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Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

So You need to Apply for a Loan?

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

by Russell Marsh

It’s important not to apply for several loans at once when you are researching the loan market. Every time you apply for a loan this leaves a note on your credit file and if you make multiple applications it can look like you have been refused by multiple lenders. New lenders looking at this could assume that other lenders are refusing you and so have an easy decision to make in also turning you down.

The best way forward then is to try and get loan agreements in principle without having the full credit search. Then compare whats on the table and apply for the loan that bests suits your needs. If a lender turns you down then you MUST find out why. Lenders are not required by law to tell you why you were refused but in reality most lenders will give their reasons. It is vital to get the reason for refusal and check the reason is valid before you consider applying for another loan.

Lender’s requirements. A lender needs to be as sure as possible that you can handle a loan responsibly and therefore if you have not borrowed money in the past you may find it difficult to get the best rate available. This is because your lack of a borrowing track record makes it hard for the lender to judge how reliable a customer you might be.

If you can show that you are capable of managing your money properly, maybe by having a credit card and a mobile phone and keeping them in good standing then possibly this might bring the best rate loan offers closer to you

One thing you can’t be when applying for loan is overstretched financially. Your credit records are there for all lenders to see and they can see immediately what your monthly commitments are and also how you have been handling those commitments. They can also see your credit limits so it’s a good idea to cancel any unused credit cards as those low limits could put a lender off you. If other lenders are only allowing a little then why should the new lender have confidence?

Explain your special circumstances. If you have a bad credit record, or you are currently having some financial problems, it makes a lot of sense to seek advice rather than simply borrow more. If you have ever missed repayments in the past they remain on your credit record for at least 36 months. IVAs, Court judgments and bankruptcies stay on the record for at least six years.

If Special circumstances have affected your performance on a finance agreement in the past then explain these circumstances. For instance if you have been ill or had an accident and this affected your earnings and therefore your ability to pay temporarily you can make a note on your credit file and lenders will certainly consider this when looking at you for a loan

ALWAYS steer clear of any organisation that claims it will repair your credit record - this is simply NOT possible unless a serious mistake has been made, in which case you can easily fix it yourself. Certainly never pay any company for so called “credit repair”, any type of debt advice or rescheduling of debts.

There is usually a good reason for credit being refused to you. If you are having difficulties then the wisest step is first of all to review your spending. A good mover could be to consult with a debt councilling service.

One very simple and quick way to improve your credit rating is to register on the electoral roll if you aren’t on it already. Credit reference agency Experian tells us that lenders use the electoral roll as a precaution against fraud, to help check that you are who you say who you are and live where you claim to live. If you are registered at a different address to the one on the application form, or don’t appear on the electoral roll at all, they may ask for proof of residence or could simply turn you down.

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How Does a Reverse Mortgage Work: Things You Want to Know

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

by Igor Buces

Since a reverse mortgage is different from a traditional home mortgage, a lot of homeowners ask themselves how does a reverse mortgage work. Since it’s a big economical decision, it’s a very good idea to understand as much as you can about how a reverse mortgage works.

Any time you obtain a reverse mortgage, you may choose to get the funds in one of three manners: one-time sum, credit line or regular payments. Depending on your particular needs, you may select the most beneficial one for you.

In Addition, reverse home mortgages are different because you rarely need to make any repayments on the home mortgage for as long as you stay in the property. Because the bank is the one giving you the money, the equity in your house goes down as you receive this money.

However, you can never have to pay the bank more than the home is valued at. At the time the payment is due (because you choose to sell the home or move somewhere else,) you can have very little equity in the house. Nonetheless, there is a clause that prevents you from owing more cash than the home is valued at.

Since you’ll never have to pay any monthly payments, you don’t need any earnings or credit rating history to be eligible. You only need to be over 62 years of age, and have enough equity in your house. Usually, it is one of the simplest mortgages to be eligible for.

A lot seniors choose to apply for a reverse mortgage because it permits them to have a short of extra income to make up for the loss of their regular earnings. Other times, they elect a reverse mortgage because it’s the easiest method to remain in their own house without making any regular payments.

The amount you can borrow depends on a three major conditions:

- Your age

- The present market interest rate

- Your house estimated value or the FHA’s mortgage limit for your state

In general, the older you are, the more valuable your property is and the lower the interest rates are, the more money you can receive from the bank.

You likewise need to keep in mind that because you retain proprietorship of the property, you are still responsible for the real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. If you don’t pay these fees, you may be taken out of your home.

As told previously, getting a reverse mortgage is an important decision. That’s why it’s up to you to learn as much as you can about how does a reverse mortgage work.

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Because reverse mortgages work unlike a regular home loan, you want to be aware of the principal pitfalls of a reverse mortgage. Learning of these problems ahead of time can save you thousands of dollars over the span of the mortgage.

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
by Igor Buces

As a starting point, you want to consider that no all reverse mortgages are the same. Before applying for a reverse mortgage, you need to ensure that you are choosing the correct kind. The 2 major types are the private reverse mortgage and the FHA backed reverse home mortgage.

In a private reverse mortgage, there are essentially no limits on how much money you can be charged. Anytime you hear of horror stories of homeowners who got a reverse mortgage and ended up being charged too much money is because they elected this type of home loan. Keep away from this home loan.

With a FHA backed reverse mortgage, there are many laws that mortgage lenders must follow. FHA regulates this type of reverse mortgage and limits the fees that lenders may charge you. Naturally, you invariably want to choose this kind of reverse mortgage.

Furthermore, with a FHA backed reverse mortgage, you have the opportunity to a free advising session. In this session, you can question all the questions you have. Write all your questions before the session so that you do not forget later on. Take full advantage of this session.

A different one of the pitfalls of a reverse mortgage is when a mortgage lender is too eager for you to get a reverse mortgage so that you pay for something else: a second house, an investment tool, etc. Often, be careful of mortgage lenders who appear to be too eager about you getting the reverse mortgage.

Moreover, keep in mind that even though you won’t have to make any recurring payments, you are nevertheless responsible for the regular fees related with the title of a home: real estate taxes, regular maintenance, insurance, etc.

You may choose to use a portion of the money you get from the reverse mortgage to pay for these costs. This way, you can ensure that you will stay in your home for as long as you choose.

Furthermore, a reverse home mortgage may not be the cheapest solution for you. You may contemplate to refinance or to sell the home. Naturally, a reverse home mortgage may be the best answer for you if you want to live in your home and do not want to pay any monthly payments or if you need a consistent “second income.”

In conclusion, try to choose a FHA insured reverse mortgage lender. Also, maintain adequate funds to pay for the maintenance costs and ensure that a reverse mortgage is the cheapest or more appropriate solution for you. In this way, you can be sure to reduce the pitfalls of a reverse mortgage.

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