Mortgage Smart 
Required Reading
Mortgage articles for anyone who owns or is planning to buy a house.
Adjustable rate mortgages - avoid in today's mortgage market
With interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages averaging close to 4.5% percent in recent months, adjustable rate mortgages have higher rates and are far riskier.... Read more
Affordable Mortgages
Just about anyone can buy a home. With new low down payment mortgages, and special programs for low income households, many more families can now qualify for home mortgages.... Read more
American Express Credit Cards
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points When You Spend $500 in 3 Months - Redeemable for a $100 Gift... Read more
An Introduction to New Home Construction Loans
Building your new house is challenging and it is important to have all the information on how to get new home construction loans before you embark on the work.... Read more
Automated Mortgage Underwriting
Chances are, when you apply for a mortgage, your loan will be underwritten immediately by a computer. While automated underwriting will not solve every loan problem, it certainly makes buying a home faster, better, and cheaper for most home buyers.... Read more
Avoid Foreclosure: Refinance your sub prime loan with FHA
Don't lose your home. FHA has a new program to assist those with sub prime loans. Check it out with an FHA lender. Veteran? You may qualify for a VA loan.... Read more
Bad Credit Loans
Don't let bad credit stop you from getting the money you need. These lenders will help you get an auto or personal loan.... Read more
Bank Loans With Bad Credit
Most people believe that individuals with bad credit will never achieve a bank loan.... Read more
Benefits of Online Construction Management Software
o be competitive today, architects, contractors, developers and owner need to do a lot more with a lot less. For that reason, many construction professionals are considering online construction management software.... Read more
Best Mortgage Rates
What is the best mortgage rate? Check out the national average mortgage rates for today.... Read more
Budget Considerations for New Home Construction
Building a new home is typically more expensive than buying an existing resale home, so setting a budget is especially important.... Read more
Build Your Own Home- Quality Counts!
It can be a scary thing wondering how you'll get the quality you want in your owner builder home.... Read more
Builders Risk Insurance
Builders risk insurance is a form of property insurance that covers property owners and builders during construction, renovation or repair. Builders risk insurance is similar to normal homeowners insurance.... Read more
Building Your Home in Florida
Building a new house can be fun but can also be a disaster. To achieve the best results research the builder and use a bank or credit union construction loan to fund the construction.... Read more
Commercial Construction Loans - Abandoned Deals
Commercial construction loans have taken perhaps the hardest "beating" in the current credit crisis. Bottom line, banks do not want too or cannot take on the additional risks that come with construction loans.... Read more
Commercial Mortgage Loan Application Process
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Commercial Mortgage Loans
Alternative methods of funding commercial real estate loans are available.... Read more
Commercial Mortgage Loans - What Rates Do Hedge Funds Charge For Commercial Mortgages?
The credit squeeze has been devastating to the commercial real estate industry and the problems are not going away. As we all wait for the situation to improve private lenders, including Wall Street hedge funds and private equity firms, have cash and are... Read more
Commercial Real Estate Loan Application Process
Understanding the loan application process is important in order to anticipate the time, expense and major milestones involved in obtaining a permanent mortgage for your commercial property.... Read more
Commercial Real Estate Loan Prepayment Penalties
Borrowers are looking for the security of long term fixed rate commercial loans but then balking at the prepayment penalties that come with them. But do you really understand how these prepayment penalties work?... Read more
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Commercial real estate loans, and the industry in general, have gone through a tremendous amount of volatility in 2009.... Read more
Commercial Real Estate Marketing - Three Steps to Success
Marketing a commercial property is not all that different from marketing a home to residential buyers. But there are some unique things you can do to promote your commercial properties effectively, and we will cover three of them in this article.... Read more
Commerical Real Estate Book Store
A great place to start learning about commercial real estate with the best selection of commercial real estate books.... Read more
Common Home Building Problems When Contracting Your Own Home
Contracting your own home is a noble undertaking, and one that requires a good bit of pre-construction planning. It is important to anticipate things that can go wrong in the building process... Read more
Compare Residential Construction Loans offered by major construction lenders
Many builders require customers to obtain their own construction loan. This passes the expense and credit risk during construction to the customer.... Read more
Construction Bookstore
Browse these exciting books before starting to build a house.... Read more
Construction Financing and Commercial Loans
Commercial construction financing and commercial real estate loans are presenting a number of new challenges for commercial borrowers.... Read more
Construction Lien Laws in Florida
Construction lien laws are designed to help the sub contractors that work on your house by protecting them from non payment. Those same laws can cost the homeowner plenty of money.... Read more
Construction Loan Disbursement Procedures
Construction loan disbursement are designed to assure adequate funds to complete the construction of the house.... Read more
Construction Loan Process
Construction loans have several more steps than a normal mortgage loan.... Read more
Construction Loan Survey Requirements
All lenders require a survey of the property before construction and again after the foundation is poured to assure proper placement of the house on the lot.... Read more
Construction Loans Don't Need To Come From Your Bank & Don't Have To Take Three Months
Hard money loans can speed up the construction process and save money even with a higher interest rate. Banks do not want to lend money and construction loans are harder to get than ever.... Read more
Construction Loans:Questions and Answers
How do construction loans work? How are the payments calculated and who makes them?... Read more
Construction Supplies
Using online sources to locate your construction supplies can save you money and help you learn more about what is available. Construction Supplies... Read more
Countrywide Loan Modification Program
You are required to learn some basics before taking any assistance from Countrywide Bank pertaining to loan Modification.... Read more
Cutting Costs on Construction Projects
Stretching your construction dollar is even more important in these tough economic times.... Read more
Debt Consolidation Loans for paying off credit cards
Been looking twice at those attractive sounding offers for a debt consolidation loan? Paying off high-interest credit-card debt with a home-equity loan can help financially troubled families make ends meet.... Read more
Discover Credit Cards
Get the benefits of a Discover Card and 5% cash back too.... Read more
Do Not Be Ashamed - File Bankruptcy
Having financial problems at home or in business is no more 'uncommon'. Financial predicaments are impending everywhere.... Read more
Due Diligence in Commercial Real Estate Transactions
It is imperative that the purchaser of any commercial property conduct thorough due diligence before closing the deal. Here are twenty items that should be a part of any due diligence process.... Read more
Electronics
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Escrow Account Audit
Government Officials Estimate that two-thirds of all Escrow Accounts Contain Overcharges of $150 to $1,000!... Read more
Escrow Accounts and Mortgage Modification
This article discusses the importance of saving for tax liabilities, especially when it comes to a new home. Many first-time homeowners may benefit from having an escrow account to save up for their property tax debt.... Read more
Escrow Accounts: Are Mortgage Lenders Sitting on Your Money?
Most mortgage holders tend to think of escrow payments as a byproduct of borrowing. It doesn't have to be. Should you get interest on your escrow account?... Read more
Escrow Analysis
How do you keep track of how much money you have in escrow? Lenders are required to issue itemized statements of escrow accounts to borrowers within thirty days of the end of the year.... Read more
Escrow Property Taxes and Insurance With Your Mortgage?
There are several reasons why you should escrow taxes and insurance and there are a few reasons why it might not be a good idea.... Read more
Farm and Ranch Loans
Ranch and farm loan programs designed for the individual needs of farmers and ranchers.... Read more
Feeling at Home With Your Home Improvement Contractor
You wouldn't pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a face lift?... Read more
FHA Construction Loan
For most homeowners, getting a construction loan is one of the most difficult loans to obtain.... Read more
Find the Best Refinance Quote For Your Loan Needs
Getting a good refinance quote can feel overwhelming. If you are in the market for a refinance loan, then it is in your best interest to find the best quote you can get.... Read more
Five Reasons to Consider a Debt Consolidation Loan
When looking for a debt consolidation loan, you should do some shopping among lenders to determine the best rate and terms for the loan.... Read more
Florida Building Permit Issuing Agencies by County and City
Where to get building permits in Florida... Read more
Florida Building Permit Resources and links to all permitting agencies
Florida building permits may issued by the the county or city depending on the location. Here is a complete list of online building permit links for each Florida County and Florida City issuing permits.... Read more
Florida Construction Lien Law
According to Florida law, those who work on your property or provide materials, and are not paid-in-full, have a right to enforce their claim for payment against your property. This claim is known as a construction lien.... Read more
Florida Construction Loans
Building permits in Florida are the first step and construction financing the second.... Read more
Foreclosure Listings - Where to Find Them
When the economy is bad, finding long lists of foreclosed homes is relatively easy. But, it is also possible to find foreclosure listings in a strong economy. The truth of the matter is that foreclosed homes pop up all over the globe on a regular basis re... Read more
Foreclosure Profits
Pre foreclosure investing requires a little more work but it can help you get a faster start and buy property a bargain prices.... Read more
Furnish Your Home
Shopping for furniture can be stressful and time consuming. Save money and time by shopping online. Enjoy great selections and serious savings.... Read more
Getting a Construction Loan Vs A Mortgage Loan - Learn the Differences
Unless you plan to pay cash for your home building project, you will need to obtain financing for the construction and a mortgage for the outstanding balance when it's finished... Read more
Getting Your Commercial Real Estate Loan Approved
Do you know what lenders look for? There are 13 essential items that you should submit in your loan package to getting your commercial real estate deal funded.... Read more
Guide For Commercial Real Estate
For those considering purchasing or investing in commercial real estate there is a basic guide for commercial real estate that should be followed. As with any major investment, care and careful planning should go into this purchase.... Read more
Hard Money Commercial Real Estate Loans - Getting approved
Private, often called "hard money" lenders have less documentation requirements than conventional lenders. Hard money loans are equity based, not credit driven. Further, private loans can close much, much faster than institutionally funded mortgages.... Read more
Hard Money Lending Made Simple
Many deals, especially those involving ugly properties, are funded by what are called "Hard Money Lenders." These are usually people with money to invest that want a high return and don't trust the stock market.... Read more
Hidden Construction Loan Requirements
While a construction loan might seem fairly straight forward, each lender has their own policies and procedures regarding everything from each draw to the conversion to a permanent loan.... Read more
Home Appliances for your new home
Save money and compare appliances by shopping at these online stores. Offering the latest styles and the best prices for appliances.... Read more
Home Building & Remodels
Good design, like great preparation, will help you avoid trouble and get exactly what you want.... Read more
Home Construction Loans
A home construction loan is a loan where the lender has to know the story behind the construction of the house before sanctioning the loan. In other words, the home construction loan can be called a story loan, which is to be understood before a decision... Read more
Home Equity Line of Credit, Godsend Solution For Your Monetary Needs
Owning a house is the Greatest American Dream. Additionally, having a house to save you from monetary needs adds up to the benefits of owning the greatest American dream.... Read more
Home Equity Loan - A Smart Move?
Home equity loan offers to "consolidate" your debt? Paying off high-interest credit-card debt with a home-equity loan can help financially troubled families.... Read more
Home equity loan interest deductible?
The parameters for deducting interest on a home equity loan depend on the value of the house and the use of the loan proceeds.... Read more
Home Lighting
The finest home lighting stores featuring all the latest styles at low prices.... Read more
Homeowners Insurance
Protecting your home and its contents is probably one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Understanding the details regarding your home and what insurance does can help you be sure you have the right coverage.
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Homeowners Insurance Companies
Homeowners insurance is next step after being approved by for your mortgage. Look to these quality insurers for your best deal. Compare.... Read more
House Plans
Find the best house plans available and select from many companies. Whatever your taste, you find your dream house plans here.... Read more
House Poor?
Use this website’s mortgage calculators to compute how much house you can afford. Don’t buy a house on emotion, buy it by the numbers. You will sleep better at night.
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How To Choose The Best Types of Mortgage Loans For Your Dream Home
If you are looking to purchase a new home, there are many types of mortgage loans that you may be interested in which could serve this purpose.... Read more
How to Get a Good Contractor
Having the right contractor is one of the most important things if you want to be successful in turning over properties in the world of real estate investing. A good contractor will be dependable and complete assignments in time and within the budget that... Read more
How to Get Your New Home Construction Loan
Deciding to build your first new home or that home of your dreams requires funding for the building process.... Read more
I Can’t Get a Mortgage
Many lenders offer FHA or b-c loans which stands for credit that is not classified as "a" credit The lower the quality of the credit, the lower the "grade."... Read more
Important Information About mortgages
Information about TIL, Discount Points, junk fees, credit, APR, sample disclosure documents... Read more
Installment Loans For People With Bad Credit
Do you have bad credit? Do you believe it is impossible to get a loan since your credit is bad? Have you ever even tried to apply for an installment loan for people with bad credit?... Read more
It's Time for Escrow Analysis Again
Its time once again for mortgage escrow analysis. This means your mortgage payment may be adjusted to reflect changes in your taxes and insurance. Learn what to look for to assure fair treatment.... Read more
Land Surveys
Part of the mortgage loan process is to obtain a survey of the property. The home buyer pays for the survey.... Read more
Living Outdoors
Find everything you need for patio, pool and lawn. Order direct and save time and save money.... Read more
Lot or Land Loan Description
This sample of a lender's requirements for land loans reveals the property and borrower requirements . Note that these loans are short term and usually interst only.... Read more
Mortgage Book Store
Mortgage books and credit repair books to make you a better real estate investor and mortgage borrower.... Read more
Mortgage Escrow Account
Why do lenders require escrow accounts? What do they do for you? Are they only a method for banks to get free use of your money? Or do they hold a greater purpose in our society?... Read more
Mortgage Escrow Accounts
The answer is "YES!" unless you follow my strategies shown below. I learned first hand about mortgage escrow accounts back in 2003-2005 when I was working as a Claims Examiner for a huge insurance company. Their product was Forced-Placed Hazard Insurance,... Read more
Mortgage Escrow Information
The escrow account ensures these items are paid when they are due, and removes the risk of delinquent taxes or lapses in insurance policy.
... Read moreMortgage Loan Application Checklist
In today's tight mortgage market preparation puts you one step ahead. The mortgage application checklist will help you prepare.... Read more
Mortgage Loan Closing
Settlement of a mortgage loan is a legal process, so specific procedures and requirements will vary according to local laws, but the following outline of closing practices will help you through the process.... Read more
Mortgage Loan Closing Checklist (Sample)
Ever wonder what goes on with your loan while it is in process? Here is a mortgage lender's checklist that is used to check your file before closing.... Read more
Mortgage Loan Compliance Notices
Lenders are required to give you certain disclosures which are listed here. In addition you will receive a Truth in Lending (TIL) form that shows all the costs associated with your loan.... Read more
Mortgage Loan Modification Instead of Refinance
Lenders don't want to tell you about a little secret that can save you, the borrower, thousands of dollars in refinance costs. It's called loan modification. ... Read more
Mortgage News
The mortgage market is in a state of flux and anyone interested in buying a house or refinancing a mortgage will be well served to anticipate mortgage rate changes.... Read more
Mortgage Servicing Rights
As a borrower you have certain rights under the law regarding the transfer of your mortgage servicing.... Read more
Mortgage Terms You Should Know
Because of all the options available, obtaining a mortgage loan can be a real adventure. And since so much is at stake, your knowledge of the jargon will help you.... Read more
Multifamily Properties: Strategies for Increasing Profits
Everyone is well aware of the cyclical nature of commercial real estate, as well as the potential for significant profits to be gleaned by purchasing assets before they rise in price.... Read more
Nationwide Construction Loans
Finding the right lender is critical to the construction process. Here is a list of construction lenders who will help you get the job done.... Read more
New FHA Lending Limits
FHA loan limits make FHA loans available for most refinancing and home purchases. Find the best lender for your situation.... Read more
Notice of Contest of Lien
By following the law, the owner can make sure that all members of the construction team are paid in full while also protecting the property from liens.... Read more
Online Mortgage Application
Fast, easy and confidential, apply now for your new mortgage.... Read more
Owner Builder
Information and links to books that will help you hurdle the owner builder path to building your own home. Or use a construction consultant.... Read more
Owner Builder Construction Loans:
Owner Builder construction is a great way to build instant equity into your new home by eliminating the costs of a general contractor.... Read more
Owner Builder Construction Loans: The Secret to Hiring Good Sub-Contractors
Owner builder construction loans provide financing for people who want to eliminate the costs of hiring a licensed builder for the construction of their new home.... Read more
Pay Into the Kitty
When I explain escrow or prepaid items to my customers, I always liken it as to setting up a kitty. You know, like in poker.... Read more
Plumbing and Bathroom
Online selections give you unique choices and the best prices for plumbing and bathroom fixtures.... Read more
Pre Paid Credit Cards
Prepaid credit cards allow you to pay for gas and food fast and help control your spending.... Read more
Predatory Lending: Defend Yourself!
Known as predatory lending, unscrupulous lenders use hidden fees and unneeded refinancing to part borrowers from their money. Recent examples with sub prime loans show how borrowers can suffer.... Read more
Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) provides coverage to the mortgage lender in the event of default. The premium is paid by the borrower. Mortgage lenders generally require private mortgage insurance on all high loan-to-value ratio loans... Read more
Real Estate
Foreclosed Real Estate can make you a future millionaire.... Read more
Real Estate Appraisals and real property value
Pay too much, and you lose money when you sell. Pay too little, and you'll probably want to know why someone is willing to sell below market. Either way, it's important to know exactly what a property is worth before buying.... Read more
Real Estate Resources
Vital information for today's homeowner and real estate investor.... Read more
Regulations That Help You Shop for a Mortgage
Whether you submit a completed application or a loan representative prepares your application for a loan, the lender is required to give you a copy of the Real Estate Settlement Protection Act booklet titled Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs.... Read more
Remodeling Contracts
Several forms of contracts are available for homeowners to pay the contractor for home improvements. It depends on your situation as to making the best choice.... Read more
Remodeling Loans
Here's a step by step process to finance your remodeling project. What type of financing is available? Which is best? What is a remodeling or "rehab" loan? How do they differ from other mortgage loans?... Read more
Residential and Commercial Construction Books
Learn about residential construction loans before building your house or selecting your builder.... Read more
Residential Construction Provides Several Options
Once you have decided that a newly built home is right for you, you will need to determine which type of new home best suits your needs:... Read more
Reverse Mortgage - A Mortgage That Pays You Back
Dorothy Rogers credits a reverse mortgage with allowing her to keep her property after her husband died.... Read more
Search Engine
Search our site for the information you need.... Read more
Selecting a Remodeling Contractor
The contractor you choose should be experienced and have references that you can check. Choose your contractor carefully, it will save you sleep and money.... Read more
Selecting Your Builder
Selecting the right builder can mean the difference in your emotional and financial well being.... Read more
Stores
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Streamlining Payments
Examine your business's payment needs to reveal opportunities to reduce and streamline transaction costs and increase control.... Read more
Ten Ways to Save Money on Your Mortgage
Here are twelve things anyone can do to cut their mortgage expense.... Read more
The Construction Appraisal - What You Need to Know Before Your Loan Gets Denied
The appraisal is just as important to your construction loan qualification as your income, assets and credit. The appraisal for a home to be built is even more important than an appraisal for a home that already exists.... Read more
The Construction Loan Timeline and the Number One Mistake Most People Make
he number one mistake that most people make when building their home is not allowing enough time to get through the process.... Read more
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Debt Consolidation Loans
Pay off high interest credit card debt with a sensible consolidation loan and sleep better at night. ... Read more
The Nine Basic Steps of the Owner Builder Construction Loan
Owner builder construction gives you the chance to build your own home and earn a lot of instant sweat equity in the process.... Read more
Title Insurance and Buying Real Estate
Title insurance is just what its name implies. It insures that the title on your home is clear of any liens, easements or claims.... Read more
Top 10 Ways to Build Your Mortgage Borrowing Power
Nothing can deflate the joy of buying a new home more than worrying about being turned down for a mortgage loan. Avoid disappointment by sharpening your credentials before you go hunting for a loan.... Read more
Understanding Jumbo Mortgages
What differentiates jumbo mortgage loans is the loan amount. At present, loan amounts that are higher than $417,000 are usually deemed a jumbo mortgages.... Read more
VA Loans Or FHA Loans - What is the Best Home Loan Option For Veterans?
VA and FHA Loans are both great federal backed mortgage programs. When comparing the two federal home loan programs, it's only natural to wonder which one might be right for you.... Read more
VA Rate Reduction Loans
VA Rate Reduction loans are simply a reduction in a current VA Mortgage holder's interest rate. In some cases this loan can also reduce the Veterans mortgage term, in turn allowing them to pay off their home faster.... Read more
Valuing Income Property
Evaluating income property carefully will help make the right decision. Learn the concepts of cash flow, cap rates, competitive rents, and how appraisers will evaluate the property.... Read more
What Are Your Investment Objectives For Commercial Properties?
A best property for one investor may not be suitable for another investor. This is because each investor has different set of investment objectives.... Read more
What Commercial Real Estate Investors Should Know About Cap Rate
Cap rate or capitalization rate or just cap is the ratio of annual rental income of the property over the purchase price.... Read more
What is a Construction Loan Agreement?
If you are planning to build your own home, the entire process can be extremely overwhelming. Construction loan agreements can help you understand the process.... Read more
What You Need to Know About How Construction Loans Really Work
The loan process you follow when searching for a construction loan has some similarities to that of obtaining a regular mortgage.... Read more
What's the Difference Between "Amorization" and "Term"
There are many stresses associated with home buying - both financial and emotional. And frankly speaking, it doesn't help that the process comes with its very own foreign language... Read more
When to Refinance Your Mortgage
If you haven't yet heard the call of the mortgage lenders, you will.... Read more
Which Areas Are to Be Remodeled in a Home?
Kitchen and bathrooms have to be given the foremost preference while it comes to home improvement or remodeling.... Read more
Your Right to Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Homeowner�s Protection Act offers homeowners the right to cancel under certain circumstances.... Read more