Mar
29
The facts are undeniable. Foreclosures are up to 7.6% from 7.3% of loans past due or in foreclosure. The biggest rise in these numbers relate to what are called sub-prime mortgages. These are mortgages that were sold to lower income families where the original starting payments were set at a reduced rate. When interest rates rose, the borrowers of this type of mortgage were caught out. Instead of having to make a payment that they had been quoted when the mortgage was sold to them, they faced much higher payments in line with the higher interest rate prevailing at the time.
Now its easy to say that this is their own fault and that they should have been more careful when entering into the loan and that the duty of care is on the borrower to ask about the risks involved and the potential downside that a rise in interest rates would cause. The worrying thing is though, that many of these loans were sold to people who were novices in owning their own home and such complicated financial instruments. They came from low income households and were ‘blinded’ by a dream that most of us take for granted.
I am not the only one who thinks so. The Attorney General in Illinois is already investigating Countrywide Financial Corp for its potentially illegal targeting of minority groups for the purchase of high cost loans. This is just one of many State and Federal investigations underway.
Countrywide is also under scrutiny as its CEO Angelo R Mozilo is now being investigated for possible illegal securities transaction in which he cashed nearly $120 million dollars worth of stock shortly before his company announced bad loans of $422 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Countrywide who are currently being taken over by Bank of America has also been named by the F.B.I. today,(9th March 2008), as one of fourteen lenders being investigated for lending practices.
As with most investment stories, when people are losing money, there is usually someone making it. It emerged in recent days that Warren Buffet may be about to step in to take a stake in Countrywide. Mr Buffet, who recently topped the world list of the richest men on the planet, knocking off Bill Gates after thirteen years, has been sitting on a cash-pile of some $50 billion dollars for some time now. His investment company, Berkshire Hathaway has reported taking a stake in Bank of America recently and rumours abound that he is looking to get involved once again in the financial & mortgage securities markets. As usual, Mr Buffet, your timing is impeccable!
Even ‘The Donald’ could be seen recently on National TV bestowing the virtues of property investment. I have to agree with Mr Trump that those who have the ability to invest in property in a depressed market are possibly the people who will profit the most. For the average man in the street though, I think the message is clear. When taking out a home loan or refinance package, get some professional advice. Check the small print and know the downside before signing the agreement.
About The Author– Rebuild.org are specialist brokers of Mortgages , Home Equity Loans and Refinance packages. Know the market and whats available before committing to any type of financial arrangement.Read more financial articles at KFA Global
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Feb
8
Cheap Loan – What You Need to Be Aware of When Applying for One
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By Liza Mathers
Getting a loan is most people’s first option when deciding to buy a car, make some home improvements, go on a holiday, and even paying for other debts to minimize monthly expenses. When it has something to do with your hard-earned money, then the tendency to find a cheaper but better deal is normal.
The same thing holds true for loans. With the competition in the UK market for lending companies trying to outdo each other when it comes to giving lower interest rates, borrowers are given a wide selection of options to pick from. But that does not seem easy as it sounds. There are some factors one needs to consider and evaluate before applying for a cheap loan.
The Type of Loan That You Need
Not unless you clearly identify what you need the money for, you won’t be able to decide on the type of loan that you need; although we know sure we need a loan that we can afford. There are various types of loans that you can choose from–secured or unsecured loans, payday loans, fast cash loans–and identifying your needs and the urgency of that need will help you determine what type of loan you need to apply for.
The Lending Company’s Reputation
Needless to say, finding a loan should also start with finding a reputable company. The Better Business Bureau will provide a list of well-performing lending companies so you won’t fall prey to wrong publicity of black-listed ones. The Internet is also a good place to search for the right lending company that will give you the best deal when it comes to getting a cheap loan.
The Interest Rates
For most borrowers this is the first thing that they look into. Interest rates will vary from one lending company to another, but they will normally be dependent on how large the amount was borrowed and the length of time that has been agreed for the payoff. Finding a loan that is friendly to one’s pocket will mean scouring around to find the one that asks for the lowest when it comes to interest rates. Don’t forget too that having a bad credit history may affect your application.
The Terms of the Loan
A cheap loan can be availed of with some strings attached of course. There are terms that you need to examine to determine whether they are within your means. How long will you be paying for the loan? Will penalties be charged for late payments? If getting a loan is your primary goal, you will have to make do with additional finance charges as well. Other fees that need to be settled include the processing fee, application fee, late-payment fees, just to name a few.
Take your time to look around for the best cheap loan option. You wouldn’t want to feel frustrated finding out of couple weeks after that you could have gotten the same loan with a lower interest rate. Various personal finance sites in the UK offer cheap loans. With a little patience, some calculation, and wise decision making, you are sure to find the cheap loan that will work for you.
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