Choosing The Right Mortgage For You
November 5, 2007
This article will help you understand the differences between a variety of mortgage options. There are many different mortgage products offered by the various lending institutions in Canada, so you may not know what features to look for.
As you’ll see, each type of mortgage has slightly different features which appeal to a variety of different preferences. For example, some home buyers take comfort in knowing that the amount of their mortgage payments will be the same throughout the entire term of their mortgage. Other home buyers may be willing to accept some fluctuation in the amount of their mortgage payments in exchange for the potential long-term savings or the change to pay off their mortgage faster.
The right mortgage for you in the one that best matches your overall comfort level and fits with your income and lifestyle.
Conventional or High Ratio
A conventional mortgage is a loan for no more than 75% of the appraised value or purchase price of the property, whichever is less. The remaining amount required for a purchase (25%) comes from your resources and is referred to as the down payment. If you have to borrow more than 75% of the money you need, you’ll be applying for what is called a “High-Ratio Mortgage”. Here’s how it works:
Business Credit Scoring: Is It a Killer Application or Application Killer?
November 4, 2007
In his 1968 seminal novel, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur Clark introduced HAL, a spaceship computer with artificial intelligence. Mission engineers designed HAL to carry out an array of technical orders to safeguard the ship’s mission. HAL operated flawlessly until it reported the failed operation of a ship system that was operating perfectly. Rather than correct the mistake, HAL’s logic dictated that it would be more efficient to kill the ship’s crew. Ever the polite computer, HAL killed quickly and quietly until it was unplugged by the sole remaining crewmember, Dave Bowman.
Many small business owners believe that HAL’s progeny are carrying out HAL’s murderous mission in the small business credit arena. Computers now make important credit decisions for major banks and financing companies. Each day in the U.S., computers with fancy algorithms score thousands of small business credit transactions. Though credit-scoring models work well for most small companies, many believe these systems, like HAL, have run amuck. Routinely, transactions with low scores are turned down and applicants are notified of the decision by computer-generated rejection letters.
By gaining a better understanding of the credit scoring process, you may be able to help your firm maneuver in the new world of credit scoring. Here are some key points about business credit scoring worth noting:
Eight Ways To Sink Yourself Financially
November 3, 2007
1. Don’t focus on your finances.
The reason most people get into debt is because they don’t spend enough time focusing on their finances. You need to get a grasp of where you’re at financially, keep track of your income in relation to expenses and spending habits.
2. Failure to develop a good financial plan
No one would imagine going on vacation without planning for it. Yet when finances are concerned, many people don’t plan. A good financial plan can be the difference between comfortable living and struggling to get by.
3. Waiting too long to invest
When making investments, time is of the essence. Compound interest earns money over time; so don’t wait too long to save for retirement. The longer you wait to invest, the smaller your return on investment.
4. Marrying the wrong person
Who you marry has a huge impact on your finances. Couples with different views on money, create stress in their marriage. Divorce apart from the emotional pain and suffering causes financial heartache.
5. Habits
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
November 2, 2007
Your credit report–a type of consumer report–contains information about where you work and live and how you pay your bills. It also may show whether you’ve been sued or arrested or have filed for bankruptcy. Companies called consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) or credit bureaus compile and sell your credit report to businesses. Because businesses use this information to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and other purposes allowed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), it’s important that the information in your report is complete and accurate.
Some financial advisors suggest that you periodically review your credit report for inaccuracies or omissions. This could be especially important if you’re considering making a major purchase, such as buying a home. Checking in advance on the accuracy of information in your credit file could speed the credit-granting process.
Getting Your Credit Report
If you’ve been denied credit, insurance, or employment because of information supplied by a CRA, the FCRA says the company you applied to must give you the CRA’s name, address, and telephone number. If you contact the agency for a copy of your report within 60 days of receiving a denial notice, the report is free. In addition, you’re entitled to one free copy of your report a year if you certify in writing that
Why Its Important to Get Pre-Approved
November 1, 2007
Having a pre-approved mortgage will give you the confidence of knowing exactly what you can spend on a home before you start looking. You will also be protected against interest rate increases while you look for your new home.
Your Mortgage Specialist will answer your questions and help you determine which financing terms and options are right for you. Your Mortgage Specialist and Real Estate Professional work as a team to help you find the right home and select the best financing.
Finalizing Your Mortgage
Once you’ve found the home you want to purchase, there are some documents you’ll probably be asked for in order to finalize your financing. They will include:
1. A copy of the real estate listing of the property. If the home is still to be built, the mortgage lender will need to see the architect’s or builder’s plans and details on lot size and location.
2. A copy of the offer to purchase or the building contract, if this document has been prepared.
3. Documents to confirm employment, income and source of pre-approval.
If you have a pre-approved mortgage, it’s a simple matter of finalizing a few details which your Mortgage Specialist will explain to you.
How To Reduce Your Payments
November 1, 2007
Are you paying out too much every month for your credit cards, store cards and loans?
If each month you have far too many payments to meet and you cannot see a solution to your problem then why not replace them all with one, lower, convenient repayment through a debt consolidation loan?
Debt consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest.
If your objective is to reduce interest rates and lower your monthly payments, avoid bankruptcy, consolidate your bills and have one monthly payment, or simply get out of debt the fastest way possible, then a debt consolidation loan could provide the answer.
Secured on your home, low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment ? one calculated to be well within your means.
With a Debt Consolidation Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 and up to 125% of your property value in some cases.
