Friday, June 02, 2006

Which California Home Mortgage Refinance Loan Is Best For You?

Author: Keith Hunt

There aren't quite as many California home mortgage refinance loan programs as there are borrowers, but it seems like it sometimes!

To find the best home mortgage refinance program that fits your needs, there are some general considerations you should have in mind.

Are you refinancing primarily to lower your rate and monthly payments? Then your best option might be a low fixed-rate loan. Maybe you have a fixed-rate mortgage now with a higher rate, or maybe you have an ARM -- adjustable rate mortgage -- where the interest rate varies.

Even if it's low now, unlike your ARM, when you qualify for a fixed-rate mortgage you lock that low rate in for the life of your refinance loan. This is especially a good idea if you don't think you'll be moving within the next five years or so. On the other hand, if you do see yourself moving within the next few years, an ARM with a low initial rate might be the best way to lower your monthly payment.

Are you refinancing primarily to cash out some home equity? Maybe you want to pay for home improvements, pay your child's college tuition bill, or even take your dream vacation. Then you'll want to qualify for a California refinance loan for more than the balance remaining on your current mortgage. If you've had your current mortgage for a number of years and/or have a home mortgage whose interest rate is higher, you may be able to do this without increasing your monthly payment.

Do you need to cash out home equity to consolidate other debt? If you have the equity in your home, make it work by paying off other debts with higher interest such as credit cards, home equity loans, car loans, or some student loans and possibly hundreds of dollars a month.

Build up home equity quicker and pay off your mortgage sooner by refinancing with a shorter-term loan, such as a 15-year mortgage. Payments will be higher than a longer-term home loan, but you will pay substantially less interest and will build home equity. If you have had a 30-year mortgage for a number of years and the loan balance is relatively low, you may be able to do this without increasing payment -- you may even be able to save!

For example, let's say years ago you took out a $150,000 30-year mortgage at eight percent. Your payment is about $1,100, exclusive of taxes, insurance and so on. If your balance today is down to $130,000, you might take out a 15-year home mortgage loan at six percent and have an almost identical monthly payment. This is a great option to pay off home sooner.

For more information on California home mortgage refinance loans call toll free 866 398 4664 or please go to: http://www.goldmedalmortgage.com

About the author: Full service marketing

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Mortgage Calculator And Interest Rates

Author: Maksim Fisher

One of the best ways to use a mortgage calculator is to help you to compare the interest rates of various loans. Applying for and getting a home loan is a lot of work. It is not something that is easy to do unless you do not care how much you will be paying for your home. Since this is one of the largest investments you will ever make, you will want to insure that you get the best loan for your home as well as for your pocketbook. You can easily do this, though, when you take the time to use this type of tool.

The interest rate of a home loan is the most costly part of it. This is the percentage that you will pay to borrow the money to buy the home. Nothing is more important to compare when looking for a home loan than this number. What makes it confusing and even enticing is the fact that many lenders out there who are all offering slightly different interest rates. How do you know which one is offering the lowest rate? If you like one company and would like to work with them, but someone else is offering a lower rate, what will it cost you? These are just what you can learn from using a mortgage calculator .

This tool allows you to compare what is out there. You will simply need to punch in some numbers such as the interest rate of the potential loan, the terms of the loan and any fees that may be included as well as the amount of your down payment and out comes a lot of information that is vitally important to your decision. You will learn how much this particular home loan will cost you. The mortgage calculator will tell you how much you will pay monthly in your payments. It will also tell you how much you will pay in total cost.

Now, if there are other interest rate charges out there that you are considering, you can use the tool to see just what the difference will be. Simply go back to the blank mortgage calculator and input the necessary information for the new potential home loan. You will get all of the same numbers, this time with the new totals for the new rates. Because there is no charge for using this tool and there is no obligation for using it, it is easy to keep using it to keep seeing the various options that you have.

This tool is easy to use too. You can use it to provide you with all of the things that you need to make a good decision about the home loan you are taking in. Compare several different home loan lenders to see what they can offer you and to see just what the difference in dollars and cents is. Taking just a few minutes to carefully consider these options, by using a mortgage calculator can help you to benefit many times over in your home loan.

About the author: Maksim Fisher is a freelance writer, specialising in finance subjects such as loans, banking, mortgage calculator , etc. He recommends use of a mortgage calculator for calculations at http://www.mortgage calculatorplus.com .

Mortgage Loans After Bankruptcy - Ways To Boost Your Fico Score

Author: Carrie Reeder

After a bankruptcy is discharged, many lenders will offer you a home loan. In most cases, these lenders do not require new lines of credit or a high credit rating. Buying a home with good or fair credit has its advantages. These individuals likely obtain better mortgage rates and qualify for a range of home loans. Here are a few tips on ways to raise your credit score before applying for a mortgage.

Pay Creditors on Time

The habit you adopt for paying creditors can have a negative or positive effect on your credit report. If bills are regularly paid on time, your score will soar. Yet, paying a bill one day late may decrease your credit score by as much as 10 points.

If possible, pay bills a couple of days before the due date. Waiting until the due date to pay credit card bills will not have a negative effect on your score however, you may gain a few extra points with early payments.

Maintain Low Credit Card Balances

Following a bankruptcy, it is essential to open a new line of credit. This can be in the form of a credit card, gas card, retail store card, etc. If applying for a new credit card, avoid high balances. Ideally, consumers should keep credit cards at approximately 25% of the limit. Keeping a large balance will lower your credit score.

Stay Away from Credit Inquiries

Although credit inquiries are inevitable, especially when trying to re-establish credit, avoid applying for too many credit accounts. Many consumers are unaware of the damaging effects of inquiries. However, one inquiry can lower your credit score by 10 to 12 points. Because credit scores are already low following a bankruptcy, it is very important to keep inquiries to a minimum.

Carefully Monitor Credit Report

When attempting to boost your credit score, regular credit report monitoring is important. Homebuyers hoping to get approved for a prime rate mortgage will need a credit score of at least 680. After a bankruptcy, it will take time to achieve a high credit rating. However, if you take immediate steps to boost your score, it may be possible to get approved for a low rate mortgage within 24 months.

About the author: View our recommended online lenders to

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