How to choose the best Mortgage Leads?

Author: Derek Gardner

When it comes to trading mortgage leads, there are a lot of good companies out there for you to study, and many roads to travel down when considering which lead type will work best for you. Researching lead companies is an essential aspect when deciding to invest in one, but let's be straightforward with each other; we really don't know what kind of mortgage leads we are getting until we begin to buy them.

Starting out as a loan officer I bought my leads in bulk, fresh and with a live transfer. I would take $100 of my hard earned money and purchase about fifty leads at $2 each. I know that you get what you pay for, and my goal was to close two at the most, and at the very least one. Sometimes it worked and sometimes not. The problem was that I had the feeling of working harder instead of smarter.

Then I tried to buy real time leads, or fresh leads. I would take that same $100 and get roughly three to five fresh leads consisting of purchase leads and refinance leads. I would set up a filter before hand: specific to state, type of loan, credit, ltv, loan amount and so on. Automatically when a lead came in, matching my filter, it would be stream lined straight to my email account, only about ten minutes old. I had success with this approach.

The other kind of lead I decided to try out was the live transfer lead. I believed this to be an amazing concept to increase my applications. Mostly I just sat at my desk, waiting for the lead company to transmit customers to me by phone. The problem was that there was no guarantee that I was there to pick up the phone. If I stepped away from my desk the call would end up in my voice mailbox, or the possible customer would hang up. And again I felt as though I was working harder instead of working smarter.

Prior to investing with mortgage lead companies, make sure you do your home work carefully. Understand the companies terms of service, find out what their return policy is. Even call to speak with a sales rep, and don't be afraid to ask for a free trial. Does it consist of a free lead or some type of credit toward your first deposit? If they are certain in the quality of their leads, then they should not have a problem accommodating you.

Many loan officers have had success with all of the mentioned lead types. Some may work for you and some may not. If you find yourself struggling too hard to make the lead work for you, pick a different type of lead!

About the author: Get hold of the best Mortgage Leads in the mortgage industry. Go get more info Here .

Bad Credit Home Loan Mortgage Services - 3 Crucial Things To Watch Out For

Author: Carrie Reeder

When you are seeking out bad credit home loan mortgage services, there are 3 crucial things to watch out for. Predatory lenders are common among bad credit home loan lenders so it's important to watch for signs of a shady lender.

However, if you take your time and pay attention to details, you will be able to find the best mortgage services for your individual financial situation.

Choose a Reputable Lender - Be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. There are things that should put your guard up right away. Watch to see if the broker is aggressively pursuing the opportunity to give you a loan - particularly if they contact you first - beware. The old adage does apply, and if they offer services or terms that seem too good, and do not conform to the norm, watch out. Carefully research those offering bad credit home loans, checking up on their business reputations and getting a feel for what services and terms are typical.

Read The Fine Print - The next of the 3 crucial things to watch out for has to due with having a clear understanding of the terms and conditions offered by those providing bad credit home loan mortgage services. There are many predatory lenders out there and understanding how they operate will help you to steer clear of them. Outrageously high interest rates and fees, balloon payments - a large lump sum due at the end of the agreement - and a loan amount that is based on the value of the house, rather than on your income are just a few of the signs that you may be entering into a predatory loan, one in which they are betting on profiting from your failure, one that they helped to design.

Try To Stay Logical - Perhaps the most important of the 3 crucial things to watch out for, the one that will help you to avoid the vast majority of the negative experiences that can happen when making use of bad credit home loan mortgage services, is your own desire. Be careful that your desire to own a house does not override your common sense, making you vulnerable to predatory lenders. Honestly assess your income and what you can afford, being sure to leave room for the unexpected - such as temporary unemployment due to sickness or layoff. Leave some room in your budget for savings that may carry you through a temporary difficulty.

As long as you invest time and effort in careful research of potential providers of bad credit home loan mortgage services and keep these 3 crucial things to watch out for in mind, the odds are that you will find the right services for you. Bad credit home loan mortgage services can help you achieve your goal of homeownership. Being aware of the 3 crucial things to watch out for can help you to make loan agreements that will let you keep that home you've worked so hard to buy.

About the author: View our recommended lenders for Po or Credit Mortgage Loans .

Home Mortgage Loans For People With Bad Credit - Pro's And Con's Of Interest-Only Loans

Author: Carrie Reeder

Buying a home with poor credit is just as easy as buying a home with perfect credit. Years ago, many people with a low credit rating believed homeownership was unattainable. Fortunately, there are various loan programs designed to help people with low income, bad credit, and no down payment purchase a house. Included among these programs are interest-only loans.

What are Interest-Only Mortgage Loans?

Interest-only mortgage loans became popular in the early 2000's. The concept of interest-only loans is very unique. Ordinarily, monthly mortgage payments consist of a portion of the payment being applied to the principal balance, and a portion applied to the interest. In order to payoff a mortgage in 15 or 30 years, a specific amount of money must be paid each month.

On the other hand, if you obtain an interest-only mortgage loan, you pay only the interest for the first few years. Interest-only periods vary. Homeowners may opt for a three, five, seven, or ten year interest-only loan. After the interest-only period ends, the homeowner must begin making payments toward the principal and interest.

Why is an Interest-Only Loan Beneficial?

If you live in a booming housing market, an interest-only loan may be your only option for buying a home. Many are attracted to these loans because the initial mortgage payments are low. For example, a $200,000 conventional loan has a monthly payment of about $1200. With an interest-only loan, the mortgage would be about $800 a month. Hence, if you are buying in an overpriced market, affordable living is within reach.

Pitfall of an Interest-Only Loan

Once the interest-only period ends, you still owe the original loan amount. When homeowners begin making payments towards the interest and principal balance, mortgage payments may increase 40%. Most homeowners are unable to afford a mortgage increase. If you plan on living in your home for several years, an interest-only loan may not be a good option. On the other hand, if you earn a sizeable income and can afford a higher mortgage, you may benefit from this type of loan.

Another option involves selling your home before the interest-only period ends. If home values in your area have increased significantly, you may capitalize from the equity. However, if the housing market takes a nosedive and home values decline, you may be unable to sell your home.

About the author: Visit ABC Loan Guide for advice about mo rtgage loans for people with bad credit .

Get your business on the road to success with a commercial mortgage

Author: joanee

Has it always been your dream to get your name enlisted among Fortune 500's top business people? Do you have the acumen and the passion for your business and of course that perfect business plan, which is so crucial to any business' success? Yes? Then, what are you waiting for? Get started! Oops! There is one hitch. You don't have the money to buy the commercial property that you have your eyes set on.

Guess what! There is a solution to this and the name of the solution is commercial mortgage. A commercial mortgage is quite similar to a residential mortgage. It implies drawing out a loan to purchase a property for commercial purposes. The property may be a piece of land that you want to carry out constructions on later, or a factory, a retail store, or even an eating joint. But there is a catch. Whatever property you may buy, you have to pledge it as security for your mortgage. This gives your lender a legal claim on your property until you pay back the loan.

A commercial mortgage can not only be used to finance the purchase of buildings or land for commercial purposes but may also be used for buying business assets like plant or machinery.

A commercial mortgage may be availed for anywhere between 12 months to 25 years. You also have the option of choosing between fixed rate and variable rate mortgages. A fixed rate mortgage affixes your monthly installments, while a variable rate mortgage varies the amount that you have to pay on monthly basis.

A commercial mortgage proves to be a much favourable alternative than an unsecured business loan. The reason behind this is that commercial mortgages carry a lower rate of interest because of the security they bring along. But of course your own credit worthiness has a far deeper impact on the interest rate. An exceptionally good credit record is rewarded with a low interest rate while a poor credit score will make you suffer the repercussion of an exorbitant rate of interest.

Commercial mortgage seekers who have a poor credit score can take heart in the fact that there is an ever-budding market of sub prime lenders who exclusively deal in the business of lending to people who aren't blessed with exemplary credit scores. What's more there are a lot of online sites that allow you to apply online for an adverse credit commercial mortgage.

So, don't delay your dreams anymore. Avail a commercial mortgage and get your hands on that ever-elusive capital.

About the author: webmaster

http://www.seek.uk.com

Mortgage Leads, Do Your Research

Author: Jay Conners

You work hard for your money, so before you go investing in a mortgage lead company, be sure you take your time and do your research.

We have all heard about, or have experienced the pain first hand of being burned by a mortgage lead company. And although this may happen to loan officers more often than not, there are some good lead companies out there, where it is possible to get a good return on your investment.

It is only a matter of taking your time and doing your research.

It also has a lot to do with the type of lead you buy as well, so make sure you research exactly what it is that you are buying.

If a mortgage lead company is buying their leads in bulk from a third party company and selling them to loan officers at a profit, than that lead company is doing what is known as recycling leads. Or, to put it bluntly, they are selling junk.

And who knows how many times that third party company sold their leads to other mortgage lead companies.

If a lead company is obtaining their leads from sites they own and operate on their own, than chances are you will be receiving a good quality lead.

Especially if they sell their leads in real time, and/or, exclusively.

The best way to find out about how a mortgage lead company obtains their leads is to call and speak with a live person in the customer service department.

Ask point blank, how they obtain their leads. If you don't like the answers you receive, than move onto the next company, there are enough of them. It's that simple.

Always remember, if you are not happy with customer service, than more than likely, you will not be happy with leads.

About the author: Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of http://www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of http://www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.

Low Credit Score Mortgage Loans - How To Get A Better Loan Rate

Author: Carrie Reeder

Loan rates depend on many factors outside of market rates. Your credit score, the property's value, and company policies all affect what you will pay for your mortgage. With so many variables, you can get a better loan rate with some careful research.

Revaluate Your Credit Profile

There are many factors that influence your credit score besides payment history. Income, assets, and debt to income ratio are important to lenders. So even with a recent foreclosure, a high level of cash assets could qualify you for a decent rate.

Lending companies don't automatically use the FICO score to rank your loan application. The financing company may use there own standards or allow loan officers to make decisions. This is where a letter in your credit report explaining extenuating circumstances, such as a job loss or illness, can help. Just be prepared to verify the information if the lender asks.

Take A Close Look At Your Property

Your property's value can also affect your rates. A property in an area with a proven history of increasing home values is easier to qualify for low rates.

Conventional loans, those sponsored by government entities such as Fannie Mae, have lower rates with their loan caps. Larger loans, also known as jumbo loans, will have higher rates.

Improve Your Down Payment

A large down payment can also improve your rates. 20% is a good starting figure, but more is better. Right after a bankruptcy, you may have to put up as much as 50% to secure a loan.

Select Adjustable Rates

Adjustable rate mortgages also offer low rates, at least initially. Usually you will have one to seven years with a low fixed rate. This low payment will help you to qualify to borrow more.

However, after your initial period, mortgage rates will rise and fall based on a specified market index. Caps will offer you some protection from drastic increases in payments. You may also have the option to refinance to lock in low rates.

Take the time to read about rates and terms. Ask for lots of quotes and play with changes in terms to improve your rates.

About the author: View our recommended lenders for Ba d Credit Mortgage loans.

Refinance & Mortgage Tips: Down Payment From Savings

Author: Tristan Hunt

Once you've figured out how much of a down payment you can make on your home mortgage, it's time to determine how to document the source of your funds for the down payment and closing costs. Now you might be saying, ""Why do they care where I get the money?"" Lenders need to verify the source of funds to both assess the underlying risk in you as a borrower as well as to prevent loan fraud. This makes it imperative for you, the applicant, to maintain complete and detailed records of how the money which you plan to use for a down payment makes it into your hands. Money from your own savings, checking & money market accounts looks best to the bank for a variety of reasons, and is amongst the easiest sources of capital to document.

Money in the bank is also very easy to document. The lender has the option of asking you to submit bank statements to them indicating that you have the money for the down payment and closing costs, or performing a formal Verification of Deposit directly with your bank. Most lenders ask for statements, generally 2 to 3 months if you are providing full income documentation or up to 24 months if you are providing alternative documentation of income.

When discussing your down payment, your lender may discuss the topic of seasoning requirements with you. If you have money in a bank account for 3 months and it reflects consistently in consecutive statements, that money is considered ""seasoned"" 3 months. Your lender may require that your down payment money be comprised of seasoned funds, and that any large influxes of capital into your bank account may have to be extensively and thoroughly explained, documented, and potentially disqualified. So start saving and plan ahead!

There are loan types which do not require any form of documentation in this regard, particularly No Asset Verification mortgages or ""no assets"" loan programs. Just as it sounds, this type of mortgage does not require any verification of assets, however lenders generally do not allow the applicant to borrow more than 60% to 70% of the property value without some form of asset verification. There is another type of loan program which is increasingly popular over the last few years called Stated Income Stated Assets mortgages, which allows for limited verification of assets, and some of these programs allow up to 75% or 80% of the property's value to be loaned to the borrower.

Buying a home with no down payment, often referred to as a ""no money down"" mortgage, has become a popular way for first time buyers to enjoy the benefits of homeownership without substantial savings, however it is important to note that borrowers who want a zero down loan will be faced with higher interest rates and monthly payments and are statistically shown to have higher rates of default and foreclosure.

No matter what you decide to put down, if you have and can document assets above and beyond the down payment and closing costs on the home and mortgage you can establish ""reserves"" with your application. Having ample capital reserves, good credit, and your down payment sitting in your bank account for a couple of months can in combination help you qualify for some of the best programs available, and potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Refinance & Mortgage Tips: Your Down Payment Is Key

Author: Tristan Hunt

If you are buying a house, the first thing you need to figure out is how much of a down payment you can afford to make. This may seem like the sort of advice your father would give you, but rest assured there are a few reasons why knowing what you can put down and where you'll get the money can make all the difference when shopping for a house and a mortgage to finance your new purchase.

Before you pick up your local newspaper and browse the real estate section looking for a new house, call up your banker, your accountant, or your spouse and find out how much you've got in savings and liquid assets to make the down payment and pay the closing costs on your mortgage.

First you must consider the source of your down payment, because this affects how much of the down payment your lender will actually attribute to you the applicant for the purpose of qualifying you for loan programs and determining your rates and payments. If the money is from your savings and securities / investment portfolio, be sure you can prove it. If you have employer retirement tax deferred accounts, 401(K) 403(b) accounts etc. and would like to use those as a source to finance the down payment, the lender will likely have several special conditions and limitations on the treatment of those funds. If you are receiving the down payment in part or in total as a gift, your lender will have another set of rules which will affect your payments. How you pay for closing costs will also have some affect on your final rates and payments; the more you take from a third party like the seller, the more risk the bank assumes.

A rule of thumb about size: the bigger the better when it comes to your mortgage down payment, at least from the perspective of programs, rates and payments. The more you put down out of your own savings, the lower your payments and the broader your selection of loan programs. An added benefit is that more money down means that any blemishes on your credit report or a low score count for less and less the more you pay upfront, and you also reduce your income requirement by improving your debt to income ratio. By knowing how much you can put down, you will know in advance how much house you can be qualified to purchase by your mortgage lender, get that mortgage pre-qualification letter, and know what to put in your purchase offer with your realtor, lawyer and seller when it's time to make an offer. By finding out what you can afford to put down, you can get a head start on knowing your overall homebuying budget, financing options, and also have time to take care of the documentary requirements, seasoning and time-sensitive pre-requisites associated with closing your deal, saving you weeks if not months of wasted time sorting out these matters after you've found the house of your dreams.

So find out what you can put down and where you can get it from, contact a mortgage broker to find out what you can afford and what you can do with your down payment and documentation to get the best rates, payments and terms, and then take a pre-approval letter from the broker with you to start shopping for homes with a full knowledge of what you'll be asking for and writing on the contract.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Free Seminars Reveals How Any Homeowner Can Pay Off Their Home Mortgage In As Little As 7 Years...

Author: Ed Bisquera

...With Little To No Change To Income or Spending Habits! Little known mortgage concept pioneered in Australia that US banks don't want homeowners to know about will be revealed in seminars presented by Money Principal Group

Portland, OR (MP 02/17/06) - Utilizing the flexible mortgage account concept pioneered in Australia, mortgage education and loan company Money Principal Group of Utah has produced a patent-pending mortgage home loan program entitled ""The MPG Mortgage Eliminator.""

Homeowners and future first-time homebuyers can learn about The MPG Mortgage Eliminator through a series of seminars from Money Principal Group, presented live as well as through web-based andtelephone-based seminars. Webinars and teleseminars are available to those that aren't able to attend the live seminars in their area.

""We are conducting these seminars and presentations to reveal to homeowners the closely guarded knowledge on how to 'be their own bank.' Homeowners can 'be their own bank' through combining their home mortgage and bank account into ONE account and can see TREMENDOUS savings over the life of their mortgage,"" says Ed Bisquera, representative for Money Principal Group. ""It's a simple concept based on mortgage cycling and simple time-tested cash flow principles. Really what this accomplishes, is reduce the effects of compound interest and returns the interest spread banks normally earn, back into the pockets of homeowners.""

The basis of the program is to show homeowners how to use their mortgage as an all-in-one bank account, which can help them to pay off their home in as little as 7 years, with very little change to current household income or spending habits.

This concept has helped over sixty percent of homeowners in Australia achieve this where it was originally pioneered by Citibank over 30 years ago. The flexible mortgage account is now a widely popular mortgage concept in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, South Africa and Canada.

People interested in these seminars should call or visit the website to reserve a spot, as the seminars fillup quickly due to its' popularity and are limited to a small attendance.

A schedule of future seminars and a reservation can be requested by calling a free recorded message hotline at 1-800-862-0784 ext. 12 or by visiting their website at http://www.PDXLoan.com/12/.

About the author: Ed Bisquera, an event planner, music producer and an author, has worked with record executives and Fortune 500 companies like Sony Records and Microsoft. He resides near Portland, Oregon and manages blogs http://blog.PDXWebMedia.com and http://blog.PDXLoan.com. Articles, interviews and consulting available at 1-800-862-0784 ext 0.

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance Loans

Author: Delia Galley

It's still not to late to refinance your home mortgage loan. The fact is, interest rates are still significantly lower than there were 5, 10 years ago. If you are one of the 33 million Americans struggling with bad credit, don't let ""less-than-perfect"" credit, discourage you from refinancing your current mortgage. You can still get a

bad credit mortgage refinance loan .

Refinancing your mortgage may allow you to lower your monthly mortgage payments. A cash-out refinance method may be used to liquidate some of the equity that your home has gained in the past several years. In states such as California, it's almost a shame not to cash in on the incredible home value appreciations. Some neighborhoods have seen appreciations of up to 300%!

If you decide to refinance, keep these three tips in mind.

1. Shop, shop, around. You wouldn't buy the first ""open home"" that that you visit on a sunday afternoon so why would you go with the first and only mortgage refinance option that you are given?

2. Find a mortgage refinancing process that can gives you up to 4 mortgage refinance quotes. Look for lenders, who specialize in consumers with bad credit. These lenders tend to make the loan process easy, since they have specialists, who are used to dealing with consumers with poor credit.

3. Save as much as you can. Once you get your mortgage refinance quotes. Make the obvious choices and go for the lowest interest rates. You may have to pay points to get a lower interest rate. Weigh the cost of the points against how much you would save in the long run, if you select a lower interest rate.

4. Start to rebuild your credit. Use some of the extra cash that you are enjoying, to pay off debt and start rebuilding your credit. Pay your bills on time - always!. This will prove to your creditors that you can handle debt.

Follow these simple steps and will be able to get a mortgage refinance loan in no time - even with bad credit.

Find the list of lenders, who specialize in

badcredit refinance mortgage loans and reviews on each lender.

About the author: You can still refinance your mortgage loan, even if, you have bad credit. Find out how to get a

bad credit mortgage refinance loan .

Refinance & Mortgage Tips: Down Payment From 401k Or 403b Retirement Annuities

Author: Tristan Hunt

If you are purchasing a home and have a substantial portion of your assets inside of a retirement account such as a 401K, 403B or other retirement product or annuity, you may choose the increasingly popular option of tapping those funds to make a down payment on your new home. Like any other accounts you may have in your name, such as brokerage accounts and bank checking, savings and money market accounts, most popular retirement accounts qualify as assets to be counted toward your ""reserves"", a measure used by mortgage lenders to determine how many months of payments you must have in order to serve as a buffer covering payments you might miss if there were any interruption of your income.

Retirement accounts such as 401(k) or 403(b) annuity accounts are generally administered or sponsored in whole or in part by your employer. In addition to serving as excellent documentation of your earnings and savings, your 401K or 403B accounts can be used in a variety of ways to help finance your new home purchase. Depending on the specific restrictions applied to your account, you may have the option of withdrawing money directly from the account or ""borrowing"" money in the form of a loan (against your own funds) which is repaid at a generally low rate of interest. Regardless of whether you cash money out of your account or take a loan against it, be sure to thoroughly document any details of the transaction, including any withdrawal or loan application paperwork, demand drafts, cashier's checks, deposit tickets, etc. for the purpose of substantiating this source of funds to your lender.

Lenders do treat down payment money from retirement accounts differently from program to program and state to state, sometimes from case to case. In particular, borrowing money in the form of a loan may increase what the lender's perceives as your monthly debt obligations, because even though you are borrowing money from your own account, you are still obligated to make a payment every month which you wouldn't have to make otherwise, and lenders will often consider this to be detrimental to your qualifying DTI or Debt to Income Ratio, making it harder to borrow as much money as you may need. On the other hand, cashing out any type of retirement account will always create a taxable event and sometimes also a penalty fee, which generally accounts to more than the nominal interest rate common to the loan option. Speak with your loan officer about the requirements of your individual program and weight the options with him/her or another trusted financial professional.

You may also consider speaking to your employer about any down payment assistance programs which may be available to you as part of your benefits package. These can come in many forms, but it is important to clarify with your employer that any down payment assistance granted does not amount to a loan and that there is no expectation of payment. Why would an employer want to help you make a down payment? Call them old fashioned, but most companies do want their employees to stick with them, and if your employer helped you achieve ownership of your dream home, how would you feel about them? As with the 401K, 403B or other retirement account options, down payment assistance from your employer should be documented in detail and all copies of communication, checks, deposit tickets and statements of account, along with signed records stipulating that the funds are given freely and not to be repaid, should be kept for submission to your lender.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Refinance & Mortgage Tips: Down Payment With Gift Letter

Author: Tristan Hunt

If you are a first time home buyer who has been out shopping for that dream house, you've probably already heard your real estate agent or property developer's first question: ""How much will you be putting down?"" If you have excellent credit, several years of consistent income on record and a relatively long history of using credit wisely, you may qualify for 100% financing, often referred to as a ""No Money Down Mortgage"" or ""Zero Down Home Loan"". But for the majority of new borrowers, a down payment is a prerequisite to buying a house, and finding 20% to 30% or more of the purchase price of a house can very often entail getting the money from family or friends. Getting that much money together can be tricky enough, however lenders will also require that every dollar used for a down payment be documented back to a specific funding source, and this can be particularly difficult when the money comes from a third party, which is why we have ""Gift Letters"".

Newlyweds and young people generally have neither sufficient credit history nor income consistency to qualify for 100% financing, and are also the least likely to have sufficient savings and acceptable documentable assets to actually come up with the cash to make the down payment. Members of the family are in some ways the best and very often the only available source of down payment assistance available to ""green"" borrowers. Your lender generally will only allow you to use money given to you by a true family member, i.e. your mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, first cousin, etc. This means that you cannot use funds given to you by people who are really not family members, for example your friends or colleagues, however you may be able to use funds from a non-family third party if you can provide documentation of a very close and long lasting relationship. This is done primarily to prevent people from taking out personal loans which will have to be repaid to come up with their down payment, which have the potential to throw off the person's debt to income ratio, or DTI. Basically, they don't want you to take on more debt than they believe you can safely repay, otherwise they would have qualified you for 100% financing.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get money from your folks or other family to make a down payment on your new house, you will be required to prove that you did not borrow the money from them with an expectation on their part that it be repaid or with an intention on your part to repay it. In fact, both you and your family will need to prove to your lender that the money was given to you, in the form of a Gift. To verify that the funds are in fact given freely, your lender will require special documentation.

If you are applying for a new mortgage, you should receive as part of your loan application package a special form called a ""Gift Letter"". The goal of this letter is to identify the source of the funds and assure the lender that they are in fact a gift. Typically, a gift letter will include the name of donor, the name of the recipient, the relationship between the two parties, the amount of the gift, the address of the property for which the gift is to be used to pay for, the fact that no repayment is required or expected, and an assurance that the person making the gift or the source of funds is not in nay way party or beneficiary to the transaction, e.g. not the broker, seller, agent, loan officer, builder and so on. In most cases the person giving the gift will be required to document where the money came from, such as a bank account or a brokerage account. If you are depositing the funds directly into escrow, or even if they are going into your bank account, take some precautions to document the transfer by keeping copies of the checks or deposit tickets/receipts from the bank/escrow agent.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Mortgage Lender

Author: Dr. Drew Henry

It is unavoidable some people are getting deeper into debt. When everything goes badly, they view mortgage lender as an angel who can help to recover from financial difficulty. This is one of alternatives that many people are seeking for and this is a way for them to minimize and consolidate their expenses.

What is a definition of Mortgage? Basically, a mortgage is a legal record or document designed to protect the mortgage lender against delay of payment or the debtor's refusal to pay the debt.

A mortgage lender can be any financial institution or even an individual who has the capacity to lend money to the borrower. There are, actually, various types of mortgage lenders. The key in selecting a mortgage is to choose the right one that fits your needs. Look for a mortgage that has the capacity to lend you the right amount of money at a reasonable rate of interest. There are 3 places where can lend you money:

1. Bank: The bank is the most common and well-known mortgage lender. You can opt to choose the bank as your mortgage lender for reliability, convenience, and nippy approval on loans. Banks generally work faster in processing your loans as compared to other mortgage lenders. Banks are also a one-stop center for all your lending needs.

2. Mortgage Broker: You can also secure a mortgage through a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker is a type of mortgage lender that usually acts as a middleman and finds the appropriate loan that best fits your needs.

3. Credit Union and Thrifts: You may want to consider credit unions and thrifts as other types of lending institutions where mortgages can be secured.

Whatever type of mortgage lender you choose; your credit history will have a definite influence on the placement of a mortgage and availability of money. Whichever form of mortgage you choose, be sure to do your homework before making a final decision. Get recommendations from friends or relatives who know reliable mortgage lenders. As a final step in the process, be sure to check the mortgage lender's credentials so you can be certain that your financial transactions will be secure and dependable.

It is wise to pay more attention to this alternative and be careful with it. After all, it's your money that's at stake if things will not go on smoothly. So, it would be better to be sure with your mortgage lender even if it means you're the one who is asking for favor.

About the author: Dr. Drew Henry maintains a number of websites about Loans, including Military Loan , Mobile Home Loan , and Mortgage loan .

Mortgage & Refinance Tips: Debt To Income Ratios

Author: Tristan Hunt

Debt to Income Ratios, often referred to as ""DTI's"", are a key calculation used in the refinance, debt consolidation, and purchase mortgage application process. A debt to income ratio is arrived at by dividing your monthly debt payments by your pre-tax income. Debt to income ratios are finally used to determine how much money you can borrow, and a thorough knowledge of DTIs can help you get the most value from your refinance, debt consolidation or purchase mortgage transaction.

There are two different types of debt to income ratios which are used in refinance, debt consolidation or purchase mortgage underwriting, a Front End Ratio (or ""Front Ratio"") and a Back End Ratio (or ""Back Ratio"").

The Front Ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of your total monthly housing expenses, consisting of your mortgage payment including principal interest taxes and insurance as well as homeowner's association fees, mandatory maintenance fees, common charges in a development and mortgage insurance if applicable.

The Back Ratio is similar to the front ratio, but on top of basic housing expenses the back end ratio also includes your other monthly debt payments, particularly consumer debt payments, into the calculation. Examples of monthly consumer debts are your credit card bills, automobile payments, personal or student loans, etc. Examples of items not typically included in a back end ratio would be life, health & car insurance premiums.

When your lender is evaluating your application, they are in fact trying to match your application with the lending criteria for the program which you want to see if you qualify for the loan. While there are many factors in determining how much money you can borrow and at what rate, debt to income ratio is amongst the most important. A good credit, conventional mortgage program will very often have a debt to income ratio requirement of 33/38 - front/back, meaning that your monthly housing costs should be less than one third of your gross income per month.

If you make $3,000.00 per month, that means the maximum mortgage payment you could qualify for under a 33/38 program would be $1,000.00 per month inclusive of principal interest taxes and insurance as well as other housing costs, and your will only be allowed a total monthly expenditure including mortgage, credit cards and other consumer debts totaling $1,140.00. That may seem very conservative, and it is. If you've ever been turned down by a brick and mortar bank for a mortgage refinance, debt consolidation loan or for financing a new home purchase, chances are it had something to do with your program's low debt to income ratio.

Many modern lenders are not as concerned about the back end ratio at all and decide solely on the basis of the front ratio, and in the case of a veteran's VA loan, their guidelines only concern the back ratio and ignore the front. FHA loans allow you to carry more consumer debt but with a higher income requirement, with a standard debt to income ratio guidance of 29/41 - front/back.

Progressive lenders now have programs with excellent rates which allow individuals to borrow up to 100% financing and in certain cases up to millions of dollars at even better rates than many of 33/38 programs, but which allow for a debt to income ratio of up to 55% or even 60% in some cases, whether you prove your income through tax returns and W2 forms or simply state how much you earn. These relaxed debt to income ratio criteria allow you to borrow more easily without the fear of rejection, and the better your credit and the larger your down payment in the case of a purchase or equity in the case of a refinance or debt consolidation the more relaxed these criteria can be. Debt consolidation programs can often make it much easier to qualify if you mandate that certain consumer debt accounts be directly paid off, thereby reducing your monthly consumer debt payments. Contact a nationally capable mortgage broker so that you have access to a wide variety of programs, and be honest with your loan officer about your earnings and debts and things will go smoothly. Remember, they want to get you the money you need, and will work with you to make sure that happens.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Mortgage & Refinance Tips: Determining Your Income

Author: Tristan Hunt

When you apply for a refinance, debt consolidation or purchase mortgage, one of the most important factors in qualifying for the loan is your income. That may not seem like much of a surprise, but you may be surprised at all of the different ways your income can be calculated based on how well you can document it, and how much this can affect your loan process. Get a leg up on the loan officer and learn how to determine your income yourself.

Your lender looks at your income on the basis of how well you can document it, and will allow you to borrow more money at lower rates the more you can document your income. If you have been in your job for a while and have years of W2 statements, IRS filings, and bank statements you probably fall into the Full Documentation or ""Full Docs"" basket. Typically you can borrow the most money as a percentage of the property's value with a full doc income verification.

If you are on a salary and you get two checks a month, take the gross amount before taxes on your check and multiply by 2. That's it, that's your income (of course you'll need to present a little bit more documentation to the lender!).

If you get paid once every two weeks you can multiply the gross amount before taxes on your check by 26 (as there are 26 pay periods in a year) and then divide by 12, the number of months in the year.

Hourly employees should multiply their hourly pay by 173 to get their monthly pay, unless of course you earn substantial overtime or commissions.

In the event you earn substantial overtime or commissions/bonuses, you will have to pull out your W2s from the last few years and average them, usually just the past two years are used. So add up all sources of documented income for each year and divide by 24.

Self-employed / 1099 individuals should pull out Schedule C of their last two tax returns, add up the Profit line (which indicates how much money you told the IRS you made) for both years and divide by 24.

If you earn money from rental of a property or any part thereof, you must have a legal rental contract and necessary local approvals to rent the property just to include the rental income at all, and you will only be able to use a portion of this rental income because lenders will assume that there is some risk of vacancy in the future.

If you cannot fully document and verify your income or the bulk of it comes from commissions, bonuses or self-employment you may be able to apply on the basis of ""Stated Income"", where if you have a sufficiently high credit score (in most case 620 or better but in special cases as low as 580) you are allowed to simply state to the lender what your income is. Stated income loan programs generally reduce the amount of money you can borrow in a cash out refinance, debt consolidation or purchase loan, and people who are on a fixed income such as social security or pension are not eligible for stated income programs. There are also a variety of limited document programs and even no document or ""no docs"" mortgage programs available for people with good credit and fixed incomes who need to borrow less than 70% of the value of their property.

About the author: Tristan Hunt is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, advising clients on debt consolidation, refinancing & investor loans . Website: http://www.RefinanceOne.net

Mortgage Interest and Your Itemized Deductions

Author: Tony Robinson

For the average consumer who has managed to acquire credit card debt, automobile loans, and various other small debts, is the mortgage interest, especially with an interest only loan an answer to mortgage interest deductions and elimination of non-deductible interest?

What options does the average consumer have in accommodating the tax need in relation to the housing need? What about the interest only loan option on a new mortgage? Today's housing and mortgage market has seen a tremendous growth in mortgage packages, variety and amount. The mortgage interest deductible on the interest only loan option, once thought to have gone the way of the Edsel automobile, is back today and in use by the masses. The mortgage market has seen an unbelievable increase in the interest only loans from just a mere sliver of the market a few years ago, to around 25% of the market share today. That's huge growth, especially when you talk less than 5 years to experience that growth. What benefit does the mortgage interest (especially the interest only loan) bring to the table, and does this benefit the homeowner as a taxpayer? This is one question the mortgage lender probably won't be able to answer for you, and one you probably won't think to ask. But you should, because it's one question that can make a difference to you and to your tax return and the amount of the mortgage interest that will actually provide you with a tax deduction.

The interest only loan and the amount of interest you can deduct on your tax return are one and the same if your income levels are low enough; the concern for the average consumer is the total dollar value they get to take off their tax return. Quite often, the deductions for the consumer aren't enough to contribute to the bottom line, because the income level the percentage of deductible interest is calculated on is simply too high. Higher dollar amounts in interest will usually mean a greater possibility of a greater deduction.

That would be the only advantage to the interest only loan as far as the taxpayer is concerned, unless of course, they use the money saved from the interest only loan to fund a 401k, an IRA, or an MSA (that's a topic for a completely different paper). The mortgage interest and especially the interest only loan is sold to the consumer as a way to afford more house, pay off credit card debt, or provide a means to fund a savings of some kind, and that's true, it can be used for that purpose. And if you're considering paying off those high interest credit cards, the mortgage interest you're charged on the interest only loan is fully deductible, while the credit cards are not; a word of caution, however, make sure you don't turn around and use those credit cards again, putting yourself right back where you started from, just with a bigger interest payment and less house equity.

Why has the market experienced such growth? It's not totally related to the tax benefit; the home mortgages of today satisfy a common desire for the consumer: instant gratification of bigger and better. Such is the case when it's time to make those needed repairs, or house expansion. A second mortgage makes it possible to retain the same monthly mortgage payment, and still pull a lot of equity out of your home. This may sound like the ultimate solution, but is it really? It also adds to the amount of interest an individual can deduct at the end of the year; and if income levels are growing, the interest expense must grow in order to keep up. Now, this is a somewhat skewed way of looking at the benefit of a mortgage, but it figures right into the same scheme as the elimination of credit card debt and saving for 401(k) s as a valid reason to borrow money against your home. The mortgage and the resulting interest are great tools, when used by the right people, in the right situation. For the average consumer and long-term homeowner, unless you think a better deduction on your tax return is worth the forfeiture of equity in your home, you'd better think twice before re-financing with a second mortgage that generates more interest, but less equity.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.tax-portal.com/ for his tax tips.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Reverse Mortgage

Author: Imtiaz.s

Betty and John, are in their mid-seventies and are currently weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage as a way of freeing up some cash.

The couple purchased their home 45 years ago for about $14,000 since then home values have skyrocketed and recent single family homes in their neighborhood have been selling for a minimum of $160,000. Like Betty and John, if you're considering a reverse mortgage it's important to do some research prior to making a decision. You not only need to understand the basic principles of this kind of mortgage but you also need to look at all the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage.

Essentially a reverse mortgage is a loan that permits homeowners 62 years of age and older to borrow against the equity in their homes without having to sell it. Further, you don't have to give up the title or take on a new monthly mortgage payment.

A reverse mortgage loan is tax-free and needs only to be repaid when the borrower (or in the case of Betty and John, when the surviving spouse) dies or sells the home. At which time, the reverse mortgage loan must be repaid in full, including all interest and other charges.

When examining the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage it's also important to consider both the process and the related costs of obtaining a reverse mortgage.

Unlike a conventional mortgage, with a reverse mortgage, the homeowner (the potential borrower) must meet with a reverse mortgage counselor. References for counselors can be obtained from banks offering reverse mortgages or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The purpose of these meetings which may take place in person or on the telephone is for the homeowner to learn about reverse mortgages and discuss alternative options. It also helps you decide which kind of reverse mortgage may be best.

As well as exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage, it's wise that the potential borrower, also compare costs between various lenders and request a Total Annual Loan Cost estimate for each.

Further to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage with a counselor, you also need to understand that there are certain costs involved in the reverse mortgage process. Costs may include application fees, closing costs, insurance, appraisal fees, credit report fees, and quite possibly a monthly service fee.

Remember too that since a reverse mortgage allows you to continue living in your home, you're still responsible for property taxes, insurance and repairs. If these payments are not maintained, the loan could become due in full.

A reverse mortgage may also affect eligibility for federal or state assistance as well as Medicaid. That said, any reverse mortgage money that is received is tax-free and does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

The condition of your home is also a large part of the approval process. It must be structurally sound and in good repair. If it's determined that home repairs need to be done, the costs can also be financed through the reverse mortgage loan.

The total amount a homeowner can borrow all depends on the kind of reverse mortgage selected, how much equity is in the home, the loan's interest rate and most importantly, the age of the borrower. Typically the older a person is, the more they can expect to receive.

A borrower can receive reverse mortgage payments in one of the following ways: in a lump-sum payment; fixed monthly payments; a line of credit or a combination of any of the above. Most homeowners go for the line of credit option which allows them to draw on the loan whenever money is required.

About the author: for more info http://www.premiumsecret.com

Turning Disadvantages Of A Reverse Mortgage To Your Advantage

Author: Imtiaz.s

When it comes to a reverse mortgage, wise consumers weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage prior to signing on the dotted line.

Let's start on a positive note, you could do what most borrowers do and opt for the reverse mortgage line of credit. Just think about how you would then be able to draw on the loan whenever money is required for daily living expenses, medical bills, prescription costs, home repairs, etc. A reverse mortgage could really enhance your retirement years including in-home care expenses in later years. Furthermore, your reverse mortgage income does not affect regular Social Security payments or Medicare benefits. And lenders cannot foreclose on the loan for the life of the borrower.

Okay, that's all well and good but how do I turn the major disadvantages of a reverse mortgage into a positive? It's all in the perspective. For every negative there is a positive to obtaining a reverse mortgage.

It's true a reverse mortgage loan may affect your eligibility for state and federal government assistance programs such as Medicaid but it also gives you an important financial cushion and does not (as mentioned above) affect your regular Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

About the author: for more info please visit- http://www.premiumsecret.com

Mortgage Loan For Poor Credit - Secrets Revealed

Author: Bill Smith

The market for mortgage loan is a huge one. Pretty much anyone with good or bad credit can get a mortgage loan. Many of the mortgage companies are now opening up to people with bad credit in the past.

Many loan and mortgage lenders specialize in giving loans to the population with poor credit. If does not matter, how poor your credit it, chances are bright you will get a mortgage loan.

When credit is sub par, you will need to work harder to get the loan you deserve. In most cases, interest rates you pay on the loan will be higher. Hence, it is imperative that you call up at least a few mortgage loan lenders to get the best possible loan. Bottom line is poor credit cannot hold you down if you are determined to get the mortgage loan or a refinance loan.

You will be classified as having sub par credit or poor credit if you have a bankruptcy on your credit report. A Chapter 7 filing for bankruptcy will lessen the chances of a mortgage loan compared to a Chapter 13 filing. A foreclosure lawsuit is another important entry in your credit report. It can also have a negative impact on interest rates being charged on your mortgage loan. If you have a debt collection agency chasing you, it gets noted in your credit report and this will also influence you chances of getting a mortgage loan. Any judgement against you will result in a poor credit.

Your poor credit perspective is actually given by a score called as FICO score. This score is stored with your credit file referred to by your creditors. The higher you FICO, the better are your chances of getting a loan with the rates you dreamt of. A grading of A, B, C and D is given based on your FICO score. A grade of D is classified as a poor credit rating.

It is best advised to contact multiple mortgage loan lenders and get the best quote possible when dealing with poor credit.

About the author: Jack Harris is a refinance loan and mortgage loan specialist.

How To Buy A Home With A Reverse Mortgage

Author: Imtiaz.s

A reverse mortgage loan is very much like a home equity loan. First we'll look at the similarities between the two and then let's discuss how to buy a home with a reverse mortgage.

First a reverse mortgage is a lump sum payment or annuity that is paid from a lender or insurance company to supplement or provide income. As the homeowner you repay the mortgage obligation when you sell or vacate the residence. When you die your estate is responsible to pay back the loan. The amount owed will never exceed the value of your home. If the home is sold and the proceeds exceed the amount owed, the excess money goes back to you or in the case of your death, your estate.

Further, when you buy a home with a reverse mortgage it is not considered taxable income and does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

A home equity loan on the other hand, is a mortgage loan that is secured by the residual equity in your home. To calculate equity, you subtract mortgage debt from your home value. Home equity loans allow a homeowner to make repairs or other home improvements, refinance other debt, or use for miscellaneous purposes. Unlike a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan is an amortizing loan.

When you buy a home with a reverse mortgage you are paid either a lump sum amount or annuity based on the amount of equity in your home. For example, a monthly payment of $1,000 for the next 120 months would be a 10 year monthly annuity.

Aside from programs which help you buy a home with a reverse mortgage there are various other types of reverse mortgages. One type is for homeowners who want to tap into their equity but not draw out the entire amount. Here an annuity or lump sum would be paid out. Another reverse mortgage program is a home equity conversion mortgage. Affiliated with FHA (the Federal Housing Administration) this program combines the features of a home equity loan and a line of credit. Here you receive a fixed payment and can also draw on a credit line for additional cash.

The buy a home with a reverse mortgage program uses the new home as a source of repayment. You make a down payment and use the reverse mortgage loan for the rest of the home's purchase price. You repay the loan with interest and other financing costs, when you sell the home, no longer use it as a primary residence, or in the case of your death, your estate would cover the outstanding loan. Most types of homes are eligible.

Tremendous growth in the housing market over the last few years has given many homeowners a considerable boast in equity. As a result, some of these homeowners are now looking to buy a home with a reverse mortgage.

Take for instance, the homeowners who purchased their homes in the early 1960's for a modest price and now in their retirement years find their home has doubled or even tripled in value.

With this kind of equity to play with many homeowners are looking to buy a home with a reverse mortgage. This could be a country home or a cottage property. Or, the funds could even be used for luxury vacations, recreational vehicles, boats - you name it!

If you were to buy a home with a reverse mortgage you would be able to pay cash for the second 'vacation' home while continuing to live in your primary residence for as long as you wish or are able. Once you die, your primary residence would be sold to pay back your reverse mortgage loan, while the second home would become part of your estate.

To participate in these reverse mortgage programs, you and any co-borrowers must be at least age 62. In order to buy a home with a reverse mortgage you also must have no mortgage debt on your home. Further there are usually no income requirements to participate in the above mentioned programs.

According to Fannie Mae, a positive feature of reverse mortgage programs is that you're never obligated for more than the loan balance or the value of the property, whichever is less; no assets other than the home are used to repay the debt. A reverse mortgage has neither a fixed maturity date nor a fixed mortgage amount.

If you're seriously looking to buy a home with a reverse mortgage it's important that you do your homework. Take the time to comparison shop between lenders. Seeking the advice of at least three reverse mortgage lenders is always wise.

About the author: for more info please visit http://www.premiumsecret.com

Buying A House After Bankruptcy - Finding A Bad Credit Mortgage

Author: Carrie Reeder

Buying a house after a bankruptcy takes a little research to find a bad credit mortgage with reasonable rates and terms. But it can be done with the help of online lenders. By comparing financing offers, you can quickly find a home loan with good terms.

Finding The Right Mortgage

With a credit score less than 650, you will need to apply for subprime financing with rates slightly higher than conventional home loans. Surprime financing is offered by traditional lenders, as well as specialized bad credit lenders. To get the most borrowing power, choose an adjustable rate or interest only mortgage. To further reduce your rates, plan on a down payment of 20% or more. Large cash reserves or a low debt ratio will also help you qualify for lower rates. But researching lenders is the surest way to find the lowest rates. Remember too that with subprime lending, you don't pay for private mortgage insurance, even with less than 20% equity.

Before You Start Your Search

Before you start your subprime mortgage search, get a copy of your credit report. Check it for accuracy of your bankruptcy, and then use it to get loan quotes. That way lenders won't have to access your report and further lower your credit score with unnecessary credit inquires.

Securing Mortgage Terms For The Future

When you start comparing mortgage offers, make sure the terms are favorable for your future financial goals. If you plan to refinance when your credit score improves, makes sure there aren't any fees for early payment. This is also a benefit if you move before the loan is paid off. Another important factor to consider are closing costs, especially if you are planning a future refi. Paying extra thousands for a slightly lower rate doesn't make sense if you don't keep the loan for seven years or more. Even with the lower interest charges, you won't see a savings. So take a look at the APR for a general idea of the total loan costs. But then look at the breakdown of the closing costs and interest rate to find the financing that works best for you and your financial situation.

About the author: View our recommended po or credit mortgage lenders online.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Mortgage Lending

Author: Imtiaz.s

Online mortgage lending appears to be the way of the future. However, there are some important things to consider when dealing with online mortgage lenders.

Let's start with the advantages of online mortgage lending.

Online mortgage lending is a growing field that is starting to seriously compete with traditional 'in person' lenders. The process is relatively easy. The important thing to remember is to make sure your know the ins and outs of any and all online home mortgage loans prior to submitting your personal information.

In some cases, you'll find online mortgage lending fees can be much cheaper than traditional 'in person' lenders.

Further, when it comes to online mortgage lending you may discover a greater range of mortgage loan programs available. Among the highlights of these programs may be lower rates of interest and flexible repayment terms.

Also, borrowers with a bad credit history may find online mortgage lending to be the answer to their prayers. In most cases, web-based lenders offer more alternatives to those with less than desirable credit ratings.

About the author: for more info please visit- http://www.premiumsecret.com

Mortgage Forum:The Mortgage Lender

Author: David Smith

When the going gets tough and the tough just keeps on going, mortgage lenders may seem like godsend angels at your doorstep. Mortgage Forum

Due to some unavoidable circumstances, more and more people are getting deeper into debt. As a result, many people are seeking alternatives for dealing with their financial problems, and ways they can minimize and consolidate their expenses. One way to do this is by securing a mortgage.

Basically, a mortgage is a legal record or document designed to protect the mortgage lender against delay of payment or the debtor's refusal to pay the debt.

A mortgage lender can be any financial institution or even an individual who has the capacity to lend money to the borrower. There are, actually, various types of mortgage lenders. The key in selecting a mortgage is to choose the right one that fits your needs. Look for a mortgage that has the capacity to lend you the right amount of money at a reasonable rate of interest.

The most common and well-known mortgage lender is the bank. You can opt to choose the bank as your mortgage lender for reliability, convenience, and nippy approval on loans. Banks generally work faster in processing your loans as compared to other mortgage lenders. Banks are also a one-stop center for all your lending needs.

You can also secure a mortgage through a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker is a type of mortgage lender that usually acts as a middleman and finds the appropriate loan that best fits your needs.

Finally, you may want to consider credit unions and thrifts as other types of lending institutions where mortgages can be secured.

Whatever type of mortgage lender you choose; your credit history will have a definite influence on the placement of a mortgage and availability of money.

Whichever form of mortgage you choose, be sure to do your homework before making a final decision. Get recommendations from friends or relatives who know reliable mortgage lenders. As a final step in the process, be sure to check the mortgage lender's credentials so you can be certain that your financial transactions will be secure and dependable.

You really have to pay more attention on these things. After all, it's your money that's at stake if things will not go on smoothly. So, it would be better to be sure with your mortgage lender even if it means you're the one who is asking for favor.

About the author: Visit the Mortgage Forum Today http://www.emortgageforum.com to find more information! Mortgage Forum

Mortgage Brokers For Home Loan Refinance - Refinance Online

Author: Carrie Reeder

Online brokers negotiate financing deals with several lenders. This may mean that you can find a better deal through their site than by working with the lender. Not all mortgage brokers guarantee the lowest refinancing rates, so you should also compare brokers.

Understanding Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers specialize in finding financing. They work with many lenders to offer you several financing choices. They partner with traditional banks as well as thrift institutions, credit unions, and mortgage companies. They can even connect you with subprime lenders if you have poor credit.

Not all brokers call themselves ""mortgage brokers."" But any site that offers bids from more than one lending company is a broker. Make sure you know if you are dealing with a broker, since this will affect your closing costs.

Brokers collect a fee for each loan they refer to a lender. Sometimes you will pay this fee as part of the closing costs, other times it will come out of the mortgage company's fees. Even with the additional expense of a fee, brokers can usually find you better deals than if you shop alone.

Working With Broker Sites

Online broker sites enable you to make quick comparisons from basic financial information that you provide. Usually, you will need a general idea of your credit score, loan amount, and down payment. The quote you receive gives you a rough idea of rates and closing costs.

Take the time to check with a couple of broker sites to find the best deal. Each broker works with different lenders and negotiates unique deals. Spending a few extra minutes analyzing quotes can save you thousands in interest costs.

Taking The Next Step

Once you have narrowed your choices down for refinancing, request a detailed quote from the lender. This will require the financing company to look at your credit score. You don't want to request too many detailed quotes, since your credit score is temporarily lowered every time a lender makes a credit inquiry.

The detailed quotes will list rate along with terms, such as required points. Even with this accurate quote, it can change hourly based on market indexes and bank rates. If you find a good deal, it is best to act on it quickly to lock in rates.

About the author: View our recommended mortgage re fi lenders.

Negotiate and Mortgage Rate Compare Says The Better Business Bureau

Author: Imtiaz.s

You should always mortgage rate compare to find the best mortgage to meet your needs before refinancing. Mortgage rate compare by contacting at least three different mortgage lenders. Despite your reason for refinancing - lower monthly payments or to build equity faster, three lenders are better than one.

Record numbers of homeowners are jumping on the refinancing bandwagon in an effort to lower their mortgage interest rates. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) refinancing is not for everyone and or those that decide that it is, it's best to mortgage rate compare before signing on the dotted line.

Industry experts claim that homeowners are refinancing in record numbers. While this is all well and good for some it may not be for others. It's true with a good refinancing package you can potentially shave hundreds of dollars off your existing mortgage but it isn't for everyone.

The Better Business Bureau recommends homeowners mortgage rate compare and take the time to negotiate the best deal possible. The association however also suggests that homeowners should proceed with caution when it comes to dealing with some lenders.

About the author: for more info please visit- http://www.premiumsecret.com

1st And 2nd Mortgage Refinance Loan - Consolidate 1st And 2nd Mortgages Into One Low Payment

Author: Carrie Reeder

Refinancing both your first and second mortgages will result in one low monthly payment that could save you thousands in interest charges. By combining both mortgages, you qualify for lower rates than if you refinance separately. You can see a significant savings with your second mortgage refinance, which is often several points higher than your first mortgage rates. You will also save on application fees and other closing costs.

Strategies To Lower Your Mortgage Payment

You have a couple of options to lower your mortgage payment when refinancing. The first choice is to find a low rate mortgage. So even if you choose the same length for your loan, you will still see a savings in your monthly mortgage bill. Adjustable rate and interest only loans will give you the lowest payments, at least at the beginning of your home loan. But a fixed rate loan can also give you reasonable rates with security that they won't rise in the future.

The other option is to extend your loan term, especially in the case of your second mortgage which usually is for five to ten years. By consolidating your loans to a thirty year loan, you lengthen your payment schedule for principal, so you have a smaller payment. However, your interest rate and charges will be higher than with a shorter term.

Getting The Best Loan

Once you determine the type of loan and terms you want, do your shopping for a good lender to save even more money. Lenders will vary in how much they charge for closing costs and interest rates. The APR will tell you how loans compare overall, both in terms of rates and closing costs.

But if you are planning to move or refinance again in the future, then be wary of paying high closing costs. Even if they secure you a lower rate, you will only see a savings if you keep the mortgage for several years.

Don't base your lender decision based on posted loan rates. Ask for a personalized loan quote based on your general information. With more accurate numbers, you can make an informed choice as to who has the best financing for you.

About the author: View our recommended lenders to choose the best mortgage refinance company for you.

Government Approved Mortgage Loans

Author: Tony Robinson

What kinds of government approved mortgage loan programs are available for the lender today? There are actually more programs available today than any other time in recorded mortgage history; and the ability to qualify for these programs is an all-time high. In this article were going to take a look at FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the HECM, and the SNAP programs available thanks to government regulation of funding.

And FHA mortgage is the term used to describe a direct primary market lending product. What are FHA loans and how do you apply? Your options for application now are through an approved lender, or via the Internet. FHA, or the Federal Housing Authority was established in 1934 as a part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's ""New Deal"". It was the president's plan to help the country get back on its feet at the end of the Great Depression. FHA loans with a way to provide the funds needed to construct low income housing and provide Americans with the dream of home ownership. It worked, tremendously well and in 1965, the FHA became a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the decade since its inception, the FHA has become the largest insurer of home mortgages and has allowed more Americans to live the dream of home ownership at a rate that is in comparable to that of any other country.

The VA loan is simply a spin-off of the FHA loan open only to veterans having served in the Armed Forces. The VA loan was conceived in order to provide returning veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes and start their lives again.

Fannie Mae, or the Federal National Mortgage Association, was established to provide a secondary market for the FHA mortgage loans. In 1938, when President Roosevelt established the Federal National Mortgage Association it was intended to provide a secondary market for lenders to sell mortgages in order to originate new ones. Freddie Mac, followed in a few years, and was implemented to serve a broader base of mortgages. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not direct lenders, our current mortgage system would not be in operation nor would we have experienced the success with homeownership we enjoy today.

The home equity conversion mortgage or HECM is a HUD supervised program that works with FHA homeowners who are over the age of 62 to remain in their homes by allowing them to access their home's equity, sometimes referred to as the reverse mortgage.

The safe neighborhood action plan or SNAP is an FHA supervised effort to improve urban communities. The problem focuses own illuminating drug abuse and cry him in urban areas by providing education, school activities, and assistance for project residents.

Now that we've covered all the government approved mortgage loan programs, let's take a look at the FHA mortgage options available. FHA offers adjustable rate mortgages, fixed rate mortgages, energy-efficient mortgages, graduated payment mortgages, mortgages for condominium units and growing equity mortgages. The more commonly used mortgage products by the individual residential homeowner are the adjustable rate mortgage the fixed rate mortgage and the energy-efficient mortgages. As we move closer to a more energy efficient energy conscious nation, I believe we will see an increase in the energy-efficient mortgages at a greater concern on the part of HUD that will make room for an increase in energy-efficient mortgages. The graduated payment mortgage is an option for FHA homeowners who currently have low to moderate incomes but expected to increase substantially over the next few years; this can be compared to a balloon note or the adjustable rate mortgages in use today.

As you can see, the government has played a tremendous role in making possible the dream of homeownership in this country. Yes, I believe we can say today more Americans live the dream of home ownership than any other nation in the world thanks in great part to the fact that President Roosevelt stepped in at the end of the Great Depression and provided a way to restore faith in the American way of life.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.ezy-mortgage.com/ for his tips on mortgages.

Buying or Selling, is the Mortgage Your Only Option?

Author: Tony Robinson

Today, thanks to the ever-increasing use of the internet to seek out homes for sale, and the increased participation of homeowners in the buying and selling process, there is greater interaction between the buyer and seller. Not only is this good for public relations, it is also an excellent opportunity to explore other funding options, for the buyer and for the seller.

It is normal on the part of the buyer to assume their only option when purchasing a home is to obtain a mortgage, but the traditional lending process. This is not always the case, and today more than ever, buyers and sellers are coming together with creative and accommodating ways to affect the purchase, or sale, of the home depending upon your status as buyer or seller.

Quite often, individuals interested in purchasing a home lack the 20% down payment often required from the lender. Provided the seller has established equity of the home, there are other options for the buy and sale agreement. Seller financed mortgages are the most common alternative mortgage option exercised; seller financed mortgages however, are not the only option that can be considered. In this article, were going to take a look at some of the alternative mortgage options that are rarely exercised, but that do provide tremendous benefit to the buyer and seller.

As a seller, the conditions must exist that allow you to offer the buyer alternative options. Your mortgage balance must be considerably less than the fair market sale price or your hands are basically tied. Imagine a scenario: you're ready to sell your home, the buyer is ready to purchase your home, and they simply do not have a 20% down payment. What they do have is a 5% down payment, and the desire to work with the seller and the mortgage lender. You're asking price for the home is $80,000 and the appraised value of the home is $85,000; your existing mortgage is $50,000 and the lender requires the proposed buyer to provide a $16,000 down payment. How can a solution be reached? If you, as the seller are willing to take a second lien on the property, there is a workable solution. The fact that the home appraises for more than the asking price, automatically provides the buyers with a $5,000 level of equity, so they only need $11,000 more to reach a 20% down payment. They have $4000; in order to accommodate the buyers, you could accept $74,000 in upfront mortgage money from the lender, and take a second lien on the $6000 difference. This method works only if you're willing to take the second lien, and the buyers are credible and reputable individuals.

Taking second liens or second mortgages are increasing in popularity as a means to sale increasing value real estate in today's rapidly expanding market. There are other spins offs from the basic formula described, however the scenario above is the most common and provides the buyer and seller with the basis for expanding with creative add- ons. Of course, the seller financed mortgage is still the meat and potatoes of the alternative financing industry. How does the seller financed mortgage work? Generally, it works in this manner: if the seller owns the home outright he or she may choose to finance a mortgage for the buyer, and set up an amortized loan. Thanks to the readily available personal computer, loans can be constructed that would have only be available via an accountant or lending institution, 20 years ago.

Of course, how you decide as a buyer or seller to ultimately close a deal, will depend on many factors, this may be just one of the more important aspects. How well you know each other, credit ratings, and the dollar value of the mortgage will also affect your decision.

Regardless of the final decision, the opportunity exists to explore other avenue other than the traditional mortgage lending institutions, or mortgage companies. And, sometimes, you never know, the deal from the seller financed mortgage may open more doors than just a mortgage for homeownership!

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.ezy-mortgage.com/ for his tips on mortgages.

How Real Estate Drives the Interest Only Mortgage Market

Author: Tony Robinson

The real estate market and the mortgage market are great friends; they generally are seen hand in hand, wherever they may go! One fuels the other's ambitions. Never a truer statement has been made and they (the real estate and the mortgage market) seem to feed off each other, as they both have continued to grow over these last few years.

If a potential buyer has the greater possibility of securing a mortgage, the greater the opportunity to sell a home or buy a home becomes; Whenever the opportunities increase for the buying and selling of real estate, then the prices for real estate increase. Can you clearly see the relationship now and how one drives the other? As the mortgage market has expanded, and the possibilities broadened, so have the prices of homes, the new home construction market, as well as the commercial development of real estate.

The potential for problems exist when this all happens too quickly, or when the growth in one area exceeds the average growth rate of other areas. This is the case with the real estate market and the interest only mortgage. Much of the growth in the mortgage market has been with interest only loans. Many analysts put the interest only segment of the mortgage market at almost 23%. That's a huge hunk of the entire mortgage market and this segment has been responsible for most of the overall growth. It would also seem that it has played a tremendous role in fueling real estate prices. Is this a rollercoaster ride, waiting for the drop, if so, let's hope we're all buckled in!

Let's take a moment to look at the four areas that contribute to this continued upward growth, and their impact on real estate.

The price of existing homes on the market is a pretty easy one to figure out; if you have your home for sale, quite naturally it will bring a comparable price to the other homes in your area. How does this serve to drive real estate prices? This concept works with a Domino effect, in that when one home increases in value, it also affects the homes around it driving the price, further upward.

The new home construction market is heavily reliant on building material prices to determine the building cost and the contractor's profitability. If building construction is on the increase quite naturally, the prices of building materials are on the increase; when you have an optimistic and growing economy, you will have increases in building material cost.

The other big drive in the real estate market comes from the development of commercial property. In resort areas, particularly the development of real estate property for commercial purposes tends to quickly affect the surrounding areas real estate prices. Many of today's commercial mortgages have reached loan limits well over $1 million; in fact, some of the residential mortgage loans in certain resort areas are approaching the have the million-dollar mark.

Now, when you combine all of these contribute factors, a mortgage market that is extremely optimistic with its lending capital, you have the makings of a market segment, with the potential for a bubble effect. What happens in a bubble effect economy? The bubble continues to grow until it bursts. This is what many analysts and economists fear: that too many consumers are betting the farm on a continual, optimistic spurt of growth. What could cause our booming economy to rupture? In reality, many conditions can contribute and provide the needed catalyst.

Well, what if there is a continual increase in pricing but there is generally a continual downward spiraling of the ride we're on? Well, if there should be a tremendous downward turn in the investment market, if there is a continuing loss of jobs in this country, or if there are any natural occurrences that lead to disasters that are beyond governmental or company control, you could see a possibility for disaster. Does that mean it will happen? No. It just means that the potential exists. But in the defense of the housing and real estate market, if you're going to be risky, that's the place to be. It's one of the safest risky businesses that exist.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.ezy-mortgage.com/ for his tips on mortgages.

Mortgage Interest and Your Tax Liability

Author: Tony Robinson

As you begin your search for the perfect home, and you research your mortgage loan options, the tax consequences of a mortgage loan with mortgage interest doesn't ever cross the minds of most consumers. But as you decide which product you need, or think you need, the tax repercussions and benefits should play a role, even if it's a small one, in the final decision.

For many consumers, the first thought that's given to their tax return, and tax liability, comes from the mortgage lender. Quite often, mortgages are touted as being one of the best venues for reducing your tax liability at the end of the year. Yes, your mortgage interest payments will reduce your tax liability, but is that your ultimate goal? Is that why you're looking at mortgage packages? No. Your ultimate goal in choosing a mortgage is to pay for your home. Every situation in this case, and this case would apply to the average consumer shopping for a mortgage loan, is probably not going to get that much benefit from the tax deduction that comes from their mortgage interest payments. The average consumer should first look at their monthly payment and choose a mortgage based on affordability, not tax liability.

The smart consumer will not allow the flashy ads displayed by many mortgage lenders to influence their mortgage loan decision. The smart consumer will examine the interest level, the term of the mortgage loan, the affordability of the monthly payment, and base their decision upon their ability to pay in relation to the mortgage that achieves their primary purpose: the payout of the loan.

You and I rarely consider the impact of any financial decision on itemized deduction statement; however many of those decisions do affect itemized deductions. Our itemized deductions and major portion of our tax liability? No. Do they contribute to a reduction in tax liability? Yes. The relativity of the contribution when contrasted to the required time in examining the actual benefit we derive from the itemized deduction calculations warrants the point mute. It's just not worth the effort. If you happen to be in your mid-40s and your purchasing your first home, I would suggest that you consult a financial adviser prior to making a mortgage decision; however most individuals in their mid-40s would already realize the benefit of a financial adviser. A young couple purchasing their first home would truly benefit from the interest deduction, not to the extent however off more than $40-$50 of the bottom-line for their tax liability. As you age, and your way to earning power increases, the benefit of the itemized deduction decreases. Does the average person understand how tax is configured? No. The only person who can truly enlighten a consumer would be a tax professional, and many average individuals would spend more money in the determination of the benefit than they would reap.

The new guy on the mortgage loan law, known as the interest only mortgage loan will bring the greatest benefit to the consumer. The interest-only lawn in the amount of interest you can deduct on your tax return are one and the same, but does the benefit of the mortgage interest deduction outweigh the added expense of an additional five years on the mortgage loan?

What about the mortgage loan refinance? Any equity you remove from your home in the form of cash that can be used to pay down or pay all high interest credit card accounts will transfer a nondeductible expense to your deductible expenses. However you should remember the trade-off you now owe more against your home, and you have used your equity reserves. Was the deduction worth the trade? Many times the answer is no. For many consumers, paying off high-interest credit card debt only increases the probability of additional credit card charges. In other words, not only have use your equity, you've returned to high-interest debt.

Prior to a final decision of your mortgage along product, take a moment to review your tax situation. Each situation is unique. The lower your income, the greater the benefit, but rarely is the benefit worth the cost. Behold, the Tax Man, cometh.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.ezy-mortgage.com/ for his tips on mortgages.

Mortgage Products: The 15 Year ARM

Author: Tony Robinson

As you begin to traverse the actual home appraisal, the loan amortization, your down payment, and all the dots that must be connected in order to make the dream a reality, you suddenly realize that you may not be able to afford a payment on the Fixed Rate Mortgage plan. What other options are available? Well, there's the Adjustable Rate Mortgage that is a close first cousin to the Fixed Rate mortgage, just a little riskier. What products are available with the Adjustable Rate Mortgage? What advantages does the Adjustable Rate Mortgage option offer, and what are they drawbacks, if any? This article examines the advantages and disadvantages, if any, of the Adjustable Rate Mortgage and the 15 Year ARM option.

The Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or ARM, is a more affordable option for homeowners who have a fairly tight monthly budget, and who have a need for bigger house, lower payment. The typical ARM customer wishes to build equity in their home; however they need the lowest monthly payment possible, for a certain number of years. The homeowner this program most benefits is the individual who expects income increases to occur within a few short years, but also has an expanding family with a need for space. The 15 Year ARM is one of the more used ARM options, simply because of the attractive monthly payment, and the length of time the homeowner has to build more equity in an affordable payment.

An ARM works in this way: when you set up your mortgage on an ARM, the interest rate you have will only be set for a very short period of time, normally only 6,9, or 12 months. At the end of that period, the interest rate will be re-evaluated, and if the rates have increased based on the prime, your interest rate will also increase; once again, for a short, set period of time. The benefit derived from this type of loan, during today's economy, is that the interest rates are at an all time low. That equates to big savings for current home buyers, and homeowners who refinance.

The 15 Year ARM allows the mortgage loan to operate as an adjustable rate mortgage for 15 years, automatically converting to a fixed rate loan after that 15 year period has expired, for another 5, 7, or 10 years.

The disadvantage to this type of loan occurs when interest rates begin to rise. As the rate rises for the lending institution, it also rises for you, the homeowner. The home mortgage product market can be very confusing, and quite frustrating if you don't take the time to fully research and understand your mortgage options.

Another great benefit to the ARM, when interest rates are low, is that it allows you to build equity faster than with a standard fixed rate mortgage. But if interest rates begin to rise, quickly, your opportunity for building equity quickly, is greatly diminished, because more of the payment is directed to the interest on the loan. If you fall into the category of the typical homeowner, ARMs aren't as attractive as the fixed rate mortgage; but let's face it the typical homeowner category seems to be shrinking. All in all, if you are buying a home, and your income level is expected to increase over the next 10 years, or your expenses are going to drastically decrease, you would probably benefit from the standard 15 Year ARM that converts to a FRM. All the other complicated options still simply do not benefit the average homeowner today. Now, if you don't happen to be average, and you have a financial advisor that can work with you closely, I'd recommend that you consider all those other options, but only with the assistance of a trained financial analyst. After all, your home is a purchase you definitely do not want put at risk. The 15 Year ARM is a good, solid product that allows the homeowner to build equity, with a low interest payment each month, while also providing the lending institution the opportunity to reset an interest rate, if they should begin to rise quickly. This is one of the greatest reasons banks tend to promote the ARMs as much as they do the standard FRMs: they're fairly safe, time-tested products.

About the author: Tony Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, Webmaster and International Author. Visit http://www.ezy-mortgage.com/ for his tips on mortgages.