In this modern economy, lenders provide loans tailored to just about any situation. Balloon loans are one such loan, but carry a serious downside if you're not careful. Balloon Loans A balloon loan has nothing to do with hot air or floating around ...

As interest rates continue to creep upwards, many home owners are looking at refinancing options. Here are some mortgage refinancing tips. Mortgage Refinancing Tips Rates have been increasing steadily for the last six months. These increases are ex...

When it comes to mortgages, many people tend to look at points and interest rates as to separate issues. In fact, they can almost always be used as leverage against each other. Points and Interest Rates Two critical components of a home loan are th...

For many borrowers, adjustable rate mortgages are an attractive means of qualifying for a home. Fewer borrowers realize the potential negative amortization problems these loans can create. Adjustable Rate Mortgages Adjustable rate mortgages are ver...

Many renters say they prefer to rent because it is simple and doesn't carry the stress of home ownership. In truth, they are simply making other people rich. Equity What if I told you that if you purchased a home, you wouldn't have to make any mont...

One of the biggest hurdles to buying a home is the down payment. Saving up a chunk of change can be difficult, so getting creative is a key. Down Payments The amount of your down payment is dependent upon many potential issues, but two come to the ...

If you're getting ready to apply for your first home loan, you're going to need to understand the home loan basics. Home Loan Basics When you go to apply for a home loan, you need to understand the terminology. Let's start with the most basic of te...

You've found a home, your credit is in good shape and you have money for a down payment. So, how do you go about picking the right home loan for you? Picking A Home Loan – Short Term There are more than a few issues that go into picking a home loan....

Adjustable rate mortgages are to home buyers as carrots are to bunnies – very tempting. The secret to figuring out if an adjustable rate mortgage is a good deal is the rate index used. Indexes – Setting Rates Lenders really want your business and a...

With people living longer and longer, funding retirement can become a stressful situation. Reverse mortgages can help home owners avoid worries about cash flow. Reverse Mortgages Reverse mortgages are essentially a method for turning the equity in ...

Over the last few years, many people squeezed into new homes using adjustable rate mortgages. With interest rates going up, you now need a new interest rate strategy Adjustable Rate Mortgages – ARMs Adjustable rate mortgages carry a bit of a gamble ...

If you've ever applied for a home loan with less than stellar credit, you know how much extra you have to pay. Even though it can take some time, credit repair is definitely worth pursuing. Credit Scores When considering your application for a home...

Once you own a home, you'll get the urge to make home improvements. Often, you'll need a home improvement loan. Home Improvement Loans Whether you've lived in a home for years or just purchased it, you'll get the urge to make improvements. It's a n...

Apply for a mortgage loan and you'll soon become familiar with FICO scores. Here's a primer on the infamous FICO scoring process. FICO scores are merely a mathematical representation of your credit record. Credit records are simply a recording of your ...

In the past, homebuyers more or less had limited mortgage loan options. These days, there are more options than you can shake a stick at, but here's a primer on the basics. Mortgage Loans With the real estate market explosion over the last 10 years,...