Home Loans -- The Hot New Product? The 30-year, Fixed-rate Mortgage
In recent years, the mortgage industry has introduced dozens of new types of loans. The needs of every borrower are different, so the mortgage companies have tried to come up with an answer for every problem. Theyve introduced 40-year mortgages, promoted 15-year mortgages, and introduced the ... more...

Is the Inverse Mortgage a Scam? New Program Promises Mortgage Payoff inside of 5 Years
If a mortgage could be paid off in five years or less, without it costing homeowners an extra cent, why wouldnt every homeowner in America be doing it? Because they dont know, or because theyre too wise? Although the former may be the case for many, I certainly hope the latter is the answer for ... more...

Decision Time: Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit?
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit continue to grow in popularity. According to the Consumer Bankers Association, during 2003 combined home equity line and loan portfolios grew 29%, following a torrid 31% growth rate in 2002. With so many people deciding to cash in on their home's ... more...

3 Ways You Can Help Control Your Debt
Many people use credit as a way to make purchases, cover their basis in an emergency, and take family vacations. This of course is ok, but when the debt gets completely out of hand is when one has to be careful and begin to analyze the financial situation. Many people get in over their heads and ... more...

Is a Reverse Mortgage Good for Me?
A reverse mortgage is a loan against the equity in the home that provides tax-free cash advances, but requires no payments during the term of the loan. Since there are no monthly payments during the life of the loan, the balance grows larger and the equity gets smaller. Meaning the interest in ... more...

Fixed Rate Mortgage or ARM? Which is Better?
The fixed rate mortgage offers the certainty of a constant monthly payment, but an adjustable may seduce you with its lower payment. Security or affordability? Which do you choose? Just what is a home buyer to do?Which loan you eventually choose may depend more upon your personality than a careful ... more...

Interest Only Mortgage A Short Term Fix
Interest only mortgages can be a savvy fix to a short term mortgage need. When used properly interest only mortgages can save homeowners a lot of money. Here is how to use an interest only mortgage and stay out of financial hot water.Interest only mortgages have always been a risky proposition. ... more...

Real Estate Tip: Escrow Accounts -- Do You Really Need Them?
If you have a mortgage on your property, whether it's for your personal residence or a real estate investment, chances are you have an escrow account. But if you are working on building wealth through real estate, you may want to take a hard look at your escrow account (or accounts, if you own more ... more...

The Reverse Mortgage - What The Heck Is It Anyway?
Are you 62 or older and own your own home? Then, you probably qualify for a reverse mortgage.But, what the heck is it anyway? Well, if you still have a conventional mortgage ... or had one until you burned your loan papers ... this is simply the reverse of what you have or had.A reverse mortgage ... more...