First-time House Buyers: to Buy or Not to Buy; that is the Question
Buying your first house is always a difficult time. There are so many important decisions to make, and problems to be solved, which combine to make it one of the most stressful events that will occur in most peoples lives.Some of the most obvious problems include the need to:* find a suitable ... more...

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
FHA loan programs:FHA AccessFHA Cal GoldFHA Rural GoldFHA Mutal Mtg. InsuranceFHA 203 (k)FHA 203 bFHA 251FHA Title I programFHA MIP RefundThe Federal housing administration was created by Congress in 1934 as part of the national housing act. The purpose of the act, and of the FHA, was to generate ... more...

5 Tips for Savvy Use of Your Home Equity Line of Credit
Tapping your home's equity to pay college expenses, consolidate credit card debt or even to buy a new car or boat is common place. Many economists attribute the additional buying power afforded consumers through home equity debt as a primary reason the nation's economy has been able to emerge from ... more...

Home Improvements Turn Average Homes into Dreams Come True
If youre thinking about taking out a home improvement loan, there are several options to consider. First and foremost, your mortgage consultant needs to know why you want a home improvement loan. Here are some factors to take into consideration. How long have you been in the home? Will the ... more...

Is the Real Estate Bubble About to Burst?
How long can prices rise before no one can afford to buy? In a nutshell, that is the basic question that is niggling at the back of our collective subconscious when we talk about the real estate bubble.Real estate is appreciating at staggering rates - as much as 19% in some counties in Florida ... more...

What You Should Avoid in the Months Before a Home Purchase
Buying a home is a big step and there are some definite no-nos to avoid so that your home buying experience isn't something that makes you want to jump off the nearest bridge. While many people assume we are talking about the 'shopping around and making an offer' period no-nos, we are actually ... more...

6 Things to Consider Before Refinancing
Perhaps youre a homeowner in need of some quick cash.Maybe you want to consolidate your debts so you have better control of your money.Perhaps a lender is urging you to refinance because interest rates are low, and he has a too-good-to-be-true deal that will shorten your current loans term.Here are ... more...

How to Convert Your Real Estate Notes into Quick Cash
If youre a real estate investor needing quick cash, selling your notes could offer a fast, easy solution. It can happen to anyone. You find yourself in a situation where you need a chunk of cashinstantly. Maybe you have to handle an emergency or simply want to free up funds to invest elsewhere. ... 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...

No Money Down Loans
You want to buy a home but you do not have money for a down payment or for closing costs? Well, just forget it. At least that is what you have probably been told by people who think they know what they are talking about, but simply do not.There are many loan packages available for people with no ... more...

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever
With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition in the business is fierce. A day never passes that I don't hear some crazy advertisement about a new loan program that XYZ mortgage company has and no one else offers. One of the oldest programs remains steadfast in both its high ... more...

Home Sellers Warning for Young Families
If you're thinking about selling your home and moving up, do your homework before offering your home for sale. Read the following story to see what can happen to home sellers who don't do their math.A young family sold their home in California, before they determined how to buy their next house. ... more...

VA Loans, A Gift from Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam has a gift for the men and women who serve our country. It is the VA loan. The VA loan, short for Department of Veterans Affairs home loans, is available to veterans, active service members, reservists, and members of the Public Health Service. These loans are so popular, that in the past ... more...

Expense List for Buying a Home
There are many expenses that come with buying a home. The following list is a good example of what to expect:Down payment - A minimum of 20% of the homes purchase price is usually required for the best loan terms and to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (see below), but its entirely possible ... more...