March 30, 2008

Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan Versus Adjustable HELOC Comparing 2nd Mortgage Loans

Filed under: MG1-2 — admin @ 3:51 pm

Many people think of a second mortgage as a fixed interest, lump sum loan. However, that is only one form of a second mortgage. A second mortgage is actually ANY secondary lien on your home–secured loan with your home pledged as collateral. Second mortgages are typically categorized as fixed mortgage rate home equity installment loans (HELs), also known as home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) which are adjustable rate mortgages.

The Federal Reserve states that the home equity line of credit annual percentage rate (APR) is a variable rate loan based solely on a publicly available index (such as the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal or a U.S. Treasury bill rate). The APR does not include points or other finance charges. The monthly payment amount will adjust as your loan balance and interest rate changes. Loan terms can be anywhere from 15 to 30 years.

HELOCs have a draw period, typically occurring in the first 10-15 years, with the remaining term on the loan referred to as the repayment period. During the draw period, you can draw out money on a revolving basis similar to a credit card without applying for a new loan, as long as the amount does not exceed the total amount of the original HELOC. During the repayment period you may be allowed to renew the credit line. If your plan does not allow renewals, you will not be able to borrow additional money once the draw period ends. Interest is paid only on the amount of equity you use.

A Home Equity Installment Loan (HEL) is a fixed mortgage rate loan, which means the annual percentage rate (APR) and monthly payment will stay the same for the life of your loan. The APR for a HEL takes into account the interest rate charged plus points and other finance charges. Loan terms can be anywhere from 5 to 30 years, but are typically 15 to 20 years. Unlike a HELOC, you get a lump sum for which you immediately start paying principal and interest. If you decide later that you need additional funds, mortgage refinancing or getting an additional loan with additional closing costs are your only options.

Which type of loan you choose depends on your financial needs. A HELOC may be best if you have a recurring need for money (e.g., home improvements or a home repair project that has anticipated additional expenses). The security of a fixed-rate 2nd mortgage will probably provide much-needed relief for a large one-time expense (e.g., debt consolidation).

Maria Ny is a well-known free-lance writer from California. She has written many articles that covered a broad range of subjects ranging from Home Equity Loans, Bankruptcy Reform, Credit Repair to Subordinate Financing. Check out her informative articles online at Second Mortgage & Home Equity Loans.

You can learn more about financing for cash out and get additional loan program information. Get a free loan quote for a cash out equity 2nd mortgages. We suggest you get more information and learn more about the guidelines for home equity loans that could help reduce your monthly expenses and get you cash back at the same time.

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Finding A Bad Credit Mortgage

Filed under: MG1-2 — admin @ 8:15 am

Bad credit loan mortgages or non-status mortgages are purposely intended to serve people with a bad credit history. According to a recent survey, one fifth of all adults are not able to qualify for a standard mortgage as a result of a previous or current bad financial situation.

Credit history is based on information retrieved from sources including Public records such as electoral roll information, court judgments and bankruptcies; and Information provided by financial institutions and other lenders such as banks that provide credit accounts and lending facilities.

In order to calculate the potential risk in providing loans to the person, most lenders use independent credit reference agencies to gather and assemble this information since they are permitted by law to review a mortgagee’s credit report before granting approval.

Bad credit rating usually results from failure to pay off outstanding debts or other credit payments on time, due to factors such as outstanding rent or mortgage arrears, county court judgments (CCJ) or bankruptcy. There are also other reasons that can result in a bad credit record which include:

1. Foreclosure

2. Heavy medical bills

3. Settlements arising due to Judgments /divorce

4. Multiple credit cards

5. IRS debt

Bad credit mortgage is designed for people who are unable to take out a mortgage from high-end mortgage providers. However, there are several providers who are willing to take a risk and provide loans for individuals with bad credit ratings, but at a higher rate or lower maximum amount.

Normally, a bad credit mortgage loan has an introductory interest rate that is fixed for 2-3 years, which is substantially higher that the rate pertaining to a conventional 30 year fixed rate loan. This is due to the extra risk the lender has to take, because with a bad credit, the borrower’s probability of default on the home load is higher than someone with good credit. However, after the initial period, the interest rate on a bad credit mortgage will adjust periodically.

There are also a few factors that most lenders of bad credit loan mortgages will look into, before granting the loan mortgage to people with bad credit history. This includes:

1. Employment history and income stability

2. Current monthly debt
3. Value of the property and
4. Down payment

Since loan requests from people with bad credit do not fit under the standard underwriting guidelines, fees charged by lenders on bad credit mortgage loans are also significantly higher than those charged in a conventional or standard home loan. This can range from 1% to 6% of the total loan amount.

Since individuals who get a bad credit mortgage usually do so mainly because they want to put their credit back into good standing, or as an opportunity to clean up credit history, the higher interest rate need not necessarily lasts for 30 years. Additionally, if the monthly loan payments are in time for two consecutive years, the bad credit mortgage can be refinanced with a conventional loan at a much lower interest rate.

Bad Credit HQ
http://badcredit-hq.com/
Helping you to get your finances back under control

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No Closing Cost Refinancing - 3 Things to Know

Filed under: MG1-2 — admin @ 2:44 am

If you’re considering refinancing your home, lenders that offer refinancing with no closing costs can be very appealing. Closing costs are required upfront, meaning you must pay them before the loan funds can be received. Lenders that offer no closing cost refinancing agree to pay the upfront fees. This can be especially attractive to the lender who simply cannot afford the upfront costs. However, there are some things to consider before applying for this type of loan.

Higher Interest Rates

Unfortunately, lenders rarely do things out of the kindness of their hearts. If they are going to pay your closing costs, they are going to want something in return. In this case, it usually means a higher interest rate. The lender will pay your closing costs, and, in return, they will charge you an interest rate up to 1% higher than the rate you would receive if you paid the closing costs in the traditional manner. This can save you money if you only plan to keep the loan for a short period of timea few years at mostbut more often it will end up costing you more in the long run. Borrowers who are considering paying a higher interest rate in order to avoid paying closing costs should first estimate the amount of interest that will be paid in both circumstances over the lifetime of the loan.

Negotiations with Current Lenders

Before shopping around for a new lender, discuss your plans with your current mortgage holder. They may be able to offer a refinancing loan that suits your needs. If you have been a reliable customer and have established good credit with the company, they will often waive some of the upfront fees in order to keep your business.

Fees Included in Loan Amount

If you simply do not have the cash to pay the closing costs upfront, your lender may allow you to include them in the balance of your loan. Though you will have to pay interest on them, the interest on these fees is likely to be less expensive than a higher interest rate for the life of your loan.

Go to http://www.refinancesmarts.com for more information on a No Closing Cost Mortgage Refinance.

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