Unravelling The Real Estate Buying Process in Canada
If youre a foreign national thinking about investing in the real estate market in Canada heres a run down of the typical buying process you should expect to encounter together with a general explanation of mortgages available to assist with the purchase.First things first though, you have to find ... more...

Thousands of Older Americans Are No Longer House Rich and Cash Poor
Nowadays, reverse mortgages are becoming popular among seniors and retirees as a way to supplement their income and allow them to live comfortably through their retirement.The number of seniors nationwide who took reverse mortgages in 2004 doubled from the previous year to more than 40,000, ... more...

How Can I Be A Millionaire?
Steve Martin once delivered an opening monologue for Saturday Night Live in which he answered the age-old question “How can I be a millionaire?” His answer was fairly simple and straightforward, “First… get a million dollars.” If at this point you can’t help but ... more...

Home Equity Loans: A Useful Financial Tool
The investment need of an individual varies with time. Thus the need to buy a car or invest in a new house, which may have seemed "beyond means" a few years ago, may be a relevant and wise decision today. However, taking a consumer loan at existing rates may add to the existing debt burden of the ... more...

Common Real Estate FAQs: Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
When looking into anything new, it is normal to have questions. Here are some common questions and answers about real estate to help you gain that edge when deciding whether buying a home is right for you.Which is better: renting or buying? Before buying, you need to determine what will save you ... more...

Do You REALLY Need a Home Equity Loan?
Your equity is the amount your home is worth, on the market, minus the amount you owe to your mortgage broker. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 and the balance you owe your mortgage broker is $100,000, then your home equity - the part of your property that you own free and clear - is ... more...

Easing Your Way Into Homeownership: A Guide To Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs
Theres no question about it: Buying a first home is a big financial commitment. In most cases, a home is the largest single purchase an individual or family will make in a lifetime. However, because of the tax advantages afforded to homeowners, buying a home also can be one of the best financial ... more...

Reverse Mortgage Putting Your Equity to Work
If you're like many seniors, your home is your largest asset, and although you are concerned about the thought of borrowing against it, your house may be the only way to increase your income.Rising real-estate prices have caused many seniors' homes to significantly increase in value. But unless ... more...

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 ... more...

Mortgage Refinance with Bad Credit - The Pros and Cons
To many, the term 'bad credit' is the end of the world when it comes to getting financing in the near future. However, it doesn't always have to be like that, you can take the bad credit mortgage refinance option!Mortgage refinance vs. equity financeIt is essential at the outset that you understand ... more...

Relaxed Mortgage Guidelines Open Door For Home Buyers With Past Credit Problems
For most people, the idea of going from renter to homeowner seems out of reach for one main reason: poor credit history. Many feel that because of their past credit problems, they have no chance of qualifying for a mortgage to own a home. In recent years however, many lenders have made it easier ... more...

Mortgage Refinancing - Does Size Matter After All?
Hopefully your ego has never had to experience the words, Its okay honey. Size doesnt matter. After all, whats important is the quality right? In a perfect world, perhaps this is true, but in the realm of mortgage refinancing, what is best is usually based on length. Let me explain.The majority of ... more...

Home Mortgage Loan Refinance - Refinancing a Fixed Rate Mortgage
Refinancing a fixed rate mortgage is usually only suggested when interest rates fall, but you can also save money by changing your loan terms. You can also pull out part of your equity to pay bills or renovate.Lower Interest RatesIn general when interest rates are at least 1% lower than your ... more...