Mortgage & Refinance Articles & News
What is an Interest Only Mortgage?
An Interest Only Mortgage is one where the repayments are made up entirely of the interest on the loan. When the mortgage term is complete, the capital originally borrowed is still outstanding.
What is a Tracker Mortgage?
A tracker mortgage 'tracks' the Bank of England base rate, meaning your mortgage stays in line with interest rates and the market in general. The result on your monthly mortgage interest payments is that they go up when the base rate goes up and go down when the base rate goes down.
What is a Current Account Mortgage?
Current account mortgages are fairly new to the sector. They are quite different to other types of mortgage as they enable you to set off all your savings and debts in one single account.
Escrow Accounts, Do You Absolutely Need One?
With escrow accounts the money for your home insurance and property tax is added to your monthly mortgage payment and is paid out each year. With that said, you may think that having an escrow account takes the responsibility off your shoulders because the bank will make the payment for you each year from your escrow savings account. But beware, because many people have found that their property tax and home insurance have not been paid on time or at all!
Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Reverse Mortgage
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.
What Exactly Is A Reverse Mortgage And How Does It Work?
A reverse mortgage is a certain loan that allows the older generation to take their home equity and turn it into cash. With this type of loan the bank is actually paying you monthly out of the equity in your home. The funds from reverse mortgages can be used for whatever you like. Many people like to use it for taking a trip, home renovations, buying new furniture, or just for day to day living. Most people don’t realize that they have this option with their homes equity.
10 Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Rep or Banke
This post is a must read for anyone considering purchasing a home be it today, tomorrow or next year. It is sound advice.
Guide to Flexible Mortgages
Flexible mortgages are also known as Australian Mortgages because they usually feature something which is common in Australia - interest recalculation on a daily basis.
What is an Offset Mortgage?
An offset mortgage is very similar to a current account mortgage - but instead of having everything all in one account, all accounts are held separately.
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage if Interest Rates Drop?
Mortgage refinancing is when you take a mortgage of a certain interest rate and term length, and change it for a different interest rate and term. If you are looking to refinance your home loan it is usually done when rates have dropped considerably therefore making it advantageous to do so. When I say considerably it usually means a drop of at least 1% from what you're paying now.
What is a Flexible Mortgage?
'Flexible mortgage' is a term that's used a lot, but what exactly does it mean? A flexible mortgage allows the borrower to make extra repayments when they have the extra money and even reduce or skip payments should the need arise.
Remortgages Guide
Outlined below is a useful remortgages guide. Remortgaging has become increasingly popular due to the relatively simple and flexible process.
Flexible Mortgage Tips
Outlined below are some useful flexible mortgage tips. The most prominent addition in recent years to the mortgage industry has been the flexible mortgage. As the name implies, it offers greater flexibility than the traditional mortgage.
5 Ways to Use Your Home Equity Line of Credit
Your home is a source of pride and accomplishment. Did you know that your home can also be an affordable source of income? As your home appreciates and you make your monthly mortgage payments you build what’s called equity. You can access this equity at attractive interest rates using a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Flexible Mortgage Guide
Flexible mortgages are loans which allow you to increase or decrease the size of your repayments within certain limits. This type of mortgage is relatively new.
Homes, To B(uy) or Not to B(uy)
Whether you are just moving out on your own for the first time, or you’ve moved ten times before, there is always a big choice to make. Do you rent or buy your home? There are valid arguments on both sides, and in different scenarios either one could be the right choice. When you start looking into your next, and possibly final living space, there are a number of things you should consider.
Bankruptcy and Buying a Home
Filing bankruptcy is a stressful time in a person's life. Along with discharging your debts and gaining a fresh start, you may wonder if you will be able to buy a home after a bankruptcy. The answer is yes! Mortgage companies and online lenders are now offering home loans for those who have a bankruptcy on their credit report. Some lenders will even approve your loan as soon as one day after your bankruptcy has been discharged.
No Money Down Home Loan
Are you in the market to purchase a home but are concerned about not having enough money for the down payment? No down payment home loans or 100% financing for your mortgage loan used to be only advertised during late night infomercials and in obscure real estate publications. The good news is that if you want to buy a house but have little or no money available for the down payment, there are mortgage lenders who are offering no money down home loans in your area. Currently, less than half ...
Home Loans and Mortgages – Beware of New Mortgage Elimination Scam
The booming real estate market has allowed many Americans to become “equity rich.” They may not have a lot of cash on hand, but they might have equity in their homes worth several hundred thousand dollars or more. Unfortunately, this increase in home wealth has spawned an equally booming business in equity theft, as more and more thieves find increasingly clever ways to con homeowners out of their equity, their homes, or both. One clever new scam involves companies that promise to ...
Home Equity Lines of Credit Vs. Other Conventional Loans
When it comes to getting money, you have two basic options. If you are a homeowner you can choose to take out a home equity line or credit (HELOC), or you can take out a conventional loan. Both of these products will provide you with the funds needed, but the similarities end there. With varying interest rates and repayment options, you have a wide array of choices. We will discuss the differences between these two options, and then decide on which one is best for the typical homeowner. ...
What is a Self Certification Mortgage?
A Self-Certification mortgage is a mortgage designed for people who are unable to provide proof of income. This type of mortgage was originally designed for the self employed who historically experienced difficulty obtaining a loan with 'high street' lenders due to not having audited accounts available.
Home Equity Loans Online
If you are in the market for a home equity loan, consider an online lender. Home equity loans online are fast and easy. You could be approved in just minutes when you apply online for a home equity loan. The online lending industry is highly competitive. Online lenders are offering home equity loans with the lowest interest rates in years. When you apply for a home equity loan online, you will be assured of professional service, prompt attention to your questions, and expert advice ...
Refinance Your Second Mortgage
A 2nd mortgage is a secured loan on your property, with your home serving as collateral. Depending on the particular terms of your second mortgage, you could be able to refinance if you wish to reduce your monthly payments or are in need of extra cash. Refinancing a 2nd mortgage can be an option for those who want to pay off their mortgage (excluding any home equity lines of credit), reduce the interest rate they currently pay on their second mortgage, or simply want reduce their monthly ...
4 Things to Watch Out for When Choosing a Mortgage Company
We all know that there are a lot of mortgage companies out there. But how do you know which company to choose? Some companies have flashy advertisements about low interest rates, but are they really the best company to choose? A mortgage is a very large investment, so the company that you choose has to be the best company out there for you. As a mortgage expert, I can give you a few tips when choosing a mortgage company.
California Refinance Refinancing in California
The real estate market in California is booming. Home values continue to appreciate almost on a daily basis. Refinancing your home is an excellent way to take advantage of the low interest rates currently being offered by California lenders. The beautiful scenery and warm climate make California and ideal place for families and businesses alike. If you currently live in California and are considering refinancing your mortgage, there are both online lenders and traditional mortgage companies ...
Home Equity Loans 5 Useful Application Tips
Obtaining a home equity loan does not have to be a major ordeal. Unlike your first mortgage, you are already in the home, and usually time is not such a major factor. You can close the loan at your own leisure, and take your time researching the different options available to you. Below you will find five tips that will help you make the process as painless as possible. Remember that your best defense is a good offense, so understand the process and everything that is involved. Don’t let ...
What is a Buy To Let Mortgage?
A buy to let mortgage is a mortgage on a property which is to be let out or rented, rather than occupied by the owner. A buy to let mortgage is exactly as it sounds - a mortgage that allows you to buy a property in order to let if out to a tenant.
Buy To Let Mortgages – 'To Let' in Reasonable Capital Growth with Financial Obligation
Every individual needs a home and every home needs an owner. Perhaps you are already a homeowner. If you can afford why not buy a home and let it out on rent. It can be immensely rewarding if you need a loan. Buy to let is when a buyer buys a property to let it out for commercial purposes. Mortgages specific to these kind of purchase are called buy to let mortgages.
New York Refinance Refinancing in New York
If you are looking to refinance in New York, it helps to get the facts before you begin the refinancing process. If you have an existing high interest mortgage, refinancing now could be the best choice for you. You can choose to refinance with cash out to make home improvements or to consolidate bills, or to simply refinance your existing mortgage to a lower interest rate that will save you a lot of money over time. New York real estate is always a booming business. Mortgage lenders in New ...
Home Loans Federal Regulators Warn Lenders to Be More Careful
Federal banking regulators have recently expressed some concern over the housing market as home prices in the United States have risen to record levels. While homes are more unaffordable than ever for many people, the lending market remains strong, mostly because of the introduction of new, ever-more-flexible types of loans. While these newer loan types, such as the interest-only loan, make buying a home easier for some borrowers, they also propose a greater risk to the lender.