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Monday, February 2, 2009

Student Loans Are Getting Denied Due To Bad Credit

By Tim Beachum

Not many young people care too much about their credit let alone worrying about the intricacies of student loans. After all they have enough to worry about with watching television and gossiping about who is dating whom. Then they find out that because of their substandard credit that they do not qualify for the standard student loans. This is the first devastating blow of reality. Its understandable why most young people would be a little discouraged.

If you should find yourself in this predicament the first thing that you should do is start hunting down a co-signer. In most cases you are met with rejection when you approach someone to be a co-signer. However when asking someone to co-sign for a student loan they are usually a little more acceptable. Make sure that you approach your prospect with your career plans in hand.

If you do land a qualified cosigner this works out to your advantage. The financial institution will take the cosigners credit score into consideration. Thus landing the student a better loan with a lower interest rate. If a student has a poor credit score chances are this may be the best route for you.

Ok its a swing and a miss You give it your best shot and you still cannot find a qualified co-signer. You next best option for a student loan is to contact banks as well as other lending institutions. Your goal by doing so is to find out if there are any alternative methods of financing your education. Many times these lending institutions will have a high interest rate solution. I bet you seen that one coming a mile away!

Once you finally find a loan that works for your situation dont start to think about it to deeply. Thinking about those high interest rates is not where your focus needs to be at this point in your life. Look at it this way - most college courses take 4-5 years for a student to complete. This is more than enough time for you to reestablish your credit at which time you can refinance your high interest rate loan for one with a much lower rate.

A third option that you should know about is called a combination loan. If you have bad credit due to poor money management i.e. a lot of debt this option may be for you. A combination loan will allow you to consolidate your existing debt and then apply for one big loan to pay all of it off. By consolidation your loans chances are you will end up paying a lower monthly interest rate.

I almost forgot about the Stafford Loan and the Perkins Loan. These loans are geared towards those that are having financial hardships

It is important to keep in mind that even in a worse case scenario, obtaining a student loan or a scholarship is nothing more than a numbers game. If you were to go online and apply for every student loan and scholarship program that you can find you will be approved for a few of them. You will be blown away at the number of available loans and scholarships that you can apply for. The fact of the matter is you just may end up getting a free ride regardless of your financial situation. The key to your success is to avoid being discouraged and to keep plowing forward.

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Type of property

By reklicom

Here's what you need to do...Promise yourself that you'll spend 30 uninterrupted minutes each day working on the marketing part of your mortgage business. Set aside a 30 minute block of time. Turn off your cell phone. Checking your email and surfing the Internet is not allowed. Answering the phone is not allowed. Out bound calls are allowed. Use a timer or alarm because clock watching is not allowed either.The next 30 minutes are your marketing minutes, so make the most of this time. Here are but a few suggestions on how to spend those precious 30 minutes:

Then, in 2006, a slowdown in real estate led to a deterioration of home values, an increase in inventories, and ultimately to today's tightening of credit guidelines, leaving many investors unable to sell or refinance out of their existing positions. Many Americans who had tapped into their equity were suddenly tapped-out and overextended as home values fell. Foreclosures followed in record numbers and a re-valuation of mortgage bonds and other financial instruments created the credit/liquidity domino effect we're now experiencing.

Unfortunately, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. According to the latest estimates, over 2 million subprime and Alt-A adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) holders will face payment increases of up to 30%-100% when their loans reset in the next 2 to 18 months. These loans make up less than 40% of the total mortgage market, but the negative effects, as we have seen, of increased foreclosure activity can have a ripple effect throughout the industry and around the globe.

Thou shalt say "Thank You" often. Every savvy marketer knows that a 'thank you' is important. They don't have to be showy or expensive. Just make sure the 'thank you' is classy and considerate, and the kindness you have shown will eventually be repaid to you many times over.

Finally, there's an important concept to embrace: all markets, while cyclical in nature, are self-correcting, be it credit, real estate, stocks, or bonds. For the last 6 or 7 years, real estate was booming and riding high. The correction we're experiencing now " while it seems harsh and could get much worse " is, in a sense, "natural" and directly related to the extremely loose guidelines and perhaps overzealous lending and leveraging during the boom cycle. Thou shalt follow the 30 day contact rule. Your customers, prospects and advocates (those who refer business to you) should hear from you every 30 days without fail. You should call them, email them, and send them postcards, note cards, a newsletter, or mortgage news and happenings.

Thou shalt create and maintain a detailed Mortgage customer, prospect list, and contact list. Thou shall allocate time each week to maintaining and updating thy lists. For it is these lists that hold the customers that will be in your next mortgage pipeline and your pipeline for years to come.

This means that, for any Americans looking to buy, sell, or refinance a home, they are confronting a very different market from the one that existed just 6-12 months ago.

How did this happen?The recent real estate boom was fueled by a period of record home appreciation and historically low interest rates. Banks, in order to compete, loosened guidelines and began offering more funding to more borrowers through riskier, non-conforming or "exotic" mortgages.

Yes, I'm very much a believer in continuing education and self improvement. There's no doubt you need to allocate time every day to do these things too. But, this 30 minute block of time we are scheduling is your "marketing time" and has a direct bearing on your loan originations, your pipeline and your bank account. Start this little program today, your mortgage marketing success depends on it.

What does this mean to you and your mortgage?Sellers: If you're planning on selling your home, be prepared for an even smaller pool of qualified buyers. While some experts predict a settling of this credit crisis over the coming year, tightened credit guidelines and diminishing mortgage products could knock out as many as 15%-30% of potential qualified buyers.

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Student Loan Consolidation benefits

By Dennis Powell

Recent college grads and former students will find many benefits to consolidating their student loans. Frequently set up during the initial grace period after the borrower leaves school, consolidation programs offer the borrower a chance to reduce payments, lock in a fixed interest rate, and extend payment terms if necessary.

Student Loan Consolidation is a great way to simplify payment options. The typical student leaves school with loans from a variety of sources. By using a single consolidation loan, you can reduce the stress of keeping track of different monthly payments and payoff schedules by rolling all of your loans into a single package.

Locking in a lower fixed interest rate is a great benefit of consolidation loans for students. Interest rates change over the course of a students career, and most end up with a variety of rates - some fixed, some variable - spread over their financial aid package. A consolidation loan provides a clearer picture of how much the borrower is paying in interest and principle each month, and also makes it easier to calculate deductions at tax time.

Lower monthly payments are also possible with a student consolidation loan. By reducing the number of lenders you are working with the borrower can often get a single payment that is lower than the sum of all of their other payments. Sometimes you can reduce this number even more by selecting the automatic payment option which will automatically make payments each month out of the bank account you designate.

Extend your payment terms with student loan consolidation. Extended payment terms are another feature of consolidated student loan programs that can help borrowers get their careers started without having to overcome the burden of a large monthly payment. By taking extended payoff terms, a borrower can make lower payments on their loan when they are just out of school, then after a few years if their career has progressed they can often either refinance to a shorter term or make extra payments if they choose.

Student loan consolidation can provide recent grads the tools they need to make a solid transition into life once they have completed their formal education. Reduced monthly payments, fixed interest rates, and extended payment plans, help the entry level worker stay current on their obligations while simplified record keeping allows them to focus on their new careers instead of how to repay their loans. Student loan consolidation programs help former students start their new life on the track to success.

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Making a Family Budget

By Samantha Asher

Do you have a family? Do you struggle with money? Do you spend money whenever you feel like it? If you said yes to all of these, you have a problem. You need to set up a budget to get your family's finances on track and get out of debt if you have any.

Debt comes in all shapes and sizes. You could have car loans, small business loans, loans from family, credit card debt, or money owed from any type of financing.

In order to pay off your debt, save for emergencies, and contribute to retirement, you need to either spend less, earn more, or do both simultaneously. Of course, doing both will make the process much faster. Once you pay off your debt, you can move onto your savings goals.

In order to begin cutting back on your family's spending, you need to come up with a budget. A family budget will control the spending of your entire family, including both spouses. Both spouses need to be in agreement on the family budget.

Both parents need to be in on the family budget. If one spouse spends all the money the other is trying to save, no progress will be made. The kids also need to learn better money management. Instead of giving them money whenever they ask, make them get a job and earn their own money.

Your first step in planning must be to pay off all debt, aside from a mortgage. As long as you keep debt, it will keep on growing. Pay it off before it gets out of control. Also, you should set up a retirement account and start contributing as soon as possible. If you ever want to retire, you'll need to start saving now.

If you feel like you don't spend a lot but are still living paycheck to paycheck, you need to take a serious look at how you're living. You don't have to be going into debt and be a shopaholic to be living above your means. It's the small things that can save you money.

Cut back on your television subscription, downgrade your car to get rid of car payments, buy store brands, or skip your morning coffee. Maybe it's your residence that is doing you in? Buy a smaller house or a cheaper apartment until you get your finances under control.

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Can I Preserve My Credit In The Event Of This Bill Consolidation

By Frank Froggatt

If you are getting behind on your accounts and don't know what to do to get back on your feet once again, you may be curious about what debt consolidation would do to your credit.

If so, you are 1 of millions to reach this point, and as luck would have it for you there is a great deal of aid acquirable. First Off if you are going to get behind on your bills you can begin a debt consolidation at any point. All you need to do is discover a company and telephone them up to get more info. Commonly the lenders in this case will close any open business relationships you still have, and you won't be able to use them ever again, but this is a small cost to ante up when you can't make the requitals anyways

Some people worry that a debt consolidation will further damage their credit, and it could perchance. Regrettably, it depends. In a standard debt consolidation plan, there are ways to ensure that your credit rating doesn't suffer. Begin by shutting down the accounts that you want to consolidate. Closing Down these yourself saves you from making your creditors do it. When they close them, your credit report presents that there were troubles and they had to cut down or remove your credit privileges.

The optimal matter you can execute to keep your credit healthy is get in a debt consolidation plan while you are still up to date with your accounts. That way you will pay them all but with a lighter rate of interest and you won't get the comment: "paid as agreed" on your credit rating report. This annotation means you paid them back, but not the whole measure, presenting future creditors with the fact that you may not be suited for much credit because you may not pay back in full.

Now if you are going to sustain a home equity loan for a debt consolidation you will have even fewer problems with your creditors. You should nevertheless call and cancel the business relationships yourself, then sustain the whole pay back sum and pay it, this again will make it so they don't give you the negative comment on paid in full. Additionally though, because your home is collateral for the loan you will be able to pay off all your bills and then pay off this loan at a real low interest rate. This could save you thousands reckoning on your debt.

No matter which means you pick out to go about performing a debt consolidation as long as you choose a great party you will sustain a good deal of help in repairing your credit so that you will still be capable of getting funding when required. Merely think to ask, if they don't volunteer the tips, that way you don't miss out.

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How To Deal With A Bankruptcy And Come Out On Top

By Chris Channing

When a bankruptcy occurs, a consumer is declaring all of his or her debts as too much, and they disappear. This may seem like magic, but know that it is far from it. Bankruptcy will mar a credit rating of the consumer for up to 10 years, and will be a factor in the hiring process of jobs and even applications for living spaces.

Spending money is most often the section of one's personal finances that needs the most attention. Shopping habits that have gone out of control account for many of the debts incurred today, and most of these poor habits come from younger adults who have little experience with how credit works. The worst part is, most of those in debt have multiple credit cards they use on a daily basis- which multiplies their debts. Obtain counseling if you aren't sure you can stop your habit, and try cutting your credit cards up for good measure.

There are financial aids that are available, sometimes for free if it is part of a government program. Financial aids will be able to ask credit companies and lenders for better deals, consolidate debts, or otherwise budget a consumer who has proven he or she can't do so. This is the best solution for young adults who haven't had the helpful guidance in finance topics from parents.

When market conditions change, interest rates that are current may be better than rates of the past in which loans and debts were tacked on. If that is the case, refinancing a debt is possible, in which the better interest rates are applied to the debt. This isn't always much of a help with small debts, but even with as little as $1,000 in debt it can make a considerable difference each month.

Debt consolidation is also another way to help get around debt problems. If money is owed to a lot of different credit companies and lenders, it is a hard time to figure out who to pay and who to delay. While this can usually be handled with a financial adviser, consumers themselves can haggle with credit companies to make custom payment plans. As consumers find, companies are usually fairly lenient in how they get paid as long as they do get paid.

Of course, spending money isn't always the problem in the equation. Making money, whether employed or not, is what should be targeted after expenses are lined out. obtaining a second job if employment is had is always a good idea. Otherwise, applying for government benefits of unemployment or disability can help alleviate the blow of debts that comes each month.

Final Thoughts

One's options in paying off their debt is going to be unique to their individual situation. Talk to a lender or financial assistant for more information on getting out of the grasp of a growing debt.

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Is your University really Worth that Much?

By Samantha Asher

The range in cost of a college education is huge. You could go to a community college for just a few thousand a year, or you could go to a top private school and pay up to $40,000 a year or more. It is going to cost you to go to college, no matter where you go, and tuition increases show no sign of slowing down.

It is shocking to see how much more a private school is than a state school. How can one school charge $25,000 a year more for the same degree? Is it really the same degree? Are you getting the same education?

State schools are cheaper than private schools, but this doesn't mean they are of any less quality. The reason why they are cheaper is because the state colleges get money from the government which allows them to charge you less.

Private schools don't get a dime from the government whereas state schools do. They get help from the government which allows them to charge much less in tuition. Private schools get nothing so you have to foot the bill entirely through your tuition and fees. It has nothing to do with an inferior education.

College is worth as much as you get out of it, not the price you pay. Believe it or not, many public state schools are more 'prestigious' than private schools that cost more. Searching for a college to attend is a very involved process. If you want to get the best education for the best price, stop looking at the tuition price as a value rating.

What careers are you interested in? Look into the programs you are interested in of the colleges of your choice. If they don't have your major, rule out that school. Ask friends and acquaintances who go to or went to the schools what they thought about them and the programs they offered.

Make sure you get all your information from reliable sources. Don't listen to gossip from people who know nothing about the colleges. Listen to past graduates and people who have been there. Even online reviews such as Princeton Reviews are much more reliable than that guy who's been bad-mouthing your favorite school because he wasn't accepted.

Keep an eye on the price. Higher costs do not mean a better education. Don't let price be any deciding factor, at first, and then, when you've narrowed down schools, choose the cheapest. If you've rated 5 schools as great and the least expensive is only $10,000 a year, you might as well save the money.

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Learning How To Become A Well-Endowed Wealth Wonk

By Chris Channing

Wealth Wonk, literally defined, is someone who studies the ins and outs of finances. This is mostly centered around personal finance and investing, and is something everyone who yearns for a stable financial life years down the road should investigate. Knowing what to do when opportunity presents, and how to budget one's finances, is what separates Wealth Wonks from the rest of the population.

Making a good decision on an investment is an obvious way of making a return on an investment. But the many factors that go into weighing the benefits and pitfalls of investments aren't always reviewed as they should. Keeping in mind the risk, investment amount, government and bank influence on the decision, and any repercussions the investment may have should be discussed. The best investment is going to have minimal interference with lenders and government, be low risk, and have a high payout- but don't expect to find too many of such investments.

Every dollar counts when an investment takes its toll on one's money supply. One way Wealth Wonks save every dollar possible is through avoiding the credit industry as much as possible. While it's good to have credit, and to build it over time, depending on it too much will result in hundreds to thousands of dollars each year in lost savings that could have been avoided. Instead of buying a new car outright, consider a slightly aged car or even saving up money for the new car to buy it all at once.

Jumping on the bandwagon isn't always a good idea, but it has proven to make some quite the pretty penny. Knowing when trends are going to falter and when they are just beginning is key in making money from following the crowd. A key example is in stocks, where many investors buy a stock as it starts to rise, and most will sell when it starts to drop. Obviously, holding onto a stock too long will result in certain negative impact on one's investment.

Long term planning is a personal goal of the Wealth Wonk. Wealth Wonks that start out early are proven to have the highest chance of success in later years. Often times, it isn't uncommon to see a Wealth Wonk becoming keen on their finance intellect in their early 20's, and then benefiting from their efforts only years later. Being financially stable, as we can see, is a matter of choice and not a matter of luck.

To continue on the road of becoming a Wealth Wonk mogul, consider going to the local bookstore and buying books related to wealth building and personal budgeting. Also seek out information over the Internet, where a wealth of websites have been put together that offer different tips and opinions. Of course, the ability to hire a personal consultant is also a possibility too.

Final Thoughts

Wealth Wonks are hard to spot amidst so much troubles with the economy, but they do indeed prevail even under trying conditions. To become one of the elite, go online to see how you can secure your finances for a better future today.

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Boston Condominiums

By K. Kim

Boston is the nations seventh largest metropolitan area and it is one of the America's oldest cities with diverse culture and history. It offer living space from affordable to the most luxurious condominiums in many different neighborhoods. Here are some range of prices for Boston condominiums.

The Boston condominiums can range in the following. Fenway area prices range in $161,900 up to $475,000. In Beacon Hills, the prices range in $284,000 up to $5,750,000. In Back Bay area the price range in $299,000 up to $16,990,000 where you can find one of the most luxurious condos. In Charlestown area the price range in $129,000 up to $1,395,000.

Here are some other neighborhoods and there prices. Waterfront $329,000 to $3,525,000. North End $220,000 to $899,000. South End $185,000 to $4,495,000. Midtown $349,000 to $6,900,000. Again the prices are as diverse as the neighborhoods.

With so much diversity in prices you can find the range that fits your need and your budget, whether that is lower end housing or the luxury high rise high prices condos. In Boston you can find many things to do and many attractions to visit. Attractions like New England Zoo, Boston Symphonies, and Boston Ballet makes life enjoyable in a large city. Harvard and many institutions of higher learning makes Boston a home. You can call one of these Boston condominiums home.

Due to many options to choose from, it is wise to do enough research, getting information from reliable friends or relatives as well as the web makes it a good idea. Convenience is some of the advantages of owning a Boston condominiums. You don't have the headaches for repairing or maintaining your place of residence, the association takes care of all these at a fee.

So, right now is the right time to buy a Boston condo because of recent economic downturn, many new condos are available for sale in either foreclosure or short sale market. You can also look into luxury condos, since Boston has many of them listed in the real estate listing services.

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What you need to know about the Bankruptcy law change

By Josh Ramos

Many people are currently under the impression that bankruptcy is no longer an option for them because of recent changes to the bankruptcy law. They have been told through word of mouth about the bankruptcy reform law, and they assume that this option for a new financial start is no longer available.

It's true that there have been some changes, but bankruptcy remains an option that you can and probably should discuss with a lawyer (and possibly a financial adviser if you can afford it). Bankruptcy is certainly not appropriate in every situation, but it can be a lifesaver for many individuals with overwhelming amounts of debt.

The reason that many people are confused about the current state of the bankruptcy code is that Congress passed a new law in the year 2005. This new law is extraordinarily complicated, and even lawyers may have difficulty sorting through all the details and restrictions.

The law places additional requirements for those trying to declare bankruptcy, and these requirements include mandatory counseling and having to prove your income and your need for bankruptcy. Still, bankruptcy has not been eliminated as an option for most people. You may have to go through some additional requirements, however, such as the means test.

If your annual income is lower than the median income for your state, then you don't even have to worry about this so called bankruptcy means test. That's because if your income is very low, it's not hard to believe you when you say that you're broke. If your income is higher than the median, you will have to go through a more rigorous process to prove that you need to declare bankruptcy.

This will involve documenting your income and your expenses carefully. You absolutely have to document all of your creditors carefully, or you can have some difficulty later on if your case is reviewed and found to have errors.

It may seem like a painstaking process, but your lawyer should be there to help you through the process. In case you're wondering about trying to declare bankruptcy on your own, let me save you the trouble. Don't even think about going it alone. The new bankruptcy reform makes things much more complicated even for lawyers, let alone lay people.

A good bankruptcy lawyer will have kept up to date on all the developments. This is important because the new bankruptcy law is quite complex, and there will be various court rulings on how to apply the bankruptcy code to various situations. Your lawyer must be well versed in all these things.

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Buying a Philadelphia Condominiums

By J. Kim

Condominiums today are highly desirable by home buyers. It offers convenience as well as comfort and spacious living. Currently it is buyers market since the highs of the mid 2007. With the economy in steep recession and financial meltdown, the prices of Philadelphia condominiums have become more affordable even the luxurious condos.

With many amenities and customization condos offer a living space for single family home or as place for retirees to live. In Philadelphia, "the city of brotherly love", it offers many attractions and modern living in the heart of a urban city.

As you know Philadelphia is home to many past rich American History, it is the birthplace of American Democracy and was home to many famous American. In the last year or so Philadelphia condominiums market has seen over supply of inventories, still the market seem to continue to function as buyers and sellers on making deals and condos are changing hands.

With current drop in prices of Philadelphia condominiums, many developers are offering upgrades and other incentives to move unsold condos. In the short term, market seems to be in roller coaster ride, but in long term, the market looks pretty good for those who have long term horizon. But be sure this buyers market won't last as the economy rebounds in coming years.

One of the areas like Rittenhouse Square and couple of blocks from it have seen there prices hold value even though rest of the region seems to be declining in price. Prices in other areas are down anywhere from 10 to 20 percent. With over supply, first time buyers should have a favorable conditions, $7,500 tax credits and low interest rates will also help new buyers.

One of the areas showing a tight market is luxurious condos, where there is not enough of the to go around. The market will rebound perhaps in late 2009 or early 2010, especially during the spring months when people begin to look for new housing or to move.

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Bill Consolidation Problems You Must Consider

By Frank Froggatt

If you are entertaining debt consolidation as a means of cleansing up some of your debt there are some matters you want to consider before you jump in.

First Off, you should consider what befalls your credit rating when you do a debt consolidation. If it is based on your house, your credit will simply record that your balance for the house, with an additional mortgage has gone up. That is all right as long as the property is valued at more than the incremental loans.

As for your credit cards that is another tale. If you phone each of your creditors you can haggle with them to get a lower price to pay. But when you do this they can contribute decided comments to your credit report, such as "account paid as agreed" or "account shut by lender". These both mean something unfavorable to your credit. The invoice compensated as agreed implies that you paid the account off as agreed but not that you paid off the full total. This gives different lenders the mind that you won't give as much as you assure to.

The account closed by loaner implies that the lender took steps to protect themselves so you could not get more in debt with them, that says that they shut your business relationship because you weren't attending it properly.

Probably, the best thing you can do if the option is on hand is to consolidate by using some of the equity that is built up in your home. With this kind of collateral you can get the cash to pay off your creditors in full. This is always the most healthful for your credit. You can then, if you want to, request to have your business relationships closed. Be mindful with that though as sometimes when you do this your credit report will actually receive a slap. It has occurred to me in the past. Most times it is advisable to just leave the account open but stop utilizing it, that way your available credit increases but it displays responsibility to creditors when it is not utilized.

The only other matter you need to watch out for when you are deciding on debt consolidation is you need to be careful for cons. There are lots of companies out there that assure you they can take all your info, and cash of course, and take care of your debts. You need to make certain each company you check with is effectual by corresponding with the Better Business Bureau.

You have to be careful you don't yield out your SSN to anybody you don't trust. Likewise make sure you obtain everything on paper. Depending on where you obtain your debt consolidation you might perform all your business on the phone and net or through your local banking company. Just be certain to carry through and make a point the party does everything they assure.

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Lenders Lend X Amount Based Upon These Ratios

By Van Whalen

So, you want to know how much home you can afford. What I want to outline to you in this article is how lenders determine this. You don't necessarily have to speak to a loan officer to find out.

For a bank to loan money they determine your maximum house payment firstly by what is known as the front end ratio.

The first thing the lender determines is how much gross income you make on a monthly basis.

The front end ratio has to do with the house payment in relation to the gross monthly income. For government loans this ratio should be no more than 29%.

Convential mortgages are a bit more liberal in they will approve a thirty-three percent of the gross income.

To qualify for either type of loan you must qualify not only on the front end ratio but the back end as well.

The back end ratio is a compilation of all your monthly debt payments. Add your new house payment to those monthly debts and this percentage is your back end ratio.

You garden variety conventional will all a thirty three percent back end. FHA, as much as forty-one percent.

You probably say to yourself, "this is pretty easy. I'll just add and divide and that's that." Not so fast. The tough part about this making the correct determination of income.

A lucky few are fortunate enough to be on a monthly salary. You can count on that to come in and so can a lender. For others it is more difficult to determine.

What if you are self employed for 1.4 years? Maybe you are a traveling nurse and have been in town for six months. Maybe you get lots of overtime.

Others work part time, and you can add many etc's here.

If you have odd ball income.. That means you Mr. Self employed or commission guy, you should use your two most recent tax returns as a basis. Take the adjusted gross income and average for twenty four months.

It is a shame that mortgage companies require the use of tax returns like that. We all know you make quite a bit more money than what is shown.

If you really have no idea of how to factor your montly income you should consult with a mortgage professional. Good luck out there purchasing your home.

Prudently Using the Reverse Mortgage

By Matt Vanrock

People are really pretty trusting. As a reverse mortgage loan officer people actually ask me if the reverse mortgage is a good choice.

Im of the opinion that the reverse mortgage is purely situational. It is not something that one should go blindly into.

I have a few borrowers with a bunch of money in savings but the majority have next to nothing and are looking for financial answers.

The typical MO of my customer is a fixed income through SS or retirement. A few are still working but looking to be done with that.

When they ask me their question Im primarily focused on their long term equity position in their homes. They may need that equity if a major financial issue presents itself.

As we get older big medical needs are more likely, not less. As mature adults we must be prepared.

One of the problems of getting a reverse mortgage is all of the sudden an individual who is used to living on nothing has tons of money to spend. I caution to use discipline with the reverse.

For most the equity in the house is their largest asset it may be needed for a vital reason. The point is once its gone these folks wont have another money source to draw on.

If the concern is for the event of a major financial mess then the borrower needs to be very prudent. Many want to pay off a mortgage and eliminate that payment. Waiting to do this may be a good idea.

For those without mortgages who want to use the reverse as supplemental income I advise using the line of credit option. This option allows the borrower to take out money as needed and interest only accrues on used moneys.

A real benefit of this LOC is it actually grows over time and benefits the borrowers. Any unused money in the LOC gains interest for the borrowers favor.

As a guy who gets people these loans I know they are a real benefit. However, they can be misused and I implore you to use them with care.

Easy ways To Get The Lowest Mortgage Rates

By Mijnadviseur

The choice for a certain lender is usually based on the lowest mortgage rates quoted. When there are so many forms of mortgages and so many options to choose from, it's tempting to just ignore all the well meant advice and choose the lowest rate. But the lowest mortgage rates might not be the best option in your current situation. Choosing the wrong type of mortgage might mean trouble somewhere down the line.

When selecting a mortgage, keep in mind that it's extremely important to choose a mortgage that's suited to your needs and goals. The lowest rates might look very good today, but won't look as good when you are forced to take out a loan or another mortgage in a couple of years because your 'lowest rate mortgage' failed to make you debt free. Always make an honest comparison between different types of mortgages, to ensure you really do get the best deal available.

Every mortgage has upsides and downsides. An adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is a very popular mortgage form. Especially when interest rates are low, ARM's give you the possibility to profit the most from the interest situation. The downside of ARM's is that you might be looking at higher monthly payments from one month to the next, because mortgage rates are adjustable.

The fixed rate mortgage form is almost the opposite of an adjustable rate mortgage. With a fixed rate, you know each month what your monthly payment is going to be, because you have a fixed mortgage rate. Usually, fixed rate mortgages must be paid off within thirty years. Sometimes, balloon payments have to be made at the end of the mortgage. You can choose to save for these payments, or invest every month in an insurance policy or investment plan to make sure you can afford the balloon payment after 30 years. The downside of fixed rate is the rigidity of this form. It's not easy to change your mortgage form if you want to profit from low interest rates.

Getting the lowest rate is a good goal, but make sure you get the right kind of mortgage for your situation. If you don't do your research, or search expert advice, you might be looking at trouble down the road.

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Can You Secure A Car?

By Susan Tanner

Security is a major concern with the current ecomonic problems in the United States. Job security is of utmost importance to many people right now. But what about security for the vehicle that takes you to and from that all-important job? Car insurance provides a measure of security for your transportation.

With so many car insurance companies out there, you may ask which one offers the best plan or value for your car. This is the main reason why it pays to get several quotes from different companies on the cost of insuring your car. Compare the rates and then decide which one is best for you.

Do not be easily moved to purchase insurance by signing with the company that has the lowest premium. You must consider a few other factors before making your decision. Think about how many drivers are going to be legally driving your car and their ages. Does the car have any safety features that will discount the premium? Will the insurance cover the cost of the loan for the car if it is totaled? Do you want full coverage or only partial liabilities? You also need to know the your specific stateas insurance regulations concerning automobile insurance.

For a single middle-aged driver, the insurance rate may vary from company to company. But if you want to add other drivers, especially underage drivers, get as many quotes as possible because these variables affect the rates even further. You must be sure to insure all possible drivers of the vehicle.

Some insurance companies offer discounts if the car has air bags, anti-theft devices or even safety belts. While safety belts are pretty standard, don't forget to check with each company to see if having them will lower the rate. Many of the standard features of newer cars will help with the discount, depending on the company doing the quote.

If the car is one that is being bought by a loan, rather than a car that is leased, special attention needs to be focused on the area of accidents. In the event of the car being totalled in an accident, the insurance company needs to cover the remaining amount of the loan. Not all companies will do this, so multiple quote are imperative.

As a possible customer, compare the various coverages available to you by the insurance carrier along with the limits of liability. You want to be sure that the cost of the coverage is one fits your budget. As mentioned, your state may have specific minimum requirements for insuring a vehicle; so donat overlook this either.

In summation, you must be sure to shop multiple insurance companies and their quotes before you make your decision. In the end, you will be rewarded when you get the best value for your money. Look over what is included in each quote thoroughly. But again, donat make any rash decisions before you compare quotes. Opting to not be insured is not wise when there are so many companies that have great offers. Your car insurance is one security that you can be sure to count on in an unsure economy.

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A Quick Look At Mortgage Refinance

By Ned Dagostino

Mortgage refinance is an option most house owners look at from time to time. The big question they ask themselves is: Should I? Well, that depends on the particulars of the case. Generally people go in for mortgage refinance either to save money on the interest they pay, or to consolidate sundry debts. The crucial factors that merit consideration when deciding the 'Should I?' question are noted below for your information.

Debt management is a prime reason for refinancing. If you find yourself wrestling around with the same repayment issues every month, then it may be a good idea to get a loan on your mortgage by refinancing it. Use the loan to pay off all your smaller debts. This leaves you with just a single loan repayment every month. Do choose a repayment scheme which you know you can handle easily.

If you're keen on saving money by reducing the interest burden of your current mortgage, then getting a fresh financing scheme may help you save a sizable sum of money. This works if your current mortgage is linked with the variable market rate, the current interest rate is very high and the market trend shows no inclination of climbing down. You can save a lot of money by opting out of your current mortgage and getting it refinanced. The secret is to get a fixed-rate loan with a reasonable interest rate.

Whether refinancing is advisable for you depends on your particular situation. Let's consider some situations where refinancing is not a good option.

The problem is that when you go to a refinancing agency they fail to mention the actual expenses you will have to incur to refinance your mortgage. Their excuse is that these are 'external' expenses and not their concern. Therefore you may be lulled into believing that the refinance scheme is going to save you a hefty sum over the mortgage period. Too late you find that you have to pay a number of incidental fees, charges and penalties, which can set you back quite a lot, and may nullify the savings you've counted on. There is no point in changing your financier if it is not going to save you any money.

When you consider refinancing, the first thing to do is to survey the market. Find out all the plans and schemes being offered by different companies. Make a comparison chart showing all the salient features and savings of each plan. Don't restrict your survey to just your local companies. Go online and get information on various plans offered in your area.

Find out all the penalties and fees that refinancing companies may extract from you upfront. For example, there is an origination fee or points, which is taken before the refinance plan becomes operational. There might be a plan where the interest rate is slightly higher but you don't have to pay origination fee. This may turn out to be better for you.

Refinancing will be beneficial for you if you are able to save more than you spend on all the fees and penalties involved in refinancing. One very important factor that you must consider is whether there are chances of your moving out before the refinanced mortgage expires. If there are good chances of your moving out soon, then, far from saving you money, the refinance is going to cost you a packet!

Refinancing your mortgage is a good way to save money by opting for a lower interest rate regimen. It is also a good way of consolidating your debts. But that is not be construed as a clean chit for every situation. Refinance has to be debated on a case by case basis according to the particulars of the situation. So what works for Bob may not work for Bill. The most important thing is to perform an exhaustive market survey before going in for refinance. Be very careful in computing the refinancing costs. Ask other people who have taken this route about their experiences and seek their advice. Be wary of hidden charges. These surprise charges may make the difference between saving $10,000 and paying out $500!

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Short Sales an Increasingly Attractive Alternative to Foreclosure

By Tomasheus Privetsky

In difficult real estate sales markets, one of the tools used by lenders to minimize the financial losses associated with foreclosure is a short sale. Short sales are often utilized when homeowners with high mortgage balances are in arrears and unable to bring loan payments current. A lender can either proceed to foreclose upon the property, or can try to convince the homeowner to list the property for sale to pay off the outstanding loan balance.

If the owner is willing to sell, chances are the lender will have to settle for a lot less than a full pay-off of the remaining mortgage loan balance. Many lenders today prefer to give the owner a chance to list and sell a home at below market price before the foreclosure auction takes place. A sale at a price that doesn't produce enough to pay off the mortgage loan in full is called a short sale.

Though it seems counterintuitive, lenders are willing to give the go ahead for home sales at prices that won't satisfy the full balance owed on the mortgage. This short sale process provides a lender-approved means of mitigating a lender's losses due to a homeowner's default and subsequent foreclosure on the property.

It seems strange that lenders would approve a short sale, knowing that financial loss will result. Why is this so? Lenders use this strategy to avoid foreclosing on a property because an actual foreclosure is an extremely costly process. Not only must the lender repossess the home and resell it, but there are legal fees, insurance, taxes, real estate commissions, lost interest revenue and eviction costs as well.

Given the high costs of a foreclosure, many lenders actually net more money through short sales than through foreclosing on and reselling properties. In the current foreclosure crisis, lenders have far more REO (repossessed homes) in inventory than they can reasonably handle. This costs lenders time and money while these non-performing assets continue to sit on the books. But the costs of the foreclosure process itself aren't the only concern for lenders.

Lenders are also pressured by local governments to keep repossessed, unoccupied homes in good repair in order to keep away vandals and drug criminals. Some municipalities even file civil lawsuits against lenders who fail to keep REO properties in good repair, result in even greater losses for the lender. Considering all of the ways in which a foreclosure could cost the lender money, short sale becomes a lender's preferred alternative.

Many lenders slash prices deeply in an attempt to get rid of their crowded REO inventory, and lenders now realize just how much of a financial burden a large inventory of REO homes can be. Because of this, lenders are very motivated to avoid foreclosing on homes in the first place. Short sales have become so common that many lenders now have specialized staff on hand whose primary job is to handle short sale offers submitted on properties in foreclosure. Lenders are pulling out all the stops to avoid foreclosing on properties that add to their growing inventory of foreclosure homes with high ownership costs and associated expenses.

For those who buy homes through a short sale process, there is a golden opportunity to buy a home at a deep discount prior to the public foreclosure auction. Consider though that a short sale can only take place with lender approval. For investors, short sales present an opportunity to buy and resell a property at a significant profit, or to convert the property to a rental for ongoing cash flow.

Why would a homeowner entertain an idea of a short sale? Due to current economic crisis many homeowners are finding themselves without steady employment. Without a paycheck families are falling behind on mortgage payments. Many are now facing foreclosure.

Imagine owners who have an over-financed house with high payments they can no longer afford. A short sale is often the only way for them to gracefully escape from their tough situation. For you as an investor a short sale is a unique selling proposition to foreclosure marketing and making great profits.

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How to Budget and Not Fail

By Jesse Mecham

Have you ever started dieting and then found that your results weren't coming nearly as quickly as you would have liked? People don't learn how to budget correctly and then run into the same problem: the results don't match up with the work they're putting into it!

Honestly though, most people budget in such a way that failure is the ONLY option. A personal finance expert will come with some fancy point-based value system for how to budget, while another supposed expert will want the person to use all cash in our increasingly cash-less society. While these methods may work for a short time, they usually don't last long. So how do you budget so it's fail-safe?

Examine the current balances (taking into account any outstanding checks, since those are already "spent") for your checking accounts and budget that money into your own spending/savings categories. What you're doing is giving every dollar a job.

The nex time your paycheck comes in? Take THAT money and give every single one of those dollars a job.

The key in budgeting is not to be some great estimator or forecaster, it's to be aware of what you want your money to do. The key is that you make sure ALL of your money is assigned to do something -- whether it's paying the rent, buying groceries, or saving for that dream vacation. It's important to realize that when you begin assigning every one of your dollars a job, they'll begin working much harder for you. You'll be much more aware of where your money is going, and your spending will fall in line with what you truly value.

Once THAT happens, the age-old question of how to budget is answered. You only worry about what you have on hand and you give it all a planned purpose.

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