When home prices were increasing, home-equity loans were a convenient way to finance numerous types of expenditures. While the loan is secured by the home's equity, the proceeds can be used for anything, including expenditures that have nothing to do with the home. In addition, home-equity loans have a significant advantage over other forms of consumer debt -- interest paid on up to $100,000 of home-equity loan proceeds can be deducted on your tax return if you itemize deductions. Home-equity loans typically offer competitive interest rates, usually no more than prime rate or 1% or 2% over prime. Competitive interest rates combined with tax deductibility can add up to very attractive after-tax rates.

Continue reading "Home Equity Loans" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 5:26 AM | Permalink

When home prices were increasing, home-equity loans were a convenient way to finance numerous types of expenditures. While the loan is secured by the home's equity, the proceeds can be used for anything, including expenditures that have nothing to do with the home. In addition, home-equity loans have a significant advantage over other forms of consumer credit -- interest paid on up to $100,000 of home-equity loan proceeds can be deducted on your tax return if you itemize deductions. Home-equity loans typically offer competitive interest rates, usually no more than the prime rate or 1% or 2% over prime. Competitive interest rates combined with tax deductibility can add up to very attractive after-tax rates.

Continue reading "How Home Equity Loans Have Changed" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 6:00 AM | Permalink

Financial lenders calculate the APR or annual percentage rate using a formula that takes into consideration the various expenses associated with the mortgage. Some fees are always calculated into the equation while others are never included. In fact, some fees are considered when calculating the APR by some lenders, but not by others.

Continue reading "What Fees Are Included in the APR or Annual Percentage Rate?" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:24 AM | Permalink

ManagingMoney.com is pleased to announce the launch of their Mortgage Center. Unlike numerous other sites where the user is expected to fill out a form in order to receive a competitive mortgage quote, the new ManagingMoney.com Mortgage Center offers State Specific mortgage quotes from both local and national lenders. Users are able to see updated quotes that show rates, APY, points and closing costs. If interested, users can then click through directly to the specific lender to fill out an application or request more information online. The new Center supports purchases, refinancings, and home equity loans. Types of loans available include conventional fixed loans, jumbo loans, adjustable rate mortgages, home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit. All companies listed are actual mortgage companies, not loan aggregators, and any listing showing rates older than 7 days are dropped so users can be comfortable they are seeing timely, relevant information.

Posted by Mike - Editor at 2:15 PM | Permalink

Although interest-only mortgage loans have existed for many years, they have increased in popularity recently. With home prices continuing to rise and interest rates still at low levels, an interest-only mortgage allows homebuyers to purchase a larger home with a smaller mortgage payment.

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Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:30 PM | Permalink

Continue reading "Is an ARM, Adjustable Rate Mortgage, Appropriate Now?" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 12:44 PM | Permalink

Continue reading "Weighing Your Real Estate Mortgage Options" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:48 PM | Permalink