Sunday, September 28, 2008

Fast Loans on the Fast Lane: How to Get a Loan Real Quick

Who Isn't Ever in Need of Fast Loans?

Living life in the fast lane of rising grocery and gas prices surely empties your wallet faster than a sieve empties water. You need a fast loan for $300 or go bust. All you do is fill up an online loan application form and provide all the information requested. Submit click and wait. You don't have to worry about the security of your information, it is safe.

A prompt reply is sent to your email and another wait, there is money in your bank account. All of these take place within a matter of hours. That is how fast loans work. You can drive to the nearest ATM and withdraw your money after work or walk to the nearest ATM during lunch break to get your hands on the cash real quick.

This type of loan has saved many people from embarrassing situations. A small business owner saves face when a supplier comes knocking to collect payment for goods delivered; the family budget can be stretched a little bit after a medical emergency payment. The list is indeed endless.

Advantages of Fast Loans

Everybody needs quick loans to ease their way back on track; but they do not need just any loan. At this day and age, who still wants to go through a long nerve-wracking wait before a loan is okayed and who still wants to get the traditional mandatory minimum loan in the thousands when a mere $300 will do? The other advantages of online fast loans are:

* No hidden fees. What you see is what you get. If the lender says you pay $15 per $100 then that's that. You are also informed that upon default, you can pay the fees for the entire loan amount and roll-over your $300 for an extended repayment. Yes, you will pay another $45 for your $300.

* No credit checks. Lenders will not waste their time checking your credit report. Instead, they want proof of employment of at least three months and the latest pay slip. A discreet inquiry by phone to your HRM will be made though to double check the facts you gave them.

* Speedy approvals. It takes an hour or two to get your loan approved after you fill out the online application form properly and leave no blanks and provide the details of your checking account. When properly done, your money goes to your bank account within 24 hours or after an hour depending on how fast your bank works on the money transfer.

Lenders have offered flexible repayment programs. If you cannot repay the loan on the maturity date, pay the finance or administrative fee and a portion of the principal before the loan matures; or you can pay only the finance fee on the maturity date. But be sure though to inform the loan agent before the due date that you will not be able to pay the loan in full to avoid unnecessary penalties. Fast loans should work for you, not against you.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Mortgage Information - Refinancing? Second Mortgage? Home Equity Loan? Understand The Basics

A mortgage is usually the biggest purchase that an individual makes, and because of that, many people tend to get nervous during the process. But wouldn’t it make things easier if you felt that you had a “handle” on the process—or at least the terminology? After all, in order to get the best deal on your mortgage loan, you will need to understand certain things such as points, interest rates and closing costs.
If you feel like you could stand to brush up on your mortgage loan terminology, why not read the following common terms and their definitions?
Points
A point is amount that a borrower will pay in order to reduce the interest rate on their mortgage. One point is generally equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you were taking out a 100,000 mortgage, and wanted lower interest rates, you might have to pay anywhere from 1-3 points (or $1,000-3,000 dollars) to get that rate. It’s important to note that some lenders will advertise very low interest rates, and only when you read the fine print will you learn that you will have to pay points in order to get them.
Interest Rates
When a lender makes a loan, they make money by charging interest on that loan. With a mortgage loan, all of that interest is front-loaded, which means that for the first few years, every payment that you will make will go mostly toward the interest.
When applying for a mortgage, you will have the option of “locking-in,” or “floating” your interest rate. If you choose to lock-in your rate, then you will be assured—for about 60 days—that when you close it will be at that rate. However, if it appears that interest rates will go lower, you can choose to float the interest rate, which means that you can watch the rates carefully, and then lock it in whenever it reaches an amount that you are comfortable with.
Closing Costs
When you go to close on your home at the title company, both the buyer and seller will have to pay a pre-determined amount of closing costs. These are determined by the type of loan you get, and the area where you live. Your lender is required by law to inform you of any closing costs beforehand, so be sure to ask for your truth in lending estimate.
As you can see, mortgage terms aren’t that mysterious! Do some research or read some more articles on this site to become familiar with the lending terms that you need to know.
There are also many mortgage companies online that can help you find direct mortgage lenders and home loan brokers that will best suit your needs. This is a quick way to find a good mortgage loan and compare rates and offers from multiple lenders. When lenders compete for your business, it works to your advantage.
About the author.
To see a list of recommended mortgage loan companies online, visit this page: http://www.abcloanguide.com/mortgageloans.shtml - Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website with articles and more about various types of loans.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Mortgage Broker Licensing Made Easy

Becoming a mortgage broker is like entering a well-rewarded profession. Being a mortgage broker requires a license to protect the consumers as they apply for mortgages. Also, getting a license means you've got to qualify yourself to become one.

But what does it really takes to be a mortgage broker? What are things that you needed to do? Are there documents that you have to submit? These are some of the questions an aspiring mortgage broker wants to know.

And this article aims to answer those questions accordingly. Here is a very comprehensive guide in being a mortgage broker. The steps here provided would lead you to become a mortgage broker the fast and easy way.

1. Train for the job

A mortgage broker is assumed to be the expert in the field of properties and houses. A regular homeowner expects you to help them understand the mortgaging concept and what it can do for them. To be real-deal mortgage broker, you also have to pass an accreditation procedure. Several trainings can be done online. Some is performed with a one-on-one seminar. You can also learn on your own, if you wish.

2. Know the respective state laws

Mortgage laws differ from one state to another. It is part of your job as a mortgage broker to fully understand and know all the mortgage laws in the state you are operating in. It is your responsibility to guide a prospective buyer in obtaining the best deal, both in price and legalities.

3. Enlist with the proper federal institution

This is your first step in getting your license. Send in your application form, together will all the pertinent documents required to the proper regulating bureau of the state. Again, these bureaus are different from state to state, so make sure that you go to the right one.

4. Pay the necessary fees

There is a particular amount that you have to pay. You have to shell out for the application fee, as well as the investigation fee. Also, you have to post a Surety Bond that is more or less $25,000. There could be other charges like licensing fees and fingerprinting fees. These should all be covered to get your application processed accordingly.

5. Take the examination

After going through the approved educational procedure and the minimum hours required, you should be ready to take the test to determine your knowledge and abilities to become a broker. This encompasses all your trainings and mortgage schooling. You have to do well in this test so that your license will be ready the soonest time possible.

6. Get your license and work

Now that your license is in your hands, you are now a bona fide mortgage broker. You now have the ability earn while helping others getting a mortgage on their houses. A strong steady stream of clients is all you need to boost you up. Also, that is well achieved by professionalism, performance, and commitment on the job.

7. Get some career connections

To launch you up in the field of mortgage brokerage, do become an apprentice to a mentor. This is advisable until after you get the hang of the job and can work solely on your own. You needed actual practice before threading on the waters alone. A good mentor is somebody who has been in the field long enough. If you do not know of somebody who could take you in, you can affiliate with some bigger organizations and make use of their continuous training and help.

Following these steps, you are sure on your way to become a mortgage broker professional. This is a very fulfilling job because it entails helping people get the best bargain out of their most precious investment that is their properties.

A mortgage broker serves as the middleman between lowly homeowners and powerful financial institutions. Mortgage brokers are people who genuinely helps other be on the same foreground with an otherwise big company an ordinary individual would sure not feel comfortable talking to alone.

8. Be a mortgage broker

This could be the best opportunity for you and your innate administrative talent. This could be where your success lies. Everybody with the proper commitment and love for the work can be a successful mortgage broker. Start now and become a professional soon.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Adjustable Rate Mortgages vs. Fixed Rate Mortgages

Buying a home can be an exciting and stressful time for anyone. While you may be excited at the prospect of owning your own home, especially if it is your first home purchase, the idea of choosing between all of the many different types of mortgages may leave you feeling confused and apprehensive.
Two of the most common choices you’ll find in the mortgage market are adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate mortgages. Fixed rate mortgages are the most traditional type of home mortgage, offering a fixed interest rate that does not change throughout the life of your loan. There are a number of important advantages associated with this type of mortgage. First, if you are budget conscious, this type of mortgage will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your monthly mortgage amount will not change. You can budget the remainder of your financial obligations without worrying about a changing mortgage payment to throw things off.
An adjustable rate mortgage works differently. With this type of mortgage you may be able to obtain a lower interest rate than would normally be available with a fixed rate mortgage; however, the interest rate is not fixed. This means that your monthly mortgage rate may change as interest rates change. With such a mortgage you may not be able to regularly plan your budget due to such fluctuations. While there is usually a cap that will keep the interest rate from fluctuating too much, even a little fluctuation can be too much for some homeowners. Of course, there is also the possibility that interest rates will drop and if that is the case, because your mortgage is adjustable, your monthly payments will drop right along with the interest rate.
When deciding whether a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage is your best choice, you need to give thought to several factors. Ask yourself whether it is more important to be able to plan your monthly budget without wondering whether your mortgage will fluctuate or whether you would prefer to receive a lower interest rate in the beginning of your mortgage.
Remember that if you decide you would like to obtain the advantages of both you do have other options available to you. For example, if you feel the interest rate offered to you on a fixed rate mortgage is too high but you want the security of not having to worry about a fluctuating interest rate you can always buy down your interest rate by purchasing points. This will mean more up front costs for your mortgage; however, it may be worth it to decrease the interest rate, especially if interest rates are currently high.
If you do elect to go with an adjustable rate mortgage make sure you understand exactly how high the rates may go as well as ensure you have enough ‘wiggle’ room in your monthly budget to cushion increases if they occur. This may help to keep you out of a tight spot and possibly losing your home due to rising interest rate.
About the author
Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store where you will find information and reviews of the latest loans and offer more information on personal loans and other loan topics available on site. Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk

Offset Mortgages - How Flexible Mortgages Work

Flexibility is a concept rather than a specific mortgage type. It is possible to have a fixed rate that is flexible or a discount that is flexible. In the UK there is no defined standard of what makes a mortgage product flexible. However, when seeking a flexible deal we would advise that you look for the following features.
- Interest calculated daily- The ability to overpay the mortgage on a regular basis- The ability to underpay the mortgage on a regular basis- Able to make Lump sum payments- Possibility of running a current account within the mortgage- Ability to take payment holidays- No early redemption penalties
Advantages
- More control over the mortgage and if used proactively, can dramatically reduce the number of years you have a debt. Excellent for people who are paid irregular salaries such as commission earners and the Self-Employed.
Disadvantages
- Flexible mortgages don't always have the cheapest rates so usually one needs to be in a position where overpayments are a reasonable certainty to get the most out of this type of product.
Having the ability to regularly overpay your mortgage does not in itself justify choosing a flexible mortgage. Lender’s offering flexible and offset facilities will demonstrate how additional payments will significantly reduce your mortgage term and this is true but it must be remembered that a standard repayment mortgage with a cheaper rate will often work out better in these circumstances.
As an example, if you had a mortgage of £150,000 on a flexible interest only facility at a rate of 6.5% (which is about right for this type of arrangement at the time of writing), then your contractual payments would be £812.50. By paying approximately £300 per month extra the mortgage would finish in 20 years. Alternatively, had you have opted for a traditional repayment mortgage without the same flexibility and qualified for a rate of approximately 5.75%, then the same commitment of around £1115 pm would have meant a mortgage term of just 18 years.
Flexible and offset mortgages certainly have value but hopefully you can see that they are not always the best way of repaying a mortgage early!
Certainly where Flexible and offset mortgages score heavily is in the additional features such as being able to accept ad-hoc overpayments and also the ability to link other savings/current accounts so that the balances offset the mortgage. This is particularly useful for higher rate tax-payers as interest earned in traditional savings mediums (bank and building society accounts) will often be subject to 40% tax whereas conversely using such balances to reduce the interest accruing against the mortgage does not incur any tax liability.
Reserve funds are another brilliant feature of many flexible mortgages where the borrower is able to create a borrowing facility which can be drawn down for future needs. This means that you will only be paying for the money you need as and when you choose to take it.
When helping you to choose what type of mortgage is best suited to your needs it is reassuring to know that we utilise software systems that can access over 3,000 different schemes! This market leading technology, coupled with our understanding of the industry and its products, ensures that we provide the advice most appropriate to your individual circumstances and requirements. Contact us through our website at http://www.premierfs.co.uk for more information.
About the author.Paul Hunter works at Premier Financial Services. A company dedicated to providing quality, impartial Mortgage and Insurance advice to UK customers. Click here to visit Premier FS and find more useful information. contact author

Mortgages Made Easy For First-Time Home Buyers

Understanding what mortgages are and how they work can be mystifying for first-time homebuyers faced with the need to get financing to purchase their first home. Technically, the type of mortgage that home buyers use to get a loan to purchase a home is a contractual instrument that gives the lender, known as the “mortgagee”, an interest and certain rights in the property purchased by the borrower, or “mortgagor” (When it comes time for you to read and review the documents setting out your mortgage, the easy way to keep the terms straight is to remember that the “e” that ends “mortgagee” is the same “e” at the beginning of “lender”, while the “or” at the end of “mortgagor” is the same “or” at the beginning of “borrower”.)
Like many legal terms, such as lien or trespass, the word “mortgage” has its origins in the Law French that heralds back to the beginning of British (and American) common law. A “mortgage” - from the French “morte”, meaning death – was known as a “death pledge”. That is, when the debt was repaid the interest and rights of the mortgagee or lender in the borrower’s land or property expires, or dies. The mortgagor then has clear title without any rights, interests or “encumberances” remaining with the mortgagee.
Amortization, Interest Rate and Term
There are three main terms that will apply to all mortgages – the amortization period, the interest rate, and the term of the mortgage. The “amortization period” is the total amount of time (usually expressed in years) which it will take for the mortgagor to pay off his or her mortgage given the terms of the mortgage. The most typical amortization period when an individual is purchasing a home is 25 years, although longer amortization periods of up to 40 years have become more common and commercially available.
The “amortization period” is not to be confused with the “term” of a mortgage. Most usually a mortgage agreement will be for a specific number of years, but for less than the full amortization period. Formerly, the longest term available for mortgage financing was five years, However, some longer term mortgages of up to ten or even twenty-five years have now become available from some commercial lenders.
The difficulty with longer term mortgages, for both mortgagor and mortgagee (borrower and lender), is determining what is a fair and reasonable interest rate to be charged on the mortgage over the duration of such a long period of time. Interest rates fluctuate over time, and forecasting interest costs over an extended period is exceedingly difficult.
The interest rate is the percentage of interest that a lender will charge on an annual basis for the mortgage loan. On a $100,000 mortgage loan, a 5% interest rate would mean that the borrower is paying $5,000 per year in interest.
Mortgages payments are most often made in equal installments paid on a monthly basis over the term of the mortgage. Each monthly payment will go first towards paying the interest on the mortgage loan, and then towards paying off the principal, or outstanding balance, of the loan according to a fixed formula. As the principal of the loan is reduced, less money is owed in interest and consequently more of each payment goes towards paying off the interest.
Each mortgage payment is thus a blended payment, consisting of both an interest payment and a payment towards the mortgage principal. Because the principal amount (and thus the money owing under the mortgage) is reduced over time. the first payments during the term of the mortgage will go mostly towards paying interest, while a greater proportion of principal will be paid off in payments made at the end of the mortgage term.
Fixed-Rate and Variable-Rate Mortgages
Mortgages are also distinguished on the basis of how the interest rate is set. There are two main types of mortgages a fixed-rate mortgage and an open-rate or variable rate mortgage. Under a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is specified for the entire term of the mortgage. Under an open-rate or variable mortgage, the interest rate will vary based on market conditions, usually specified in terms of the mortgagor bank or trust company’s prime lending rate.
Whether to choose a fixed-rate or variable rate mortgage is one of the biggest decisions facing the first-time homebuyer, and anyone seeking mortgage financing. If interest rates are relatively low historically speaking, the interest rates that fixed-rate mortgages are offered at will be higher than the rate offered for a variable rate mortgage. Here the bank or other lender assumes that rates are likely to go up, and charges a higher interest rate for a fixed-rate mortgage to assume that risk.
When interest rates are relatively high – say 9% to 10% - fixed-rate mortgages are typically offered at a lower rate than is being offered for variable rate mortgages. Here, the borrower is assuming the risk that interest rates will not go down from historically high levels. Consequently he or she can usually borrow money at a better fixed-rate than variable rate.
Open Mortgages versus Closed Mortgages
The other significant differentiation between mortgage types that will be of great interest to first time homebuyers is whether their mortgage is an open mortgage or a closed mortgage. An open mortgage can typically be paid off without penalty at any time durng the term of the mortgage without penalty. Under a closed mortgage, on the other hand, there will be a sometimes quite significant monetary penalty for paying off the mortgage before the term of the mortgage expires (although, a closed mortgage may allow for periodic lump sum payments that will go directly towards paying off the principal of the mortgage).
Open mortgages are most often preferable where the homebuyer wants to avoid being locked into his or her mortgage arrangements, thinks interest rates may decrease during the mortgage term or thinks he or she may be selling the mortgaged property before the expiration of the mortgage’s term. Closed mortgages are usually preferable where the homebuyer is operating on a tight budget and needs the security of knowing that mortgage payments will be unaffected by rising interest rates.
Refinancing
Following the expiration of the initial mortgage term, the remaining principal that is outstanding on the mortgage will have to be paid to the lender. This will usually entail refinancing a mortgage for a new term with the same or a different lender. Again, on refinancing the principle variables will be the amortization period, the interest rate and the term of the refinancing. The same considerations will also apply: fixed-rate versus variable rate, open mortgage versus closed mortgage.
Importantly, refinancing may also be available during the term of your mortgage. As your home’s principal is paid off your home equity - or the difference between what is owed on a home and its market value - increases. Mortgage refinancing is also generally available that will enable you to access that home equity through a second mortgage or line of credit secured against the equity in your home, even during the term of your first mortgage.
Your realtor, financial advisor or an independent mortgage broker should be able and willing to walk you through the different mortgages that are available to you, so that you can determine the mortgage product that is right for your circumstances – whether you are purchasing your first home or refinancing.
About the author.
For more information on mortgages, and to contact an experienced mortgage broker, visit http://www.CanadianMortgagesInc.ca

mortage villa