5 Facts about credit scoring
Are you thinking of buying a house or a new car? If you’re like most people, you’ll probably have to secure a bank loan. When it comes to money lending, most financial institutions strive... [read full article]

5 Items you'll find on your credit report
You’ve applied for a loan at a bank or other lending institution. You’ve done your research, filled out all of the required forms and you think you’ve meet all of their requirements. All you need to... [read full article]

5 Scams - Countdown of the most extreme
Scams have become an ever growing thing in the world today; as soon as one is knocked down another one arises in a new and even harder to catch form. Let’s have a look at some of the most extreme... [read full article]

6 Common mortgage scams
Scams are abundant in the world today and seem to be seeping into every facet of business, and mortgage loans are no exception. Most scams in the mortgage field tend to prey home buyers and owners who... [read full article]

6 Steps to pre-qualification
People wanting to take a home mortgage loan are mortally afraid of being considered bankrupt barely a day or so after their home loan has been approved. If borrowers have a reputation of bankruptcy or foreclosure... [read full article]

8 Things the mortgage lender will want you to know
Paperwork can be trying at even the best of times. It can take tons of time to fill out loan applications and you might ask yourself why they need such detailed information? But you need to remember... [read full article]

A Mortgage broker can pay off for you
Maybe you’re buying your first home or maybe you’re just considering upgrade residences. Either way, you’re going to need a mortgage to pay for your new home. Should you apply at the bank for... [read full article]

APR, FICO, HELOC - The FAQ's on these little initials
APR, FICO and HELOC are terms that are used for interest and loans within different areas of living. While each has certain rules and regulations, they all are important ideals to... [read full article]

Asking the right questions before signing a loan
If there’s one rule that dominates in the home mortgage industry it is this: That you never go solely according to the mortgage interest rate. Instead, it makes good sense to take... [read full article]

Balloon payments - Full of hot air?
Mortgages and loans often have many different aspects. Each type will fit into one’s life either for better or worse. Before investing in a certain type of loan, it is best to know... [read full article]

Buying a home that you can afford
There are many factors to think of when buying a home. Many home buyers then to overlook financial factors and can become financially over their heads before they even... [read full article]

Choosing the right loan for you
Over the past decade, thanks to a real estate market that has been performing consistently well, home equity financing has become a viable option. This in turn has made the credit or loan option for... [read full article]

Consider your options with adjustable rate mortgages
Adjustable rate mortgages, or ARM's, are useful types of mortgages with set plans and terms which may help you in deciding which type of loan to get when buying or refinancing a home. An ARM is flexible and changes during... [read full article]

Crossing that bridge loan when you come to it 
What exactly is a bridge loan and what can it do for you? A bridge loan is simply a short-term loan used by a person or business that needs a fast cash infusion until... [read full article]

FICO, your personal financial score card
Those looking to secure a loan learn very early how important a credit score really is. It can determine whether or not a lending institution approves your loan application, and... [read full article]

Find out your options before something happens
Disasters or natural calamities are both unforeseen and unpredictable. If you live in Illinois, you’re most likely to be affected by tornados, floods and earthquakes. And if this means... [read full article]

General information on private mortgage insurance
What is PMI? PMI, or private mortgage insurance, is an insurance that home buyers are required to purchase if their down payment is low. Private mortgage insurance is usually required of... [read full article]

How your score matters
Ever wonder just how far-reaching your credit score really is? The short answer: very. Your FICO credit score affects nearly all of your financial dealings, from the annual percentage rate that you... [read full article]

Keep an eye out for crooked mortgage companies
Everyone wants to buy their own home and the most convenient way to do this in a “rush, rush world” like today, is by applying for a mortgage loan. The mortgage loan business is a big one. There are hundreds... [read full article]

Learn the lingo of loan
Don’t assume that because you can speak the lingo of mortgage fluently you can also speak to jingoistic lenders with equal fluency. Here, we explain basic loan lingo related to home loans... [read full article]

Legality of using loan money for something other than its purpose
When accepting a loan for a specific purpose, you are obligated to use it for that intended purpose. Using the loan for other reasons is actually illegal. The lender will not be happy and may... [read full article]

Lending a hand
When accepting a loan for a specific purpose, you are obligated to use it for that intended purpose. Using the loan for other reasons is actually illegal. The lender will not... [read full article]

Looking for a great mortgage interest rate
Mortgage rates have recently been at an all-time low, putting home ownership within the reach of more people than ever. With thousands of first-time homebuyers on the market, shopping for... [read full article]

Negotiating mortgage points before signing
Are you getting ready to buy a new house, and you’re curious about mortgage points? Mortgage points are fees paid to a broker or lending institution that are linked to your mortgage’s interest rate. In general... [read full article]

Owning vs. Renting
There comes a time in everyone’s life where they have to make the ultimate decision and decide whether to buy and own their own home or continue to rent. It’s a huge decision as both... [read full article]

Parents, know your education funding options
When you are sending your child to college, there are several different things to be looked into. One of the first considerations will be finding the right school for your child to attend. Beyond this... [read full article]

Pre-approved for a loan
In the recent past, with the prices of homes on the rise, complemented by falling interest rates and a need to convert one’s accumulated home equity into expendable funds, millions of people... [read full article]

Ramifications of Refinancing
In the recent past, with the prices of homes on the rise, complemented by falling interest rates and a need to convert one’s accumulated home equity into expendable funds, millions... [read full article]

Shop around before signing
There was a time when all mortgages meant comparing the fixed interest rate mortgages of a handful of lenders. Today, however, the search for mortgages is more detailed and... [read full article]

Shopping for reasonable second mortgage terms
When you are ready to find a second mortgage, it is best to spend time looking for the best deal and the one mortgage that will suit you and your families needs. There may be several... [read full article]

Take note of the fine print on your mortgage papers
The fine print on your mortgage papers is incredibly important to read because if you don’t you may find yourself in a predicament that you really don’t want to be in. You should read... [read full article]

The ABC's of amortization
Amortization is a term that you don’t hear all that often but it is something we have all done at one point of a lives or another. In fact many people are doing it right now. Amortization is when... [read full article]

The advantages of paying your mortgage early
One niggling question that perhaps gnaws at everyone’s peace of mind at some point of time or other is: Should you pay off your home loan or invest the money? You’ll be amazed by... [read full article]

The ins and outs of credit scoring
Credit scoring is a system that helps you to get lower interest rates, more loans and better insurance rates. It is based off of a point value system calculated through certain... [read full article]

The lowdown on FHA and VA loans
If you are looking into purchasing a new home or refinancing a home, there are loans that you can qualify for no matter what the circumstances. Two of these types of loans... [read full article]

The lowdown on loan options
When it comes to home loans there are plenty of options to choose from and it can be hard to determine which one can be right for you. Let’s have a look at the three.. [read full article]

The mystery of mortgages
The world of mortgages can be very overwhelming when you first look at all of the options. There are so many terms, regulations, different fees, options, and different forms that... [read full article]

The pros and cons of consolidation
Debt consolidation is one of the most important financial decisions some people will face in their lives. When debt begins to overwhelm your life, bills seemingly coming at you from all angles, the idea of... [read full article]

Unsurprising mortgage payments you can count on
A home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Luckily, you don’t need to pay for it all at once. Without mortgages, many people would never be able to own... [read full article]

What to do when you are turned down for a loan
Often, when your lender scrutinizes your loan application for a new home or piece of property so finely that it is finally turned down, it can be very distressing. If this happens... [read full article]

What to know before you sign on the dotted line
You’re ready to take that big step. You have enough in your savings for a down payment and you’ve decided it’s finally time to own your home. Buying a home is a complicated and even frustrating... [read full article]

What you should know about closing costs and fees
Closing costs can often add up when you have taken out a mortgage. By knowing what closing costs and fees will apply, you will be prepared for closing and owning your home. Closing costs include... [read full article]