Archive for October, 2007

An Introduction To Mortgages

If you’ve just started working and saving but you desire to have your own house and own car, you may not need to wait for a decade or so for your dreams to come true. But that’s only possible if your mortgage application gets approved.

Mortgage has been viewed by many as a form of lifesaver especially today. It’s getting harder and harder to come up with payments for the monthly bills so how else can ordinary consumers afford to have their dreams come true? With the help of mortgage companies, however, they may just have that dream house and car before the year’s end.

What Do You Have To Know About Mortgages?
If you’re new to the mortgage scene and absolutely do not have a clue about where and how to start then you’ve found the right page to learn more about mortgages. Here, we shall be introducing you to the topic of mortgages and give you information about everything you have to know, from the types, to tips on choosing a reliable mortgage provider to suggestions on what you should do in order to qualify for a loan or mortgage.

Types of mortgages
All you have to do is open an accounting or finance textbook or browse the internet and right away, you’ll get to know about the different types of mortgage. But more often than not, the descriptions provided are somewhat too confusing or too technical for lay people to understand. We know that so with each type of mortgage we’ll be explaining, we make sure that we do so simply and clearly.

Base Rate Mortgage
We’ll start with a fairly easy one, the base rate mortgage. This type of mortgage has its roots founded on the rates provided by the Bank of England. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find a mortgage provider in the United States who offer this type of mortgage but when you do, you’re at least familiar with how it works. Anything else you have to know, simply ask a solicitor – it’s the British way of calling lawyers, by the way.

Fixed Rate Mortgage
The interest rate for the mortgage you’re applying for shall remain fixed or constant.

Variable Rate Mortgage
The interest rate for the mortgage you’re trying to qualify for varies and is dependent on the wishes of the mortgage provider.

The Right Mortgage Company
Simply put, don’t just trust any mortgage company and don’t sign anything without reading the contract thoroughly.
How To Pass Mortgage Qualification Interviews
Never lie about your finances and check your credit ratings first before passing your mortgage application form.

[Tags]Mortgage, Credit, House, Buy a House, Home Owner, House Mortgage, Borrow Money, Obtaining a Mortgage, Credit Union[/Tags]

Comments

A Car Loan For People With Bad Credit

Most banks have strict policies about whom they will lend their money and for what the money will be used.  They will not grant you a car loan for a used car which is older than five years.  They charge higher interest rates on loans for used cars than on loans for new cars.  And very rarely do they grant loans to people who fall under the “subprime” category.

A person who is considered a subprime borrower is one who has a blemished credit history.  He may not be paying his bills on time or he may overextend his credit card.  A subprime borrower is usually someone who has a credit score below 620.  If your loan application has been rejected on the grounds that you belong to this credit-unworthy group, does this mean that you cannot borrow anymore?

You may still get a car loan if you will look for lenders that grant financing to subprime borrowers.  Avoid finance companies that advertise “1.9% interest**”.  Notice the sign (**)?  Below the big ads, written in fine print, the ** means for prime borrowers only or for people with excellent credit.  Clearly you do not belong to this worthy group.  People with bad credit will have less privileges when getting a car loan.  The interest rates are decidedly high.  You may opt to search for online lenders. But there are measures you may take to improve your circumstances.

The first thing to avoid is to rely completely on the car dealer.  He will always get a certain percentage out of car loan transactions.  In fact, it will be advisable if you are able to secure a car loan before you allow a car dealer to be within a shouting distance from you.  When you look for a credit grantor, don’t accept the first one you encounter.  Compare interest rates offered by lenders, but don’t accept the average rates they give.  A lender may offer a lower interest rate for a person with a credit score of 800 and a higher interest rate for someone with a score of 600.   Ask for specific rates. You may also approach credit unions and banks where you have a current account.

You also have a chance to improve your “category” by checking your credit report and reforming your credit score.  For example, there might be an error in the information found in your credit report.  This error may have been the one responsible for the black mark on your credit history.  You must immediately have this error corrected by informing the credit bureau in writing.

Credit scores can change.  If you pay your bills on time and if you always stay within your budget, then your credit score will likely improve.  Once you have a higher number, you may get a lower-rate refinancing for your car loan.

[Tags]Car Loan, Mortgage, Credit, Money Lending, Borrow Money, Car Mortgage, Car Payment, Budget, Buying a Car[/Tags]

Comments

Everything and More About Credit Checks

There’s just no use to dodging and looking over your shoulders, amigos. At this age and time, it’s impossible to escape the clutches of finance companies and never have to undergo credit checks. Look at the bright side at least. Credit checks are done for your own protection, too.

Put yourself in the lender’s position. Without credit checks, credit bureaus and credit reports, how would you be able to determine which individual would be more probable to pay off their debts on time? And anyway, undergoing credit checks isn’t as terrifying a process as it’s usually portrayed to be. Thanks to credit repair, that is.

Haven’t heard about credit repair? My, oh my, good thing you’re reading this article then. With credit repair, all your fears about credit checks would be resolved. Interested? I bet you are. And so, without further ado, here are the steps you could take when fixing bad credit.

See What They See – Why let them surprise you when you could know the details about your credit report beforehand? If you know that you’re going to undergo a credit check in the near future, take the necessary steps to make sure that it’s a cinch you’ll be able to pass the credit check. How do you do it? Simple. First, check the directory for a list of credit bureaus or agencies. Getting a copy of your credit report will always cost you some bucks so if you don’t think you can afford to procure all the credit reports done on you, you could at least stick with the reports made by the three major credit bureaus of the United States – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
When you’ve gotten the credit reports done on you, it’s time to get nasty and see what kind of dirt they’ve dug out about you. Oh. Do you see an item containing details about your declaration of bankruptcy more than ten years ago? If so, that’s an item you should highlight because according to the rules – and we’re playing by the book here – credit agencies aren’t allowed to list down details about bankruptcies more than ten years old unless you’re borrowing or applying for something that’s worth more than $150,000.

If you think you’re not ready to get nasty and sometimes – act pathetic – towards the credit bureau representatives, creditors and bank managers, maybe, maybe it’s time to ask help from credit repair companies. I know there’s been a lot of controversy over the practices of such companies but as long as you’re employing the help of a reputable company, I don’t see any harm from that.

[Tags]Bad Credit, Debt, Bankruptcy, Credit Repair, Money Lenders, Credit Cards, budget, Unpaid Debts, Credit Reports[/Tags]

Comments

Mortgage Repayment Options

Here are the three ways to repay a loan:

Capital & interest

Making regular payments of the principal and interest over a fixed tern is the most common way of repaying a loan.  This is called amortization or repayment mortgage.  Amortizations may be short or long depending on the size of the loan as well as the prevailing custom in the country.  A capital element and an interest element comprsies a mortgage repayment.  Throughout the life of the mortgage, there is a difference in the cost of capital included in each resettlement.  During the initial years, the repayments are largely interest and partly capital.  As the mortgage nears its completion, the resettlement becomes largely capital and partly interest.  The repayment cost is computed at the outset in order that the loan is returned at a set period in the future.  This assures that by continuing repayment the loan will definitely be paid out at a specified period.

Interest only

In an interest only mortgage, the capital is not returned throughout the period of the mortgage.  In the UK interest only mortgages are related with regular investment plans.  In this type of mortgage, contributions are regularly given to a separate investment plan which increases a lump sum in order to repay the mortage when the plan matures.  Historically investment-backed mortgages are more advantageous over repayment mortgages although this has changed particularly in the UK.  There is a higher-risk on investment-backed mortgages since it relies on the suffficiency of the investment to pay out the debt.

Commonly, a repayment vehicle is arranged together with interest only mortgage because the borrower gambles on the assumption that the property will gain sufficiently for the loan to be paid out.
No capital or interest

In the case of older borrowers, a mortgage where neither the capital or interest is repaid may be set-up.  The interest rolls up when the capital increases the debt every year.
The loans are not returned until the death of the borrower which explains the restriction in the age.

Interest and partial capital

A loan in which the monthly amortization is calculated over a certain period and the outstanding balance of the capital is paid at a time short of that period is called a balloon loan. When the mortgage is arranged on the basis of capital and interest, this is called a repayment mortgage and is common in the United Kingom.

[Tags]Mortgage, Credit, House, Buy a House, Home Owner, House Mortgage, Borrow Money, Obtaining a Mortgage, Credit Union[/Tags]

Comments

Pre-Approved Car Loans

Getting pre-approved for a car loan before shopping for a loan can offer a great deal of flexibility and savings.  Below are some of the advantages:

•    By getting pre-approved, the expense and pressure of dealer financing is eliminated

•    With pre-approval, dealer rebates or and/or discounts are not sacrificed in lieu of a lower interest rate

•    Before making an appointment with the dealer, there is already knowledge of the car

•    Shelling out a large initial cash-out can be avoided

PRE-APPROVED CAR LOANS

Know your credit history

Interest rates and payment terms have varied credit scores just like all loans.  Credit points are determined by scores ranging from about 350 to 800. A loan offering a least attractive rate might be given to people with a score of less than 600.  A score of 720 can qualify for the best rate.

Dealer financing provides another option.  The three C’s govern the acquisition of  a car loan:

Credit

Responsibility in budgeting and paying should be demonstrated – punctual payment of bills, limitation of debt and regular savings.  Before applying for a loan, know your credit history by asking for your credit report.

Capacity

The ability to repay the loan amount should be shown as well.  Secondary documents may be attached to support your claim.

Collateral

Liquid assets become a guarantee that payment can be recovered in the event of late payment or non-payment.

The finance departments of car dealers can offer to finance the car.  An additional 7 to 15% for the sticker price is determined by the credit rating, financial history and repayment capability.

Utilizing dealership financing

The advantage of dealer financing over a bank loan is that qualification is relatively easy.  You should anticipate the amount to pay.

Some words of warning:

Be extra careful in making a decision.  Getting the better end of a deal is a part of the training of car dealers.

Social security numbers should not be provided unless a decision has been made.  Inquiries on credit affects credit score.

Whether the choice is bank or financing through a dealer, the loan process should be controlled by you.  Have sufficient information about the rates of the interest and payment terms.  When no option is profitable to you, improve on your credit score or when the down payment is affordable.

In order to get a car loan, the tips mentioned above should be slowly considered before saying “YES” to any car loan dealership.

[Tags]Car Loan, Mortgage, Credit, Money Lending, Borrow Money, Car Mortgage, Car Payment, Budget, Buying a Car[/Tags]

Comments