Monday, June 29, 2009
Loans that pay you
When you are signing up for a loan, why not get one that pays you? If you get a home mortgage through a credit union, you may be eligible for a rebate through the CU real estate program, which pays you part of a Realtors' commission now for using one in the lender's network.
This money can be used as part of the down payment, closing costs or even as confirm written directly to you. My husband and I established about $500. Find the monthly payment using this calculator mortgage payment calculator.
Finding a deal
Not every home is a agreement, even in today's market. The key is finding homes in your price range, and then checking similar sales to see where they stack up. Homeoffersusa.com is a great tool for that. Use your Realtor to also range out deals.
The best deal is going to be the ugly house - the outdated one among wallpaper, paneling and old appliances. A little "sweat equity" and you can enlarge its worth and end up with extra money in your pocket than buying one that is move-in ready, refined and painted to perfection. If any home is too sophisticated, be wary.
The bidding war
When you finally find the house you want, one of the nastiest things that can happen is a request war - when you must bid on the house beside another anonymous buyer in hopes the seller will choose you as the top dog.
So what do you do? We talked to our Realtor, figured what equivalent home sales were in the area, discussed what the home was appeal to us and went in with our greatest offer. It was still below the list price, and we determined if the seller didn't take it, then this was not the home for us.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
1. Don't ignore the problem.
The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.
2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.
Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.
The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
4. Know your mortgage rights.
Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different).
5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.
Valuable information about home foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet.
6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.
7. Prioritize your spending.
After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.
8. Use your assets.
Do you have assetsa second car, jewelry, and a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.
9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies.
You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender.
10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!
If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional.




