The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged today within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. The Fed also reiterated its plan to support the mortgage market to the tune of $1.5 trillion. In its press release, the FOMC noted that the economy may still be contracting, but that it’s […]
Entries from April 2009
Examining The Federal Reserve in Plain English
April 30th, 2009 · Comments Off on Examining The Federal Reserve in Plain English
Tags: Economy · Federal Reserve · Real Estate
The Real Deal About SUSHI!
April 28th, 2009 · Comments Off on The Real Deal About SUSHI!
Image by apc33 via Flickr The kitchen in our homes is statistically the most “lived in” room for most of us. So what better reason is there to enjoy the many pleasures that come from preparing authentic international dishes that are as good or better than those you get at a restaurant for you, your […]
Tags: Consumer Interest · Just For Fun
7 Gadgets To Consider On Mother’s Day Or Father Day’s
April 24th, 2009 · Comments Off on 7 Gadgets To Consider On Mother’s Day Or Father Day’s
After attending the International Home and Housewares show, The Today Show filmed a 5-minute segment called “Housewares You Won’t Be Able To Live Without”. The title is somewhat over-the-top but don’t let that turn you off. The gadgets reviewed are both practical and inexpensive. They include: Make-no-mess vegetable peeler for the kitchen Efficient kabob tool […]
Tags: Consumer Interest · Just For Fun · Real Estate
50% of the Country’s Foreclosures Are in Three States
April 23rd, 2009 · Comments Off on 50% of the Country’s Foreclosures Are in Three States
Since 2007, foreclosures have dominated real estate news. You can’t turn on the news or open a paper without some foreclosure-related story. But for all of the discussion, foreclosures continue to be geographically concentrated. Adding up the latest stats from RealtyTrac.com, more than half of the country’s foreclosure actions from March occurred in just 3 states — California, Florida […]
Tags: Economy · Mortgage Lending · Real Estate
Loan Modification Part 6 – Finalizing your loan modification
April 22nd, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modification Part 6 – Finalizing your loan modification
Image by mary hodder via Flickr Congratulations! Your loan modification is almost done. Here are just a few tips to wrap up the process. You’ll receive a loan modification packet from your bank that looks very similar to loan documents. Review them to ensure the following terms are what you agreed to: Interest rate Interest […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending
Loan Modification Part 5 Negotiating new loan terms
April 21st, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modification Part 5 Negotiating new loan terms
Image by TheTruthAbout… via Flickr If you’ve gotten this far, congratulations! It means you’ve been approved as a loan modification candidate and the bank has or will be making you an offer very soon. This post will cover some ways to negotiate with your lender to get the best possible modified terms for your new […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending
Loan Modification Part 4 -Tips for qualifying!
April 20th, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modification Part 4 -Tips for qualifying!
Image by TheTruthAbout… via Flickr So far we’ve discussed the basics as it relates to getting a loan modification. Now we’ll talk about a few tips that will help you qualify for a loan modification. These tips are centered around your hardship letter and the monthly expense worksheet. The hardship letter Called an LOE in […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending
Loan Modification Part 4 Tips for qualifying
April 16th, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modification Part 4 Tips for qualifying
Image by TheTruthAbout… via Flickr So far we’ve discussed the basics as it relates to getting a loan modification. Now we’ll talk about a few tips that will help you qualify for a loan modification. These tips are centered around your hardship letter and the monthly expense worksheet. The hardship letter Called an LOE in […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending
Loan Modification Part 3 -Determining if you qualify!
April 15th, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modification Part 3 -Determining if you qualify!
Image by taberandrew via Flickr So far in this series we’ve talked about the process of loan modifications, how to get started and how to collect the information you need to accurately complete your monthly expense worksheet. The monthly expense worksheet is going to be used by your lender to determine if you qualify for […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending · Real Estate
Loan Modifications Part 2 – Doing your homework
April 14th, 2009 · Comments Off on Loan Modifications Part 2 – Doing your homework
Image by TheTruthAbout… via Flickr Once you’ve received your loan modification application from your lender it’s time to do your home work. What do we mean by “your homework?” We mean simply the collecting and ascertaining of your income and expenses in order to successfully complete your loan modification application. In brief – think back […]
Tags: Consumer Lending · Economy · Mortgage Lending