When is Refinancing the Best Choice for Me?

One of the more important questions many homeowners need to ask themselves when considering refinancing their mortgage is, should I do this now or wait? This dilemma often energizes the homeowner to research mortgage refinancing further or it makes them lean towards delaying it for the moment and concentrate on other areas of their finances.

The initial step in the refinancing process is to have some financial goals. If an individual (or couple) omits this step, a homeowner cannot positively resolve their indecisiveness of refinancing because the homeowner may not fully grasp the concept of planning financial goals. While one individuals' financial goal varies from person to person, the fundamental question to ask yourself is, do you want to achieve long term savings or generate monthly cash flow. Refinancing your property can normally bring you both options.

Once you have a financial goal established, you can now compare and analyze your mortgage refinancing choices such as a lowering your interest rate, or comparing 15, 20 or 25 year loan terms and costs. Either of these options may significantly reduce the interest paid by the borrower on the loan. Logically, when one pays less interest they will realize savings.

For example, Joe Smith has an existing mortgage of $150,000, an interest rate of 6.50% and a 30 year loan. If the loan term is lowered to 15 years the borrower can significantly decrease the interest paid during the loan term. However, when shortening your loan term on a refinance, it will result in higher monthly payments. So, before considering implementing this method, you will need to have enough monthly cash flow to compensate for the higher monthly payment. You can also use an online mortgage refinance calculator for determining your goals. During recent times, homeowners have refinanced to short term teaser rates such as option arms, two or three year fixed adjustable rates loans with high margins and have been burned. These type of loan products do not suit everyone and should be closely examined by a professional and possibly by your tax advisor as well.

If your goal is increase your monthly cash flow, then the overall loan costs may not be a deterrent as having more money available each month in their account. These homeowners who want cash flow may refinance and simply extend their original loan term of 30 years to another one for 30 years. You've heard the phrase, "cash is king" in the financial industry and that applies to these homeowners. This is the most common form of mortgage refinancing and it means a borrower will pay more interest over their loan term but they will achieve their financial objective by having a lower monthly payment and monthly cash flow. One can begin this process by going online to compare mortgage interest rates.

An additional important point for homeowners who are considering refinancing is the fact that interest paid on a home loan is tax deductible. Thus, a borrower who refinances their mortgage may negatively affect their taxes when the refinance results in less interest being paid. A decrease in borrower paid interest will mean a decrease in the tax deduction for the homeowner. Sometimes, when lowering the homeowner tax deduction, it can move the homeowner into a different tax bracket and may result in higher costs in the long term. For this reason, homeowners who are considering refinancing should have their tax advisor analyze any consequences that refinancing may have on their income tax return before making a final decision.

Frank Collins is a real estate investor and an contributor with LoanShoppers.Net

Mortgage calculators - http://www.ijumboloan.com/mortgage-calculators.htm

By : Frank Collins

How Home Loan Interest Rates Fared

The fluctuation of home mortgage rates is one of the benchmarks of the overall economy because interest rates are largely tied to the decisions made in New York by the Federal Reserve, among many other economic factors. Interest rates are adjusted according to the financial matters in the US such as exportation and inflation because such factors determine how easy or hard it would be to borrow and lend money.

Mortgage rates are used to help control the economy. If the movement of the economy is deemed to be too fast, higher rates are imposed so that individuals and corporations would be less willing to apply for loans. Conversely if the economy seems to be rather slow or stagnant, rates are lowered so that people would be more enticed to do more business transactions.

Trends in Home Mortgage Rates

It is quite interesting to know that mortgage rates have been lower than 8.5% since the year 1996, with the lowest rates of about 5.5% seen on the middle of 2005. While individuals might see an extremely different mortgage rate at a particular time due to other factors that affect rates (their salaries or credit histories), the trend has generally been observed to be generally consistent throughout financial circles.

The fall of interest rates from the high figures prior to 1996 has allowed a lot of people to buy their homes, purchase lands, or more to larger houses. Perhaps this reflects an effort to speed up the economy from that time up to now. However this year, the rates are rising probably because of an upsurge that the American economy has experienced in the previous year.

Current Home Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates in the year 2006 are generally higher than that of the previous year with rates of about 6 percent for 30-year fixed rate mortgages (FRM). As of the 21st of September, 30-year FRMs have an average rate of 6.40%, while 15-year FRMs have an average rate of 6.06%. Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) on the other hand are slightly lower with 5/1-year ARMs having an average interest rate of 6.08% and 1-year ARM having a mean rate of 5.54%.

The difference between this year’s and last year’s interest rates are not really significantly high as it would entail only a few hundred dollars increase in yearly payment rates. This probably would not stop a lot of people from getting mortgages, however if the rise continues, more people would become hesitant to get home loans.

FHA Home Mortgage Loans - Refinance Adjustable Rates and Debt

Homeowners across the nation continue to turn to cash out refinance and home equity loans for paying off high rate credit cards that are escalating out of control. The Federal Reserve lowered key rates again yesterday, but many homeowners just can't take the combination of rising adjustable mortgage rates at the same as the increasing interest rates from their credit card companies. Unfortunately, recent changes to the bankruptcy laws have led to minimum credit card payments being doubled by the bank lenders who issued the credit. As consumer debt grows so to do the worries of homeowners across the nation who may be facing a foreclosure on their home. It makes sense to utilize the equity you have left to help refinance an eliminate the debts that are causing you the most pain.

Bankruptcy used to be the way people got out from under burdensome credit card debt. But, under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) of 2005 filing for bankruptcy is prohibitively expensive, complicated and time consuming. This may be why fixed rate home equity loans have become popular methods for refinancing high-interest credit card debt, particularly for those with low credit scores.

Critics suggest that credit card accounts are not secured by your home. But then, the interest is not tax deductible. Most first or second mortgage loans carry mortgage interest that is tax deductible. Home equity loans are calculated with simple interest terms and revolving credit cards are calculated with compounding interest.

While credit card advocates point out that the loan terms for refinance and home equity loans are typically longer than credit cards, they are not forthcoming with the penalty rates and additional costs added to the compounding interest. Many consumers are beginning to realize that fixed interest terms are more realistic for actually paying off your debts.

Borrower like the home refinance loans, because they can get a reduced interest rate that offers an affordable payment. The adjustable rate mortgages have caused a real stir in 2008 as foreclosure and payment default rates have reached record highs in states like California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia and Massachusetts. With new FHA initiatives, homeowners can refinance their ARM with a FHA home mortgage that now allows cash back and debt consolidation. FHA used to limit home refinancing to rate and term guidelines that prohibited any cash back or bill consolidation. FhA also allows bad credit, limited credit and loans for first time home buyers.

Maria Ny is an acclaimed free-lance writer from San Diego, California. She has had published many helpful articles targeting homeowners refinancing loans online. Visit her recent mortgage articles online at BD Nationwide Mortgage and learn everything you wanted to know about Mortgage Refinance. You can learn more about refinancing credit card debt and get additional underwriting guidelines for home refinance loans. Get a free loan quote for a home equity loans. BD Nationwide recommends that homeowners get as much information as they can about the different types of loans available, so that you can make an educated decision. Get more insight with updated lending guidelines for FHA home refinance loans that can help you fix your mortgage rate while increasing your cash flow by reducing credit card interest.

By : Maria NY

How To Slash Higher Fees For Bad Credit Mortgage Borrowers

A new government report shows proof that bad credit mortgage loan borrowers will be charged higher fees. Bad credit mortgage loan borrowers have always paid the price in higher fees because of their poor credit situation. The new government guidelines for government backed loans show higher fees for lower credit scores. If you're a current home owner or would be home borrower don't you think it's time to take control of your credit profile and hedge yourself against paying the higher fees.

As the Ex Mortgage Executive, I'm always surprised at the lack of knowledge most home loan borrowers have in terms of maintaining control of their own credit report profile. Many homeowners believe they are either stuck with the credit they have or have no idea of what their true mortgage credit score is. I mention mortgage credit score specifically due to the fact that mortgage credit scores are lower than consumer credit scores. Consumer credit scores are scores used to determine creditworthiness for loans such as automobiles and credit cards, not mortgage loans.

Unfortunately most would be home mortgage borrowers never check their credit score until after they begin the mortgage loan shopping process. As you may or may not know the credit bureaus owe you one free copy of your credit report every twelve months. Notice that I said free. It still amazes me that homeowners still approach the mortgage loan shopping process with no clue as to what is contained in their credit bureau profile. Why would anyone pay higher home refinance fees if they really don't have to? The answer is - as I stated above, consumers are either in the mindset that they are stuck with what they have or have no ability to change negative credit if they wanted to. That answer could be no farther from the truth.

If you're planning a mortgage refinancing or new home purchase it's absolutely imperative that you understand the difference between your mortgage credit score and your consumer credit score. Mortgage credit scores are always lower than consumer credit scores simply because a mortgage loan is a much higher value than say an automobile or credit card. Gaining control of your credit profile should start with getting a free copy of your credit report. Each credit bureau will provide a free copy once every twelve months. The purpose of checking your credit profile at all three bureaus is to find out if there are any negative items been reported. If you do find negative items on your credit report I'll detail the process below of exactly how to handle such an occurrence.

Under the new Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae guidelines you'll be paying higher than normal fees for any mortgage credit score below 680. If you currently have negative items on your credit report which are holding your score lower than 680, there is a solution to your problem. The solution is credit repair however before you run off screaming in fear with all of the credit repair myths, let me say this. Legal credit repair is real and available however if you don't know the process or where to begin you could make some huge mistakes along the way. On the other hand if you do understand the credit repair process it's amazingly simple and can change your life forever.

The credit repair process goes something like this; obtain a copy of all three credit bureau reports and find an online reporting service that will monitor your reports for changes and notifying you immediately. Once you have that service in place you can work with one of the popular online legal firms who can initiate the negative item disputes for you. The real key to working with the top online credit repair services is to provide updated credit reports as soon as changes are made.

Terry Lamb is editor of Stupid Home Owner and publishes a free online help guide for navigating the credit repair process.

By : Terry Lamb

Home Sweet Home… But Can You Afford It?

You’ve finally found your dream house and are ready to commit but there’s that question of home mortgage affordability. Don’t let this thought scare you away just yet. Find out if you can go ahead and buy that house at last.

1. Know how much you have and how much you owe. How much income are you receiving at present? Is there a chance that it would increase? What will be your financial situation several years from now?

How much money do you owe to creditors? How much monthly payments do you make? Can you still afford to shell out more money after the bills are paid?

You’ll need a consistent source of income that can cover your mortgage and other expenses. Try to foresee possibilities that you’ll need to factor in: a new child, changes in the job, back-to-school plans and cash-flow five or several years from now. Be prepared to be in it for the long haul.

2. If your debts are well managed, then you can afford a home mortgage. The lender will approve your loan more quickly if he sees that your debt-to-income ratio is well within manageable range.

The lender will ensure that your payments will only total 33% or less of your monthly gross income. Otherwise, pay off some of your debts before applying for a home mortgage.

3. Decide which one you prefer: fixed, adjustable or balloon rates. Paying a fixed rate is a more popular choice because it can protect you from surges in interests while paying the lowest rate possible for an agreed period of time may be lighter on your budget, but your mortgage payment can go up later.

4. Interest rates will go up and down depending on the activity of the market. If you can read and understand market trends and economic indicators, you can save a lot of money.

5. Be prepared to pay a downpayment. Typically, it is about 20% of the total price. A house priced at $200,000 will require a down of $40,000. There are also loans with low or no-downpayments, but it will cost you in terms of equity in the long run.

6. You have enough money saved that’s equivalent to at least three months’ monthly income. This will help cover unexpected expenses that could affect your mortgage payments.

There is no fixed answer on the affordability of a home mortgage. It will all depend upon your income, debt, interest rate and other factors. If the home mortgage fits into your personal situation, then you can definitely afford it.

Home Mortgage Loan Types

Choosing the mortgage that is right for you is essential when one is involved in the process of home purchasing. Thus it is important that all options are understood.

Basically, the two things one should consider when considering a home loan is what type meets best your home purchasing needs as well as which loan offers the most ideal schedule for repayment.

The fixed mortgage rate loan types

Fixed rate home mortgage loans have an interest rate that basically remain the same for the whole life of the loan.

These payments have predictable monthly fees yet you are immune to any rising interest rates. Therefore, your interest and principal payments will not increase.

The adjustable home mortgage rate

Mortgages that are adjustable in rate have rates of interest that adjust in a periodic manner as based on the exiting conditions of the market.

The rate is initially fixed during the period of its introduction (anywhere between one year to a decade) and is usually lower compared to a mortgage that has its rate fixed.

After this period, the rate then adjusts every year or about semi-annually as based on the index of the market, however it cannot go beyond the pre-determined cap adjustment.

Jumbo home mortgage loans

The amount given out on this type of loan exceeds the amount established by corporations. Since jumbo home mortgage loans are sold and bought on a scale that is smaller, they have rates that are a little high compared to other type of home loans.

B/C home mortgage loans

These types of loans are given to those borrowers that have filed recently for foreclosure or bankruptcy or those who have late payments on their reports of credit.

The purpose of B/C home mortgage loans is the offer of temporarily financing to applicants until they could qualify for type A conforming financing.

Government home mortgage loan programs

One type of government loan programs is VA loans. These types of loans are definitely guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

This allows service persons or veterans to acquire home mortgage loans with terms that are favorable (usually in the absence of a down payment).

RHS home mortgage loan programs

RHS means Rural Housing Service if the USDA or the US Department of Agriculture. This type of loan guarantees residents in the rural area with very minimum costs for closing. Down payments are also unnecessary.

All in all, there are a lot of home mortgage loan programs available. It all depends on your needs, wants and means.

Finding The Best Home Equity Loan

Many homeowners are looking for ways to help improve their financial situation by using a home equity loan. These types of loans are the smartest way for homeowners to borrow for many reasons. Here is some information to help you get the most out of your home equity loan.

Home equity loans generally carry the lowest interest rate of any loan that you can obtain. The reason for this is that the risk to the lender is lower because of the type of collateral that the loan is secured by. Many lenders offer home equity loans that go up to 100% of the value of your home, but the rate is going to be highest for these types of loans. In order to get the best interest rate, try to keep the amount of your loan under 80% loan to value. For example, if your home is worth $100,000, 80% of the value of your home is $80,000. If you borrow this way, you will get the best rate and avoid many other charges like PMI, or private mortgage insurance, and points.

Many homeowners prefer to only have one payment. This is possible by rolling your first mortgage into the same loan as your home equity loan. This also has rate advantages over having separate first and second mortgages, because the rate on a first mortgage will always be lower than on a second. If you put the loans together, you will get the lowest rate on the entire amount of the home equity loan because the whole loan will be considered a first lien.

Home equity loans also have the jump on nonsecured loans and credit cards because they have tax advantages. Most homeowners can deduct the interest that they pay on real estate secured loans on their taxes. Generally speaking, if you are able to deduct your first mortgage interest you will also be able to deduct the interest that you pay on your home equity loan. This can significantly lower your tax burden. Be sure that you consult your tax professional about your specific circumstances.

When you are looking for a home equity loan, it is important to find a reputable lender. Look for one that has good reviews with the Better Business Bureau. Asking friends and family for recommendations is another smart way to find a good lender. You can also find great deals online. Many online lenders offer lower interest rates because they have less overhead costs than a larger, more traditional financial institution. They are usually more willing to negotiate fees and the processing time is usually quicker. Many people find this more attractive in today's fast paced world, since the only time you have to take the time to meet with a representative is at the closing.

Overall, if you are wise about it, a home equity loan can be a great way to save money on payments and interest rates. Because the interest is tax deductible, you are borrowing money in the most advantageous way possible. Keep the total amount of the home equity loan as close as you can to 80% loan to value and be sure to look online for great deals. If you follow these words of advice, you can find the perfect home equity loan solution to meet your needs.

For more insights and additional information about the Best Home Equity Loan as well as getting a free no-obligation loan quote, please visit our web site at http://www.personalloantips.com/home_equity_loan.php

By : Jon Arnold