Posts Tagged ‘Loans’
Jun
SSCRA…What It Means To Our Veterans And Our Military Members.
by Doc Schmyz in Military
SSCRA or the Soldier and Sailor Civil Relief Act were signed by President Bush on December 2003. The main point for this act was to set new legislation to simplify or ease both legal and economic burdens to military personnel whether active or retired.
What is the SSCRA
SSCRA addresses the inability of military men to meet financial obligations when they are in active duty. Financial obligations to include rentals, leases, mortgages, credit card payments and other similar types of transactions. The SSCRA also stretches to cover the dependents of the military men in question under the same guidelines.
SSCRA covers those under active duty, to include out on basic training exercises or assigned in the field. Often veterans miss the chance to pay their financial obligations since they are unable to do so during the line of duty. The SSCRA aims to provide legislation to these individuals so that they are given consideration regarding deadlines and payment due dates.
One focus of the SSCRA for military personnel/dependents includes leasing/renting of a property for residential purpose. (not to exceed more than $1,200 a month) Also the conditions must be met and the transaction must be first made before the service man is enlisted into active duty or departs for basic training.
Once on active duty, it’s almost impossible for them to settle the obligation. On this note, the service man must send a request of being under the protection of the SSCRA to the court when he or she receives an eviction notice. If the judge finds sufficient grounds which merits the protection from SSCRA then the court may postpone the eviction until the term of duty of the personnel expires.
Advantage of SSCRA for veterans on active duty
Most of the military personnel in active duty will not have the ability to fulfill their financial obligations to various institutions like credit cards, banks, insurance or mortgage lenders. The SSCRA aims to provide a form of security to these men on duty on active duty.
SSCRA will provide enough “elbow room” for military personnel to be given extended deadlines for payments, foreclosures and mortgage transactions when they are in the line of duty. However, not all veterans are given the privilege of being under the protection of the SSCRA; some criteria and requirements must be met for both the transaction and the personnel before they are granted protection.
SSCRA and Interest Rates
Members on active duty who are unable to pay mortgages and who are facing foreclosure may then invoke the protection of the SSCRA to avoid such problems. Qualified debts are those incurred prior to service men coming into the line of duty. Also, the request will only be valid if the personnel are in the line of duty when the request was made which limited them from settling the said obligation.
Once qualified, the service member needs to send a letter to the lender/bank requesting that their interest rate be capped to 6% according to the provision stated in SSCRA. Also, they may should send a photocopy of the military order to the lender as proof that they are on military duty as stated in their letter of request. the process can take up to 3 months to complete.
Foreclosure and the SSCRA
SSCRA can also help cover the military member under the obligation of a mortgage, trust deed or security of property for any financial obligation. The SSCRA simply states that the personnel are valid for protection under the SSCRA if the obligation and the property were done prior to their military service.
The provision states that prohibition of foreclosure or sale of mortgage property without the presence of the borrower, the military personnel in this case, whether in a judicial or a non-judicial foreclosure. It is also stated in the SSCRA that maturity dates and deadlines will be given an extension when the military personnel is in active duty until they are released from their given designation.
Even if the maturity date or the date of foreclosure is extended due to the military personnel’s inability to pay, the court will try to achieve a compromise agreement from both parties requiring the mortgage lender to pay at least half of the amount due while the mortgage holder extends the deadline or put a stay on the foreclosure or sale of the property.
Jun
Military Members Do You Know Your Rights Under the SSCRA About Debt?
by Doc Schmyz in Military
The Soldier and Sailor Civil Relief Act or SSCRA was signed by President Bush on December 2003. The point for this act was to set legislation to simplify or ease both legal and economic burdens to military personnel whether active or retired.
What is the SSCRA
SSCRA addresses the inability of military men to meet financial obligations when they are in active duty. Financial obligations to include rentals, leases, mortgages, credit card payments and other similar transactions. The SSCRA also stretches to cover the dependents of the military men in question under the same guidelines.
SSCRA covers those under active duty, to include out on basic training exercises or assigned in the field. Most veterans fail to pay their financial obligations since they are unable to do so during the line of duty. The SSCRA aims to provide legislation to these individuals so that they are given consideration regarding deadlines and payment due dates.
One focus of the SSCRA for military personnel/dependents includes leasing/renting of a property for residential purpose. (but can not exceed more than $1,200 a month) Also the conditions must be met and the transaction must be first made before the service man is enlisted into active duty or departs for basic training.
Once on active duty, it’s becomes almost impossible for them to settle this obligation. The next course of action is for the service man to send a request of being under the protection of the SSCRA to the court when he or she receives an eviction notice. If the judge finds sufficient grounds which merits the protection from SSCRA then the court may postpone the eviction until the term of duty of the personnel expires
Advantage of SSCRA for veterans on active duty
Often military personnel on active duty will not have the ability to fulfill their financial obligations to various institutions like credit cards, banks, insurance or mortgage lenders. The SSCRA aims to provide a form of security to these men on duty on active duty.
SSCRA will provide enough “elbow room” for military personnel to be given extended deadlines for payments, foreclosures and mortgage transactions when they are in the line of duty. However, not all veterans are qualified for the protection of the SSCRA; some criteria and requirements must be met for both the transaction and the personnel before they are granted protection.
SSCRA and Interest Rates
Members on active duty who are unable to pay mortgages and who are facing foreclosure may then invoke the protection of the SSCRA to avoid such problems. Qualified debts are those incurred prior to service men coming into the line of duty. Also, the request will only be valid if the personnel are in the line of duty when the request was made which limited them from settling the said obligation.
If qualified, the service member needs to send a letter to the lender/bank requesting that their interest rate be capped to 6% according to the provision stated in SSCRA. Also, they may should send a photocopy of the military order to the lender as proof that they are on military duty as stated in their letter of request.
Foreclosure and the SSCRA
SSCRA can also help cover the military member under the obligation of a mortgage, trust deed or security of property for any financial obligation. The SSCRA simply states that the personnel are valid for protection under the SSCRA if the obligation and the property were done prior to their military service.
The provision states that prohibition of foreclosure or sale of mortgage property without the presence of the borrower, the military personnel in this case, whether in a judicial or a non-judicial foreclosure. It is also stated in the SSCRA that maturity dates and deadlines will be given an extension when the military personnel is in active duty until they are released from their given designation.
Even if the maturity date or the date of foreclosure is extended due to the military personnel’s inability to pay, the court will try to achieve a compromise agreement from both parties requiring the mortgage lender to pay at least half of the amount due while the mortgage holder extends the deadline or put a stay on the foreclosure or sale of the property.
Jun
Are You A Veteran - What Is SSCRA And Are You Covered By It???
by Doc Schmyz in Military
SSCRA or the Soldier and Sailor Civil Relief Act were signed by President Bush on December 2003. The main point for this act was to set new legislation to simplify or ease both legal and economic burdens to military personnel whether active or retired.
What is the SSCRA
SSCRA addresses the inability of military men to meet financial obligations when they are in active duty. Financial obligations to include rentals, leases, mortgages, credit card payments and other similar transactions. The SSCRA also stretches to cover the dependents of the military men in question under the same guidelines.
SSCRA covers those under active duty, to include out on basic training exercises or assigned in the field. Often veterans miss the chance to pay their financial obligations since they are unable to do so during the line of duty. The SSCRA aims to provide legislation to these individuals so that they are given consideration regarding deadlines and payment due dates.
One focus of the SSCRA for military personnel/dependents includes leasing/renting of a property for residential purpose. (not to exceed more than $1,200 a month) Also the conditions must be met and the transaction must be first made before the service man is enlisted into active duty or departs for basic training.
Once on active duty, it’s becomes almost impossible for them to settle this obligation. The next course of action is for the service man to send a request of being under the protection of the SSCRA to the court when he or she receives an eviction notice. If the judge finds sufficient grounds which merits the protection from SSCRA then the court may postpone the eviction until the term of duty of the personnel expires
Advantage of SSCRA for veterans on active duty
Most of the military personnel in active duty will not have the ability to fulfill their financial obligations to various institutions like credit cards, banks, insurance or mortgage lenders. The SSCRA aims to provide a form of security to these men on duty on active duty.
SSCRA will provide enough “elbow room” for military personnel to be given extended deadlines for payments, foreclosures and mortgage transactions when they are in the line of duty. However, not all veterans are qualified for the protection of the SSCRA; some criteria and requirements must be met for both the transaction and the personnel before they are granted protection.
SSCRA and Interest Rates
Members on active duty who are unable to pay mortgages and who are facing foreclosure may then invoke the protection of the SSCRA to avoid such problems. Qualified debts are those incurred prior to service men coming into the line of duty. Also, the request will only be valid if the personnel are in the line of duty when the request was made which limited them from settling the said obligation.
If qualified, the service member needs to send a letter to the lender/bank requesting that their interest rate be capped to 6% according to the provision stated in SSCRA. Also, they may should send a photocopy of the military order to the lender as proof that they are on military duty as stated in their letter of request. the process can take up to 3 months to complete.
Foreclosures and the SSCRA
SSCRA can also help cover the military member under the obligation of a mortgage, trust deed or security of property for any financial obligation. The SSCRA simply states that the personnel are valid for protection under the SSCRA if the obligation and the property were done prior to their military service.
The provision states that prohibition of foreclosure or sale of mortgage property without the presence of the borrower, the military personnel in this case, whether in a judicial or a non-judicial foreclosure. It is also stated in the SSCRA that maturity dates and deadlines will be given an extension when the military personnel is in active duty until they are released from their given designation.
Even if the maturity date or the date of foreclosure is extended due to the military personnel’s inability to pay, the court will try to achieve a compromise agreement from both parties requiring the mortgage lender to pay at least half of the amount due while the mortgage holder extends the deadline or put a stay on the foreclosure or sale of the property.
Jun
Yes, you can get a FHA loan too!
by Simon Amanda in Mortgage
There is a common misconception that FHA loan are for first time home buyers only. This is not true! Anyone can apply for a FHA loan. If you have several houses, you can still apply!
A requirement of a 3.5% down payment is needed for a FHA loan. You can get this as a gift from a relative too! If your credit score is not perfect, that’s ok! FHA loans can still get you a great 30 yr fixed rate competitive to a conventional loan.
To get a FHA loan, the property has to be your primary residence. A non-occupying person can even co-sign with you for a FHA loan. In most cases, you can have only 1 FHA loan at a time.
Currently you can get a FHA loan up to $625,000. It might go up to $729,000 with the new Stimulus Bill.
Your mortgage payment could be similar to what you are payment in rent in you take into consideration that there are low rates,and low house prices. This with a FHA loan and a 3.5% down, home ownership is possible.
Jun
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
by Kent Michaels in Mortgage
When you’re in the market for a new home, one of the most complicated aspects of the purchase may be choosing a financing auto for your property. Mortgage loans became quite diverse in recent years in a scheme to accommodate each monetary need and housing purchase. One loan package that has become rather popular is the variable rate mortgage. These loans usually begin with an enticingly low interest that may will rise and fall with market trends. But the variable rate mortgage isn’t the best choice for everybody. Read on for tips on choosing the right mortgage product for your needs.
There are a variety of benefits to the adjustable rate mortgage. As we have already mentioned, the introductory interest is mostly is generally lower than what’s offered for a conventional thirty year mortgage rate. However, that low rate can change periodically, usually based on the rise and fall of an one year US Treasury Bill or another similar baseline. If it appears that rates are in a dropping mode, an adjustable rate mortgage could be the way to go.
This is also a good choice if you will be needing additional money in the first year of the loan for home improvements or landscaping. However, loading up on debt during this time will cause a serious problem if your monthly payments end up rising before your balance is paid in full. Some homeowners will also opt for an adjustable rate mortgage if they are not staying in the house long, since the rates won’t have time to max out in a shorter term. You can also begin with a variable rate mortgage and then refinance as the rate starts to rise. However, bear in mind that refinancing will be done at the current market rate, that may be higher or lower than your original rate.
The variable rate mortgage isn’t the right choice for everybody. It shouldn’t be used to get into a more expensive house than you can afford, since a rise in rates may make the home too expensive much quicker than you’d like. It is also important to grasp the particulars of the loan thoroughly, such as how frequently the IR can change and what the caps on those fluctuations might be. Many of us are unpleasantly surprised by how much their standard payments can go up with the rate fluctuations, so be sure you are prepared for any additional mortgage cost that might arise.
The adjustable rate mortgage isn’t right for everyone, but it can be a savvy finance choice for some. If an adjustable rate mortgage sounds like the right loan product for you, talk to a loan officer about the ins and outs of the loans they offer and make sure you understand the terms perfectly before you sign on the dotted line.
Finding the best mortgage interest is straightforward when is straightforward when you have the fundamentals of the way in which the lending process works. Try a few shops and do not be afraid to ask banks to go lower to ask lenders to give you the hottest deal possible. You just might be pleasantly surprised at the loan terms you get.
May
How Foreclosure Affects the Credit Rating
by Amy Nutt in Mortgage
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, in spite of the current low Canadian mortgage rates, you may be wondering how foreclosure will affect your life, and what alternatives are out there. Foreclosure has a serious and long-term effect on your credit history that you should understand before it happens.
Foreclosure and Your Credit Score
Foreclosure is one of the most damaging items you can have on your credit score, other than a bankruptcy, and it will stay on your score for at least seven years. This means that the effects of foreclosure are going to haunt you for a long time, perhaps even after you get your feet back on the ground after your financial difficulties.
The exact amount that your credit score will drop after a foreclosure is going to vary from case to case. If you have very good credit before you face foreclosure, it may not have as devastating of an impact on your score as it would if you have less than perfect information on your score before foreclosure occurs. Remember, your credit score is made from all of your credit report information, not just one event, such as the foreclosure.
Eliminating a Foreclosure
Once a foreclosure is on your credit score, you will have to take action to remove it. It cannot be removed for at least seven years. However, after seven years, you can have it removed, but you will need to ask. Write to all three credit reporting bureaus and ask them to remove the mark. Then, request a copy of your credit score to make sure that it has been removed.
How Low Credit Scores Affect You
If you have never had a low credit score, you may be wondering how it will affect you after foreclosure. Once you have lost your home in the foreclosure process, you will need somewhere else to live. If you want to buy a new home, you will have a hard time getting a Canada mortgage because of the foreclosure on your history. If your circumstances have changed, such as would be the case if you had been unemployed but are now employed in a secure job, you may be able to get a loan. However, you will find that the Toronto mortgage rates you are offered are much higher than the average rate, because you will be considered a high-risk buyer.
Even getting a rental will be a challenge with a foreclosure on your history. A low credit score will also affect your ability to get a loan for a car, a credit card, or any other type of debt. You may even find that getting a job is more difficult, because some employers check credit scores to determine whether or not an applicant is responsible.
Alternatives to Foreclosure
Because of the affects of foreclosure on your credit score are so devastating, it is best to avoid foreclosure if possible. Again, it does not ruin your credit forever, so foreclosure is not the end of your financial future, but if you can avoid it, you should.
One option is to see if you can refinance at a lower rate or for a longer period of time. Toronto refinance rates are low, so you might be able to lower your monthly payment by refinancing, if your credit has not already been damaged.
Another option is to talk to your lender. Lenders do not want to have a property go into foreclosure, so they may work with you to lower your payment for a few months while you work through the problems you are facing. Even with mortgage rates Canada being so low, lenders still make the most money out of active loans, so they will want to keep the loan active if at all possible. However, make the effort before your loan goes into default, because lenders are typically unwilling to work with borrowers who have already stopped paying. Be proactive, and you may be able to avoid foreclosure altogether.
May
Home Refinance Loans Explained!
by Graham McKenzie in Mortgage
Are you thinking about refinance your home loan? Its okay, there are many people in United States with mortgages, who pay more than what they have to, or because of high bills can?t afford to pay for it. If you do adequate research you will come to know that home loan refinance will help you lower your total amount of money over time. Refinancing your home loan allows you to begin from the start, and make adjustments for new bills, your earnings and your costs of living. It?s very important to think over all the available options before going to refinance your home loan.
There can be several motives behind refinance your home loan; though the mainly it is lack of enough funds to make monthly payments. You may get your home loan refinanced if you want to increase your monthly payments, which will help you getting lower interest rates and your loan can be paid off quickly. When you find that your present home loan plan is taking too much of money from you over time, means its time to refinance you home loan with better interest rates.
It?s very important to find a good mortgage agent when you are looking for refinancing your home loan. This agent will must be able to provide you all the information related to refinancing and provide you the best suitable deal. You have to use all your existing resources to get the best mortgage agent. You can check with your bank, friends, Internet, Phonebook, and family members. It?s suggested that you spend time to find the right mortgage agent than to get cheated by false people who are expert in churning. Churning happens when an agents is only bother about his commission and gives you a refinance which may not be suitable for your needs.
There are several different types of home loans that you can refinance to. A fixed rate mortgage is when your payments are fixed at a certain rate for a period of time until the loan is paid off. This guarantees that you will be able to budget and plan effectively for a bill that will be the same every month.
You can also get an adjustable rate mortgage. It requires some detailed information on the home interest rates. In this type of loan, you have to pay your monthly installments but interest rates will change according to the present economical condition. This implies that your monthly installments may be less or more than what they primarily are. This option is only profitable when you know that the interest rates will go down and it will remain low for the longer period of time.
A balloon home loan plan is mortgage loan involving higher risks. Though the fixed rate installments are low and for short period of time, but you may have to pay off a bulky amount at the end of the period. The period might be for nearly 7 to 10 years, but after the end of this period you will have to at a time pay thousands of dollars. This choice may be good enough if you know that you are going to get a bulk amount of money in near future to clear your home loan.
You may find several refinancing choices which allow you to tap your loan amount for several lines of credit. You may later use these credit lines for bigger projects like redoing your home or purchasing a new vehicle. After you have surveyed all the options available, you will be satisfied that you are getting the best deal that is profitable for you.
May
Facts you should know about your Home equity loan
by Doc Schmyz in Mortgage
Home equity loans are a great source of cash. However, before you plunge right into the process of drawing out a loan out of the equity of your property; you should take a look at the fine print and what it means to you.
Are you thinking about getting a home equity loan? Home equity loans might be an easy to acquire type of loan, but somehow even a seemingly great deal might turn out to be bad if the process of getting one is not done right. Make sure you understand all the language used in the loan process.The more you know and understand going in the better off you are at spotting trouble spots.

Let us look at the following areas to better understand the “speak” used for this type of loan.
Points
If you are charged 1 point, this would mean 1 percent of the loan. And so 1 percent of a 100,000 dollar loan is an up front charge of 1000 dollars. Do not worry, there are lenders that do not charge points.How are you affected by this? Most lenders charge a part of the loan for commissions for themselves and for their sub-agents. Actually such points vary from little to exorbitant; it all depends on the company.
Loan “rate” terms
It it a fixed or variable loan. A fixed rate means you pay the same amount every month for the life of the loan. But on the other hand, if you have variable type of loan, you may actually have an initial good interest rate. Interest rates that go up naturally makes your monthly payments go up too in the process. So what do you want ” a home equity loan with interest rate that stays the same all throughout the duration of the loan, or one with the possibility of going up anytime? Understand that more often then not, a variable loan starts out one or two percent lower then a fixed rate. The big question is where does it stop once it starts to adjust?
Pre Payment penalties
Pre payment penalties are a fee that the lender places on you in the event you decide to pay of your loan early. These “pre-pays” can cost several thousand dollars in some cases. The reason for this is that by paying off the loan early, the lender will be missing out on the intrest payments you have agreed to pay over the life of the loan. (these interest payments are normally in the several thousands of dollars)
Late payment penalties
Does a home equity loans interest rate go up with late payments? With many lenders, with delinquent payment, penalties usually follow. More so, there sometimes is a clause on default interest rate increase in the loan which raises automatically the loan rates when payments are late. This can actually be costly for the borrower.
Insurance
You have to check if the home equity loan that you are prospecting has insurance costs hidden somewhere, a cost that you definitely do not want. Whenever you get a loan, you can take in corresponding credit insurance. You can have credit life insurance, which takes care of your loan in the event that you die. However, if in the case of home equity loan, if you feel that insurance is just added cost, then by all means avoid the lender that requires you to pay for them.
May
An Introduction To Mortgage Loan Rates
by JohnBear in Mortgage
An Introduction To Mortgage Loan Rates
Commercial mortgages are usually made by businesses that require the money for working capital, purchasing new equipment, or maybe an expansion. Since a business can be formulated as a partner of a limited liability firm, the assessment of the business’ creditworthiness by a financial institution is relatively more complex.
The residential mortgage loan rates differ from the commercial ones as the rates are usually higher for commercial mortgages and this is due to the risk associated with residential mortgages and the default percentage is lower compared to commercial mortgages.
Mortgages can also be classified as either fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. Both of these can be obtained for residential and commercial mortgages. The adjustable rate mortgage initial interest rate, however, is usually lower than the fixed rate mortgage interest rate.
Mortgage loan rates are governed primarily by the Federal Reserve Board and so, if the board changes the interest rates, the mortgage lenders should adjust their interest rates accordingly. They are also influenced by many market and economic factors such as inflation.
Lower rates can be availed if you pay a down payment of 20% or more of the loan amount. And if you make a 5% down payment or less of the loan amount, you can only be qualified for a higher interest loan.
Mortgage loan rates usually fall somewhere between 5 and 13%. Long term loans have slightly higher interest rates than the short term loans and the difference is usually below 1%. Loan rates also differ with mortgage loan types such as FHA loans, VA loans, commercial loans, home equity loans, home improvement loans, and bad credit/sub prime mortgage loans.