Getting a Mortgage In Today's Economic Environment
The mortgage market today looks a lot different than it did ten years ago. Many of the risky mortgage products that swamped the market from 2000 to 2006 are now being blamed for much of the financial pain we face today. more

The Homeowner Affordability And Stability Plan
Home values have drastically decreased and many people are finding it hard to refinance mortgage loans at lower rates. Many people have lost their jobs and missed mortgage payments. Others may be living with bad credit and are facing foreclosure. The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, signed into law in February 2009, should allow many more people to get out of debt and take control of their mortgage so they can avoid foreclosure. more

How Your Credit Score Affects Insurance Rates
Your credit score does not just influence your ability to borrow money it can affect your access to auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, and renter's insurance and how much you pay for coverage. more

Getting Your Credit Score Improving Before Preparing For A Home Loan
Buying a home is a large investment and it will often involve applying for a mortgage. Not everyone will qualify for a mortgage due to bad credit. You should take the time to prepare yourself by getting your credit score improving so you qualify for the best rates and terms. more

Do Not Seek New Credit Before Your Mortgage Closing
If you are applying for a mortgage as of June 1, 2010, your lender will likely be ordering a second full credit report before closing. This last minute credit report is intended to find out if you have obtained or even shopped for any new debt between the date of your loan application and your closing. more

What You Should Know About Refinancing
Simply put, refinancing is obtaining a new mortgage loan for your home and using all or a part of it to pay off the old mortgage. The major benefit to refinancing is lower monthly payments. If you are looking to keep your monthly mortgage payments the same, you could also pay off your home sooner with a lower interest rate which in turn could save you a lot of money. more

Fannie Mae's National Lending Program
If you are a home buyer with limited cash available or a small investor looking for a deal on a foreclosed home, it is worth your time to take a look at Fannie Mae's National Lending Program. more

The FHA's New Minimum Credit Score Requirement
An FHA loan is a federally insured loan made by the Federal Housing Administration, which has been insuring mortgages since 1934. FHA loans are very good options for specific borrowers. more

Qualifying For a Loan in 2011 Just Got Tougher
The FICO 8 Mortgage Score which is one of Fair Isaac's key credit scores has been enhanced. This updated version may make it harder for numerous consumers to obtain a home loan. VantageScore is also making major changes to its credit score and this will be available to lenders in January 2011. more

How Being Late on Your Mortgage Impacts Your Credit Score
A home mortgage is often the largest single investment for many people and late payments on these loans can dramatically hurt ones credit score. more

Mortgage Defaults Do Not Necessarily Predict Poor Credit Behavior
People who default on their mortgages but do not default on other debts - are not as risky as expected. more

Importance of Your DTI When it Comes to Your Mortgage
When it comes to getting a mortgage, knowing your DTI, debt-to-income ratio is just as important as knowing your credit score. more