Buying a Spanish Property - How Do You Finance It?

Once you have decided on the home you wish to buy you need to know how to finance it. There are several ways in which you can do this. If you are lucky enough to have the cash in the bank then you don't need to worry about the actual financing of it - however take a look at the section on exchanging your money as this could save you a lot of money. If you don't have the finances readily available how do you finance the property?

The main ways are * Arranging a Spanish Mortgage * Arranging a mortgage with a UK lender * Re-mortgaging your existing property * Builders finance

Arranging a Spanish Mortgage Most Spanish banks will lend to foreigners providing they can prove an ability to repay. Prior to applying you will need a bank account and, although banks don't insist you have an account with them- they would obviously prefer it if you did.

The requirements are similar to the UK. Banks will lend upto 70% of the property value to foreigners (80% in some cases though this is now harder with a tightening market). However, this depends on the bank, the director and the property. It is easier to get a high mortgage on a new or nearly new property than it is to get a small mortgage on a ruined Finca needing a lot of work - banks don't appreciate the potential value of the property - only the current value.

The bank will require proof of income and in some cases your outgoings. Therefore you will need your pay slips for the previous 3 months and proof of outgoings. If self-employed you'll need to show accounts for the previous 2-3 years.

Most banks insist on life insurance and most mortgages are repaid over 10-15 years but they can extend to 30 years in exceptional circumstances, however most banks will insist on repayment before the age of 70. It is also possible you may need a guarantor - I for example had to guarantee my parents mortgage as they are both retired (although their pensions were more than I earned).

Spanish banks charge from 0.5% - 3% of the mortgage value for taking a mortgage with them (it isn't enough that you're paying interest as well). It's possible to reduce this if you persist - so ask your bank - you may get a discount on this fee. (If you don't speak Spanish ask your agent to do so- but beware he may be getting a commission from the bank and may be reluctant to.)

You will need to think about the monthly cost when transferring money to Spain for the mortgage. If you have bought to let then the rental should cover the monthly repayments. If not then you may be as well looking into transferring money through a specialist- such as http://www.currencyuk.co.uk - who have provided our clients with excellent service in the past.

Currency fluctuations and transfer fees can cost you a fortune and your bank is not the best to deal with - they have little experience in the currency market. For example a friend bought a house here and her Euros cost her £500 more (on £14,000) by using her bank than if she has used a currency broker.

Obviously it's your money but a broker is able to buy currency at a commercial rate as they deal in currency every day. They can even secure a fixed exchange rate for up to 12 months - so you know in advance the cost of buying your home. If you are using this sort of service for your monthly mortgage payments, you may be better transferring 6 months at a time because they generally don't deal in amounts less than £5,000.

The process of applying for a Spanish Mortgage.

Applying for a Spanish mortgage is usually a case of visiting the bank and speaking to the director. They will fill in the forms for you so you just need to sign. Once he has established your credentials he will give you a preliminary yes or no. Once a yes is given it is dependent upon a satisfactory survey. Although the final decision is taken by the banks head office, seldom the decision given by the director overturned.

Arranging a UK Mortgage

There are many UK lenders who will lend against a Spanish property but these are more expensive than a Spanish Mortgage. However, it is always wise to check every avenue before committing yourself.

The approval process is similar to getting a buy to let mortgage in the UK in that you would have to prove around about 125% of the potential mortgage payments in rental income.

The amount you can borrow for a property in Spain also depends on the property valuation. Obviously, the higher the valuation, the more you can borrow. For UK mortgages (or offshore mortgages) the Loan to Value is generally a lot lower than getting a mortgage in Spain.

So what are the advantages of a UK based mortgage? Firstly you will be no language problems. Secondly the repayments will be in Sterling so there will be no exchange rate concerns if the rate fluctuates wildly - you will always know what you will be paying.

However, if you are buying a property to rent then it may be advisable to have a Spanish mortgage - especially if the rental income will be paid in Euros. However the final decision to go for a Spanish Mortgage or UK one lies with you.

Re-mortgaging your existing property

The easiest way of raising finance for your property in Spain is to re-mortgage your existing property. This obviously depends on the equity you have in your existing home and your income in respect of the amount you would like to borrow. However the bank already knows you so the process is more straightforward, the amount you can borrow is not dependent on the value of the property you are buying therefore your dream Finca is more realistic) and the process takes less time than obtaining a UK Mortgage.

Builders finance

Many developers of properties can now offer upto 80% mortgages for non residents. This is achievable because of the value new properties generally represent when buying off Plan. However for off plan investments it is very difficult to get a mortgage until the certificate of habitation is issued.

Documentation required

Whatever type of mortgage you decide on there are certain documents you will need. The documentation required will vary from bank to bank. As a guideline it is a good idea to prepare much of these as soon as possible.

If you are employed you will need:

* Last 3 salary slips. * Last income tax declaration (P60 in the UK) or evidence of latest annual tax assessment * Letter from your employer confirming date of employment and proof of income.

If you are self-employed you need

* Latest income tax declaration * Copies of the accounts for the last 2 / 3 years * Company report, confirming personal drawings

Other documents you will need:

A Spanish bank account

NIE number from the local police station

The nota simple from the property registry

Offer letter of sales/purchase contract

Copy of passport / residence permit /NIE

Copies of last 6 months bank statements

Bank reference letter.

About the author:

Vince Barnes - www.SpanishProperty-Direct.co.uk - information about the buying process in Spain. up to date with news affecting the Spanish Property Market. New Book - "The Insiders Secret Guide To Buying A Property In Spain" - at www.spanishproperty-direct.co.uk/book.htm.

Written by: Vince Barnes

Buying A Car - What Is The Best Finance?

Your car is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. Probably the only thing you will buy that costs more than your car is your house. You wouldn't just accept the first mortgage you came across, and likewise you shouldn't just accept the first vehicle financing option that comes your way. You will have a lot of options in how to finance your car.

You can buy the car outright. If you would like to opt for this, you will need to borrow the cash in the form of a bank loan.

This should generally be medium term, over period of about two to five years. It is generally not advised that you secure borrowing over your home but this may be necessary in order to get the loan or in order to get a better rate. Shop around for the best rate, from banks, other lenders and also on the internet. Rates will vary widely so it is a good idea to shop around as much as possible.

Leasing

If buying the car outright in this manner is not an option, you may wish to consider leasing the car. Leasing will never make you the owner of the car. You pay a monthly fee, every month for the period of the lease, and at the end of this period, you give back the car and walk away. Leases have a number of advantages over buying the vehicle. The payments are generally lower as you are not paying for the entire value, just for the price of leasing it.

You also don't have to worry about selling the car when the leasing period is over, as the dealer owns it. Leases may also include a buying option at the end of the period, which will allow you to buy the car if you want to. The one thing to be careful about when leasing is that there may be heavy penalties for early termination.

Some Advantages

The other popular type of vehicle financing is dealership financing. With this option, the car dealer arranges the car financing. They will sometimes offer very attractive rates as they want to encourage people to buy the cars, however, sometimes their rates are extremely bad and you will want to be familiar with what's available from alternative sources before opting for dealership financing. Some advantages of dealership financing will include convenience, multiple options, and special offers on selected models

Business Start Up Loan - Script Your Own Success Story With the Right Finance Method

If you thought generating ideas for your business was a difficult task, then arranging necessary finance in the form of business start up loans would seem even more difficult. Many entrepreneurs succumb at this stage, only to lead their idea to dumps. Entrepreneurs, who withstand the challenges of the process, continue to shine in the world of business.

Capital has been rightly referred to as the lifeblood of any business. Business starved of capital during the initial stages of its formation, would be similar to malnourished children who were not fed properly during their childhood. The growth of the business will be stunted, often affecting negatively its productivity and efficiency.

Entrepreneurs no longer have to depend solely on their own resources for purposes of capital. Many loan providers are ready to finance promising business ventures. The loan is referred to as business start up loan. Amounts on business start up loan ranges from £30,000 to £250,000. Entrepreneurs can qualify for more loan amount, provided the business plan is very attractive. Loan proceeds will primarily be used for purchasing the necessary machine and equipments, paying for legal documentation, maintaining office and any other expenses that crop up during the initial formative period. Moreover, business start up loan contributes towards the working capital.

Borrowing through business start up loan is fraught with a number of challenges. The very first task in the process will be to generate faith in loan providers that the amount lent on account of business start up loan will be safely returned. Preconceived notions about new entrepreneurs make the task difficult. The negative notions are further strengthened through two factors:

* Firstly, borrowing entrepreneur has zero or very less credibility in the market at the particular point of time. Loan providers fear risking the loan amount on borrowers with low credibility.

* Secondly, the borrowing entrepreneur is still to form business or the business is still to show results. Lending at this stage, without having knowledge about how the business fares in the long run, is perilous for the loan provider.

The borrowing entrepreneur is thrown into a dilemmatic situation wherein they cannot prove their worth till they start business. They cannot start business until they get the necessary finance. And they cannot get the necessary finance till they are able to prove their worth.

However, not all loan providers look at new venturists with suspicion. New venturists are considered a unique group of people who have a unique set of characteristics. A sound and foolproof business plan works well for new entrepreneurs. Bankers study the plan well and then decide if it will be viable to lend.

Guaranteeing payback through collateral is another important method of getting good deals in business start up loans. These are referred to as secured business start up loans. As a part of this method, the borrower will have to offer lien on certain asset/assets to the loan provider. This process is also referred to as hypothecation. Though the asset will continue to be in possession of the borrower, loan provider has every right to claim the asset in case of non-payment of loan.

Loan terms for business start up loan ranges from 5 to 25 years. Given the unique income structure of businesses and self-employed individuals, wherein income is not guaranteed, flexible repayment schedule will be especially helpful. Under a flexible repayment schedule, the borrower gets to repay in the manner that he chooses. Monthly repayments can be increased, reduced and discontinued altogether depending on the entrepreneurs finances. The arrangement will have to be accepted by the loan provider. Sometimes, regular payments for a certain period may be the prerequisite for flexible repayment schedule.

Business start up loans may exceed personal loans in terms of interest rate. The typical APR on a business start up loan will be anywhere between 7-13%. Online comparison and searching loan providers will ease the process, besides improving the quality of deals. Rates may go upwards depending on the presence and value of collateral and the credit status of the borrower.

Business loans will not suit borrowers who want full control over their business. Some loan providers would like to dictate terms and thus curb the control of the entrepreneur over his business. The borrowing decision must be made only after an impartial and impatient study of the pros and cons of the method.

Business Loans - A Source of Finance for your Business

Have you been planning to start a new business but lack of sufficient funds has been stopping you? You need not worry; Business Loans are here to help you realize your dreams.

Business Loans are the loans granted for the use of a business. Business Loan can be used to start a new business, expand the existing business, to buy a new machine or equipment or for any other business related activity.

Bu siness loans can be a secured or an unsecured one. Secured Business Loan is a loan that is provided in exchange of property, machines or plants that serves as collateral such as houses, cars, savings accounts or bonds. Secured Business Loan also provides finance for working capital, which can be used to purchase raw material, paying the labour charges etc. Unsecured Business Loan is granted without keeping a property as a security with the lender. Business Loans can be taken for short, intermediate or for a long term, it depends on you which one do you want to take and for what purpose. Short-term loans are given to businesses that need cash to start operating, this loan is granted for one or less than one year. Intermediate term loan helps businesses to buy equipments and cover initial large expenses, this is granted for a period of one to three years. Long-term loans are used to assist start-up businesses with initial costs and are granted for a period of three to seven years. Now you would say why only, Business Loan, when other loans are available in the market. Business Loans are tailored specially for people who want funds for their business. Business Loan provides the flexibility to preserve your cash and working capital. Business Loan also helps in managing cash effectively by offering flexible repayment options. Capital forms an integral part of every business. If you are planning to apply for the Business Loan you need to look into three key issues: -

* Cost - You need to check the cost and risk involved in taking a loan.

* Loan Size - You need to decide the amount of loan you want that would satisfy your need.

* Payback Program - It is very important to decide at the time of taking a loan that how will you repay the loan amount and the monthly installments, otherwise it may create problems for you in future.

You can get a Business Loan from a bank or a financial institution. But shop around and search for as many lenders as you can, you can also look for online lenders. Collect quotes from various lenders and make a comparison among them to get the best deal. When applying for a loan you need to keep in mind that you must make a loan proposal. Lenders will grant you the loan only if they find your proposal worth because no lender will be interested in taking risk. While writing a loan proposal you should always give industry-specific details so that the lender is able to know in-depth about what business do you want to start or how your present business is run and what market trends affect it.

You should also give details about the existing or proposed business, collateral which you want to keep as a security with the lender, loan repayment plans, personal financial statement and projection of your future operations. The possibility of getting a loan will be higher if you have a good loan proposal and are able to convince the lender about your future business plans. You can get a secured business Loan if you have CCJs, arrears or bankruptcy. Your bad credit history cannot stop you from getting the cash you needed to invest in your business or to start up your own business.

Business Loan provides funds to businessmen who want to expand their business or people who want to start a business of their own. Success has no limits. Business loan provides you with the funds now it depends on you how use this money to climb the ladder of success.

Business Finance Expert Series: "The History of Factoring"

In conventional times factoring ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html ) is one of the most sought- after method to improve the cash flow ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/cash-flow.html ) of a company. When a firm decides to its account receivables to a financial institution then it is termed as factoring. The factor then bears the credit risk for the accounts and finally receives the sum from the customers. It is among one of the most effective and efficient form of financing used these days. Factoring has been in existence since the beginning of trade and commerce. It can be traced back to the period of a Mesopotamian king Hammurabi. However, an extensive use of the concept began in American colonies before the revolution started. During those times raw materials like timber, fur and cotton were shipped from the colonies and before they reached the destination merchant bankers in London and other parts of Europe used to advance funds for the raw material. The practice was very beneficial to the colonists, as they didn't have to wait for the money to begin their harvesting again. Basic work of factors of colonial times is similar to factors of conventional times. They have the same job of making advances against the account receivables ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/accounts-receivable-financing .html ) in order to help them in continuing with their job even before they are paid for their sale. With the Industrial Revolution the concept of factoring got narrowed down to credit. In the 60's and 70's with an escalation of interest rates there was a surge in private factors. The trend strengthened in 80's with further increase in interest rates and changes in the banking industry. With various expenses and inflexible rules involved with banking, factoring is a safe and easy method for financial expansion and growth. Working capital arranged through factoring is an easy means to cover purchasing, operating and other pay roll costs and provides the much-needed freedom from varied book keeping functions like credits and collections. All these attributes have made 'factoring' a buzzword in the financing market. Learn more about http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

Bugs Finance offers phoenix commercial mortgage loan

HI All, With an office in Phoenix, AZ, bugs finance was founded by group of students from Arizona State University. Bugs finance is known as being a leader in the lending industry. Founded in 2002, bugs finance is a subsidiary of D and E financing. Bugs Finance delivers excellent customer service along with the security of being part of one of the best mortgage companies in America. At bugs finance we meet our customer's expectations through our 24 hour/7 days a week full-service organization delivering competitive rates and a hassle-free loan experience.

Bugs Finance offers the consumer a variety of products, including first mortgages, fixed rate second mortgages, variable equity lines of credit and no closing cost option equity seconds. The online capabilities allow the customer to communicate with knowledgeable loan agents from home, work or on the road. arizona mortgage, hipoteca, mortgage phoenix, phoenix arizona home mortgage, arizona home loan, arizona mortgage rate, arizona home equity loan, arizona mortgage broker, home loan phoenix, arizona mortgage lender, mortgage lender phoenix, mortgage broker phoenix, mortgage company phoenix, arizona commercial loan mortgage, phoenix commercial mortgage loan bugsfinance.com

Bridging Finance Basics

Bridging finance is a short-term loan that is used as a way to provide funding for the purchase of a new property while the borrower awaits the sale of an existing property. Unless all the stars are in perfect alignment, it’s tricky to coordinate the sale of one property and the purchase of another property so that the transactions occur simultaneously.

Bridging finance or a “bridge loan” as it is more commonly referred to, makes such transactions possible. They keep the borrower from ending up in a dire financial situation as can happen when forced to pay two mortgages at the same time. Bridge loans can be used either for business or for personal reasons.

Primarily short term in nature, the process for obtaining a bridge loan is similar to that of most types of loans. Most importantly, it’s advisable to work with a lender that has experience with this type of loan. Also, since the need for a bridge loan often arises with little advance notice, being pre-approved for such a loan is a good idea.

Bridge loans typically are structured as interest only loans meaning that the borrower pays only the interest on the loan each month. The borrower continues with this repayment plan until the property the loan is being used for is sold. When the sale finally does occur, the proceeds of that sale are used to repay the principal. The principal payment typically is in the form of a one-time, lump-sum payment.

The lender does not need to worry too much about default because the borrower is required to put up collateral to secure the loan. This can be in the form of another piece of property, business machinery or inventory on hand. But rest assured the lender will still thoroughly review the credit history of the applicant, the business and any partners or others with an ownership interest to assess the level of risk it is undertaking.

The interest rate assigned to the bridge loan is based on several factors: the anticipated risk associated with the bridge loan, the prevailing interest rates and a premium added by the lender. Since bridge loans are short-term, generally not longer than two years, the lender has only a short time to make money on the deal. The profit is derived from the interest rate.

Expect to pay a higher rate of interest for a bridge loan. And remember, the monthly payments on a bridge loan generally will be for interest only. Expect to pay off the bridge loan in full, usually as a one time balloon payment, as soon as the property is sold.

In the event that the property is not sold before the bridge loan matures, it can usually be converted to a conventional loan without paying a penalty. But it’s always a good idea to double check this before assuming.

Bad Credit? With Poor Credit You Can Still Refinance Or Get A Home Equity Line Of Credit

Have you decided to refinance your home or apply for a home equity line of credit but worry about your credit rating? Even with poor credit it is possible to refinance your existing mortgage or obtain a home equity line of credit. New practices in the lending industry have made it easier than ever for you to refinance your mortgage or get a home equity line of credit. If you have adverse credit, specialized lenders can help you find the loan package your need with an interest rate you can afford.

Refinancing your home loan can allow you to make improvements to your home or consolidate debts. Some lenders offer loans up to 125% of your home's value even if you have less than perfect credit. Your current mortgage terms and interest rate, the length of time you intend to stay in your home, and the level of debt your currently have are all factors to be considered in making the decision to refinance your mortgage. If you have equity in your home, you will often receive a lower interest rate than those with little or no equity.

Home equity lines of credit are revolving accounts with your home serving as security for the loan. When you get a home equity line of credit you are approved for a certain amount of credit. The maximum amount you can borrow at a given time will depend on your credit limit. Typically, a home equity line of credit will have a variable rate of interest although some lenders may offer a fixed rate as well. You will have an amount you can borrow at any given time and you may not borrow more until a certain amount is repaid. Often you will have specific times as to when you may borrow money from your available credit limit.

Obtaining a home equity line of credit is can be the perfect solution for people with remodeling goals, children to put through college, or the need for access to extra cash in the event of an emergency or unexpected financial situation. You can use the money for any purpose and gain peace of mind in knowing you are prepared for whatever life brings you.

Refinancing your mortgage or getting a home equity line of credit has been the answer for millions of people looking to realize their financial goals. Even if your have bad credit there are loans and lenders who specialize in helping finance people with poor credit. They can help you reach your individual objectives.

To view our list of recommended bad credit or sub-prime mortgage lenders, visit this page: Recommended Bad Credit Mortgage Lender

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing - Refinance High Interest Mortgage With Poor Credit

With bad credit, you can't afford not to refinance a high interest mortgage. Working with the right lender, you can trim your loan costs and help your monthly budget. You even have the option to cash out part or all of your equity to pay off high interest credit card debt. Subprime lenders can help you secure financing and reestablish your credit.

Ways To Reduce Your Rates

Even with poor credit, you can lower rates on a future refi loan. Adjustable rate mortgages offer lower initial rates than fixed rate mortgages. Often for two to seven years, rates can be guaranteed. After that, rates are based on an index fund, so they may increase. But with most lenders you can either lock in rates earlier or refinance.

Some lenders will also further reduce your rates if you opt for automatic payment. Your monthly mortgage payment is deducted from your checking account, so you don't worry about getting a payment in the mail.

The surest way to find low rates is to compare loan quotes. Each lender will offer you a different loan package with varying rates and fees. Base your loan decision on who can offer you the best overall financing. If you plan to keep your loan for seven years or more, consider paying a point or more to reduce your rate even more.

Kinds Of Rates To Expect

The best credit scores, 650 or higher, are eligible for market loan rates. Every 50 point drop, on average, adds a point or two to that loan rate. Closing fees are comparable to a conventional rate mortgage. A bonus with subprime lending is that you don't have to pay for private mortgage insurance.

Where To Find Subprime Lenders

Most financing companies now offer subprime financing to those with adverse credit. You can start your loan search with a mortgage broker. Simply mark that you have poor credit on your loan estimate form, and they will connect you to several competitive lenders.

Another option is to go directly to the lender sites. Either check their market rates on the homepage or request a quote. Make sure that you also note closing costs and fees. You don't want to get caught on early payment fees either.

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance - Should I, Shouldn't I?

It is a common financial scenario across households in the Western world. Multiple debts have started to build up: a car loan here, a department store loan there; a bank loan here and several credit cards there. While all may have seemed manageable on the optimistic day you took them out, or spent on them, suddenly you realise that you cannot keep up with the monthly payments. You miss out on a payment or two, and suddenly you have a bad credit record. A few more missed payments and you start to feel the pressure, so start thinking about refinance.

The silly thing is, in asset terms you are not poor. You have a home of your own; it is mortgaged, but you have plenty of equity. Now wouldn't it be great if you could get a new loan to consolidate those monthly payments and get your finances back in order? Well, maybe, you think, but can you get bad credit mortgage refinance?

What To Consider Before Seeking Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance

Any mortgage refinance package is not something to be taken lightly, nor without careful thought about the costs, consequences, and whether or not it is really necessary. What, then, do you need to consider before refinancing your debts through unlocking the equity in your home?

1. First of all, you need to make sure it is really necessary. You should take a long hard look at your outstanding debts. List them out, total the amounts owed, total the monthly payments, and total the amount in arrears. Your cheapest and simplest way out will be to put your current financial house in order without resorting to new, and possibly expensive, borrowing.

a. Look at some ways to clear those overdue amounts. By taking a critical eye to your home budget, your expenditure, see if there are any regular expenses that can be cut out or reduced. If so, take the necessary action and make sure that money goes towards reducing at least one of the outstanding debts where some amount is overdue. If you have several overdue debt repayments, and it will take a few months to clear the outstanding amounts with your newly released funds, write to the credit companies concerned and tell them what steps you are taking to pay off the over due amount. That may take the pressure off you a bit while you get things in order again.

b. Seriously consider how you can make some extra money. Will a few weeks' overtime, if available, help you clear the over due debts and allow you to get your finances in order again? Could you use one of your skills to earn some extra money part time? Remember, if you take no action at all, your financial situation will deteriorate. If it is possible to take some action that will eliminate your overdue debts without resorting to bad credit refinance, then the chances are it is worth doing.

c. Have a look around the house. Do you have any things you do not use, but are worth selling to clear some of those overdue payments? Do you have some old shares that you could sell, or an old savings account, with a healthy balance in, you've not touched for years.

2. You need to consider the other alternatives to bad credit mortgage refinance, especially a debt consolidation loan. Look around and get a few quotes for consolidation loans, ready to compare the results with a bad credit mortgage refinance option. Remember to make a note of the costs of each of the loan options, as this may affect your decision.

3. You have now looked at the possibilities of paying off your debts without resorting to a new loan or refinancing. If that came up blank, or insufficient, then now is the time to consider mortgage refinancing. Again, you need to shop around and get more than one quote. With a bad credit record, some lenders may try to get more money out of you than than is really justified. You have the right to get the best deal possible. Look very closely at the charges of the lender and broker, if there is one, and record them, ready to use them in your calculations to decide what option to take.

4. The final stage is to make a comparison between using bad credit mortgage refinance and using a debt consolidation loan. Really, you need to do this over the full term of the mortgage. What you will actually be comparing is:

The mortgage refinance costs, interest rates and repayments based on the the best quote you have had,

with

Your current mortgage plus the costs of the consolidation loan. This is important, as the bad credit mortgage refinance loan may be at a higher interest rate than your existing mortgage. If you are not good with figures (many people are not so don't feel bad about it!), ask a friend who is to help you out, or if you can get free counseling from someone who can help you make the choice.

Once you write down all the figures, the choice will probably be clear. Remember, however, that with the option of keeping your existing mortgage and having a separate debt consolidation loan, once that consolidation loan is at the end of it's term, say 5 years, you will no longer have any repayments. That is why it is important to look at the whole mortgage period to make a comparison.

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance

If you are looking to refinance your mortgage but believe you will be unable to because your credit may be challenged by late payments, bankruptcy, charge off's, or unpaid medical bills to name a few, don't worry, there is hope.

There are literally thousands of lenders across the United States that specialize in all different types of mortgage programs for people who have challenged credit.

They are not the typical banks you find down the street from your house that deal with perfect credit only. Nor are they hard money lenders that charge outrageous mortgage rates. They are known as wholesale lenders.

Wholesale lenders work closely with mortgage brokers. Mortgage brokers are the people who work with people looking for mortgages in the way of counseling, educating, and locating a loan for people who find themselves in a unique situation and have trouble finding a loan on their own because their needs may be special.

Keep in mind, wholesale lenders are out there by the thousands, and they are very competitive. So be sure to shop around. Just because you have bad credit, it does not mean that you should be at the mercy of mortgage companies. There are plenty of lenders out there who have programs to lend money to people with bad credit.

The best place to begin your search for a bad credit mortgage refinance would be the internet. Make an attempt to contact no more than four lenders, allow for them to assess your situation, than base your decision on the one that offers you the best deal that meets your needs and budget.

Bad Credit Home Mortgage Refinance - Should You Refinance

A bad credit home mortgage refinance is possible for people with previous credit problems. The interest rates will not be as low as those for consumers with good credit but you can still end up saving in the end.

There are several questions you should ask yourself when considering a home mortgage refinance. First of all you need to access your credit situation. If credit has been a problem for you in the past, you will want to take control of your finances before applying for a mortgage refinance loan. Refinancing can either help or hinder your current situation.

You will need to calculate all of the costs involved in refinancing before making a decision. A lower rate of interest and a shorter loan payoff time are two desirable perks of refinancing. Some people are only interested in lowering their monthly payment amount. However, you will need to remain in your home long enough to reap the benefits of refinancing. It makes no sense at all to refinance your home if you plan on moving within a few years. It is a good idea to figure how long it will take to recover the costs of refinancing. Some loans may offer a lower rate of interest but have excessive closing costs and fees. You will want to be aware of all costs involved including any additional income taxes you may be charged.

The Two Percent Rule

The two percent rule refers to your existing mortgage rate compared to current rates of interest. Many lenders recommend that you refinance if you can obtain an interest rate two percent less than your current rate. This is just a general rule and should not be the only deciding factor. Often the time you intend to remain in the home is just as important as the lower rate of interest.

On average the costs of refinancing will be at least three percent of your mortgage loan. This is a lot of money to spend and you will want to make sure you will be able to recover these costs when refinancing. If you are making payments on your first home and plan on buying a larger home in the future, a drop in the current interest rates may be the perfect time to purchase a new home. If you can obtain more home space for about the same price, this may be a desirable option.

About the author:

View our recommended Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance lenders or view all of our Recommended Refinance Lenders.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

Bad Credit Auto Loan Refinance - Tips To Increase Your Odds Of Getting Approved

Plan to refinance your auto loan but have bad credit? You can still find financing at reasonable rates by searching online for your lenders. Researching rates and terms will lead you to a good deal, saving you money each month. Increase your odds of getting approved for the best loans by following these tips.

Think About A Co-Signer

The better your credit score, the better your rates. So if you don't have great credit, look for someone who does. By having them co-sign for your loan, you can find yourself qualifying for much better rates. Lenders look at your co-signers record, but you pay for the loan.

If you are a couple, you may also choose to use the person with the best credit score to apply for the refinance auto loan. You can find out who has the better record by requesting your credit score online.

Update Your Credit Report

While you can't change your credit report overnight, you can be sure it is in the best condition possible. Take a few minutes to review your free copy and make sure all information has been updated. You may also want to include an open letter explaining any reasons for your bad credit score. Mitigating factors, such as a job loss or illness, are sometimes considered by lenders.

Eliminate Old Debt, Hold Onto Cash Assets

Besides your payment history, lenders also look at your debt and cash assets when considering your loan application. The less debt you have, the better you look to lenders - especially if you have a high income.

Cash assets are also important. Lenders like to see at least six months of cash reserves in the bank. This can mean a savings account, money market, or CD.

Be Honest With Your Information

More than likely, you will be approved for refinancing. What rates you qualify for depends on your information. So to get the most accurate loan estimate, be honest about your credit background. That way, when you actually apply for the loan, you will be approved for the rate quoted.

Remember too that not all lenders charge the same rate. A careful search will bring up favorable rates, even for those with poor credit. Sub-prime lenders often provide loans on a point or two

About the author:

View our recommended Car Loan Refinance lenders or view all of our Recommended Auto Finance Lenders Online.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

Bad Credit: A Personal Finance Nightmare

Unfortunately, those people who have poor credit ratings, even those who are trying to reform their ways, are rarely taken seriously when trying to conduct normal transactions.

A bad credit rating can make it exceedingly difficult to get important financing, such as car loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

Fortunately, a bad credit rating doesn't mean that all hope is lost just yet. You may wish to look into credit repair agencies that will allow your to fix bad credit related issues.

About the author:

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of FinanceFacts.info, a useful source of finance articles.

Written by: Jeremy Maddoc

Auto Refinancing Guide - How to Refinance Your Car Loan

At some point in a person's life they come to a conclusion that they are paying more for something than they should. If you wish to break out of this cycle and refinance your car loan therefore saving you thousands of dollars in interest and high rates then you are welcome to. Why should you be taken for a ride by a finance company that wants to take advantage of your situation? Don't put up with this and take your finance into your own hands and read what we have to say about refinancing your car loan so you can stop wasting time and start saving money today! Follow our simple guide to finding a refinance plan to suit you and your lifestyle. Over the years we have received letters from disturbed people who are trapped into paying high fees. We have uncovered a way to help people get out and put a balance back in to their life.

When you apply to refinance your car loan the best you can do for yourself is to alter the terms of the agreement to whatever suits you. If you wish you can shorten the repayment period or reduce the amounts paid out by stretching out the loan over a longer period and this can lower the APR rates at the same time. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, will I save money if I refinance my car loan? It can be quickly determined with factors that include the time remaining on your loan, the amount repaid and the existing conditions, these will determine if you should go ahead with refinancing. If you end up better off then you should apply for refinance.

There are many things that you need to look for when you are applying for refinance. The biggest reason to obtain refinance for a car loan is the thousands that will be saved on the interest the previous loan is costing you. Often the reasons a person may be trapped in their current finance situation may be due to pressure from a car dealer to buy a car on finance. Another example is when a person who may have poor credit history jump into a loan with high interest rates as this was the only option at the time. Later on it is only discovered, after the contracts have been signed, that the APR is considerably high. They may then realise that they cannot afford to make these repayments or had not taken the time to calculate the repayment costs through the excitement of buying a new car.

The best time to apply for refinance is when you want to change the amount of your repayments, either making them less or paying more each month and paying the loan off sooner. If you want to stretch your loan out over a longer period to keep more money in your pocket then we suggest applying with a specialised refinancing company to sort out your needs. Whatever your reason for wanting to change your repayments, check out your options of refinacne companies and compare interest rates, special terms and conditions so you don't get caught out. The amount of money that will be saved depends on your loan, the period chosen to pay it off your new loan and any other residing factors. Many people have saved from $500 to $3000 and upwards. Rethink your options if you are unsure about refinancing and then you can make a secure step to obtaining financial stability in the near future. If you want a refinance company with great service, competitive interest rates and good terms then we recommend asking your friends for companies they may have deal with in the past.

Auto Refinance Secrets: Refinance Your Car Loan And Save Every Month

Refinancing your auto loan can be a easy and effective way to lower your monthly payments and save you a good deal of money in the long term. Huge numbers of people are taking advantage of refinancing in the face of much lower interest rates. If you think you are paying way too much money on your loan each month (and who doesn't?) then based on the amount of time left on your lease, and the rate of the interest you signed at, refinancing may be the way to go.

It's always frustrating when you sign on to a loan at a fixed interest rate and then see the interest rates steadily drop around you, while you're still stuck with the forking out the same high percentage payment every month. When you refinance your auto loan, you do so to save money by paying a reduced rate of interest, which, if you still have a few years or so to pay off the loan, can end up saving you a bundle of money. Basically, the new lender takes care of the difference of paying off the original interest rate, while you continue paying the car off to them at a reduced rate. The title to your car is then transferred to them, and the time it takes you to pay off the ever-increasing cost of owning an automobile these days is drastically reduced.

It is important for you to be well aware of the term of your current auto loan contract so as to maximize the amount of money you can end up saving. It may be the case that you don't mind making your payments at the interest rate you are currently fixed at, and yet still want to be shelling out less per payment than you are right now. If this is true for you, then your best plan of action is not to refinance your loan, but to extend the term of your payment agreement, so that you can minimize monthly payments. Of course, this means that, over an extended period of time, you will still end up spending a large amount of your hard earned money on the interest rate of the contract.

With interest rates currently at noticeable lows, auto refinancing is becoming more and more the wise decision. As it stands right now, if you have a significant amount of time remaining on your loan contract, and you signed on to that contract when interest rates were unfortunately high, then it is definitely worth your time to research and compare the rates at a lending companies, so as to take advantage of getting in an auto loan contract, while the interest rates continue to be low http://www.springfieldsocialist.com/category/automotive-comm ents>http://www.springfieldsocialist.com/category/automotive-comm ents. Of course, you can research most of this auto loans onlin information, with not a huge degree of effort, and you may just find that is an effort that will pay out nice dividends in the future.

If making preliminary calculations sounds like a hellishly tedious mathematical trial, then your best to cut straight to the middleman and talk to a broker who can work to find you the best loan possible. But any way you go about doing it, refinancing your auto loan can be a wise decision, and worth looking into.

Auto Refinance

You have probably heard of auto refinance before. Or simply refinance.
The term "refinance" actually refers to a financial situation wherein a
borrower finds financing to pay off a current loan. Refinance is often put into
practice in home buying. In fact, refinancing is one of the most popular
methods of getting financing for a home loan.


With auto refinance, the same thing applies. Auto refinance is basically
paying off one loan with a new loan. The goal of auto refinance is to allow the
borrower to save some money from your monthly loan obligations. And as such, it
is one of the best kept secrets in the financing industry. For years now,
people have refinancing their homes and saving thousands of dollars. However,
the practice of refinancing car loans has yet to be indulged by most. Why?
Perhaps the reason is that auto loans generally behave differently from home
loans and people are naturally skeptical about new methods. Regardless, auto
refinance is still a good choice, provided that the situation is right.


When to get an Auto Refinance Loan


The only way for auto refinance to work is if you get it when the
interest rates are low. Mortgage rates tend to move with interest rates.
Therefore, if interest rates are low, then it's likely that mortgage rates are
low also. Low mortgage rates typically mean low monthly repayments and this
then is the situation you should aim for.


Only few people really understand the time value of money. Keep in mind
that the longer you pay for a loan, the bigger amount of money you actually
spend for it. Thus, by the end of the loan period, you would have paid more
money on interest than on the principal. This is why auto refinance is
important for it is one of the few methods that could help you minimize loan
costs and maximize your savings.


Who can benefit from Auto Refinance?


Almost anyone with a loan to his name can benefit from auto refinance.
Even car buyers with bad credit can obtain auto refinance as a way for them to
lower down their APRs. Let's say, for instance, you make an auto refinance loan
for $16,500 on a new Honda Accord. At the end of six months, you agree to pay
off the amount at 21% APR. So for a few months, this will be your monthly loan
obligation.


Then, you decide to take an auto refinance loan. However, this time,
your loan ate is at 6% APR. Your current monthly payment is $446 which gives
you total interest charges of $10,283 at the end of your loan period. Your auto
refinance loan offers you a monthly payment of $319 with total interest charges
of $2,639. Thus, by refinancing, you can save up to $7,600.

Tony Forster has a keen interest in living debt free having been "up to his ears" before realizing the need to take control. He has compiled an online financial article resource at http://www.loan4payday.info


Written by: Tony

Ask the Expert: When do I Refinance My Home?

Home refinancing is a wonderful financial tool for homeowners to use for debt management to investments. If the home refinance is used correctly, wisely, and at the right time, the benefits from the refinance can improve the financial picture of the homeowner. There is no cookie cutter approach to refinancing. Each individual or family has their own unique set of circumstances. Here are some common questions homeowners often ask when they are considering refinancing.

What is the most critical question to ask myself when refinancing a home?

Is refinancing going to put you in a better position financially? Will refinancing reduce your monthly expenses, meet a critical family requirement, or improve your investment portfolio? If the answer is yes, it is probably a good time to refinance.

What is a cost benefit analysis?

This is a detailed account of the actual cost of refinancing and helps provide the best financial decision. Cost-benefit analysis analyzes the cost effectiveness of different alternatives in order to see whether the benefits outweigh the costs When you look at the actual costs of refinancing, determine how long it will take to recoup costs. Is it worth it? A qualified mortgage professional should review your alternatives and help you determine if the benefits outweigh the near and long term costs. The rule of thumb regarding the cost vs. benefit of refinancing is that you need a 1- 2% "spread" between your existing interest rate and today's current rates. Refinancing, No Cash-Out option can reduce your monthly mortgage payment or reduce the remaining term of your loan and thus probably save tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the long-run. Cash-Out withdraws cash (reduces equity) for home improvement, educational tuition, debt consolidation or for such purchases as a investment property or second home, auto, or other major purchase.

How often should I refinance?

Some people refinance frequently but a rule of thumb should be that you have held the property for one year. Refinancing allows the homeowner to use the home to conduct transactions that allow opportunities and possibly enhance the homeowner’s asset pool or reduce the financial short-term burden of the homeowner. How the homeowner approaches the refinance is critical to long-term financial net worth. If the homeowner is utilizing the home as a second checking account to payoff consumer debt, financial stability for future years is reduced through ineffective money management by reducing the homeowner’s equity. The ability for the consumer to build equity is in essence a long term subtle retirement plan for the homeowner.

What are some questions I can ask the mortgage company or the bank handling my refinancing?

The scope of financial knowledge a mortgage consultant or loan officer possesses matters in this transaction. This person should have a thorough knowledge of money and how it works. Begin by asking about their professional credentials. The best mortgage professionals will have formal business education, professional experience in the financial industry, and the institutional knowledge to place you in the right product. At Breakwater Mortgage in Virginia Beach, we select our mortgage consultants, loan officers, and loan originators based on strengths in these areas. Often lenders, banks, and other mortgage companies do not conduct a detailed review of potential employees that will handle your most important asset. Ask your mortgage professional why they are recommending a certain loan product to you. You should also feel free to ask personal questions such as: Do you own a home? What type of mortgage do you have? What is your credit score? The answers will reveal information about their money management. If you do not feel comfortable with your mortgage professional, research a qualified individual who will help you based on your needs. It’s worth it to take the time to find the right mortgage professional.

Does location of the home matter when considering refinancing?

Yes, it matters a great deal. Some real estate markets have reached their peak. Do not refinance at the top of the market. Research and see how quickly homes are selling in your area. Contact your local professionals regarding home values in your market. They will be able to give you their opinion, home comps, assessments of home value trends in your area. I recommend you leave 10-15% equity in your home when you refinance. A reputable mortgage broker or lender will recommend that you keep some equity in your home so you can sell your property if situations dictate.

Does the type of mortgage I have affect my refinancing decision?

Absolutely. Talk to a qualified mortgage professional first, before you make your decision. That person will help you compare your current mortgage rate/product to current market rates, available mortgage terms, and types of mortgages available based on your discussions. I look at mortgage products based on an indebt analysis of the clients needs. With that in mind, some general rules apply. If rates are falling, I would advise a homeowner to stay in their current loan until a 2% spread between their current loan and future refinance loan. If a client has a loan product that adjusts downward during a period of decreasing rates, I recommend they stay with that product until a projected rate increase period that will increase over a protracted period. When rates start to increase, and are projected to continue to increase, I would advise a homeowner with a loan product that adjusts, when rates adjust, to move towards a fixed mortgage product (7, 10, 15 or 20 year mortgage depending upon an individual’s situation). If the homeowner is geographically displaced due to employment, say five years or less, a long-term fixed mortgage is not the optimal product. If the homeowner plans to stay in a specific geographical area and in that same home for a long period of time, I’d recommend a long-term fixed rate product and possibly a home owner’s line of credit (HELOC) to supplement the homeowner’s financial decisions. With long-term mortgages a homeowner can still opt to pay more on the principal, reducing the term of the loan and interest costs.

What are economic indicators that bode well for refinancing?

A knowledgeable mortgage professional should understand economic indicators, and will be able to give you an accurate assessment on whether to refinance or not. Are interest rates rising or falling? With refinancing, timing is everything. If rates are falling and they are lower than your mortgage rate (a general rule is 1 – 2 % lower then your current fixed rate), it could be a good time to refinance. If not, it might be a better idea to sit tight and forgo refinancing for now.

Are you so desperate for a home loan that you are stretching your finances too far?

Once you get a quote for a home loan don’t be tempted to take the entire amount if it looks like you overqualified. Most consumers fill out an application for a home loan and hope they can get enough money to buy their dream house.

A nice chunk of those consumers also overqualify for their home loans. If go to your local bank, credit union or mortgage broker and you are approved for a $500,000 home loan, they payments might be a bit more than you realistically afford.

Use a mortgage calculator to see your real monthly expenses
If you are not good with your money or would prefer to not stretch your finances to the limit to get a home, get your hands on a good mortgage calculator as soon as you get the figures on your home loan. You might think all will be fine as long as you can own your own property.

However, you must take into account all of the things that come along with owning a home. Sometimes you can get so caught up with the actual dollar amount of your home loan that you forget the other pieces of your budget.

Do you still have cash for entertainment and personal use?
Check your budget to see if you still have money to enjoy things like going out, purchasing new furniture, a family vacation once per year and regular manicures and pedicures. Then add in your student loans, car payments, credit card bills, lunches at work and tickets to take your family to baseball games a couple of times every season.

You also need money for home maintenance and repairs
There are also the home maintenance issues that are not included when you qualify for a home loan. If you live in a part of the country that’s particularly hot or cold, your heating and air conditioning bill could easily add up to a couple of hundred dollars per month.

Your home loan package does not include budgeting for lawnmowers, landscaping and fixing broken windows. Some of these expenses can be put off until a later day, but some of them will require your immediate attention once you move into your home.

Know your spending habits to gauge how much debt you can carry
If you are used to living paycheck to paycheck and generally not taking care of your budget as a renter, you will probably carry over some of the same habits to your new home.

The best way to avoid a financial disaster is to make your home loan a part of your financial life instead of the centerpiece of your financial life. If you are stressed out about money issues from the very first move in, it is unlikely that you will enjoy your new home or anything else in your life for a long time.

Are You Having Sleepless Nights Because Of Your Finances?

You've worked hard all day and come home at night, only to discover that you can't get comfortable in your own bed. You toss and you turn for well over three hours. As 3a.m. approaches, you finally go to sleep but the alarm sounds all too quickly at 6 a.m. It's time for you to go to work. Day two comes and you're off again to the usual rat race. You repeat the same pattern once you get home. Later that night you lay in bed, thinking how you're going to pay all of these bills. Despite your best efforts on the job, including overtime, it doesn't seem to be enough. What can you do? Who can you to turn to?

Does this sound like you? Are you a Christian having sleepless nights because of your finances? Here are the top five reasons I have found why people get into debt:

1) Try to live beyond their means. Keep up with the Joneses. 2) Lost job and bills pile up 3) Have never been taught money management 4) Divorcing and the other party charged up cards in the process splitting up 5) Impulse Shopping

I too was a victim. Not from just one, but two of these debt catalysts. My husband equally had financial woes, his was still on this list. Being in debt has a way of having a hold on you and causes you not to think clearly. People in debt tend to operate out of fear - for example they ignore phone calls because it might be a collection agency on the other end. How many calls have they missed? Or perhaps, they write a check in the hopes that it will clear the bank; knowing full well they spent the money on luxuries and other needless excesses that have caused the bank account to have insufficient funds.

If any of this sounds like you or someone you know, assure them they can get out of debt without filing bankruptcy. They have to want help and not let pride or embarrassment get in their way of being helped.

At Journey To Wholeness, we work with people who want help getting their finances in order. There is no charge for our help. Why would you pay someone to help you get out of debt?
About the Author

Dr. Taffy Wagner is the author of Debt Dilemma. Debt Dilemma is her own personal story of how she got into debt and was able to get out without filing bankruptcy. She will be launching a national marketing campaign on October 18, 2005. View her website at http://www.paidoff.net/SpecialPromo.html for further details.

Written by: Taffy Wagner

Alternative Venture Finance: Federal Grants and Loans

While most companies seeking venture capital initially think about angel investors and venture capitalists, a large alternative source of financing is federal grants and loans. The two largest federal grant programs are run by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and by Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).

An SBA loan, regardless of whether it is a direct loan from the SBA, or, as is more common, a bank loan guaranteed by the SBA, is essentially a bank loan. The benefit of it versus a traditional bank loan is the rate. SBA rates are typically much less than traditional business loan rates.

In most cases, in a guaranteed SBA bank loan, the SBA guarantees 90 percent of the loan will be repaid to the bank. As such, banks are at much less risk than in most other loans, and are a bit more flexible with regards to who they offer these loans. However, the SBA usually requires the founders of the company to personally guarantee the loans, which makes them risky should the venture collapse.

Alternatively, Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) are privately organized corporations that are licensed and regulated by the SBA. Small or emerging businesses which qualify for assistance from the SBIC program can receive equity capital and/or long-term loans from these companies. Essentially, these companies provide their own capital, which is supplemented by federal funds, to the companies they fund.

Interestingly, U.S. taxpayers benefit from the SBIC program as tax revenues generated from successful SBIC investments have more than covered the cost of the program. Likewise the program has created hundreds of thousands of jobs.

In summary, SBA and SBIC financing are viable alternatives to financing from angel investors and venture capitalists and should be considered in the capital raising process. Similarly to angel and VC financing, companies seeking SBA and SBIC financing need a strong management team and value proposition, and a highly professional and compelling business plan in order to raise the capital they need.

Adverse debt levels blight UK consumers personal finances

Debt levels are at an all time high in the UK. The younger generation tend to be feeling the pinch the most, but parents are increasingly being required to bail them out, often at great expense to their own limited mortgage or retirement savings.

It has become almost accepted as a fact of life that graduates will begin their careers with a considerable level of personal debt. The Association of Investment Trust Companies found that on average students expected to graduate with £7,208 of debt, while parents believed it would be nearer to £9,741, however the real average was found to be currently running at £13,501. Graduates then need to service credit cards, take out a mortgage, then cover the payments, repay university loans, not to mention the pressure to start saving earlier, and save more, for their retirement, whilst the basic state pension increasingly becomes inadequate. The government revealed in June that student debt for 2003-04 was seven times higher than they were in 1994-95 and the Student Loans Company has shown that debts owed to them has risen to more than £13bn.

It is not only students who face financial difficulties early in life. Consumer Credit Counselling Services - Scotland, has indicated that young adults in general, under the age of 25, now account for more than 10 per cent of the estimated 32,000 people who have fallen into severe arrears on non-mortgage debts of more than £1 billion.

Malcolm Hurlston, Chairman of the Consumer Credit Counselling Services (CCCS) said, "It is noticeable that young people are accounting for an increasing proportion and the number of them seeking assistance has risen by about 25 per cent over the past two years or so."

Analysts have been bracing themselves for news of a sharp increase in adverse debt levels from the major high street banks following report figures of a 21 per cent increase in bad debts levels at Lloyds TSB. City analysts expect HBOS and Royal Bank of Scotland to declare that bad debt charges have risen by around 20% in their personal banking businesses, and Barclays, HSBC and Alliance & Leicester are all expected to tell a similar tale of rising loan defaults. Citigroup analysts are expecting bad debt charges from its retail banking division to rise about 24% in the first half of this year to £230m, while last year HBOS’s provisions for bad debt rose from £1bn to £1.2bn.

Keith Stevens, of the chartered accountants firm Wilkins Kennedy, said: "Creditors profit by lending money to people and collecting interest, and the longer they can keep that cycle going the better for them. Unless borrowers own property of significant value, it’s often not in creditors’ interest to call in their debts." He also continued that he believed some creditors were increasingly taking a hands-off approach, allowing debtors to pile up large amounts of debt, and then collecting interest and penalty charges for as long as borrowers were able to continue paying. This has lead to an increase in the number of borrowers filing for bankruptcy themselves when previously they would have been forced into it earlier by their lenders.

House repossessions have also significantly increased over the past year, with the Council of Mortgage Lenders announcing 4,640 home repossessions during the first half of 2005, compared with 3,070 for the last half of 2004. Government figures show that there has also been an increase in the number of homeowners being taken to court for mortgage arrears.

Some of the major banks and financial service providers have taken the initiative and started to help police the growing adverse debt problems with HSBC announcing that it will share their full credit record, of both positive and negative information, on its personal customers with other regulated financial services companies through the Experian, Equifax and CallCredit credit reference agencies, in efforts to keep tabs on its consumers' debt.

Michael Geoghegan, Chief Executive of HSBC said: "It is no more in the interests of a customer to borrow more money than they can afford than it is for a bank to lend them the money." The move has been widely heralded by analysts, as Michael Geoghegan added, "It is the only way to ensure that lenders properly understand the full financial exposure of customers before they let them sign up to debt that some simply can't afford."

This all comes amidst media pressure for financial firms to become more responsible. One case widely featured in the news concerns a couple who took out the £5,740 loan at 34.9% APR for house improvements, but they were already in arrears on two prior mortgages, and became unable to keep up the loan repayments. Over the course of the 15 year loan term the amount repayable had escalated to £384,000. Attempts by the loan company to still enforce the huge debt, eventually had to be fought off by the couple through the law courts.

The couple urged others considering taking out a loan to seek advice and to, "obviously read the small print and ask the questions that perhaps you don't think about at the time, and just make sure you know exactly what the consequences are should anything go wrong".

There are currently many sources of information to help consumers make decisions regarding their finances and debt levels. Financial comparison sites like Moneynet can provide impartial information on loans, mortgages, adverse credit, etc, to find the best product for individual circumstances. Consumer help sites like the National Debtline provide free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems, and the Citizens Advice Bureau are there with trained volunteers to help with legal, monetary and other problems, through a free, independent and confidential advice service.

The more help and information that is available to consumers and the more responsible the lending agencies become, the safer finance will be for the most vulnerable who are looking to borrow money, to prevent them getting into un-repayable levels of debt, however these services can only be of help if people actually use them.

Malcolm Hurlston of CCCS said, "We are advising about 4,000 people in Scotland and I would estimate that our figures represent only about one in eight of those who need help".

Financial education is something needs to be provided at an early stage to make people realise the importance of taking on the accountability for their own finances, as well as highlighting where to access help for when it is required. Budgeting is a subject many school leavers have little practical knowledge of, but one which they desperately need to be made aware of before they start to control their own finances.

Where there is existing advice or help, this must be made available and known to all in order to prevent more people getting too deeply into debt, or falling prey to loan sharks like the recent case of Mark Washington Johnson who has been jailed in Birmingham for nearly four years. Mr Johnson was found guilty of charging up to 8,000 per cent interest on loans, taking Social Security benefit books or National Insurance numbers as "security" for the unauthorised loans and then piling on default charges for missed payments. If we are to prevent this sort of abuse occurring to the weakest members of society then public awareness needs to be raised and the most vulnerable people given the assistance best suited to understand and control their own money.

Adverse Credit Remortgage: Refinance at Better Terms

Getting a remortgage with adverse credit is a daunting task and it is increasingly becoming a widespread problem in UK. An adverse credit remortgage is a type of mortgage, which is particularly used by people who have adverse remarks in their credit history.

Adverse credit ratings are rising as people are finding it difficult to repay the loans they took in order to remedy their financial exigencies. The credit ratings are remarks given by your previous creditors based on your repayment history. If you are punctual and prompt in repaying the installments they give you a positive remark and a negative rating incurs, if you miss their installments and are erratic in the repayment schedule.

Lenders are wary of this negative or adverse credit rating. They find it risky to lend any amount to such persons and reject their applications in most of the cases.

While, applying for an Adverse credit remortgage, the borrower has to face two kinds of situations. In the first case, although he has an adverse credit rating against him, he can offer something like a house or home equity as a collateral to the remortgage. In second case the borrower with the adverse credit history doesn't have anything to offer as collateral or the value of collateral is not adequate to guarantee the loan.

The lenders, if they find that they can get something as collateral for the remortgage offer, are prompt in lending as compared to a situation where they have to lend solely on the basis of creditworthiness of the borrower. The lenders are comfortable by the fact that if the borrower defaults in payments, they can repossess the collateral. Depending on the collateral and creditworthiness, lenders fix interest rates, lending amount and the repayment schedules.

Remortgaging involves changing the mortgage without changing the existing house or property. Adverse credit remortgage can be used for getting a better deal on mortgage from a different lender. It can also be used to get an improved deal on mortgage from the existing lender. Adverse credit remortgage may also be used to provide funds or to get a loan on the increased equity in home or property. They are very useful in consolidating existing debts from various sources into one single manageable loan. Emergency expenditures like the purchase of a car, a holiday, some reconstruction or medical bills can be funded by such remortgages.

Getting an adverse credit remortgage to finance these purchases is considered a wise option because remortgage offers lower interest rates and easy repayment options as compared to other methods of borrowing.

People with adverse credit should be very cautious while taking a remortgage. Mortgage lenders in UK are squeezing such people with higher interest rates and unreasonable terms and conditions.

Remortgaging involves many fees, which increase the cost of the process. There are early redemption penalties, re-appraisal of property, solicitor fees, office and conveyance charges, which have to be taken into consideration while taking an adverse credit remortgage. The fact that a borrower has an adverse credit rating makes the situation even worse for him. As the lending market in UK is very competitive the borrower is advised to shop around for lenders, which offer zero product fees, cashback, free basic property valuation and minimum fee for legal and other expenses. A good lender, who provides adverse credit remortgage will negotiate the best possible deal on prepayment penalties for its client. Finding such a lender is not easy but ultimately it will be worth the effort.

For most of us, if we have something to offer as collateral, getting an adverse credit remortgage will be quite easy. The new lender will ask for all the documents and complete the formalities. If everything goes smoothly, it won't take long to get an adverse credit remortgage.

Andrew baker has done his masters in finance from CPIT. He is engaged in providing free, professional, and independent advice to the residents of the UK.He works for the Secured loan web site uk finance world for any type of uk secured and unsecured loan please visit http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk
About the Author

Andrew baker has done his masters in finance from CPIT. He is engaged in providing free, professional, and independent advice to the residents of the UK.He works for the Secured loan web site uk finance world for any type of uk secured and unsecured loan please visit http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk

Written by: Andrew Baker

A Mortgage Refinance with Bad Credit - The Pros and Cons

To many, the term 'bad credit' is the end of the world when it comes to getting financing in the near future. However, it doesn't always have to be like that, you can take the bad credit mortgage refinance option!

Mortgage refinance vs. equity finance

It is essential at the outset that you understand there is a fundamental difference between mortgage refinancing and equity financing. Basically, with equity financing you are using the surplus amount you may have stored up in your property between your outstanding mortgage amount and the appraised value of your home. However a mortgage refinance is where you find a new lender willing to lend you the whole appraised value of your property, the sum of which you then use to repay your existing mortgage lender and the remaining sum you can utilize in any manner you wish. Because of this, you are faced with a different set of problems than would be the case with an equity financing.

The pros of a bad credit mortgage refinance

Aside from any possible equity financing you can do with your property, without doubt the biggest upside to a bad credit mortgage refinance is the fact that it is a long-term and cheap form of borrowing. Interest rates are likely to be low and, possibly, can even be fixed. You could even possibly benefit from certain tax advantages from a bad credit mortgage refinance.

Because of this, bad credit mortgage finance can allow you to do things financially that may not otherwise be available to you as a person with a bad credit rating. You could use the equity you free up after you repay your original mortgage lender to invest in stocks and savings that will give you a better yield than you are currently getting on the property.

Alternatively, you could pay off all outstanding debts you have so that you have no interest and debt payments to make each month – merely a mortgage repayment. Finally, you could even use the equity you get to invest in a long-term investment plan like your pension. In fact the options are so limitless that you should really consult with a financial expert who can best advise you on how you should put that money to the best use for you!

The cons of bad credit mortgage refinance

The number one downside to any mortgage refinancing, whether it be bad credit or otherwise, is the fact that mortgage lenders do not like to be repaid early. As such they usually incorporate some expensive penalty clauses to try and make it not worth your while repaying them early. With this in mind, you will need to read your original mortgage agreement with your original lender very carefully to make sure you won't have any onerous default payments to make; or, you could try and arrange for the new lender to swallow these.

That said, if you make any arrangements with the new lender that they agree to pay these fees for you, you then need to make sure they do not put any restrictive clauses in your new refinance mortgage agreement that would prohibit you from refinancing your mortgage again at some time in the future if the occasion warrants such.

Without a doubt, as a person with a bad credit history and bad credit rating, a bad credit mortgage refinance can open up avenues to you that would not otherwise be there. You do, however, need to give consideration as to whether or not you want to take this route. Not least because at the end of the day your house and family home is on the line

A Guide to Bad Credit Finance Options

Have you been trying to find out what bad credit finance options were available? Perhaps you're in the market for a new car or truck, but aren't sure if you can find a dealer or lender who'll offer you a bad credit finance?

You shouldn't worry too much about bad credit finance options, because there are several financing options available regardless of your credit history… some of them charge higher interest rates or require some additional security, but in the end may be just what you're looking for.

Vehicle financing

If you're looking for a bad credit finance for a new or used vehicle, your best option is most likely going to be to visit a finance company as opposed to a traditional bank.

Some finance companies are more likely to offer bad credit finance options for vehicles than others, and the financing will usually depend upon the type of vehicle being financed, where the vehicle is being purchased from, and what sort of insurance and driving record you have.

Other factors that will be taken into consideration include your annual and monthly income, any cosigners that you might have for the loan, and any recommendations or referrals that you might have.

Home financing

Finding someone to offer you a bad credit finance for a house or other real estate can sometimes be tricky, but generally real estate shouldn't be too difficult to finance.

Major factors in getting a mortgage lender to approve you for bad credit finance options include your income, any insurance that you will purchase for the house or real estate, the amount of a down payment that you're willing to offer, and any references of former landlords that you can offer.

Mortgage lenders for bad credit finance loans can be found online, at finance companies, and at some real estate and property management services.

Other financing

Should you be seeking bad credit finance options for other items (such as collectibles or electronics), you might find your search to be a little more difficult.

Smaller and less valuable items are often harder to repossess and find buyers for than vehicles and real estate, so many finance companies are hesitant to lend money to people with bad credit in order to purchase these items. Instead of financing, you might want to consider other venues for bad credit loans (such as auto title loans and the like) to get you the money that you need for your purchases.

Some lenders will offer financing for these items, though, but the only way to find out is to see for yourself. Should you be rejected, asking for a reference as to where to find financing might point you in the right direction.

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A Good Credit Report - The Key To Cheap Finance

Is your credit report important? There are a lot of people who would not consider their credit rating as something too important to them in their life. There are others who, while recognising its importance, would not be overly concerned about the issue or understand the reasons for its importance. Well, to those people, they should at least be aware of some of the uses that are made of credit reports in the world in which we live.

While it may seem obvious to state it, credit reports are predominantly concerned with assessing the risk involved in lending money to you. Lenders are obsessed with one thing, getting repaid, and their entire industry revolves around making this occur. Therefore, they have developed the credit score that will assess your likely hood of repaying them and this is then used to either approve or reject your application for credit. While this is the basic purpose, some more sophisticated lenders desire to get in on an ever larger share of the market and in order to lend to higher risk borrowers, they create different categories of loans which people with lower scores can qualify for. These loans will invariably have higher interest rates and other less favourable conditions and this will be the price you pay for having a lower credit rating.

Since loans are used to finance homes, education, cars, and most other large purchases in life, the inability to get access to credit, or only to be able to get it at less attractive terms and rates, is a substantially reason to care about your credit report and try to keep it in as good a condition as possible.

Credit reports are also used when you apply for renting or leasing accommodation. This is usually because the landlord wants to be fairly certain that you'll be able to pay your rent as it falls due. So keeping your credit score healthy at this stage will pay off if you need to be approved for renting or leasing residential property.

There is also a trend among employer to start using credit ratings when assessing job applicants. The reasons they are making use of credit reports are of course different for every employer but there is a consensus that a healthy credit report and a good past record of meeting financial commitments is a good sign that the job applicant is someone reliable and worth employing. While it does seem slightly perverse that the very people that will need a job the most are precisely the ones that can be denied it but that's the direction things are moving in.

A Fresh Start for Family Finances in 2005

While 40% to 50% of us make New Year’s resolutions on January 1—a ritual that has existed since ancient times—approximately 60% to 80% of us have already broken them by the end of February, according to researchers.

It’s still not too late, however, to reset the trajectory on your family’s finances, experts note.

1. Build a Budget
If you haven’t already done so, create a realistic budget.

Approximately 85% of your income should be set aside for necessities like housing, food, health care and clothing, according to the professionals at VISA USA.

This leaves 15% for entertainment—and something many consumers completely neglect: savings.

2. Distinguish “Needs” from “Wants”
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you need in life versus what you want in life.

You need to pay for the antibiotics when the doctor diagnoses a respiratory infection. You don’t need to buy the latest movie released on DVD to aid in your recovery.

You need to pay the rent or mortgage. You don’t need to buy the lovely accent pillows that beckon to you from the interior design boutique.

Always separate the needs from the wants—particularly if money is tight.

3. Monitor Your Spending
To see what you really spend each month, keep a running log of all purchases—no matter how small—for a full month. This will give you a visual display of where your money goes after you deposit your paycheck.

You may find that the $3 cup of coffee that starts each day adds up to $90 a month—a pocketbook pincher that may prompt you to buy a pound of coffee beans at the local market and grind them yourself. That $90 blossoms into $1,080 in savings at the end of a year.

4. Create an Emergency Fund
Life is full of surprises—both positive and negative. If you happen to lose your job or suffer an illness that temporarily sidelines you, you will need cash reserves to support you during the rough months.

“In most cases, consumers who find themselves dealing with a financial hardship are unprepared and have not saved for unexpected situations,” says Diane Giarratano, director of education for Novadebt, a U.S. financial management service agency, with multiple locations, that provides credit counseling, budgeting and financial education.

5. Educate Yourself
When you attended high school or college, you studied history, mathematics, language and science, but there was probably no course in basic money management.

If you need help in meeting a financial goal—whether it’s buying a home or reducing your debt—take advantage of community resources.

“Consumers should feel free to contact a good credit-counseling agency to obtain free advice with regard to establishing a budget or to learn how to handle unexpected hardships,” Giarratano says.

6. Don’t Become a Victim
Identity theft has become an international epidemic, so be extremely cautious when giving out your credit card or personal identifying information. Monitor your credit card bills carefully for unauthorized charges, and immediately report suspicious activity to the issuing company.

“Identity theft is often an inside job,” warns Robert L. Siciliano, a personal security expert with Boston, Massachusetts-based SafetyMinute Seminars and author of “The Safety Minute.”

“Lower-level help desk workers and frontline call center employees often have access to all our personal information in their databases,” he says. “What are you doing to protect yourself? If you’re not paying attention, you could be a victim, too.”

And when a disaster strikes, such as the recent killer tsunamis in South Asia and East Africa, be wary of scammers from fake charities before reaching for your checkbook. Unfortunately, there will always be unscrupulous individuals who seize such opportunities to profit from others’ misfortune.

“Avoid using your credit card to make contributions,” advises James Walsh, author of “You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man: How Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Frauds Work…and Why They’re More Common Than Ever.”

“Even though this can be a convenient way to proceed, many crooks are looking for credit card numbers,” Walsh says. “They will press strongly for ‘immediate support.’ Don’t rush.”

Instead, initiate the call yourself, and select a reputable charity.

“Go with recognized names,” Walsh says. “No organization is perfect; even the best-meaning groups occasionally misallocate money or fall victim to abusive employees. But larger charitable groups—like the Red Cross, the United Way and Catholic Charities—have the mechanisms in place to audit their people and performance.”

Charitable contributions are tax-deductible, so keep good records of all donations—including small cash gifts.

A College Loan Will Finance Your Education!

A college loan has given people all over the United States a chance to further their education, even if they are not making a lot of money. Education loans can be a big help in paying for college. You'll find these loans offer a low interest rate and a generous repayment period. Of course, student loans must be repaid, usually with interest, although some education loans have provisions for cancellation if the borrower performs a program-related service. If you are looking for a loan, be aware that there are many different types of loans. Try to find the student loan that fits you the best. For example, there is a loan called the Federal Stafford Loan. The Federal Stafford Loan is the most widely used loan in the student education loan program. Federal guidelines limit the maximum interest rate to no more than 8.25% and outline repayment terms of up to 10 years. Remember that if you ever need help or are falling behind on payments, consider a consolidate student loan.


Tips on getting a deferment for your College Loan.


If for some reason you are unable to meet your monthly payments, consider a college loan deferment. A deferment is a suspension of payments for special reasons. Usually, those who borrowed their first Stafford Loans after July 1, 1993, are eligible to defer payments if are enrolled in at least half-time at an eligible school, unemployed, in a graduate fellowship program, in a rehabilitation training program for people with disabilities, or suffering economic hardship. A college education is expensive, but with the right student loan you will be attending class without financial worry in no time!






Mike Yeager

4 Good Reasons to Get a Refinance Home Loan

Refinance Your Home Now and Lower Your Interest Rate

What is a refinance home loan?
A refinance home loan or a home loan refinance is a new loan obtained through your lender or a new lender to pay off existing loan. However, you may opt to apply for a lower interest rate and or cash out on your homes equity.

When should I refinance my home? It is a known fact that interest rates are lower than they have been in years. This is due to our fast paced and ever changing economy and market. Now would be the perfect opportunity to refinance your home to obtain a lower interest rate. Even a .25 difference can save you thousands of dollars a year in mortgage payments.

Why should I refinance my home?
There are several reasons home owners decides to refinance. The four most common reasons include:
To obtain a lower interest rate
Home owner generally are aware of interest rate down fall. They take advantage of this opportunity by applying to a refinance loan to lower their existing interest rates and save money on mortgage expenses. The money that a borrower saves on mortgage expenses can be invested in other financial investments.
To receive a refinance cash out
Some home owners who have enough equity accumulated in their homes refinance to cash out their equity and get a lower interest rate
To make home improvements
Sooner than later you will find that maintaining your home is hard work (not to mention quite expensive). In most cases, home owners will pursue a refinance, rather than a personal loan, in order to save on interest rates. A personal loan may have higher interest rates and are normally, not as large as a home improvement loan.
To change loan programs
A majority of home owner refinance because they are not satisfied with their current loan program. They may be under a 5 year arm, but somewhere down the line they decided they would prefer a 30 year fixed loan. Whatever the reason may be, a refinance home loan will solve the problem.

What are the benefits of refinancing my home?
There are several benefits included with refinancing your home, including:
Your credit may be in better standings then before you purchased your home, now you can refinance and obtain a more suitable loan, with lower interest rates and terms.
Or, you can obtain a home equity line of credit and have cash available when you need it.
With refinance cash out, your lender can consolidate your bills and pay off all of your debt. You will not have to deal with the hassle by yourself.

What are the different refinance loan options?
As with a traditional loan, refinance home loans offer some of the same loan programs, such as:
10/15/30 year fixed
Zero Down
Interest Only
And so on

Where can I refinance my loan?
You can apply for a refinance home loan through your current lender. Or you may search for a new lender more suitable to your financial needs. This search can be done by internet search, flipping through the yellow pages, or consulting with your real estate agent.

1st And 2nd Mortgage Refinance Loan - Why Refinance Both Mortgages?

The hassle of making two monthly mortgage payments has prompted many homeowners to consider refinancing their 1st and 2nd mortgages into one loan. While combining both loans into one mortgage is convenient, and may save you money, homeowners should carefully weigh the risks and advantages before choosing to refinance their mortgages.

Benefits Associated with Combining 1st and 2nd Mortgages

Aside from consolidating your mortgages and making one monthly payment, a mortgage consolidation may lower your monthly payments to mortgage lenders. If you acquired your 1st or 2nd mortgage before home loan rates began to decline, you are likely paying an interest rate that is at least two points above current market rates. If so, a refinancing will greatly benefit you. By refinancing both mortgages with a low interest rate, you may save hundreds on your monthly mortgage payment.

Furthermore, if you accepted a 1st and 2nd mortgage with an adjustable mortgage rate, refinancing both loans at a fixed rate may benefit you in the long run. Even if your current rates are low, these rates are not guaranteed to remain low. As market trends fluctuated, your adjustable rate mortgages are free to rise. Higher mortgage rates will cause your mortgage payment to climb considerably. Refinancing both mortgages with a fixed rate will ensure that your mortgage remains predictable.

Disadvantages to Refinancing 1st and 2nd Mortgage

Before choosing to refinance your mortgages, it is imperative to consider the drawbacks of combining both mortgages. To begin, refinancing a mortgage involves the same procedures as applying for the initial mortgage. Thus, you are required to pay closing costs and fees. In this case, refinancing is best for those who plan to live in their homes for a long time.

If your credit score has dropped considerably within recent years, lenders may not approve you for a low rate refinancing. By refinancing and consolidating both mortgages, be prepared to pay a higher interest rate. Before accepting an offer, carefully compare the savings.

Moreover, refinancing your two mortgages may result in you paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is required for home loans with less than 20% equity. To avoid paying private mortgage insurance, homeowners may consider refinancing both mortgages separately, as opposed to consolidating both mortgage loans.

1st And 2nd Mortgage Refinance Loan

Refinancing a first and second mortgage requires some extra considerations. Depending on your equity, you may find that combining the two mortgages results in a higher interest rate. You may also find that you have to carry PMI with the refinanced mortgage.

Will Refinancing Benefit You?

Refinancing two mortgages allows you to consolidate your loans into one payment, often lowering your monthly bill. You may also find lower rates under the right circumstances.

Those with a large amount of equity benefit most from consolidating loans since they qualify for the lowest rates. It is important to look at interest savings, not just monthly numbers which can be misleading.

However, if you have less than 25% equity, you may end up qualifying for higher rates. With less than 20% equity, you will also have to pay for private mortgage insurance. Even with these factors, you may still find that you will save money by refinancing.

Have You Done Your Research?

To see if refinancing makes sense for you, research mortgage lenders. You can quickly go online and request quotes and terms. Look at the different offers, and work out the numbers. An online mortgage calculator can help you figure out monthly payments and interest costs.

An easy way to compare cost is to first add up your interest payments for both mortgages. Use this number to compare interest payments with each potential mortgage.

You also need to factor in the cost of refinancing. Just like with your original mortgage, you will have to pay fees and points. You want to be sure that you can recoup these costs with your interest savings.

Why Do You Want To Refinance Both Mortgages?

While refinancing both mortgages is convenient, you may decide to refinance only one or both separately. With your main mortgage, you can expect to get low rates.

A second mortgage will usually qualify for higher rates, but you can lock them in. You may also choose to convert from a line of credit to an actual mortgage. Again, you will want to investigate financial packages before signing up with a lender.