http://news.nationalrelocation.com Real Estate, Mortgage, and Relocation News Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:47:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As the U.S. real estate market has taken a hit, roiling from the after effects of the subprime mortgage lending crisis with home prices and sales numbers down and foreclosures at record highs, one area shows a silver lining among all the mess: the residential rental market. As lending standards have ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/rental-market-up/ Buyers looking to take out new financing or refinance their mortgage are still few and far between in the real estate market, as the crisis stemming from the subprime mess continues to slog on, dragging down the U.S. economy. The Mortgage Bankers Association said in a report this week that the ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/mortgage-mess-drags-on/ Though much of the news in the mortgage market has been bleak as of late, with the mounting losses and foreclosures, and continuing fallout from the subprime-mortgage lending fiasco, the amount of application for new mortgage applications is on the rise as many try to refinance existing mortgages with lower ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/mortgage-refinance-applications-up/ The number of residents buying homes isn't the only statistic that has seen a sharp decline this year with the ongoing fallout of the credit crisis and subprime mortgage mess; the National Association of Realtors released a report last week that showed fewer people bought homes as investment in 2007. ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/real-estate-investments-drop/ Okay, so foreclosure’s not exactly a four-letter word, but it’s definitely the most dreaded 11-letter F-word for homeowners.  Foreclosures are at record highs and that doesn’t mean you have to be a part the statics.  There are 3 common reasons homes end in foreclosure and here is how to avoid letting ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/foreclosure-the-other-f-letter-word/ The final quarter of 2007 was a bleak one in the housing market, as foreclosures and delinquency rates reached record highs. The fourth quarter, from October to December, found foreclosures rising to 0.83 percent, passing the previous high of 0.78 percent set in 2007's third quarter, adding to the economic ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/bank-foreclosures-hurt-real-estate-market/ The struggling real estate market took another dip this last month, according to the Commerce Department. Housing starts, a measure of new homes being constructed, fell 0.6%, while permits for new construction, an important indicator of future activity, fell more than anticipated, decreasing 7.8% in February to the lowest level ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/lending-debacle-affects-real-estate/ Is the Fed Rate Cut What the Housing Doctor Ordered? Today, the U.S. Federal Reserve slashed the discount rate by 75 basis points down to 2.25%.  But how does the Fed rate cut affect you and your search for a new home?  Is the Fed rate cut the miracle elixir to ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/what-the-housing-doctor-ordered/ As the real estate market continues to go through an adjustment period caused by the run up in prices from the early 2000 real estate bubble. The Federal Reserve chairman Ben S. Bernanke said “the government is pledging new regulations to stop predatory mortgage lending practices that are affecting so ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/federal-reserve-and-foreclosures/ Fed Rates Keep Falling on My Head: What the Fed Rate Cuts Mean for Your Savings and Mortgage CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA – Today, the Fed slashed the Fed funds rate by 50 basis points.  Like most things, dropping rates are a game of give and take; the lowering of Fed rates can be ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/fed-rates-keep-falling/ The Fed Cuts Rates Again: What You Should Do Now? Today, the Fed decided to cut the Federal funds rate a whopping 75 basis points to a scant 3.5 percent, the lowest its been since August 2005 (Source: federalreserve.gov).  Although talks in the news and among policymakers have been centered around ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/fed-cuts-mortgage-rates-again/ Everyone knows that the standard is to put 20% down when purchasing real estate.  But is this my best bet?  In making this choice, do the math and ask yourself the following 3 questions: 1.  How long do I plan on living in the home? Depending on how long you intend on ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/down-payment-options-what-is-my-best-bet/ The Federal Reserve finally got around to tightening mortgage lending standards, in hopes to eliminate some of the shady practices that have made purchasing a home very expensive. Allot of the Fed’s changes make sense, especially the ones that require hidden broker and junk fees to be clearly disclosed. To drive the ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/federal-reserve-mortgages-and-relocation-services/ If you are like most people, you talk about all the things you need to do like get life insurance to protect your loved ones in case of a tragedy, but with a busy life style it is easy to procrastinate. (After all, there is always tomorrow, right?) The truth of ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/do-you-need-life-insurance-whole-or-term/ According to some economists about half of the top 100 markets are going to see a rise in the near future. While many people are wondering, “how much is my real estate is going to drop over the next couple years”? Some lucky parts of the nation are going to ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/top-10-places-to-invest-in-real-estate/ ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, People like you were finding the best rates online with a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care And smart investors were online because best rates are found there. We exchanged presents wrapped in green and red While visions of great returns ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/twas-the-time-for-great-rates/ The time has never been better to relocate! As the market softens across the country, house prices are going to be more affordable for people relocating! Make sure you check out National Relocation for all your relocation needs. You can research schools and neighborhoods you are considering. You can also find ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/its-time-to-relocate/ 3 Ways You Can Maximize Your Home Equity Loan max-i-mize [verb] : 1. to increase to the greatest possible amount or degree 2. to represent at the highest possible estimate; magnify 3. to make the greatest or fullest use of. Your home is your greatest asset, and you can maximize that asset by tapping ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/3-ways-you-can-maximize-your-home-equity-loan/ Around this time of year, it’s hard to ignore that little voice telling you to shower those you care about with love.  Even more confusing is figuring out how that voice seems to find its way from your heart to your wallet every year as you run up your bills ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/should-you-tap-into-your-heloc-to-pay-for-gifts/ The equity in your home is a frequently overlooked asset and it is not typically the first option people consider when they need some cash.  Here are a few interesting figures about home equity loans to consider the next time you are seeking financing for various projects and purchases: $1,019 Billion - ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/home-equity-loans-by-the-figures/ Has the list of desired repairs and renovations become so long that it sends chills up your spine?  A few improvements may be exactly what you need this season, and with the recent rate cut, this may be a good time to open up that home equity line of credit ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/treat-yourself-to-an-improved-home/ It might not take an international secret agent like James Bond to get a great mortgage, but picking up a few pointers from the professionals doesn’t hurt either. While most people look primarily for the best mortgage rate, an attractive mortgage is more than just the best rate.  Both lender’s fees and ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/tips-for-capturing-a-mortgage-fit-for-a-secret-agent/ Your home can say as much about you as your outfit.  And just like shopping for a tasteful, classy wardrobe, shopping for a new home has its challenges.  However, like choosing new clothes, there are a few helpful hints that will save you loads of time and trouble. Choosing the Right ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/make-sure-your-new-home-purchase-is-a-perfect-fit/ While the thought of paying off an entire mortgage  may have your stomach flipping, either from excitement or nerves, choosing a mortgage loan can be a lot like choosing a roller coaster at a large theme park: exciting, a little daunting, and important to your future well-being and happiness.  Like ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/choosing-the-right-mortgage-can-be-a-thrill/ At the end of August, the Bush administration called for a more detailed disclosure of mortgage loan terms and settlement costs.  However, if one were to read the Federal Deposits Insurance Commission (FDIC) laws and regulations (because they are such a fun read and we all have that much free ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/protect-yourself-before-you-wreck-yourself/ Could using your home equity as your auto loan provide you with some extra gas money?  For many homeowners, the answer is yes.  Because many people frequently overlook this huge asset in which they reside, they end up spending thousands of dollars more in interest and finance charges.  However, using ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/could-your-home-be-the-key-to-your-new-car-purchase/ How Much Does a No-Cost Mortgage Cost? Free press.  Fat-free.  Free gift with purchase.  It seems like anything that’s “free” is harmless and generally, a good thing.  People will jump at the opportunity for something that is sans cost.  But should you be jumping for a no-cost mortgage loan? So, what exactly ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/how-much-does-a-no-cost-mortgage-cost/ What Documents Do You Need to Get Approved for a Mortgage? Getting a mortgage home loan might seem like a tedious process, but if you do your part to look good on paper, you can increase your eligibility for the best mortgage rates.  Financial institutions primarily consider three main areas in determining ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/what-documents-do-you-need-to-get-approved-for-a-mortgage/ Use Your Home to Get Away: Home Equity Loans with Frequent Flyer Programs Just because you’re paying off an unexpected expense by using a home equity loan or line of credit doesn’t necessarily mean that vacation needs be out of mind.  Many financial institutions partner up with airlines to offer customers ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/home-equity-loans-with-frequent-flyer-programs/ Which Team is Your Mortgage Broker Playing For? As the popular sports saying goes, “The best offense is a good defense.”  The same can be said for using a broker to get a mortgage. Navigating the terrain of mortgages—including terminology, conditions, and the process as a whole—can be a challenge, to say ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/52/ Use Your Home to Send Your Child to Their Home Away from Home We’ve all seen those stickers that proudly boast “University of Southern California Mom” or “Harvard Dad.”  What they should really say is “Pay to the Order of USC” or “Sending the Checks to Harvard University.”  If you’ve ever ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/use-equity-for-college/ Informa Research Services Says “Don’t Panic!”: What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for You Rest assured, the world is not coming to an end because of a possible Federal Reserve discount rate cut.  On Tuesday, the Federal Open Market Committee will meet to discuss whether or not to lower the ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/what-a-fed-rate-cut-could-mean-for-you/ 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Home Equity Loan A home equity loan can be a great resource to homeowners who need some extra money to do a renovation project, pay for college tuition, or even make a large purchase. However, there are three mistakes that you as a homeowner ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/3-mistakes-to-avoid-home-equity-loan/ Make a Point to Lower Your Interest On a test, students want all the points they can get, and even adults will brighten up at the promise of some of those proverbial “brownie points.”  But in the mortgage world it is quite the opposite – people usually aren’t so thrilled about ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/make-a-point-to-lower-your-interest/ Is a Home Equity Loan Right for You? One major asset that many homeowners tend to overlook when seeking a way out of a financial hardship is right under their noses… or perhaps more accurately, right over their heads: their home.  Your home is an investment and there’s no reason it ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/is-a-home-equity-loan-right-for-you/ The Affordable Dream Home: Myth or Reality? One part of the American dream is undoubtedly living comfortably in the home of your dreams.  But exactly how attainable is this?  It may be closer than you think.  In fact, it may be only a modest mortgage and a home equity line away. But ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/affordable-dream-home/ 6 Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a House Once you’re on your way to home ownership, there are certain precautions you’ll want to take to further minimize your risks. Here are some tips to make your buying experience a more positive one: • Know what you’re paying for upfront. Throughout the mortgage lending ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/6-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-buying-a-house/ 5 Helpful Tips for Future Home Equity Borrowers As a homeowner, you have probably received offers in the mail to apply for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan (HEL) . If handled properly, these types of loans can provide you with the income you need ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/5-helpful-tips-home-equity-borrowers/ Runners to Your Marks, Get Set, Go Buy a House! Sometimes being a home buyer can feel a little like being a runner – you have to train (get your finances in order), warm up (get pre-approved for a mortgage), and actually run the race (search for a house or real ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/go-buy-a-house/ 4 Disadvantages of High Loan to Value Loans The loan to value (LTV) ratio is the ratio of the amount of money you borrow through a mortgage or home equity loan to the value of your home. When this ratio exceeds 80%, it is considered to be a high LTV loan. ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/4-disadvantages-of-high-loan-to-value-loans/ Know Your Refinancing Options If you have a home and a mortgage, and you are thinking about refinancing, first you must know both what you want out of your new mortgage and what your different options are, so that you can pick the refinancing plan that best fits your needs. There are ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/know-your-refinancing-options/ Get Your Home Equity Loan Into a Relationship Banks will encourage their customers to have multiple accounts and services with them. It is good for them because they are more likely to have long-term customers, and it is good for you because you get special incentives and discounts for having your ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/get-your-home-equity-loan-into-a-relationship/ Interested in Interest-Only? Here’s What You Should Know It used to be the case that you had only one choice when it came to paying off your mortgage – the conventional principal and interest plan.  Every month your payment would consist partially of interest (what you owe the lender for using ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/interested-in-interest-only/ 5 Things Lenders Look At When You Apply for a Home Equity Loan Before you start the application process for your home equity loan, it is helpful to know what lenders look for in potential borrowers.  With this knowledge you can get your documents in order before you apply. This will ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/5-things-lenders-look-at-for-home-equity-loan/ Beautify Your Backyard with Your Home’s Equity It’s almost the fourth of July.  The hot dogs will be sizzling and the watermelon will be juicy.  But will your backyard be in shape so that your family and friends can enjoy them?  If you’ve been thinking about starting a remodeling project - ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/fix-up-your-yard-with-home-equity/ Home Equity Lines of Credit vs. Credit Cards While both sources of financing – home equity lines of credit and credit cards – are revolving, or open-ended, and therefore can be used for the same types of expenses, it is important to know the differences between them so you can use ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/home-equity-lines-of-credit-vs-credit-cards/ Making a Large Down Payment – Is it Right For You? Getting ready to buy a home?  Applying for a mortgage? Trying to figure out how you will fund your down payment? You could use the money you so diligently saved with your Savings or Money Market Account to make a ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/making-a-large-down-payment/ Will Consumer Spending Increase as Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall? The Federal Reserve continued to hold interest rates steady for the seventh straight consecutive time since June of 2006, remaining unchanged at 5.25%. The Fed’s decision means that the prime interest rate that commercial banks charge consumers for credit cards, home ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/will-consumer-spending-increase-as-mortgage-rates-continue-to-fall/ When is the Right Time to Refinance Your Home Mortgage? While fixed mortgage interest rates have been holding relatively steady for the past year --averaging 6.38% APR, slightly down .38% from a year ago – some homeowners with higher adjustable rates are finding that now is a good time to refinance ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/time-to-refinance-your-home-mortgage/ How to Pick the Right Real Estate Agent Some of the most important decisions that you will make in your life are the ones associated with buying or selling a home.  If you are a buyer, then you have to find the right neighborhood, the right home, and the right mortgage.  ... http://news.nationalrelocation.com/how-to-pick-the-right-real-estate-agent/