| 10 Things to Know About Mortgages
I became a first-time homeowner four years ago, and in the process I learned a lot about mortgages, much of which I found interesting and surprising. Here are 10 things you may not know about mortgages. 1. You can buy a house with 0% down. That's right, you can buy a house with no down payment at all. There may even be a government agency that will help with your closing costs. These options aren't available to everyone, but first-time homeowners and/or homebuyers of limited means should definitely do some research. Check out the Department of Housing and Urban Development website for more information; and here's a list of special programs offered in various states. If you don't fit one of those categories, talk to a lender or mortgage broker about the loans that they offer. An "80-20" loan, for example, allows you to take out a first mortgage for 80% of the purchase price and a home equity loan or line of credit for the remaining 20%.
BBB Urges to Know the Facts about Reverse Mortgages
Raleigh, NC, May 30, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina, advises long-term homeowners with equity built from homeownership, that a reverse mortgage can be a good investment. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to turn their home equity into spendable cash without having to make monthly interest or principal payments.Under a reverse mortgage, the lender sends the borrower money via a lump-sum payment, a line-of-credit, monthly check or a combination of all three. The homeowner is not required to pay back any of the loan advances or interest until the loan term is over. Generally, no repayment is due until the borrower no longer occupies the house.Before venturing into a reverse mortgage the BBB, along with the Federal Trade Commission, suggest that homeowners consider the following facts:Reverse mortgages are rising-debt loans.
Home Equity Loan-reverse Mortgage-is There One In Your Future
Reverse mortgages have gotten a lot of publicity lately and will probably get a lot of press in the future as baby boomers near retirement age. What are they? Who can use one? Is there a reverse mortgage in your future? WHAT ARE REVERSE MORTGAGES A reverse mortgage is a home equity loan or line of credit that is secured by the equity in your home. You do not repay as long as you live in the home. The reason it is called a reverse mortgage is because it is the opposite of a regular home equity loan where you reduce debt and build up equity. In a reverse mortgage you reduce equity and build up debt. That is where the money comes from. WHO CAN USE REVERSE MORTGAGES Basically anyone who is over age 62, owns and lives in their own home and has paid off at least 60% of the loan can apply for a reverse mortgage.
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