How to Refinance Your ARM Loan in 2009

Millions of Americans will try to refinance their ARM loans in 2009 and 2010. People have their own reasons for doing this, but it usually comes down to one of two things — saving money and avoiding risk. When used properly, and in the right circumstances, a mortgage refi can help you achieve both of [...]

Consumer Credit Questions - FAQs on Credit Reports and Scores

Do you have questions about credit reports and scores? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We have compiled some of the most common credit questions we have received over the years through the Home Buying Institute (our sister website). Most of these Q&A sessions have a real estate focus. They explain the connection [...]

Why Does Buying a Short Sale Take So Long?

Reader Question: “A friend of mine just purchased a short sale property, and he said he would never do it again because it took such a long time. I’ve heard other horror stories about the process being slow. Why does buying a short sale home take so long to complete.”
You have heard correctly. While the [...]

How to Refinance an Upside Down Mortgage

Is it possible to refinance when you’re upside down in your mortgage loan? And if so, how do you go about it? These are the questions we will address in today’s lesson.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard a statistic that said 12 million homeowners were upside down in their mortgage loans (meaning they [...]

How Much is My Home Worth In the Current Economy?

A lot of homeowners are curious to know how much their homes are worth in the current economy, and it’s easy to understand why. The subprime mortgage crisis has caused home values to drop all over the country. In certain areas, such as California and Florida, values have dropped considerably. Millions of homeowners are underwater [...]

Foreclosure Rescue Scams on the Rise - Here’s How to Avoid Them

I just saw a segment on my local news channel about the startling rise in foreclosure rescue scams in the United States. I’ve covered this topic before on the Home Buying Institute news blog, but never on this blog. So here’s an updated look at the most common foreclosure scams in use today, and what [...]