How to Prequalify a Buyer When You Sell Your Home "By Owner"
One questions many "for sale by owner" sellers ask is "how can I determine if a potential buyer can afford to buy my house?" In the real estate industry this is referred to as "pre-qualifying" a buyer. You might think this is a complex process but in reality it is actually quite simple and only ... more...

A Quick Guide to Mortgages
Buying a dream home is one of the major milestones of any individuals life. The price of real estate is increasing day by day. The designer and flashy homes, which appeal us the most, are beyond the financial capabilities of a lot of individuals. However, this fact should not deter us from ... more...

Evaluating Your Customer
It is one thing to make a sales presentation, but it is another thing to make a sales presentation without first evaluating your customer. For all you know, you could be selling your customer something that they already have, or something they dont want, dont need, or cant afford.This is why it is ... 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...

Fixed Rate or Adjustable?
Fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages are two choices of mortgage loans that most lenders will offer you. Your financial situation, how long you plan to live in the home, the current interest rates, and what risks you are willing to take is the best way to decide which loan makes the most sense ... more...

Just What is a Broker?
In most circumstances a broker is a third party to an agreement to purchase a commodity, the item being bought and sold is neither owned nor controlled by the broker who simply acts as an intermediary and is normally paid on completion of an agreement. Brokers who also act as sellers or as buyers ... more...

How to Compare Fixed Rate Mortgages and Adjustable Rate Mortgages
There are many types of mortgages, and the more you know about them before you start, the better. To compare one Adjustable Rate Mortgage with another or with a fixed-rate mortgage, you need to know about indexes, margins, discounts, caps, negative amortization, and convertibility. You need to ... more...

Interest-only Mortgages Have Their Pitfalls
Rising home prices, particularly on the East and West coasts have put the costs of home ownership seemingly beyond the reach of many. And yet, home ownership is up nationwide, and the percentage of Americans who own their homes is the highest it has ever been. How is this possible?There are more ... more...

Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) Loan -- Which Should You Choose
Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) LoanYou've finally decided to add that patio you've always wanted to your home. Now you can enjoy barbecue outdoors and get a little fresh air every now and again. But how are you going to pay for it? If you're like most people, you don't have cash for home repairs ... more...

40-Year Mortgages: An Alternative to Interest-only Loans?
Interest-only loans are quickly becoming a mainstream loan product. Borrowers who were initially turned-off by the perceived risk associated with an interest-only loan are now starting to see the benefits: Lower payments, less money tied up in equity, more flexibility, etc.For the savvy borrower, ... more...

Home Loans Lenders Continue to Offer High-Risk Loans
Home prices in the Untied States continue to soar, and the remarkable run of real estate as the must have investment continues. The median price of a new home, which only recently crossed the $200,000 barrier, is now $215,000. The high prices of homes havent deterred buyers; sales in June reached ... more...

Is Consolidating Loans Right For You?
Consolidating loans makes sense but only if you can pay a lower interest rate than what you're paying now. This is especially true if you are consolidating mortgage loans. Be aware of your total overall costs to avoid getting deeper in debt than when you started.Have you ever asked yourself why ... more...