Home Improvement Loan: for Better Homes

Residential dwelling is a property which is always good for investment purposes. Its market value is always strong provided it is in a good condition. You must be feeling that your home needs a great care. It continuously needs repairing and renovation. For this purpose you may need huge amount of finance. People are willing to spend money on their homes, but sometimes they can’t due to low cash flow. It is also a fact that the money spend on home improvement usually translates into a bigger amount of money. It can be sold in the market on higher prices. This is a great benefit of home improvement.

To solve the cash flow problems for home improvement particularly, various banks are offering home improvement loans. Home improvement loans

are consumer loans to finance the remodelling or structural renovations of your home. These loans are usually secured loans and may be incurred for longer period of times. You can use the home improvement loans for numerous purposes like adding new rooms, buying new furniture, decorating your garden, whitewashing the walls, constructing a swimming pool and many more purposes.

People are opting for home improvement loans primarily because it is very convenient. The banks offer these loans on very low interest rates. Facility of easily monthly instalment is also there. You can either go for a cheap fixed interest rate or you may gain adjustable interest rate based on your affordability. You can see flexibility in incurring these loans. Due to these reasons people are opting out these loans.

Now, you can remodel your home by taking assistance from banks and enjoy the latest renovations. If you will sell your refurbished home, definitely it will bring more money. Loans taken to cover the repairs and/or renovation of residential property can also be known as a home renovation loan. It should be used to carry out civil work like plumbing or doing up the kitchen or painting of the flat.

Home improvement loans are very popular these days and there may be different categories of home improvement loans. They can be cheap home improvement loans, low-interest home improvement loans, secured home improvement loans, fast home improvement loans, and bad-credit home improvement loans. If a borrower has a bad credit history, he can go for bad credit home improvement loan. This loan is borrowed for a specific purpose, like improving your home. It covers only essential improvements for any extension work. The purpose of a bad credit home improvement loan is somewhat similar to a mortgage extension loan. But the borrower pays more interest in the later case. So it is advisable to get a bad credit home improvement loan rather than a mortgage extension loan.

Amenda Dorothy

Poor Credit Home Equity Loan Tips - Why Shop For A Home Equity Loan Online

With poor credit, you can’t afford not to shop online for a home equity loan. With so many more lending companies to choose from, you can find better rates and terms online. Convenience also allows you to request loan quotes and compare lenders any time of day. And with online lenders, your loan can be processed in a matter of days.

More Options Mean Better Rates

The availability of subprime lending is limited in some areas of the country. But with nearly all financing companies online, you have many more options from across the nation. And with the increase in competition, rates and terms have gotten better for people with bad credit.

With so many options, the shopping process can seem intimidating. But with recommended lending sites, you can narrow your search. Also focus on the APR, which includes closing costs, when comparing financing offers.

Personalized Loan Quotes For More Accurate Numbers

Every lender posts generic rates on their website. But you can get more accurate estimates on loan rates by requesting a personalized quote. Without having to look at your credit report, financing companies can tell you what rates you qualify for. This helps you judge who has the best financing.

Rates Any Time, Any Day

You can shop for your home equity loan any time on any day – no business hours to schedule around. With online databases, you can receive quotes in minutes either on the website or to your email account.

With the convenience and anonymity of the internet, you have a real opportunity to compare lenders without feeling pressured. So take the time to look at several lenders before settling on one.

Easy Application Process

Online lenders also make the loan application process simple. By entering some basic information online, your loan forms can be processed in a couple of days. In the mail you will receive the final paperwork to be notarized at your convenience. Some lenders will also schedule a notary to come to your home or work place.

In less than a week’s time, you could be approved for a home equity loan at near conventional rates by shopping online today.

Carrie Reeder

How To Find Equity Loan Bargains Like The Perfect Cash Back Equity Loan

The World Wide Net is loaded with equity loan deals. Some lenders are proposing low interest loans to entice the homeowners in the front door. Loaners offering low interest rates on home equity loans are sometimes even choosing to pay the closing charges on fee loans. The negative aspect to this is that loans with no closing fees expect the borrower take out a loan above and on top of the normal ability to repay. So, if you acquire an equity loan with no closing fees, you most probably must go for a loan amount of $400,000 or more to get the deal. If your home equity does not fit the loan amount, then you will be instantly disapproved for such a loan.

If studying loans, it makes sense to know what you are entering into. Many borrowers apply for equity loans; and frequently they search out a way of paying off school loans, buying new vehicles, fix up homes, or merging their debts.

Some borrowers take out equity loans thinking it can help cut their mortgage payments on the 1st loan. With some cases, equity loans can cut the monthly installments on mortgage; however, some lenders make amends for with higher interest rates, especially if the borrower has unfinished credit matters. The lender may disapprove or step-up the interest rates, and may even increase the monthly installments on the mortgage.

When looking at equity loans, it is smart to search the market for the good deals. The Internet has a plentiful supply of info that will direct borrowers on the right path to obtaining the right equity loans. As the end result, looking for equity loans and going for the loans is a full-size decision. Thus, when
studying equity loans, one should always consider the bargains comparing them to other loans. Just because one loan has somewhat higher interest rates, doesn't mean that it has more to provide than bargain loans.

How to Obtain the Perfect Cash Back Equity Loan

There are dozens of loans accessible over the Internet, like cash back equity loans. Cash back equity loans are aimed to aid home-owners making improvements on their home. Improvements will raise the equity on the home, which is the reason lenders are often willing to give when handing out cash back loans, just because they will get their money returned one way or another.

The cash back equity loans are released against the equity on the home, thus the lender will offer the buyer a large amount of cash versus the mortgage on the home. The money can be utilized at the buyer’s free will; however, it is smart to use the money as designated. Still, if you are obliged to pay on credit cards or other secured obligations, you may wish to pay off the debts to unblock some cash, especially if you are paying higher interest rates on your credit card bills.

Few borrowers use the money to buy a new car; this is only contributing to the debt. The cash back loans expect the borrower to pay x sum of repayments on a loan before the cash is dispensed.

The cash back loans also moves on the amount of mortgage offered. In other words, if you get a loan in the amount of $105,000, the cash back loan will give a large sum of cash. Cash back loans against equity is attractive, however the loans sometimes have higher rates of interest. The goal of the loan is to assist the borrower and the lender get out front in the mortgage game.

Sally Mae is one of the numerous lenders providing cash back loans, and this program will offer about $2000 give or take on a $65,000 loan. Therefore, the cash back loans are attractive, but other loans against equity have the best deals sometimes. If thinking about loans, consider all detail of the conditions first prior to signing a contract to ensure you are getting the best deal.

James Ellison

Home Equity Loan Comparison - Access Your Home's Equity Through A Second Mortgage Or Equity Loan

You can access your home equity without the cost of refinancing with two financing options. A second mortgage will give you a lump sum check with a fixed or adjustable rate. A home equity line lets you tap into your equity when you want to. Both options allow you to write off interest on your taxes and avoid high financing costs.

Benefits Of A Second Mortgage

A second mortgage allows you to borrow up to 90% of your home’s value. The lender, which doesn’t have to be your primary mortgage lender, writes you one check. You can choose to pay off credit cards or make a major purchase.

Fees are none to minimal with a second mortgage. Rates are usually fixed and last 15 or more years. A 15 year loan lets you pay off the debt quicker, saving you cash on extended interest payments.

Benefits Of A Home Equity Line

A home equity line is like a secured credit card, only you are borrowing against your home’s equity. You can choose to borrow a lump sum or only as needed. Most lenders issue checks and a credit card.

Rates are adjustable and are based on when you borrow the money. You can choose to never use the equity, but just know it is there in case of an emergency.

One option for new homebuyers is to put down a large down payment, securing low rates, and then apply for a home equity line. It’s like a safety net, ensuring that you can still access your cash if needed.

Picking The Right Financing

Each type of home equity loan has its own advantages. A second mortgage offers secure fixed rates with small payments over a longer period. It makes sense for large projects, such as remodeling or paying off credit cards. A home equity line offers flexibility, better suited for smaller purchases.

With both types of programs, you still want to investigate lenders before applying. Be sure to look at financing companies other than your current mortgage lender. You want to find the lowest rates with the best terms by asking for quotes on both rates and fees. By investing a little bit of time, you will save yourself hundreds.

Carrie Reeder

What’s the Low Down on Loan to Value?

It’s not very often that a borrower takes into heavy consideration what his loan to value is when shopping for a loan. In fact, if the subject is brought up by the customer, it’s mostly in relation to avoiding paying monthly mortgage insurance. But sometimes, a loan to value can affect even more aspects of your loan – like pricing and approval!

What is loan to value? Well, it’s exactly what it says. The loan amount compared to the value of the home you are buying or refinancing. For example, if you are buying a $100,000 home, and your loan amount is only $50,000, your loan to value or “LTV” is 50%. It’s also very common to refinance a home to obtain a lower LTV and drop mortgage insurance that was before required.

Different types of loans have different minimum requirements for LTV’s. With primary residence purchases, for instance, an FHA loan can have as high as a 97.75% LTV (soon to change to 96.5% in 2009). A conventional loan can have as high as a 97% LTV (but more common is 95% LTV). VA and Rural Housing loans can have 100% LTV’s. People who have cash to put down on the property they are buying and financing with a conventional loan oftentimes try to amass 20% of the purchase price in order to avoid mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is required when your LTV for a primary residence is above 80% and is issued by independent mortgage insuring companies like Genworth Financial or PMI. Fannie and Freddie, the big purchasers of conventional loans, will require one of these or other approved companies issue mortgage insurance unless the loan has an 80% LTV. And if you’re refinancing the home you live in? The whole grid of acceptable LTV’s changes for the most part, with a few exceptions. And furthermore, if you’re talking about investment properties, it’s another can of worms.

But when else does LTV mean something? Consider when a loan specialist prices your loan. Oftentimes there are pricing differentials based upon the loan to value. For instance, if you carry mortgage insurance and your LTV is 85.01% or higher, you might actually get a better interest rate than if you had an 85% LTV (but don’t get too excited because your monthly mortgage insurance will be higher). Or if your LTV is 60% or lower, you might also get a better interest rate. If you are close to tipping the scales on one of these ratios, it may be to your benefit to ask your loan specialist how close you are to a pricing break one way or another. You’d be surprised to find out it might change your mind as to how much money you decide to put down on your loan.

And guess what else? A low loan to value may be the difference between loan approval and loan denial. Why is that? Because if you are investing enough of your own money into the equity of a property, chances are you won’t default on the loan. And if you do, it’s probably a last recourse. Not to mention, the lender who holds the note won’t lose money because there is enough equity in the property to cover foreclosure costs, re-sale costs and any value loss from an upside down market. The lender is covered. So, the lender will consider the loan less risky and a higher debt to income ratio is tolerated when reviewed with a high credit score.

Kristin Abouelata

Veteran Administration (va) Loans – Thank You for Your Service

In 1930, Congress and the President established the “GI Bill” which allowed the Veteran Administration (VA) to coordinate benefits for its service people. One of these programs, known as the Home Loan Guaranty Program, was created to help returning veterans and their families assimilate back into civilian life after sacrificing so much personally for their country.

Who qualifies for VA loans? If you served in the military, naval or air service and are active duty or released from duty for reasons other than a dishonorable discharge, you may qualify. You had to serve for 90 days active duty or 181 days consecutively in peacetime. If you served less than the minimum requirement because of discharge or service connected disability, you may also qualify. In addition, if you are the surviving un-remarried wife or husband of an eligible service member who died for his/her country, you may too be eligible. This program was designed to reward you and your loved ones for your service.

“The VA program, in general, is an exceptional program. Many veterans don’t know it can even benefit them if he/she is overseas. We’ve been helping active duty service people by putting their families in homes, and giving them peace of mind that their loved ones and their immediate needs are being taken care of while they’re away”, reflects Jamie Utton, Director of Product Development at Mortgage Investors Group.

These loans are available only for a primary home you intend to occupy. You can’t go and buy a beach house for weekend use with it. However, you can also use your eligibility to refinance your primary residence and pay off debt (except for Texans, for some reason, they don’t allow it in that state). Or, if you had a VA loan prior, and the interest rates have dropped dramatically, you can do a “streamline” refinance – no worries about paying for a new appraisal or the hassle of verifying your income. You’re all set to go.

So what makes the VA loan stand out above other types of financing? It allows for 100% financing for loans up to $417,000 with no reserves (checking and savings money to burn) required. The loan amounts allowed go up to $1.5 million, but you’d have to put some type of down payment into the transaction if you want to borrow that much money, plus show you have enough money to pay your mortgage for two months sitting in the bank if you need it. And if you’re buying a home, the program allows for the seller to pay up to 4% of the closing costs, based upon the purchase price. Basically, you can get into a home for very little or no money at a more than affordable market rate.

And the best part? No extra money is added to your payment for mortgage insurance if you put a less than 20% down payment on the home. That’s a pretty unique feature that makes this loan more affordable than others. Most of the time, the veteran will be required to pay a VA Funding Fee, but it is financed into the loan amount. So, the funding fee is not an out of pocket expense for closing. A veteran can be exempt from paying the funding fee for different reasons, including service connected disability, or if he/she is a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service related disability. And regarding credit scores, the VA loan program has more flexibility than some other programs offer.

If you think you may qualify for this loan, let me first of all say, “Thank you.” I really appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made for this country. And if you’re looking to purchase or refinance your home, call a lender today who specializes in VA loans, and take advantage of this great benefit.

Kristin Abouelata

100% Home Loan Financing - Flex your Muscle

With the current “mortgage meltdown” we hear so much about these days, your average consumer thinks that the days of 100% financing have gone by the wayside. True, you are hard pressed these days to find a bank or lender that will want to carry a second mortgage that combined with a first mortgage adds up to 100% financing. That’s because if there is a default, sitting in second lien position is particularly dicey. Too much risk is involved. And since, in recent history, that scenario of the 80/20 combo was the most common 100% financing vehicle available to a certain group of consumers (non first time homebuyers), there’s a misconception out there that 100% options are all but dried up.

But, a-ha! There is hope for someone who has great credit but prefers to invest his/her assets elsewhere when rates are so low. It’s called the Flex 100. And it can apply to purchases and refinance transactions.

I heard an analyst mention on television the other day that mortgage money is so cheap right now it’s like a sale at Macy’s. That made me chuckle, but it’s true. In which case, why not invest your money elsewhere if you qualify for 100% financing. After all, the homes are still appreciating in most areas, but not at the stellar rate we saw in the past.

The Flex 100 requires you to invest $500 of your own cash towards the transaction, so I guess it’s technically not 100% financing, but it’s pretty darn close. And no, you don’t have to be buying your first home to get this deal. You can actually have owned a home in the past three years! However, it does apply to financing your primary residence only. You can’t get this deal for that nice cabin in Gatlinburg you want to use on the weekends or for that great rental down the street you think you can get a good deal on. You’ve got to live in the house to qualify for this financing.

But you can do a refinance, as long as it’s not a “cash-out,” meaning you’re not paying off debt or taking equity out of the property. It must be a rate term refinance only. However, you can pay off that second mortgage or home equity line of credit you hate, IF you obtained that 2nd lien mortgage when you got your first mortgage (a piggy back closing, we call it). Or to make it clearer, you originally had that 80/20 combo mentioned earlier. If you got that home equity mortgage a month or two after your initial closing to build a deck or payoff a credit card, than it that won’t work for a Flex 100 refinance.

What about your credit score? Well, it will affect the price you get, but there is no “minimum” credit score required for this program. You just have to get an approval through the automated underwriting system required. But be realistic – if you’ve got “iffy” credit, you probably won’t get an approval. A borrower with a credit score below a 620 would probably have to have a low loan to value or debt to income ratio for a chance of an approval.

A Flex 100 may or may not make sense for you. But hey, at least you know it’s an option. Your lender should be able to help you determine if this opportunity to flex your mortgage muscle makes sense for you.

Kristin Abouelata