When it Comes To Refinancing Your Home, a Refi is a Refi, Right?
In this day or automation, bill paying online and Internet loan applications, one would think that conducting a refinance loan is the same, no matter what. However, there are three main types of refinances, so it is important to learn the difference if you are considering refinancing.Rate/Term- ... more...

Is Home Mortgage Refinancing Really Worth It?
Is it really worth it? Excellent question... since the refinancing process can take upwards of 2-3 months to complete, plus the expenses and hassles of refinancing may outweigh the benefits.Not everyone should refinance just because rates are lower. The general rule of thumb is to consider ... more...

How Mortgages Work in the Primary and Secondary Market
There are many institutions that loan money to home buyers. Commercial banks, private lenders, credit unions, mortgage bank companies, insurance companies and pension funds. It can get confusing as things are always changing in the mortgage industry.Policies, interest rates, mortgage programs, ... more...

Will You Live Long Enough To Pay Off A 40-Year Mortgage
Owning home during the last three years has been like fall into a gold mine. Values have just gone up, up and away.If you are a homeowner you just can't stop smiling. The size of your home's equity may be matched only by the latest Power Ball total. But what about the first time home buyer or ... more...

40 Year Mortgages - Are They Right For You?
A 40 year mortgage, with either fixed or adjustable rates, is starting to receive more attention in the mortgage business. With interest rates rising and real estate prices booming in 2005, lenders are starting to offer the 40 year mortgage as a viable option for buying your dream home.Although ... more...

Buying Houses: Types of Bargains to Find
To make a good profit in real estate, you must buy right. Check out all property types available to find the best transaction for your specific situation. Consider fixers, distressed sales, repossessions, multiple listings, for sale by owners, and vacant properties just wasting away.Distressed ... more...

Leverage - Margin Debt
What is leverage?Here is a definition of leverage from an online dictionary "leverage - The use of credit or borrowed funds to improve one's speculative capacity and increase the rate of return from an investment, as in buying securities on margin."Essentially, the core idea of leverage is that ... more...

Mortgage Glossary - A Glossary of Mortgage Terms You Should Know
Acceleration Clause A clause in a mortgage defining that the entire outstanding balance can become due and payable should mortgage default occur. If the entire balance is not paid, the property will be foreclosed.Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Mortgage with interest rates that may be adjusted by ... more...

Rebuilding After Katrina: Smart Energy Choices
Energy efficiency has been part of the American lexicon since 1978 when the Energy Policy Act was first enacted. Since then, energy efficient homes and increased use of renewable energy resources have become the norm in states like New York and California. Policies and programs have supported these ... more...