Understanding Fixed-rate Mortgages
A fixed-rate mortgage is a mortgage on which the interest rate is set for the term of the loan. Your interest rate stays the same for the term of the mortgage or for a specified period of time. Most people use a fixed-rate mortgage. In fact, about 75 percent of all home mortgages have fixed rates. ... more...

Home Equity Line vs. Second Mortgage
Many homeowners today confuse home equity loans with second mortgages. Second mortgages and home equity loans can be used for the purpose of cashing out equity in your home; however, there are fundamental differences between the two.When lenders use the term home equity loan, they are most likely ... more...

Home Mortgages: How About Those 1.75% Loans?
Youve undoubtedly heard or seen ads for mortgages with very low interest rates such as 1.75%. For example, one mortgage company in the city where I live is advertising a 40-year mortgage with a 1.75% interest rate. That sounds like a pretty good deal, doesnt it? After all, if you were to buy a ... more...

A Possible Bargain: Foreclosed Properties
In the superheated San Francisco Bay Area property market, foreclosed properties are available at as much as 40% below market value, writes Srini Saripalli.The last few months of a calendar year are considered sluggish for transacting real estate, but Silicon Valley seems to be an exception to ... more...

Save Money and Lower your Payments by Improving or Repairing Your Credit
Having a better credit score not only represents easier access to money from lending institutions, but more importantly represents instant money in your pocket.This probably sounds like something obvious for most of people, but it isnt until you start thinking in terms of real examples and real ... more...

A Mortgage and Bank Trick You Should Avoid at All Costs
Once youve purchased your home, you will begin to get correspondence from your lender about a Mortgage Reduction Program, in which you can cut years off your mortgage, without adding money to your payment. This is another trick bankers have to get you to give them your payment sooner, so they can ... more...

Taxation of Forgiven Debt: The 1099C & You
Often people fall on hard times and stop paying on credit cards. After a while the account may go to an outside debt collector who might offer a settlement of the debt for 30-40% of theoriginal sum. Once this is paid, the debtor often thinks the matter is closed, but it is not! It is very likely ... more...

No Closing Cost Mortgage The Ugly Truth Could Cost You Thousands
There are a number of mortgage lenders advertising loans with no closing costs. These lenders brag that the mortgage comes with no closing costs, up-front points, appraisal fees, title insurance, or origination fees. If you sign up for this mortgage you pay nothing out of pocket at closing; ... more...

Lower Mortgage Payments Increase Wealth
Creating and maintaining wealth is a very difficult task. Ask any millionaire!!! The delicate balance of living a dream lifestyle and holding expenses tight creates this difficulty. As a financial advisor, I have assisted people accumulate monies to live their dream life while discovering ways to ... more...