your type of living arrangement. I have outlined the four basic types of home insurance below.

Resident Homeowners Insurance

The most common type of home insurance is homeowners insurance that is purchased by an owner who lives in the home. This policy will cover the actual home. You may have a pollicy which will pay out the actual value, or one that covers the replacement value of the home. Homeowners insurance also covers the contents of your home, and probably includes liability insurance in case somebody is injured on your property.

Most mortgage companies will require a homeowners insurance policy. Even if you have paid off your mortgage, you will want your home protected against damage, theft, or injury. Keep in mind, that many homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and you may need seperate coverage.

Landlord Insurance

If you own a home that you rent out, you will still need to carry insurance on the property. You should not need to insure the contents of the home, and can pass that requirement on to the tenant. A landlord's home insurance policy will probably also cover liability in case the tenant or a visitor is injured and can demonstrate fault.

Renters Insurance

If you rent an apartment or house, you will need a renters insurance policy. This type of insurance will cover your possessions against damage or theft. You should not need to insure the actual building because the owner is responsible for that. You may also have liability coverage in case of an injury on your property. Renters insurance is usually inexpensive. Many landlords will require renters insurance.

Condo Insurance

Even if you own a condominium, you probably do not need to insure the building. The condo association usually holds a policy to insure the actual structure. So your policy would be similar to a renters policy, even though you own your condo. It will cover the contents of your dwelling, and should provide some liaility protection.

Compare Home Insurance to Save Money!

We all shop for home insurance at some point. If you have just moved, bought a home, or are unhappy with your current coverage, you can compare home insurance policies online with a quick form. Always look for a secure server, privacy policy, and a Better Business Bureau participation link. Now that you understand what type of home insurance you are looking for, you should have an easier time finding a high quality insurance policy for the most affordable price!

About the author: We want to help you save money on your insurance! Get onlin e home insurance quotes and tips. See how much we can save you by comparing insurance quotes online!

Monday, July 23, 2007

Holiday Let: What exactly is it?

Author: SeanH

So you are looking for a holiday let mortgage. But are you sure you know exactly what a holiday let means?

This may seem a silly question. But there's a lot of confusion between ""holiday lets"" and ""buy-to-lets"", and between ""holiday lets"" and ""holiday homes"". Getting a holiday let mortgage is quite different from getting a mortgage on either a holiday home or a buy-to-let. So what are the differences?

A holiday home is a second home which you buy for your own use or the use of your family and friends, while a holiday let is a property you buy to let out commercially as a business. A holiday let is quite different from a buy-to-let property, which is let out for residential use and is regarded as an investment, not as a business.

So if you are looking for a holiday let mortgage , how can you be sure your property can be defined as a holiday let?

The Inland Revenue is quite clear as to what makes your property a holiday let. This is a Good Thing, because there are a lot of tax advantages in being treated as a business not an investment.

To count as a holiday let as far as the Inland Revenue is concerned: * The property must be in the UK. * It must be available for letting for at least 20 weeks (140 days) in a year. Remember this is the minimum as far as the taxman is concerned. If you use a lettings agency, some demand a much higher availability than this - some as much as 50 weeks in the year! * It must achieve an actual letting rate of 10 weeks (70 days) in the year. This must be at the commercial rate, not at a reduced or non-profit rate for family and friends. * It must not be let to one single occupier or group for more than 31 days in a seven-month period, although it can be during the remaining five months of the year. * The property has to be fully furnished.

If you're sure your property qualifies, you can then start looking for the right kind of mortgage. A holiday let mortgage is a bit harder to arrange than a standard buy-to-let mortgage and not all lenders want to know. However, there are some who will be happy to consider it. If you talk to a good Independent Financial Adviser or independent mortgage broker, they will point you in the right direction for your holiday let mortgage.

About the author: Sean Horton is a Director of

Holiday Let Mortgages who offer expert advice on holiday let and holiday home mortgages and finance.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Arranging your holiday home mortgage: what you need to know

Author: SeanH

The idea of buying a holiday home is very exciting. But there is always the question of how you are going to finance it. Unless you have substantial cash reserves from your main property, you will need to look for a holiday home mortgage.

Nowadays that shouldn't be all that difficult. As demand for holiday homes increases, more and more lenders are providing holiday home mortgages. If you are planning to let your holiday property out on a commercial basis, it can be slightly more difficult. But if it is simply for the use of yourself, family and friends, there isn't usually a problem.

A typical

Holiday Home Mortgage will provide a maximum of 70-80 per cent of the value of the property. Lenders usually insist on a minimum property value, which is usually around £70,000 - £80,000. Of course the lender will need to be satisfied that you can afford the repayments, on top of your first mortgage if you have one. Some lenders will lend on properties in England, Wales and Scotland, but others exclude Scotland for a holiday home mortgage.

You can usually opt for a capital repayment mortgage or an interest-only mortgage. If you are in a position to make higher repayments, obviously a repayment mortgage will be preferable. The sooner you pay it off, the sooner the holiday home will be yours. An interest-only mortgage will mean your monthly repayments are more affordable, but you will have to find some other means to repay the capital. This shouldn't be a problem if you are expecting an inheritance, or if you plan to sell your first home eventually. Otherwise, of course, it will have to be repaid by selling the holiday home.

You can often negotiate a more favourable rate on your holiday home mortgage, especially if you are in a position to pay a larger deposit. Some lenders offer you the choice of a fixed rate or a variable rate. A fixed rate can look tempting if there's a danger that rates may soar, but can be very frustrating if rates drop lower. A variable rate holiday let mortgage often starts with a honeymoon period that can also look very tempting, but then it will revert to the current rate. You may also be able to get a split rate mortgage that gives you the best of both worlds.

Finding a mortgage can be a very stressful experience. Obviously for your holiday home mortgage you want to avoid stress as much as possible. Talk to a financial adviser or an independent mortgage broker that specialises in holiday home mortgages about the kind of arrangement that best meets your needs.

About the author: Sean Horton is a Director of

Holiday Let Mortgages who offer holiday home mortgage advice.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

100% Remortgage UK - borrow all of your home value

Author: Roger John

You should not be keeping that mortgage anymore with you if you thin you are paying too much towards its installments and it is proving to be a huge burden on your limited finances. So you better opt for replacing current mortgage with a new remortgage for saving money. And if you require larger amount and want to release equity in your home, then 100 percent remortgage is best suited of all remortgages

100 percent remortgage means the UK people can borrow an amount that is equal to the value of the home. Clearly this type of remortgage allows you to borrow maximum amount so that you can use it for home improvements, buying car, debt consolidation, enjoying wedding and expensive holiday tour. The lender will approve the entire loan that equals to current value of your home. This type of remortage also comes with all benefits of any other remortgage. For instance you can opt for 100 percent remortgage in the UK for extending repaying duration. This boils down to lower monthly payment for the remortgage installments, making it easier to repay the remortgage after you have already cleared current mortgage.

The same home against which you took current mortgage serves the purpose of security for 100 percent remortgage in the UK. However, still lenders have some risks in this type of remortage because the borrower is not required to offer any deposit. So 100 percent remortgage usually are of higher interest rate. To combat the rate, you must take rate quotes of different 100 percent remortgage lenders in the UK. With each lender having own rates as per your personal circumstances, you are most likely to find suitable deal.

In these days, even bad credit people are finding 100 percent remortgage in the UK, thanks to growing competition in the remortgage market. But search well for the right deal. Also you must be sure as to what exactly the aim behind taking 100 percent remortage so that you are fully satisfied from the remortage.

About the author: Roger John works as financial advisor in Online Remortgage. He is offering loan advice for quite some time. With Online Remortgage, it is very easy to take and settle payday loans. To know more about 100 percent remortgage, Bad credit online remortgage, Online remortgage application, Low rate online remortgage, Online remortgage deals visit http://www.onlineremortgage.org.uk

Friday, July 20, 2007

Your Money Matters (issues) for a Caravan Holiday

Author: Ian Molloy

Before you start your holiday, work out a budget. This is especially important if you are going to be away for a long trip. Try to plan your cash flow and make arrangements of how you are going to continue paying your normal bills at home as well.

Budgets

Working out a budget will give you an idea of how much your planned trip might cost. Money matters items to include will be: Fuel costs - make allowances for the increase price of fuel in remote areas (it goes up quite significantly), also make allowances for the increased fuel consumption for towing a caravan Make allowances for servicing of your vehicle Campsite costs Food, including both groceries and dining out (You will also probably invite some fellow travellers for snacks or meals along the way) Alcohol Entry fees and other costs associated with tours and activities Gifts and souvenirs

If you are planning a long trip of several months, budget in smaller blocks. One month at a time is manageable and easier to work out. If after the first month your money matters budget does not reflect actual spending, use the trends to modify the budget.

Be prepared for the range of small emergencies that can occur on the road. Most are vehicle-related expenses: tyres, windscreens and mechanical repairs. Consider also the possibility of expenses arising through injury or illness. To ensure that you can continue in comfort and without anxiety, set aside a small reserve of easily accessed money.

SAMPLE BUDGET

Fuel:

Distance: 3000km

Consumption: 15 litres per 100km

Fuel cost (average): $1.40 per litre

Calculation: 3000 x (15/100) x $1.40

Total Fuel: $630

Service for car:

No service required

Total service: $0

Camping fees:

12 days @ $25 - 2 days free

Total camping: $300

Food:

Groceries: $300

Dining out/take away 3 nights @ $40 for 2 per night: $120

Total food: $420

Entertainment:

One day fishing on charter boat for @ $175 each: $350

Movies 2 nights for 2 @ $13 per person: $52

Total entertainment: $402

Gifts:

Gifts for children: $50

Total gifts: $50

Miscellaneous:

Total miscellaneous: $200

TOTAL BUDGET: $2002 Banking and Bills

Before you go, think about what bank you are with, what services they provide any how easy are they to access in remote areas. Consider one of the larger banks because they have branches and ATM's across a wide range of locations. Australia Post, through its Bank@Post service, offers a range of banking services for a range of banks and credit unions. These services include cheque deposits, cash withdrawals and transfers.

Phone and internet banking can be a great alternative, taking away the hassle of having to find bank branches or post offices. Both services allow travellers to gain access to account information, transfer funds, make credit card and mortgage payments and pay bills. Make sure you have registered with your bank before you leave for your trip.

If you are going away for an extended holiday, you will need to make arrangements to pay your normal bills. Most major companies have direct-debit facilities where your monthly, quarterly or yearly payments can be deducted from your account.

If you want to pay your bills as you go, arrange to have your bills posted to you along with other mail. Payments can then be made in the following ways: Use a mobile phone or payphone and a credit card or a billpay service. The latter, which draws on your savings or cheque account for the amount of the bill, can be transacted through your bank or Australia Post. Use the internet by logging on to your bank site, the site of the creditor or a specialised bill-paying site. Many caravan parks around Australia now provide an internet service or you can take your own laptop computer with internet access. Pay in person at an Australia Post outlet. A wide range of bills can be paid at Australia Post.

Cheques are still a useful way of paying bills. You will, however, rarely come across a retail outlet prepared to accept a personal cheque. If you have a strong preference for paying by cheque, contact the business first.

Using Credit and EFTPOS

When travelling it is a good idea to use a credit card linked to your bank account. This allows you to use an ATM, bank or EFTPOS transaction to replenish cash, pay for purchases using credit or EFTPOS, obtain a summary of transactions each month and pay bills using a mobile phone. Just make sure you keep an eye on your credit account and either ensure you have sufficient money in the account or repay what you use otherwise you will incur heavy penalty fees from the bank.

Many outlets impose a minimum amount on card transactions of between $10 and $25. Major outlets will accept most kinds of credit cards but many smaller businesses only accept MasterCard, Visa and Bankcard.

Cash

Cash is still an important when money matters: especially when you are travelling and spending small amounts of money at different places. Many small businesses - markets, takeaway food outlets and cafes among others - do not have card facilities and many more will not accept cards for small amounts. Paying cash for incidental items, such as chocolates, lollies, ice-creams, refreshments, magazines and entertainment admissions, is easier than having to worry about checking off a large number of small amounts against credit-card statements. If your bank charges ATM withdrawal fees, you may want to get out an amount sufficient to last you a week or so.

Do a cash budget by working out how you plan to pay for the items you will need on your holiday. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Cash is rarely insurable and certainly not replaceable, and large amounts will only cause you worry.

This is the tenth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at

www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.

About the author: Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.cr ikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Mortgage Life Insurance Policies Which Are Available From Different Companies

Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

There are times when people will need to have some type of mortgage life insurance. When these times come you look for trusted companies with which you can take out a life insurance policy. To help you in this endeavor you will find that there are lots of different life insurance companies that can help. These people have the training and the knowledge that you will need.

You can ask these individuals' questions about the various mortgage life insurance policies which are available from the different companies. You will however need to make sure that you have asked questions which pertain to the subject at hand. When you make a booking with a life insurance agent makes sure that you have all of the documents which you might need in order to get your life insurance readied.

As many of us see our homes as an investment for the future. When you are looking into using your house as a mortgage deal you should think very carefully about the difficulties that you might encounter. To help you out of these potential disasters you will need to see what sort of mortgage life insurance you can get from the insurance company you are using.

As each mortgage is different it is to your advantage to make sure that you have all of the pertinent details so that you can make a well informed decision. You will need to have an idea about which of the many different mortgage life insurance policies are for you. If you are still unsure about the policies which are available you can ask one of the agents to help you out.

Since these people are knowledgeable about the different terms and legal conditions which can be found in a mortgage contract they will be best suited to advise you. If you have any questions or details that you need to ask this is the time. With so many different low cost life insurance policies to look at you should take your time.

Once you have received all of the pertinent details you should take your time to look at the application form. This form will inform you about the various documents that you need to have to qualify for a mortgage life insurance.

If you are unsure about any aspect of this application form you would be wise to ask questions about items that are puzzling to you. With all of your questions answered and the application all filled out you are ready to get your mortgage life insurance passed.

About the author: Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Life Insurance for Years. For More Information on Mortgage Life Insurance, Visit His Site at

Mortgage Life Insurance

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Foreclosures Forecast To Top 2 Million Homes

Author: Mike Colpitts

At least 2.1 million homes, condos and townhouses will be foreclosed in the U.S. in the next two and a half years, accounting for the highest number of foreclosures since the U.S. Savings and Loan Fraud Crisis, according to a new forecast by Housing Predictor.

The forecast is based on an analysis of the nation's largest 100 metropolitan real estate markets by researchers during the month of May. Housing Predictor.com forecasts more than 250 local housing markets futures in all 50 U.S. states and since it's inception the web site has maintained more than an 85% accuracy rating.

It's a foreclosure crisis in many areas of the nation. Foreclosures are at record levels in Michigan, Ohio and Colorado. Other states that are experiencing the highest number of foreclosures include California, Alabama, Indiana and Mississippi.

The forecast comes on the heels of the Center for Responsible Lending's alarming estimate that 2.2 million residences will be foreclosed over the same period as a result of fall out in the wake of the nation's sub-prime lending crisis.

The fall out from the sub-prime meltdown, however, has not extended into all of the nation's housing markets on a widespread scale, researchers found. Eighteen states local real estate markets are appreciating and an additional 10 states housing markets are showing signs of stabilizing, including much of Florida. The near record level of foreclosures are occurring as a result of increases in adjustable rate mortgages, and unethical lending practices on the part of some mortgage borrowers and lenders.

Researchers determined that the highest number of foreclosures are occurring in mortgages made to sub-prime borrowers, who obtained mortgages at higher interest rates as a result of poor credit histories and in two other areas of home lending. A break down is included in the Housing Predictor report.

Energized by low interest rates and liberalized lending standards, the nation's housing market appreciated at record levels in many local markets for nearly five years only to come to a slow down in some areas.

Mortgages made to first time investors are also experiencing a high rate of foreclosures. In March the U.S. Commerce Department said that vacant privately owned homes had reached their highest peak in the nation's history. Many home buyers purchased properties in hopes of making a quick profit by selling the property to a new buyer before the market reached it's peak, and are now unable to rent or sell their properties.

To see the full report on the Foreclosure Crisis and check on your housing market forecast visit http://www.HousingPredictor. com

About the author: Mike Colpitts is the Editor of Housing Predictor, which provides market forecasts on more than 250 local housing markets in all 50 U.S. states. Visit http://www.housingpredictor.com to find your markets forecast now.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Why Real Estate is Bubble Proof

Author: Tonja Demoff

Several years ago, economists began using the term ""bubble"" to describe the incredible yearly increases in the price of an average home in many U.S. markets. Inevitably, when those increases tapered off and home prices glided back to more normal levels, they said the bubble had ""burst.""

I firmly believe that the housing market (as well as commercial real estate) will continue to expand and that young, first-time homebuyers have the most to gain from it. I see nothing on the horizon to change my outlook either-not today or 10 years from today. As long as the United States experiences steady population growth, there will be constant demand for homes. Growth guarantees an ongoing appreciation of residential property values for years to come.

In my book,

Bubble Proof , I go to explain two very important things: call them the ""macro"" and ""micro"" concepts of ""bubble proofing."" I'll share some of that insight here.

First, the macro: Real estate is bubble proof over the long term because it has always shown itself to be resilient and rewarding. Real estate is always in demand. Someone is always buying, selling or investing in property, so there's always a market for it. Its major segments-residential, rental, commercial-don't move in lockstep, so that a diversified ""real estate portfolio"" can be built and adjusted for performance.

It is also important to note that, unlike the stock market, real estate trends are foreseeable from a distance. Prior to any up or down movement in the business as a whole, we have reliable predictors: interest rates, home sale figures, building permits and the like, issued monthly and debated endlessly by economists, business reporters and experts.

Contrast that with a normal week on the stock exchange. Some days, market losses can amount to 2 or 3 percent due to some upsetting event: an overseas terrorist attack, an OPEC announcement or a poor blue-chip earnings report. Unless your last name is Buffet or Kerkorian, normal investors can't divine the stock market's next move. But I can tell you where my real estate holdings are headed-and that kind of predictability helps make them, and me, ""bubble proof.""

Now for the ""micro"" explanation of ""bubble proof.""

I advocate the purchase of houses, duplexes, condos, apartment buildings or even office or storefront space only if they meet certain requirements, and therefore are ""bubble proof."" In other words, applying my methods, homebuyers and investors can bubble proof their investments.

What constitutes ""bubble proof"" real estate? Obviously, not all real estate qualifies. I certainly wouldn't advise a client to buy land on a decaying waterfront, or in a bad neighborhood, where only a Herculean government program could possibly turn its fortunes around. But I do recommend that prospective buyers seek out the countless quality opportunities to acquire and profit from real estate using the bubble proof approach.

In my book, I provide an in-depth examination of the components that go into bubble proof purchasing, starting with your first home and then branching into investment properties. For the purposes of this article, I will keep it brief and just touch on the basics that every deal needs: Affordability. Without a doubt this is the most important factor to consider, whether it is your first home or your twenty-fifth condo. This may sound obvious at first, but it is amazing how many people stretch too far and get trapped when their low interest adjustable mortgage shoots skyward. Favorable conditions. It doesn't matter what has happened elsewhere; focus on where you want to buy. Look for markets that are appreciating, and where homes are selling and not sitting. Be sure the nearby area is prospering, not struggling. (Here's how to tell: Find the towns with the best schools, and then go house hunting.) You may have to research newspaper archives, business journals and the Internet for some of this information, but it will keep you from committing a major blunder later on. Location. Here's where Realtors earn their stripes. They know the local market, inside and out-and about opportunities that you would never unearth on your own. Remember: Your goal is equity growth, not looks, so forget about buying the nicest house on the block. Instead, buy a house that needs work, in the best neighborhood you can find. Realism. Buy for today and trust that the future will take care of itself. No market is immune to bumps and dips in the road; but smart buying can overcome nearly every obstacle. Real estate using the Bubble Proof tools will not make you rich overnight, but it will over time. Common Sense. Make sure that any real estate deal you strike makes sense today. If the property is affordable, in a good market, fundamentally sound and has real potential to appreciate, then -and only then-you should pounce. Buying in an area that's only projected to boom is a fool's errand. Let speculators lose everything instead.

By meeting each of these requirements, a home or property acquisition meets my criteria for being ""bubble proof."" It's easy to see how these basic standards mesh into a bulletproof vest, if you will, that protects my investment before I've even placed my down payment. With these safeguards in place, buying your first house should be almost anticlimactic, because you've eliminated the negative factors that can result in disaster.

About the author:

TONJA DEMOFF is one of the highest producing and best-paid realtors in the United States. A much sought-after lecturer, instructor, consultant, and businesswoman, Tonja has founded more than 10 companies. She is a frequent guest on radio and TV news programs. A former top Air Force recruiter, she lives in California. Visit Tonja online at tonjademoff.com .

Monday, July 16, 2007

Refinancing Homes For People With Poor Credit

Author: David Faulkner

Banks and lenders classify lenders depending upon their risk, they use a credit score to do this. The credit score basically works by showing the contents of your credit reports in a numerical form. Lenders will take a look at this credit score to work out how much of a risk you are.

Since loans are a form of business investment, for people of higher risk the lender would require much higher returns. This is why people that have a poor credit history will be required to pay more in interest. This means that a person who is more risky must pay much more for the same loan.

Not everybody has a perfect credit rating, and so it can be difficult to get loans. There are however numerous different loans that are available to those people that suffer from poor credit, these include refinancing mortgage loans.

Before you look into refinancing your existing loan, you should first decide what you wish to do by refinancing the loan, what exactly is the purpose?

There are a number of different purposes for refinancing, including: Lowering monthly payments Lower interest rate Reduce the total cost of your home Change the terms of your loan

When you've finally understood the reasons behind you refinancing, it is possible to bear these goals in mind when you are looking for the type of loan that will help you.

For anybody that us suffering from bad credit, the most important thing is to be up to date with your mortgage payments. Being late or completely missing a payment can adversely affect your credit rating. This will make you appear as much more of a risk to lenders, and so you will have to pay much more.

If you got into the bad habit of being behind with your

mortgage repayments , then you need to catch up before you start refinancing your loan.

When you are talking to the lenders with regards refinancing, you should be open and explain exactly what you intend to do by refinancing. This should make it possible for them to help you meet these goals by looking at the deals they offer.

If you wish to reduce how much you have to spend on your loan repayments each month then the lender could well look into extending the terms of your loan, so reducing the amount you spend each month.

You shouldn't just go with your current lenders offering, you should shop around and look at several different lenders. Make sure you compare the whole package, including the terms of interest, length, and any costs that you have to pay to refinance the loan.

About the author: You can also find more info on mortgage refinance and

home equity loans . Mortgagerefinanceloanhelp.com is a comprehensive resource to get help in Mortgage refinance Loan.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Credit Repair: Overcoming Fear

Author: Jim Kemish

Overcoming Avoidance

There is nothing funny about credit repair fear. Well, maybe it would be humorous if the side effect were not so potentially devastating. Do you know anyone who can't seem to get themselves to the dentist? Years slip by. Eventually they make their appearance at the dentist office holding their head and moaning with the pain of a toothache. Millions of consumers have the same relationship with their credit reports.

Everything Counts

I wince at the sound of the dentist drill. I understand. But there are some things that need to be taken care of. If you wait until there is a serious problem before taking action you may discover that the price of inaction is well beyond your means. Your credit report affects everything in your life. A regular course of maintenance is in order. Did you know that over 70% of all credit reports contain errors? Did you know that even innocuous looking errors like account opening dates can have a major impact on your credit?

The Ripple Effect

In a recent blog entry I wrote, ""You should not overlook the myriad items that are determined by your credit scores. Your automobile loan payment, like your mortgage payment, ripples through your lifestyle by limiting other purchase choices that you make. Credit cards, personal loans, debt consolidation loans, home equity loans; all count.""

It all Adds Up

This ripple effect should not be underestimated. A positive swing of fifty points in your credit score can translate into thousands of extra dollars in your pocket each year. Every single dollar of savings is a dollar that is available for other things that you would like to do with your life. The right decisions about maintaining your credit report can easily send you on a Caribbean vacation, pay for your night classes, send your children to a better school, or maybe just get you that new big screen television that you want.

The First Easy Step

So, given the importance of your credit, it would make sense to find a way to steel your nerves for the job of a comprehensive review of all three of your credit reports. Let's take the first step. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in response to the frightening number of errors that continue to appear on consumer's credit reports forced all three credit bureaus to provide a free copy of your report each year. Take advantage of this law. Go to annualcreditreport.com and get all three reports. Once you have your reports you are on your way. Don't think too far ahead. There are a couple of handy tricks that will make the job easy, even for those with a paralyzing fear of paperwork.

Organization is the Key

The key to getting through the job of credit repair is organization. Don't bother trying to deal with all three reports at one time. Sit down with one report. Get a nice clean legal size pad and a pen. Don't jump ahead to the derogatory section. Start at the top and work your way down line by line. Check every thing. Account opening dates, high credit limits, duplicate accounts, current balances; all are important.

One Report at a Time

Each time you find something that is wrong make a note on your pad. Each report comes with dispute instructions. Follow the instructions and dispute every item that you noted. I suggest that you leave the other two reports for another day. There are no economies of scale to assaulting all three reports at one time. Each bureau needs to be attacked individually.

Less is More

Take your time and address each dispute as clearly as you can. It should be helpful to know that the credit bureaus do not want to hear the story of your life. They also do not want to hear any explanations. Just say what you need to say. Be neat. If you take your time the experience should be painless and you should get very satisfactory results.

It's Your Life

If you simply can't make your way though the job you should hire a good credit repair company to do the job for you. Credit repair should be very affordable and should never lock you in for any pre-determined period of time. Your credit is very important. You work hard for your money. Make sure that your credit report is working just as hard for you.

Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Jim Kemish is the president and founder of Power Mortgage, a Florida mortgage company based in Delray Beach, Florida. Power Mortgage Corp was established in 1989 and serves the states of Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Jim is also the President of Sky Blue Credit, a national credit repair business.

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Do's & Don'ts of Payday Loans

Author: Kelly Liyakasa

The Do's & Don'ts of Payday Loans Copyright (c) 2007 Kelly Liyakasa

Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Vis it our site at 6StarReviews.com.

Imagine yourself in this situation: it's nearing the end of the month and you have a stack of bills left unopened. Your last two paychecks paid for last month's expenses and you're left with a negative balance in your Bank of America account. If you relate to this scenario, payday check loans may be your best temporary, short-term solution.

Paycheck Advance Do's:

* Search around. Just like you wouldn't buy the first car you find in Lexus's lot, you need to

compare payday check loans.

* Understand that quick-fix money situations may benefit from taking a cash or check advance.

* Try to find an APR that you can afford.

* Find payday loan services that can either direct deposit your money or hand you instant cash.

* Pick a service that doesn't have credit checks (that is, if your credit is less than the best)

Paycheck Advance Don'ts:

* Get used to taking out loans. You'll end up in a disastrous financial cycle.

* Pick the first paycheck advance service you stumble upon. It's necessary to check out pricing and extra, hidden fees that could drain your already-dry checking account.

* Pick a payday loan with high interest.

* Bounce a check made out for the paycheck advance service! This can truly scathe your credit. Choose a service that has flexible payment plans or an extended loan period if you're that much in the hole.

So, there you have it. Payday loans can be a great resource in making that next due date or payment on your mortgage. Although it can be worse to overdraft your bank account or pick up late fees from Visa, it's vital to use discretion before taking out a cash or check loan.

6StarReviews.com says PayDay OK is a top choice for money-strapped individuals who can't seem to catch a break. They offer 24/7 loan application results, next-day deposits and a 14-day loan period. If you find yourself in the unlucky group of folks who don't have sky-high balances, this

payday check loan service may be your best bet.

About the author: Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Vis it our site at 6StarReviews.com.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

How to Rent your property quickly

Author: Daniel Latto

One of the questions I get asked most is ""How do I rent my property quickly"", to which there is no straight forward simple answers, but rather a combination of things that will all contribute to getting your property rented out quickly.

So, should you accept a reduced price, or hold out for the asking price ?

An empty property can destroy your business when it comes to maintaining your cash flow on your property portfolio, especially if you only have a few rental properties. The cost of having to pay for the mortgage each month the property is empty soon starts to add up.A lot of landlords tend to hang out for the ideal price that they think the property is worth, but often this can backfire on them.

For example, we had a property on the market at £500, and an offer of £475 is made by a potential tenant. The landlord has rejected this offer as they want to hold out for the right price. In some circumstances, I can understand this, especially if the property has already been brought down in price. But the property may only be worth £475 per month for most tenants, perhaps £500 for a tenant willing to pay more, but waiting for that right tenant to pay the full asking price can take a while longer. Assume we have a tenant who wants to pay £475 per month, but the landlord is holding out for £500 per month. The property is left empty for a further month until rented they get their desired £500 per month.

But its not only a months rent he's lost, as he's also had to find the money to pay the mortgage from his own pocket. Just to pay the £475 in lost rent would take 19 months to cover the lost rent. (assuming no more voids of course). Often, its simply better to take the price that the tenant is offering, especially if you can perhaps tie them into a 12 month contract as opposed to a 6 month contract. This means less voids, which is what really kills a landlords business. Often, Its better to accept slightly less for your property, than to lose another months rent while waiting, as to recoup that money will take a very long time.

Listen to your previous tenants. If you have a high turn over of tenants. There's a reason for it. Sometimes, there's problems with other tenants in the block, other times its because the property has some problem, perhaps a bit of damp, or the boiler keeps breaking down etc. Although repairs to these sort of problems cost money, it costs a lot more money having to find more tenants and have voids in between tenancies. Pay the money, and get your properties back up to scratch. Its makes better sense in the long run.

""Kerb Appeal -- the nicer on the outside, the nicer on the inside, or that's how tenants will perceive your property""

The use of furniture to create a ""lifestyle"" that tenants can aspire to ... Some landlords think that you can get away with putting in sub standard furniture. But these days, tenants can be fussy about where they stay due to the sheer number of rental properties available to them. Therefore, modern contemporary furniture can really help set that ""lifestyle aspiration"". There is also an issue with the standard of the furniture to ensure that it complies with the fire regulations. Some landlords even buy second hand furniture, however, this can often be a false economy.

There are numerous furniture package companies out there that can furnish the property for you, but choosing the right one can be difficult. You don't want to spent too much on your furniture, but then you want to ensure that the furniture is suitable for the property. Spending over £5,000 on a furniture package, will probably leave the property looking fantastic, but when the tenant moves out after 6 months, it never looks anywhere near as good once its been lived in!

The other problem with spending too much money on furniture packages, are that if a tenant puts a cigarette burn into the £1,000 leather sofa, often the bond may not cover the damage, especially if they have damaged something else, pulled the towel rail off, smashed a vase, taken the towels and bedding, etc. A furniture package company can also build and install all the furniture for you, making it very easy to do, and leaving the property looking like a showhome.

Building wardrobes, beds and the like, putting dining tables together, and hanging artwork is hard, time consuming work, and often, if you're anything like me, the job you do isn't as good as a job that professional furniture installers can do. Think about how you'll be getting the mattress home, or how long it takes to build everything, that's lost rental income. Not only that, but every day the property is not rented, that's rental money that's lost. Ive known landlords spend 6 weeks furnishing a property, only to wait another 6 weeks to find a tenant, a total of 3 months waiting !

To what extent should you furnish? We've found that the more furnished a property is, the more chance it has to be rented out. It shows attention to detail, and it also adds to the ""weight"" and ""depth"" to the property. Fluffy cushions, flowers in vases, twigs and artwork and the like are also very useful in creating the right ""ambience"" and feel. All of this helps get the property rented out.

""Fluffy cushions, lamps and artwork help finish the look, especially in the main bedroom. Always make the bed, as tenants hate to see just a bare mattress, it makes the room look cold and uninviting. The main bedroom is an important room, make it as nice as possible.""

Tax incentive ... Always check with your accountant, but if you rent furnished you can claim 10% depreciation against the rent for wear and tear (UK Based, elsewhere then double check). Again, always double check with your accountant, but this can help you make your property business a little more profitable.

Switch the lights on, open the internal doors ... If you're doing the viewings yourself, try and get there a little earlier and switch all the lights on, maybe open a window or two. Also, the investment in some door stops is very worthwhile. Open up all the internal doors, especially on apartments, as often it looks confusing when all you can see are doors and you may end up going into the bedroom 2 first, rather than the lounge which is where most viewings should start. Show the best room first, then the rest, and leave a nice room to last. Bathrooms can be a good end point to the viewing as this can often be a room to help sell it, if presented property. The other thing about opening the internal doors is simply that it lets in lots of natural light. I've seen the smallest flats look bigger with more natural light.

Be nice to your Letting Agent ! Many landlords do not have a great relationship with their letting agent. A lot of landlords see their letting agent as a barrier to getting their property rented out. But most letting agents are eager to get your property rented out as quickly as possible. They're also ideally placed to help you out, and their advice is invaluable. If you think about how much varied experience they have dealing with tenants, landlords, getting paid, etc and think about how many properties they see and the types of properties they see, they are a wealth of information, but only if you deal with them correctly.

The best way is not to bother them with why your property isn't rented. A little bit of polite leaning on them can and does help, but becoming a pain simply means that they wont want to deal with you. Let them do their job, rather than bombard them with phone calls. Its fine to get an update on the property, and on the market itself, but calls in every other day just wont help your relationship with them.

To be honest with you, any letting agent that has time to call the landlords for a nice chat and an update every few days is doing something wrong. Many letting agents would prefer to return their calls to potential tenants, and not to landlords. While this may seem a little odd as, after all, it is the landlord who has asked the agent to rent the property for them, it is perfectly logical.

Whilst on the phone to the landlord, the letting agent can not be on the phone to a potential tenant and this can be very frustrating, especially if the landlord is phoning for the 3rd time that week asking for an update. Imagine if every landlord were to phone up, then the letting agent would never get anything rented out, so let them get on with their job !

Good luck on the getting the rent you deserve !

About the author: Daniel Latto owns a substantial property portfolio and write for the Residential Landlord Magazine. An experienced investor in his own right, Daniel is also the Director of The Think Tank Group (A Residential Property Management Company based in Leeds with offices in Bradford and Manchester) and Furniture Packages Ltd (A Furniture Packages supplier nationwide). Daniel owns a decent sized growing portfolio of properties and ha

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Home Value Trends in Utah

Author: Ashley Lichty

In the past few months you've probably heard your share of the gloom and doom predictions for America's real estate market: the bubble's bursting, home value averages are plummeting, the market's taking a huge hit, etc. This just isn't the case. When looking at the nation's housing market as a whole it's very easy to generalize the state of the market. But let's face it, knowing the average home value in the U.S. or how much mortgage rates have dipped isn't going to help you. (If you're curious though, the average home value in America in 2006 was $221,900). If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, then you're looking into a specific geographical area, and that should be the market you're examining. Real estate is an investment, so it's always good to think where your home value may be 5 years after you move - if you want to be able to somewhat predict that, you'll have to look at the region you're in. Studying an area's market, employment rate, economy and attractions are a good way to determine what home value prices and the real estate market will be do over a period of time in a given area.

Right now, Utah, with its capital of Salt Lake City, is probably one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. Many Hurricane Katrina survivors have settled permanently in Utah, bringing it to a healthy population of 2,550,063 in 2006. More and more people are seeing the allure of Utah, which is what has kept their home value averages high and real estate market booming compared to the rest of the country.

With plenty of room for it's agricultural products (cattle, dairy, hay and turkeys) and industry areas (aerospace, machinery, mining, food processing, electric equipment and tourism) Utah has a strong economy with low unemployment rates. As a matter of fact, Utah's unemployment rate reached an all time low of 2.3% in 2/07 and has only risen a bit to 2.5% in April. Utah's median home value is also relatively low at about $152,118 in April, which is about $30,000 MORE than it was in March. With an estimated median household income in 2005 of $53,226, Utah's income growth and home value growth seem to be rising steadily together, rather than one being way ahead of the other like most of America.

Perhaps it is the attractions of Utah that keep people coming back, wanting to become residents, which in turn helps keep home value prices high. After all, Utah is home to the Mormons and Temple Square a 3 block radius in Salt Lake City chronicling Mormon pioneer history, is its most popular tourist attraction. As with any big city, Salt Lake City's got great nightlife to offer as well. If you're a bit more adventurous and outdoorsy, then Utah is definitely for you. Go hiking, biking, golfing, boating, or camping in it's lush scenery. You can check out the Navajo Tribal Park for historical and cultural learning, as well as the many National Parks to be found in Utah.

And definitely don't forget the snowing conditions:Utah's got great snow and lots of it, so you can ski, snowboard, snow tube, etc. You can also visit the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere: Great Salt Lake. Take your time exploring the beautiful areas, because the more people a place attracts, the more new residents it attracts, the less land it has but the higher the home value medians go.

Utah already leads the nation in home value appreciation and this sustained surge in the housing market continues to defy national trend. Only about three years ago, Utah had the worst home value appreciation in the country. Much of the state's real estate boom is due in fact to Utah's low cost of living, low unemployment rates and booming job opportunities. Job growth in the state is one of the highest nationwide. Home value averages are still rising for Utah, but most experts predict it will level out somewhat, since such high levels can't be sustained indefinitely. Already in certain areas gradually rising mortgage rates and tighter lending standards make it more difficult for buyers. For now Utah is a growing state and looks to continue - as long as job opportunities remain available and home value prices fair, Utah should have a booming market for quite a while longer.

About the author: Ashley Lichty is a webmaster and the resident SEO of Web Xtreme, Inc. She has a background in real estate and marketing with an emphasis in writing.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Real Estate Investment Secrets Revealed

Author: Marcus Rolland

Many of us are like the man going off in search of diamonds. We waste time, money, and energy in endless moneymaking schemes while the greatest source of wealth is lying at our feet - real estate, everybody knows that one of the smartest ways to make serious money is in Real Estate.(Winning Big in Real Estate - Written by Robert G. Allen in the Book Titled Multiple Streams of Income). I have researched and gattered the top contenders that teaches and gives you every piece of information you need about real estate investment and reviewed them for your convenience.

1. Governmentauctions.org® -- Government Auctions & Bank Foreclosures -- All In One!

key- government auctions,online government auctions,real estate investing,no money down,real estate advice,foreclosure training This site has a Comprehensive database listing thousands of live and online government auctions in the US. and Canada by state/territory. With them you can buy all types of seized and surplus items for rock-bottom prices. real estate, autos, electronics, jewelry, art, antiques, and more. Their Annual membership is only $39.95 you will Learn what it takes to genuinely be successful buying seized, surplus, and abandoned property at all types of government auctions. They have the Absolute Best Guide to Government Auctions & Foreclosures! If you wish to buy Foreclosures or Seized and Surplus items from the Government at discounted prices, you simply can't afford NOT to be a member of GovernmentAuctions.org®.

2. The Real Estate Under Ground In this site you will discover how to use these real estate investing underground secrets to create large chunks of cash even if you have bad credit, no credit, and no experience. Who Else Wants The Complete, Step by Step, No Brainer Formula For Successfully Investing In Real Estate...Even If You Have Horrible Credit, No Credit, No Experience and Very Little Money? Revealed: Here's The True Story of How they Bought Real Estate Without Using Any of their Own Credit, Without The Use of Any Bank, and Without Begging Anyone for a Loan to Make Enormous, Rock Solid Piles of Cash To Escape the J-O-B! If you're looking for proven methods to buying real estate without using any of your own credit or without tying up a lot of cash, then this site is highly recommended

3. Real Estate Foreclosures- Home69 This is another Proven real estate investing course specializing in foreclosures and pre-foreclosures. When I ""Followed Jeff's real estate advice, I made $4,000 in one transaction that took less than one hour."" The information that is shared in this course is priceless. Most real estate agents and mortgage brokers don't even know this formula they show you how To Build Massive Wealth In Real Estate Foreclosures! A simple, yet powerful and proven formula that will grab you by the hand and walk you step by step to your real estate fortunes!

4. Foreclosures - Real Estate Investing - Short Sales. I Learnt about foreclosures and real estate investing techniques like short sales and subject to financing. I Discovered a proven, time-tested, sure-fire system for generating income, creating wealth & securing my financial future! Imagine a system that requires no credit checks or income verifications and it's virtually Risk Free. $2,890 profit in just a few weeks I applied the methods in the book almost directly without a lot of additional research and study. Also described were procedures that I know to be used in at least six other states that I have researched, so I can guess that they are fairly a global concept and could be applied anywhere. They also have estimate sheets and other forms included. After reading their Foreclosures and Flippers e-book I became an informed expert in foreclosure techniques.

About the author: Marcus Rolland writes informative articles and recommends

http://tunemarconlinemall.blogspot.com for more information about

Real Estate Investment Secrets

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Financial Identity Theft - Protecting and Keeping Your Finances

Author: Bernard Pragides

Financial identity theft can be very serious. It is also becoming more and more prevalent these days. In this article, we will discuss how financial identity theft occurs and what you can do to protect yourself.

In many cases, financial identity theft begins with the theft of one's social security number. With your social security number and a few other pieces of information about you, the thief can set up an entire second credit line. They can apply for credit cards and even get a mortgage. It is so important that you keep this information private. Do not give your social security number out over the phone. Only provide it to entities that truly have a right and a legitimate reason to know, such as your tax professional or your bank.

Protect your credit by reviewing your credit report often. If you keep a close eye on your credit report, you are much less likely to become a victim of financial identity theft. Some of the major credit reporting agencies offer a credit monitoring service for a fee. You can look at your credit report and scores each month to be sure it is accurate. You also have the right to request, in writing, a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once each year, so if you space it out over the year, you can keep a good watch over your credit.

Be careful of entering your personal information on the computer. Only use secured websites from legitimate companies that you trust. Phishing is a common scam that financial identity theft predators use to obtain your bank and credit card information. They send you an email that claims it is from your bank. There is a link for you to verify your information by entering things like your social security number, credit card number, user name and password, and other personal information. These websites look very real and close to the legitimate company's website. Be aware that your bank or credit card company will never ask you for this information in an email. These things are always a financial identity theft scam, and when in doubt, call the company.

Another way to avoid being a financial identity theft victim is to properly dispose of mail such as credit card and bank statements, and even utility bills. Never simply toss these items in the trash, Take the time to shred them to foil dumpster divers. Being careless with correspondence is simply leaving yourself open to financial identity theft.

Financial identity theft is a nightmare to victims. It can take years to undo the damage done by these criminals. The best way to keep from becoming a victim is to guard your personal information. Be informed and protect yourself and you can avoid being the target of financial identity theft.

About the author: Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his identity theft blog and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful information.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Finding The Best Reverse Home Mortgage Lender

Author: Judy Wellsworth

A reverse mortgage is no different from a traditional mortgage in one respect; the reverse mortgage lender, just as the traditional lender to traditional mortgages, is the single most important factor in the entire reverse mortgage process. You will probably know by the comfort level you have in your dealings with a reverse mortgage lender whether or not you are working with someone who is both professional and has taken your concerns to heart.

A reverse mortgage lender who is vague about the fees associated with your loan, or does seem able to give you easily understandable answers to your questions, either does not know the job, or is trying to hide something. In either case, you would be better off finding and alternative reverse mortgage lender.

Another way in which you can benefit from being particular in your choice of a reverse mortgage lender is that the most highly regarded ones will find ways to maximize the money for which your home qualifies, allowing your hopes for financial independence to be more fully realized.

Finding a Reliable Lender

A

reverse mortgage lenders , as you already know if you have done any research, is not hard to find. But finding one who will put your interest on a level with its own is not so easy. There are, however, sources which will greatly improve your odds of doing so without using up too much of your time, and they are available on the Internet.

The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, or NMRLA, was established in 1997 solely to protect the interests of senior citizens in search of reverse mortgages. Their website will provide you with everything you need to find a trustworthy reverse mortgage lender in your area.

Just enter the name of the state where you home is located, and then look over the list of statewide lenders to find a reverse mortgage lender close to you. You will actually find several lenders in you area, and can give each of them a call to determine with which of them you would like to speak in depth.

Every reverse mortgage lender listed on the NMRLA website has agreed to operate according to the Code of Conduct drawn up by the NMRLA, and has promised not to take advantage of an applicant's unfamiliarity with the reverse mortgage process.

You should also utilize the information that any of your family members or friends may have from having been through the reverse mortgage process; if they can recommend a particular reverse mortgage lender, your search may be over!c

About the author: You can also find more info on

Reverse Mortgage Brokers and

Reverse Mortgage Calculator . i-reversemortgages.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about Reverse Mortgage.

Friday, July 06, 2007

All About Equity Mortgage Loans

Author: Terry Edwards

Are you in need of an equity mortgage loan? Well, if you're a homeowner and you need a large amount of cash, then a second mortgage equity loan may be your answer. An equity mortgage loan can be used for whatever needs you have. Be it a remodeling project or paying off high interest credit card debt, etc.

These second mortgage loans are not that difficult to qualify for due to the fact that the lender will have your home put up as collateral to secure the loan.

The biggest issue will be the interest rate. If you have good credit you can expect to pay very low interest, generally around prime + 1% or so. But, if you currently have some credit issues going on, you can expect to pay much higher interest rates.

The key is to look at what the money is going to be used for. If you plan on paying off credit card debt, what is the interest rates on the credit cards compared to the rate on your mortgage equity loan? Depending on your credit, it could be a wash.

Many lenders offer great rates on these loans. The important thing is to shop around. Check out several different lenders before making a decision.

You'll find home equity loans with repayment terms of 5-10-15 or even 20 years.

By having a clear understanding of what you need the cash for, and looking around at various lenders, you will find the right second mortgage equity loan that is right for your situation.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

About the author: By the way, you can learn more about a

Equity Mortgage Loans as well as more information on everything to do with home equity loans by visiting us at

http://www.HomeEquityLoa nsA-z.com

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Where to look for a second home mortgage

Author: SeanH

You have made the decision to take the plunge and go for a second home. But you are going to need a mortgage. How do you go about finding one?

The first requirement is to find someone who really knows the situation and understands the special requirements of a second home mortgage. You have a number of options.

* Your existing lender. For many people this is the first port of call. You already have a relationship with them and it is often easier to stick with the familiar. The thing to remember is that the fact that they have provided a mortgage on your first home doesn't mean that they have the expertise to help you with the ins and outs of a second home mortgage. They may not be the most suitable if they don't normally do this sort of lending. * The Yellow Pages. Many people start their search for a lender in the Yellow Pages. There are certainly plenty of providers listed there. The problem is that most of them don't make it clear in their ads whether they actually provide second home mortgages or not. Phoning them all to find out can be extremely time consuming - and expensive!

* The Internet. Of course this is an increasingly popular way of looking for a second home mortgage. If you find a possible lender you can fill in a form and in many cases you can obtain an ""instant"" quote. And there is no limit to the number of quotes you can obtain, so you can compare them. It is tempting to take what appears to be the most favourable quote and run with it. But of course what you have to remember is that the quote is actually provisional - they don't know anything about you or your circumstances when they provide it. All your information has to be checked out and the quote may well change.

* Independent mortgage broker. This is another option you can use. There are two advantages of using an independent mortgage broker for advice on your second home mortgage. First, he or she can gather a full understanding of your situation BEFORE recommending a product that will meet your exact needs. So there are no ""provisional"" quotes or acceptances - you know that the quote you receive is accurate. Secondly, the broker has access to a vast array of lenders and can select the one that is right for you - so you don't have to waste any time hunting around.

A second home mortgage is a major commitment. You need to be sure you get the best possible advice, so that you can find the product that best meets your needs

About the author: Sean Horton is a Director of

Holiday Let Mortgages

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Education In Real Estate Investing

Author: Gerald Romine

Education in Real Estate Investing

Your education in real estate investing is critical to your success. Look at it this way, would you rather have one way to buy 10 houses or 10 ways to buy one house? A one trick pony is simply not a good act!

Let's test your knowledge to see if you should be investing in real estate information and education.

Should you use a Realtor for finding real estate investments? Short answer is no. Your real estate investing business depends on your ability to find good deals. Unfortunately most good deals are not found through Realtors and MLS! Why? Because if an agent gets a good listing they first see if they have a buyer or someone in their office before posting it on MLS. Once a property gets on MLS then it is picked over by hundreds or thousands of agents and offered to their clients. Terrible odds. That said a good deal is always a good deal and if a Realtor presents one you should buy it.

Do you need cash and or good credit to have a successful real estate investing business? Absolutely not. You can wholesale properties without cash or credit. You can buy properties subject to their existing financing. You can structure owner financing deals. For more information read ""Real Estate Magic 101 - How To Get Rich In Real Estate Even If You Are Dead Broke!"" Having good credit does give you advantages for conventional financing but is definitely not a prerequisite for a successful real estate investor.

Did you know you can buy and sell a property in the same day without ever officially owning the property? When I learned this it was a real education in real estate investing for me! I'd been in the business for almost 10 years before I had ever bought and sold a property in the same day. At the time I did not know there was a wholesaling system that taught people how to buy properties at deep discounts and sell them to other investors where they could make a quick 5K, 10K, 0r 15K profit.

Did you know you can take over loans without having to qualify? In the real estate investing business we call this buying property ""subject to"" the existing financing. Banks do not want you to get this education in real estate investing because they make most of their money in points and fees when people get new loans. Please understand that when you buy ""subject to"" the existing financing the lender has the right to call the entire loan due because there has been a transfer of ownership. Although they have this right to call the loan due in practice this rarely happens because banks are more interested in receiving their payments than foreclosing on loans.

Did you know people just give houses away for free? Well, almost. Let me explain. Many sellers find themselves in a position where they have little or no equity and they are looking for someone who can take over their payments. In short, they don't want any cash for themselves, just someone else to pay on the loan. In the real estate investing business we call that getting a free house because we don't have to come up with any money when we buy. Note: Your education in real estate investing is important because not all free houses are good deals!

Do you know what hard money is? Hard money is when you buy a property using money from a mortgage broker that utilizes a private money investor's cash. It's called hard money because the terms are 'hard'. It is not uncommon to pay 18% and several points which may seem expensive but really does not matter. Why? What matters is how much you will make on the deal and not what the money is costing.

Do you know what a short sale is? A short sale is typically when a seller having their house foreclosed on by the lender for nonpayment on the loan and you work with the lender to have them discount the amount owed on the loan in return for a cash payoff. This is one of the most lucrative areas for real estate investing.

So how strong was your education in real estate investing? If you knew the answers to all of the questions you are probably have a phenomenal real estate investing business and a matching bank account.

If you can see that investing in real estate information will help you become a successful and profitable investor than you should start your education with Real Estate Magic 101 or Kick Ass Wholesaling.

For more info, please visit http://www.realestatemagic101.com/ http://kickasswholesaling.com/

About the author: Gerald Romine is a nationally recognized real estate expert that has been featured across North America sharing the stage with political leaders, film stars, and business leaders. Since 1989, Gerald has been involved with real estate as a real estate agent, broker, rehabber, investor, and builder and has been involved with everything from houses to apartments. For more information about Gerald's products or services visit http://www.kickassrealestate.com

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

First Time Buyers In Calgary

Author: Kerri Demski

Getting into any real estate market for the first time is tricky if you don't know what to expect. There are definite pitfalls that are particular to first-time home buyers, so its best to do your research and plan ahead carefully. Calgary is a dynamic real estate market and one that is incredibly popular. The proliferation of the local oil industry along with a marked increase in tourism has made Calgary one of the more popular residential locations in Canada and this has been reflected in the local home market with an abundance of beautiful new homes and stately older properties.

Amazingly enough, the steps taken by first time buyers and experienced buyers are not very different. Experienced buyers stick to the principles they they know to work. Of course there are always slight variations but when it comes down to it the following are merely a good, logical series of steps to taken when purchasing a home.

Get The Finance's Dealt With - This is probably the most important aspect of buying a home. A mortgage can take some time to secure as there are a number of credit checks and verifications that have to take place. It will benefit your home purchase to have your mortgage approved and ready to go before you ever start looking for a home. Having your mortgage will also let you know what kind of home you will be able to afford. It can be heartbreaking to find your dream home only to discover that you are not eligible for enough of a loan to purchase it. Having financing ready to go also gives you an edge when buying as sellers do not want the trouble of having to wait for financing to be arranged. They want a quick and stress- free sale which secured financing can provide.

Know What You Want & Need - When looking for a home it's best not to be impulsive. Before you go home shopping you should know what your needs are in a home and what your wants are. There is a major difference between these things and you should know where to draw the line between needs and wants and your ability to get them from a home purchase.

Buying a home is all about buying smart and taking the time to plan every step of the process. The more you plan, the smoother the purchase should go.

About the author: Kerri Demski, provides outstanding client counseling and service through the challenging process of buying and selling Calgary real estate. For more info on homes in Calgary

contact Kerri today or visit online at www.ehomescalgary.com

Monday, July 02, 2007

Renovation Financing-Achieving The Interior Design You Want Without Losing Your Life Savings

Author: Josh Neumann

Renovation financing is a good way to fund your dream home's upkeep, maintenance and giving it that great new look. Renovation loans are available if your premise is in a state of disrepair, is unlivable, needs an upgrade or if you want to just put in new kitchens, bathrooms etc. Even drastic improvements like completely removing all the built structure and rebuilding it using existing foundations can also be sometimes funded by Renovation financing. Although financing a home can be supported by your personal finances, sometimes it does make sense to finance the project especially if your home itself can finance the renovation.

How? Simply, if the price of your home has exceeded the mortgage on it you are sitting on top of what is called home equity. Home equity can be an excellent source for financing the renovation of your house. Home improvements financed by credit cards may be a possibility, but getting a loan based on your home equity will get you a way lower rate of interest.

Since loans offer structured repayments over a period of time they are also easier to pay off that increasing credit card debt. So avoid the temptation to fund your home renovation using your card unless you can pay off the balance quite soon.

A good practice before taking a home improvement loan is to compare rates amongst various lenders. This can give you a good idea about the nature of the market and help you get a good deal.

While taking a home improvement loan, you should make a list of possible expenses beforehand and discuss them with a friend, your contractor or a knowledgeable person to arrive at a correct estimate. This will help you while you are going about renovation financing.

It's also a good idea to read all financial documents regarding your home loans carefully. Do not ever sign any document that you do not comprehend fully. The implications can be severe. Getting your home renovated does not have to be a huge, back-breaking financial task.

Just use a bit of ingenuity and your home can sometimes pay for the improvements on its own. Renovation financing is something that everyone who is thinking of redoing their home should seriously consider.

About the author: To learn about

renovation financing and other great redesign tips, try checking out http://www.interior -design-success.com . This is a popular interior design site that provides tips on getting your dream home on a budget.