RESPA: The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) is a consumer protection statute, first passed in 1974. One of its purposes is to help consumers become better shoppers for settlement services. Another purpose is to eliminate kickbacks and referral fees that increase unnecessarily the costs of ... more...

Zero Down Payment Mortgage Can It Be Done?
Ive been renting for years now; Ive always paid my rent on time. Ill start a savings account soon, so I can buy a house: sound familiar? How much is in that savings account now? Just as I thought, not enough, you went on vacation, found a car you had to have, or WOW; look at the flat panel T.V. ... more...

Reverse Mortgage Providing Peace of Mind Without Sacrificing Safety or Security
For many seniors one of their greatest sources of security is their home. It not only provides a comfortable and familiar environment, but it provides a sense of independence and a source of many fond memories. The equity in that home represents a financial nest egg and a legacy for them to pass ... more...

Government Loans for Beginners
Government loans are those that the government of a country provides to the citizens of that country in order to fulfill there needs and for their uplfitment or betterment. This helps in reducing the wide gap between the rich and the poor and streamlines the economy of the country. Government loans ... more...

Easing Your Way Into Homeownership: A Guide To Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs
Theres no question about it: Buying a first home is a big financial commitment. In most cases, a home is the largest single purchase an individual or family will make in a lifetime. However, because of the tax advantages afforded to homeowners, buying a home also can be one of the best financial ... more...

Reverse Mortgage: A Dignified Way for Retirees to Supplement Income and Take Care of Expenses
For many Americans reaching the retirement age, the equity build up in their home is their only real asset. Reverse mortgage is a way to tap into this asset and create a stream of income needed for retirement or take care of an unexpected financial need that is usually related to health care costs ... more...

FHA Mortgage: What's the Best Way to Show an Underwriter that You're Ready to Buy a House?
Mortgage underwriters can be a suspicious bunch. If you have bruised or even bad credit, you have your work cut out for you. Many loan programs have guidelines that set a minimum FICO score of 620. FHA does not allow lenders to reject a loan based solely on FICO scores, but if yours is less than ... more...

Refinancing Costs - What to Expect
Refinancing your current mortgage is a wise financial decision if you can recoup the costs of a refi. An average refinancing deal, you can expect to pay between two and six percent of the loan amount if fees and points. On average if you can lower your interest rate by two points, then you will ... more...

Escrow Accounts, Do You Absolutely Need One?
With escrow accounts the money for your home insurance and property tax is added to your monthly mortgage payment and is paid out each year. With that said, you may think that having an escrow account takes the responsibility off your shoulders because the bank will make the payment for you each ... more...