Articles by Kate Ford on ArticleSnatch.com

Home Mortgage Refinance Calculator - An Outstanding Tool To Pay Off Your House

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I am accustomed to being asked about mortgage calculators. What is a mortgage calculator? What does a mortgage loan calculator do? Why is a mortgage payment calculator different from a common calculator? How does a mortgage home calculator work? Who benefits from a mortgage amortization calculator? Keep reading. At the conclusion of this article I am going to reveal a secret that could save you more than $100,000. Here are the basics to consider. In its simplest terms a mortgage is simply a loan secured by real estate. When the loan is paid off the mortgage is removed, freeing the property from debt. Refinancing and home purchase mortgages are charged interest by the lending institution. Usually this interest is expressed as a percent such a 5% per year (annually). Mortgage interest can be paid many different ways such as interest only payments in which the borrower pays only the interest but reduces none of the principal until a later date. Principal means the face amount of the mortgage loan or the amount left owing. Most home mortgage loans in the United States are amortized. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage home calculator]]> mortgage payment calculator]]> mortgage calculator]]> home mortgage loan]]> mortgage interest]]> amortization]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, author of the entertaining Get-Your-Best-Mortgage-Rate.com understands how to save money with fixed rates. For additional programs similar to the 15 year fixed rate mortgage, visit Kate at Best Fixed Rate Mortgages today.

Innovative Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If employment instability has stolen your dreams of buying a house, you owe it to yourself to learn about mortgage payment protection insurance. It's common knowledge that today is an optimal time for home buying. In fact this could be the occasion of a lifetime to enter into homeownership. No one imagined we'd see prices dip as low as 30% in various regions? You've probably heard of builders who are offering incredible incentives such as swimming pools, thousands of dollars in upgrades, complete landscape packages to spark the home buying market. Well now they are taking it one step further. Builders are offering to help you make your payments if you lose your job. How? It is called Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance. The fact is many who would like to take advantage of the economic environment are simply afraid they might lose their job or be laid off. It's common sense that buying a house seems risky amidst unemployment threats. Out of this concern has sprung a new solution. Some builders, lenders, and even real estate agents are offering a mortgage payment protection plan. Here is one example of how one of these unemployment mortgage payment protection plans works. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage payment protection insurance]]> mortgage payment protection plan]]> compare mortgage payment protection]]> unemployment mortgage payment protection]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, an experienced mortgage insider at Get-Your-Best-Mortgage- Rate.com is providing you with an easy and fun to use home mortgage payment calculator. However be warned! The more you use it, the harder it is to stop. To easily calculate a mortgage payment like you read about in this article, go to Home Mortgage Payment Calculator now.

Who Offered Joe The Home Buyer That Mortgage Loan Approval Anyway

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I'm not saying a mini skirt has a direct affect on your mortgage loan approval. But keep in mind, the availability of money goes hand in hand with fashion. Consider a declining economy. In general, people become more conservative with their money and consequently, longer skirts become popular. On the other hand, economic prosperity ushers in risk taking and skirt hems rise. Case in point, consider the Flappers of the Roaring 20's. Much the same, no one could deny the economic outlook during the Clinton administration was promising. The drive to increase homeownership was noble. In fact, loan approvals were reaching all time highs. Real estate was the financial rock of the economy. Financial skirt hems were on the rise. Now if you were a mortgage broker, you were hearing something like this from The Big Three, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA... "100% conventional loans with PMI? No problem. Your borrower has a pulse? Good to go!" Mortgage representatives witnessed automated underwriting systems spitting out unprecedented loan approvals all day long. And then along came Subprime Lending. Mortgage brokers, visited by lender representatives, were being offered innovative programs never before seen. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage loan approval]]> mortgage affordability]]> homeownership]]> real estate]]> fannie mae]]> freddie mac]]> fha]]> wall street]]> subprime lending]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, an experienced mortgage insider at Get-Your-Best-Mortgage-Rate.com understands mortgage lenders have been speaking a language different from the ordinary homeowner and home buyer in America. Wouldn't you feel better knowing you possess the 10 best kept secrets to low mortgage payments? Break through the lingo of mortgage lending by visiting Low Mortgage Payments today.

Why Mini Skirts And Buying A House Go Hand In Hand For Joe The Renter

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Hey girls! Becoming a home buyer may not be about wearing mini skirts. But how much money you can borrow for buying a house goes hand in hand with current fashion. How do I know? My dad said so. I was one of those kids who asked too many questions. Good thing it was the mid 60's and not the 19th century. Surely, my inability to quit asking questions would have made me very unpopular during Queen Victoria's reign. Little did I know the questions I asked my father as a child would eventually help me grasp the connection between affording a mortgage and skirt lengths. I was born into a farming family. But by 1956, Dad took advantage of the price of land to sell the farm, move our family to southern California and launch a banking career. I was the youngest so unlike my siblings, my childhood consisted of standing in shiny bank vaults not Illinois corn fields. In fact, I was more familiar with the price of corn than how to grow it. By junior high I was already asking my dad, "If there is less money during a recession, where does it all go? **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> home buyer]]> affording a mortgage]]> mortgage affordability]]> the great depression]]> recession]]> joe homeowner]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, author of Prime-Real-Estate-Articles.com wants you to hang on to your piece of the American Pie. If you are worried about affording your monthly house payment, discover alternatives to foreclosure. Learn about becoming a candidate for mortgage modification today.

Effective Real Estate Marketing Leads

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

For those of you planning to market for real estate leads, this is for you. If you are a real estate professional, marketing yourself can also feel like a pretty thankless job. You know what I mean, don't you? You entered real estate possessing the sincere desire to assist the public. But it didn't take long to discover if no one knew who you were or how to contact you, your career was not going far. Because without a continuous flow of new business, real estate agents will shrivel up and die. Time flies so I am not surprised that two years have passed since I sold my house. It was my turn to accept help. I needed a real estate agent. I was about to become a seller. Due to personal circumstances, my move was a necessity. That's why even though the real estate market had taken a turn for the worst, I proceeded with listing our home. I mention this because the rest of what you are going to read here is not based on theory. It is from my personal experience which I hope can be of assistance to readers. **End Summary** Topics: real estate marketing]]> real estate flyers]]> real estate leads]]> real estate agent]]> realtor]]> real estate market]]> sell house]]> home buyer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hi, I'm Kate Ford, a mortgage and real estate insider who shares her marketing secrets on Prime-Real-Estate-Articles.com. Discover how a flyer template can turn proverbial tire kicking shoppiloos into pre-sold home buyers and sellers.

Joe The Homeowner Buys Straw Hats And Prevents Another Mortgage Debacle

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

It sounds audacious, doesn't it? The best defense against another mortgage debacle requires Joe The Homeowner to take charge of mortgage affordability. We should have learned by now that we can't rely on Wall Street, financial institutions or banks for the health of our economic future. In light of that, you shouldn't be surprised to hear me say that affording a mortgage has nothing to do with loan approval. Then again if you were to eavesdrop on applicants receiving news of mortgage loan approval, you might not help but be a little surprised. "How much did you say I can borrow? I had no clue I could afford THAT much. Wow, this mortgage stuff is easy." It makes me gulp to think of the look of wonderment in the eyes of mortgage applicants as I observed their reactions to loan approval news. Please pay attention to what I am going to say. The bank has NO idea how much mortgage you can afford. Qualification is the focal point of home loan lending, not how much mortgage a perspective borrower can afford. A bank's main concern is to guarantee you will pay back your mortgage in a timely manner. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage debacle]]> joe the homeowner]]> affording a mortgage]]> mortgage affordability]]> recession]]> mortgage loan approval]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, experienced mortgage insider and author of Get Your Best Mortgage Rate shares tips and advice from over 20 years of experience in mortgage lending. Do you know how to find daily mortgage rates in your area? Instead of hunting through multiple websites, you can get the most current interest rates by visiting Daily Mortgage Rates your one stop shopping.

Feeling Enslaved To Your Home Loan - Mortgage Amortization Can Free You

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Will you ever find mortgage freedom? But let's face it. You've just spent a lot of years getting no where on your mortgage. Isn't it time to get in control of your financial destiny? In fact, what if you started today on a plan to be mortgage free and save money at the same time? But in order to reach mortgage freedom, you need an easy method for tracking your home loan balance. And that's why an amortization schedule is the focus of this article. Mortgage amortization schedules allow homeowners to keep in touch with loan activity. These schedules are the key to mortgage freedom. By the time you are done reading this article, you will have the opportunity to print your mortgage amortization schedule. When you look it over, three questions should come to mind. 1- Is my mortgage balance coming down quickly enough to meet my goals? 2- What portion of my monthly house payments go to interest? 3- How much do I need to pay back on my home loan? As you discover the answers, it may make you feel uncomfortable. But the promise of mortgage freedom should be well worth your temporary discomfort. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage freedom]]> mortgage amortization]]> home mortgage payment calculator]]> home mortgage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, an experienced mortgage insider at Get-Your-Best-Mortgage- Rate.com is providing you with an easy and fun to use home mortgage payment calculator. However be warned! The more you use it, the harder it is to stop. To easily calculate a mortgage payment like you read about in this article, go to Home Mortgage Payment Calculator now.

Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Brokers Build Successful Businesses - Here Is How

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Real estate agents and mortgage brokers, have you been surviving market ups and downs by wit and grit? It took me several years but I finally learned a truth about building a business that not only survives but thrives. I'd like to share it with you. If the real estate and mortgage industry is new to you, there is one truth to accept in order to build a long term business. Real estate is cyclical. In other words, it constantly evolves according to the trends of the economy. Here is my secret. Please read carefully. This is something all real estate agents and mortgage brokers must do. To build a business that will survive and thrive no matter how moody the economy, you must build a contact list and market to everyone on it weekly. This is so important to your business that I am going to repeat what you just read. If you intend to build a business that will not only survive but also thrive, you must build a list of acquaintances, friends, relatives, current customers, and past clients and habitually market to them weekly. **End Summary** Topics: real estate agents]]> mortgage brokers]]> real estate]]> mortgage]]> economy]]> recession]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Prime-Real-Estate-Articles.com understands how self-employed professionals in the real estate industry can build thriving businesses, no matter how moody the economy. For more help in building your business, visit Secrets Of Real Estate Agents And Mortgage Brokers and learn to determine your own succcess.

Truth - Your Lender May Need To Modify Your Mortgage More Than You Do

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone is talking about a mortgage modification program. Is it right for you? Explore the following 5 questions to decide. 1. Are you late on your mortgage? If you are late on monthly house payments or about to be late, you should consider contacting your mortgage servicer as soon as possible to determine whether you can be considered for mortgage modification. Home loan modification is simply an agreement between lender and borrower to change certain terms of your loan such as interest rate, length of term (number of years), and fees or charges. The result is a monthly house payment the homeowner can afford. 2. Is the thought of foreclosure haunting you? If you have recently received a foreclosure notice or been contacted by your lender about stopping foreclosure, you certainly are a candidate for a mortgage modification program. Missing even one loan payment initiates the countdown of foreclosure. Firstly, you are assessed a late fee but that is just the beginning of charges. Even though states have different foreclosure laws, the process is ridden with fees no matter where you live. Here is the thing however. It is never too late. So don't give up without a fight. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage modification program]]> mortgage modification]]> home loan modification]]> homes in foreclosure laws]]> mortgage]]> home loans]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Meet Kate Ford, your mortgage insider at Get-Your-Best-Mortgage-Rate.com. Don't spend thousands paying a mortgage loan modification company when you can easily do it yourself! Simply visit Kate for the facts.

Congress Votes Yes On Stimulus Bill - Buying A Home Has Never Looked Better

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

"Don't wait on buying a home because there will never be a better time in your life than right now," said my friend who happened to be a real estate agent. My first thought was yeah right! With the market in such a depressed state you are just desperate to make a sale. That was 1982. He was both right and wrong. He was right because the little 3 bedroom, 1 bath house I bought in 1982 for $100,000 is now worth $450,000 even at today's recession prices. An increase of almost 400% is a convincing argument. But he was also wrong. Are you wondering why? He was wrong because this current economic crisis has created an environment that may never be duplicated in another 100 years. Here is what I mean. Have you been watching the news? Are you reading today's headlines? Our government is injecting trillions into what will hopefully end the recession and result in a national recovery. The economic stimulus bill is designed to guard against depression. Many Americans are asking this question. Where is the money for economic recovery coming from? **End Summary** Topics: stimulus]]> stimulus package]]> stimulus bill]]> buying a home]]> mortgage rates]]> mortgage lending rates]]> inflation]]> buying a house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, an experienced mortgage insider at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate understands mortgage lenders have been speaking a language different from the ordinary homeowner and home buyer in America. Wouldn't you feel better knowing you possess the 10 best kept secrets to low mortgage payments? Break through the lingo of mortgage lending by visiting Low Mortgage Payments today.

Get a Home Inspection And Avoid What This Couple Did When They Bought Their First House

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Do you know why home inspection and buying a house go together? Just the other day I overheard a story about first time home buyers. When they made their offer they decided not to make it conditioned on hiring a home inspector even though their real estate agent advised them otherwise. They thought they could save a few hundred dollars normally charged by a home inspector. Money was scarce to begin with. So they asked their dad to inspect the house. After all he knew pretty much everything there was to know about houses. For the sake of privacy, let's refer to the home buyers as Meg and Jim. As I was saying, Jim and Meg recently bought a house and thought they could save some money by asking Meg's dad to look the house over before they closed on the purchase of their new home. Meg's dad worked in construction all his life. He knew all anyone needs to know about houses, Meg and Jim assumed. Their expectation that her dad could spot anything troublesome seemed reasonable. So before giving his opinion that the house was in great shape, her father completed his inspection. **End Summary** Topics: home inspector]]> home inspection]]> home inspections]]> buying a house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is today's mortgage translator on a crusade to help homeowners save money. For more about home inspection, how to get a mortgage and buying a house, get answers online in real-time from Kate.

When To Apply For An FHA Loan Refinance

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Are you ready to refinance? An FHA loan refinance may be just the ticket. If you are a homeowner, you have already experienced applying for a mortgage. According to FHA, refinancing with this insured mortgage is the same as applying for any other home loan but in addition qualifying standards are easier and protections better. The following six pointers from the Federal Housing Administration will help you decide whether an FHA loan refinance is worth pursuing. 1. Do you currently finance with an FHA home loan? If you do, there are a few more options available to you such as an FHA streamline refinance. Call the toll free number of your lender to ask what type of program finances your home if you aren't sure. No matter which mortgage you've had in the past, an FHA loan refinance might be right for you today. 2. Why are you refinancing? Perhaps you intend to take advantage of the current interest rate environment. Consider combining high interest debt into your mortgage. If you intend to make some home improvements, you may be contemplating the option of taking out cash from a portion of your equity. **End Summary** Topics: FHA loan refinance]]> FHA streamline refinance]]> FHA refinance mortgage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is on a mission to save homeowners and home buyers time and money. Would you like the keys to unlocking your best mortgage rate at the lowest cost? Get Kate's refinancing advice online in real-time.

Accelerate The Pay Off Of Your House - Follow These 9 Steps

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

What if I said you can accelerate the pay off of your mortgage? Here are 9 simple steps to pay off your mortgage in the shortest time possible. As you read every word of this article you will be amazed that there are no secret formulas, no tricks, nothing to buy, or any life altering decisions to make except perhaps one. Make a deliberate decision to live mortgage free. Now follow these steps to pay off your home. Step 1 - Take inventory of how much you owe on revolving cards and the least amount you are required to pay on each. Don't overlook miscellaneous accounts such as doctor bills or furniture loans. Now add to that list car loans, boat loans, and recreation vehicle loans including balances and payments. Lastly add in your mortgage payments and balances. Count in home improvement loans and 2nd mortgages. Don't panic. If you have never performed this exercise before, it might make you feel a little anxious. But don't worry. You can do this. Step 2 - It is time to get your live within your means. This might mean cutting back on purchases you don't need. **End Summary** Topics: Pay off house]]> pay off home]]> pay off mortgage]]> debt reduction]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford of Get Your Best Mortgage Rate agrees with you about mortgage financing. It's become too complicated. Contact Kate is your opportunity to ask Kate, a mortgage insider, for down to earth answers in real-time. After all, every question is a good question.

Do You Know What A Mortgage Really Means?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A debt free house is every homeowner's dream. But how do you pay off a mortgage fast? "There are few things in this life that equal the sensation of being paid up." - Kin Hubbard, Abe Martin's Back Country Sayings, 1917 I'll never forget my disbelief when we bought our first house. Noticing the year our loan would eventually pay off, I asked my husband, "Honey, do you realize how old we'll be when we make our final mortgage payment?" "Don't worry," the loan officer interjected, "it's an amortized loan." I guess he was trying to make me feel better. Years later, I entered the mortgage lending industry, eventually owning my own mortgage company. My clients were amused as I'd recount my own initial impression of mortgage and amortization. I described it as my favorite oxymoron because the act of eliminating a mortgage through gradual amortization means most homeowners rarely become mortgage free. Both mortgage and amortization come from the Latin root "mort", meaning death. Summing it up for my clients I'd explain, "Until death do we part." Or more to the point, "Until death do we owe. **End Summary** Topics: 15 year fixed rate mortgage]]> pay off a home]]> pay off a mortgage]]> pay off a house]]> 30 year fixed rate mortgage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, an experienced mortgage translator for more than 20 years, reveals little known secrets to simplifying good faith estimates at her website Get Your Best Mortgage Rate Isn't it time to quit allowing dollar signs and jargon to overwhelm you? See how easy it is to compare mortgage fees by visiting Mortgage Closing Costs

Mortgage Rate Refinance - What They Didn't Teach You In School

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Discover seven steps to applying for a home mortgage refinance. The secret hides in your questioning. Do you remember graduation requirements for mathematics when you were in school? Unfortunately how to apply for a loan wasn't included. Otherwise you would have learned how to evaluate a home mortgage refinance. If you are looking to refinance your mortgage for the best interest rate and lowest monthly payment at the least cost, you must be prepared to ask specific questions. Now here's the catch. If you don't know what you want, how will you know the questions to ask? Asking the best questions depends on knowing what you are trying to accomplish before you talk with a loan officer and being prepared to express it in two or three brief sentences. Consider a common sentence uttered when hunting for a home mortgage refinance. Hi, I should let you know I'm shopping for the lowest mortgage rates. Wouldn't this confuse a mortgage lender as to your actual refinancing purpose? Everyone desires the lowest rate. Who would call a mortgage company asking for the mediocre interest rate of the day! So let's examine how to express the specific reason for your refinance. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage rate refinance]]> home mortgage refinance]]> mortgage rates]]> 30 year fixed rate mortgage]]> 15 year fixed rate mortgage]]> adjustable rate mortgage]]> prepay]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, the voice of Get Your Best Mortgage Rate invites you to visit her website for more refinancing tips and advice. Discover with Kate what a fresh approach to refinance can do for you.

Buying A House - 12 Ways To Signal Your Real Estate Agent

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Discover 12 ways to signal your real estate agent for the best results prior to buying a house. You've probably heard home buyers routinely complain how their agent didn't do enough while they were buying a house. In truth, most buyers don't know what to look for from a real estate professional in order to receive the best results. With proper homework while shopping for a Realtor, you can be assured you've located someone who will watch out for your best interests. She is there to help you make better home buying decisions. So here are some ways your real estate agent can help in the decision buying process and questions you can ask to signal when you want her assistance. 1- A case in point, once you have toured several properties, ask your Realtor to help you rank your choices. An experienced agent can guide you to clarify your prospects and narrow down the field. 2- Additionally your Realtor can assist you regarding finances. Buying a house usually requires financing. Because agents are constantly in contact with lenders, they are often the best source of referrals to mortgage brokers and bankers. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> home buying]]> home buyers]]> real estate agent. Realtor]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, your mortgage insider at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate has been sharing with home buyers how to translate the secret language of mortgage lending for more than 20 years. Would you like to learn the two most important steps you must take before shopping for a house? Visit Buying A House and discover the magic today.

I Want To Refinance - But Wait! What Will It Cost Me

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By the end of this article you will discover the one question to ask your lender during a refinance and why it could save thousands of dollars in mortgage payments. Everyone is thinking about refinancing. You know what I mean, don't you? Mortgage rates are the lowest in a lifetime. Every day mortgage brokers, loan officers, and mortgage bankers receive phone calls from frenzied borrowers wanting to refinance, especially in these times. Accordingly for many of us interest rates have never been this low and may never be lower again. It is a perfect time to take advantage of the current mortgage rate environment. Undoubtedly most borrowers that intend to refinance ask one standard question. If I were refinancing, what would my interest rate be? Here is the problem. When borrowers don't end up with the rate quoted over the phone, they often feel they have been mislead. But there is a reason. The public doesn't understand how to evaluate a refinance. The truth is lenders know that interest rates vary based on a borrowers credit profile, income, and work history. **End Summary** Topics: refinance]]> refinancing]]> mortgage]]> good faith estimate]]> mortgage rates]]> lender]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is on a mission to save homeowners and home buyers time and money. Would you like the keys to unlocking your best mortgage rate at the lowest cost? Get Kate's refinancing advice online in real-time.

How Greed Can Keep You From Buying The House Of Your Dreams And What To Do About It

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Can you guess the most common mistake home purchasers make when starting the home buying process The most common error is not spending enough time choosing a real estate agent. Why is interviewing prospective agents so important? If you are looking for the best buy on a house you need the best Realtor to lead the way. Everybody wants a deal when buying a house. And why not? For most people it is the biggest purchase of their life. But buyer beware! There is another bargain you need to find before you shop for a house. Look for a great Realtor! Indeed this action could have the greatest impact on your home buying experience. But the trick is deciding your criteria for choosing a real estate agent. Line up meetings with three to five Realtors. Just as you are not going to buy the first house you see, you need to shop for an agent. Just as you will probably look at many houses before you decide which is right for you, don't settle for the first Realtor you meet without interviewing at least two more. **End Summary** Topics: choosing a real estate agent]]> Realtor]]> buying a house]]> top rated real estate agent]]> home buying]]> real estate agents]]> real estate brokers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, a mortgage insider for more than 20 years, shares how to translate the secret language of mortgage lending on her website Get Your Best Mortgage Rate To learn how you can make shopping for a home more fun, discover the magic of Buying a House right away.

An Effective Tool For Buying A House - How To Preview Homes Using A Camera

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Everyone experiences this common dilemma when buying a house. It's typical to jump into previewing houses before developing a plan for comparison. And it can cost us. You probably know what follows. You visit several houses for sale. But within minutes of walking back through your front door, your memory becomes muddled. You can't remember which house you liked and which ones you didn't. How can you keep track of the homes? You will find buying a house is all about comparison. Most likely, you will have already narrowed down your search to homes that are similar in price. In fact if you have been preapproved by your mortgage lender, most of the homes you preview will likely fall into a similar price range. So you will need additional criteria other than price to avoid confusion. In order to compare homes it is wise to have a system. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD as it is commonly called, has created its own score card. But before I explain how it works, I recommend that you also include a camera as part of your previewing system. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> hud home buying scorecard]]> home buying checklist]]> realtor]]> real estate agent]]> buy a house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, your mortgage translator at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate knows how to remove stress from the process of buying a house and getting a mortgage. Discover additional homeowner tips from Kate and easily print your home buying scorecard here.

How To Buy A House - Use A Home Buyer Checklist Before You Decide

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Don't fall into this trap when buying a house. Avoid the mistake of relying on your feelings by using a home buyer checklist to preview all homes. Everybody knows that buying a house is an emotional decision and why shouldn't it be? Experienced and first time home buyers alike can feel both elated and discouraged during the home buying process. Admittedly, one day a home buyer may feel depressed and anxious wondering if they will ever find the right house, at the right price, in the right location. Another day they may suddenly feel exhilarated discovering the house of their dreams and make a sudden decision without adequately inspecting their future home. Because buying a house can certainly be emotional it is important that a buyer be armed with a practical checklist. Relying alone on your gut feeling can often be misleading. After all, being prepared before you preview all homes with your Realtor will help keep your search for the perfect house on track. Have you considered what an inspection checklist should cover? Begin your home buyer checklist by writing down the minimum requirements you expect in a new home. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> how to buy house]]> home buyer checklist]]> preview all homes]]> real estate agent]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is today's mortgage translator on a crusade to help homeowners save money. For tips on how to get a mortgage and avoiding mistakes while buying a house, visit Kate today.

Buying A House - Borrow Tax Free With A Line Of Credit Or Equity 2nd

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Amazing as it sounds, buying a house can end up being a significant tax-shelter. Rare thinking people like you already know that the ability to borrow by taking advantage of the equity in your home is an important one. If you live in the United States, buying a house should be a priority of your personal financial plan because of the opportunity to shelter income from taxes. Tip number one already discussed how expenses related to home ownership can be tax deductible. Two large deductions of owing a home are the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction. It is easy to look at these deductions as the government helping to pay for the cost of owing or buying a house. Remember the second tax benefit of owning a home is the tax-free sale. Individuals may be able to exclude up to $250,000 from tax liability due to the sale of a house or up to $500,000 if a married couple. By meeting the ownership test and the use test, it is possible to enjoy such an incredible benefit. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> tax shelter]]> home ownership]]> refinance]]> borrow tax-free]]> home equity]]> line of credit]]> 2nd mortgage]]> equity loan]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, the voice of Get Your Best Mortgage Rate invites you to visit her website for more home buying, credit improvement and refinancing articles like this one. Do you have further questions? Discover with Kate what a fresh approach to refinance can do for you.

Buying a House -- The Biggest Tax Shelter You Will Ever Have

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By the end of this page you will have learned another important reason why buying a house should be a part of everyone's personal financial plan. Just think about it. Advocates of home ownership are often very passionate about home purchasing. There are reasons for their enthusiasm. Let's discuss one right now, buying a house as a tax shelter. Your home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make and the largest tax shelter you will probably ever enjoy. The more you review this page, the more you begin to find yourself appreciating one of the most significant benefits of owning a home, taking advantage of the tax free sale. You may be eligible to exclude up to a quarter-million dollar gain from any tax liability. If you file a joint return you may be eligible to exclude double that, up to half-a-million dollars. Imagine what it would be like if the money from the sale wouldn't have to be designated by the government for any purpose. Well, it doesn't. The money belongs to you to use as you wish. Any portion of the proceeds may by rolled over into your next home. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> tax shelter]]> tax benefits]]> tax free income]]> tax free sale]]> financial plan]]> government incentives]]> home ownership]]> home purchasing]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is today's mortgage translator on a crusade to help homeowners save money. For buying a house and how to get a mortgage, get answers online in real-time from Kate.

Buying A House - Better Value Older Home Or Newer Home

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Most of us consider both of these options when buying a house. Is buying a new home a better value than buying an older home? Perhaps you have been wondering the same thing. By the time you finish reading this, you'll will have learned how easy it is to answer these questions. Let's compare new home buying with buying an older home. A word of caution, there are many decisions to make when it comes to finding the best home for you and your family. There are questions regarding location, affordability, and space. But when it comes to the question of buying a newer home versus an older home, taste has a lot to do with your decision. All in all your tastes are neither right nor wrong. You can't put a value on perception and it can't be measured. You develop these preferences through experience over time. Here is a case in point. A newly built home may appear ideal to one person and to another person less than perfect. You may love the architecture of older homes and somebody else loves the modern conveniences of a new home. Pay close attention to what catches your eye. **End Summary** Topics: buying a house]]> new home buying]]> buying a resale]]> vintage home]]> new construction]]> older home]]> newer home]]> home inspection]]> home warranty]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate is today's mortgage translator on a crusade to help homeowners save money. For refinancing tips and home buying advice, get answers online in real-time from Kate.

U.S. Government Loves Homeowners

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It is true that buying a home can save you money when you file your tax returns. As you read every word of this article, you will discover some of the incredible tax advantages of home ownership. The government wants to encourage you to own your home. This desire creates opportunity to take a tax deduction from some ordinary costs of home ownership. In effect, the tax code allows you to reduce some of your out-of-pocket costs related to buying and owning your home. Some of the cost of owning a home can turn into tax deductions. You can also profit from the sale of your home tax free as well as borrow, reaping tax-free funds. Rarely do you experience a larger purchase than a home and this very dwelling remains under your ownership for an extended period of time. There are costs of home ownership that are tax deductible and there are costs that do no qualify for deductions on your tax return. Because tax laws change, it is wise to contact a certified public accountant for current advice regarding taxes. Two deductions for home ownership expenses are property taxes and mortgage interest. **End Summary** Topics: buying a home]]> home buyers]]> buy a home]]> buying a house]]> buy a house]]> tax deductions]]> tax shelter]]> mortgage interest]]> home ownership]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, author of the contemporary and informative website http://www.get-your-best-mortgage-rate.com understands how to help current and prospective homeowners in today's home loan environment. Do you wish you knew how to stay informed during a tumultuous economy? Discover the magic of mortgage events dedicated just to you by visiting Mortgage News

Home Values - What A Willing Buyer Will Pay A Willing Seller

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone is talking about home prices. How much is a house worth? How much should I ask when selling? How do I know if I am paying too much as a buyer? Please be aware that while appearing basic, these questions are advanced. Accordingly, this article will discuss the best way to decide the list price of your house as a seller and how much to offer for a house as a buyer. Following are common methods potential sellers use when they are trying to determine an asking price for their home. Classified ads in the local real estate section are a typical first step for many home sellers. But most homes advertised in the paper tell very little about location or details that are important ingredients to arriving at value. It is important to understand that the properties advertised are not intended to be a declaration of value. Far from it. Newspaper advertisements are intended to initiate new business. But you would be surprised how often a seller will refer to the price of a property he deems similar to his, garnered from the classifieds. In the end, please understand this. **End Summary** Topics: home values]]> home price]]> sales price]]> list price]]> home buyer]]> buy a house]]> home seller]]> sell a house]]> real estate agent]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Kate Ford, publisher of Get Your Best Mortgage Rate invites you to visit her website for more refinancing, home buying and home selling articles like this one. You will find 7 tips to getting your highest property appraisal