Mortgage Talk -Wisconsin, USA

Fed steps in and cuts again
March 21st, 2008 2:38 PM

Fed steps in and cuts again

Bernanke pulls out all the stops to ailing economy

The Federal Reserve significantly cut rates for the sixth straight time since September, this time cutting 75 basis points. This follows a busy weekend where the Fed also extended its hand to Wall Street, bailing out Bear Stearns with JP Morgan Chase. While rate cuts look good at face value, you need to prepare for what's to come.

Why did they do this?

The Fed wants you to start spending money and wants to boost consumer and Wall Street confidence. Consumers are under stress with increasing consumer prices and a slowing housing market. Wall Street banks have been under stress from mortgage defaults and their impact on corporate balance sheets.

How does this impact you?

Fed rate cuts are inflationary. Since the Fed started cutting rates in September of last year, oil prices are up nearly 40%, gold prices are up over 25%. This is the direct result of a falling dollar which occurs from Fed rate cuts. As a result, mortgage rates will ultimately rise from here. It is inevitable. Inflation is the arch enemy of fixed-income investments, long-term bonds and mortgage-backed securities, upon which mortgage rates are based. Here's a look at the inflation picture: Gas prices last September, prior to the Fed's current cutting trend, were roughly $2.75 a gallon. Today, gasoline averages $3.25 a gallon nationally, up 18% before the first rate cut. This is a sign of inflation.

What should you do now?

If you are looking to refinance, don't wait. Act now to get a great interest rate. Home loan rates have come down over 1.00% in the last two weeks. But after each of the last five rate cuts, we have seen rates rise significantly in a short period of time. Don't get caught saying "I wish I had..." If you are looking to purchase a home, I want to hear from you right away. Home prices have to fall over 10% to make back what you lose in monthly housing payments if rates increase 1.00%. There are some great buys out there today!

Next step

Pick up the phone and call me. You owe it to yourself. I will review your situation and let you know what I can do to put some

money in your pocket. If you wait, it could cost you thousands of dollars. I look forward to hearing from you.

Joseph Greenspan

President

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Phone: (262)650-9890

Fax: (262)650-9894

jgreenspan@wesayok.com

www.WeSayOk.com


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on March 21st, 2008 2:38 PMPost a Comment (0)

Life After Bankruptcy
December 27th, 2007 8:32 PM

For immediate release December 27, 2007


Life After Bankruptcy


By Joseph Greenspan President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha, WI – Bankruptcy is an uncomfortable subject for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is the potential havoc it can wreak on your finances. Running a close second is the negative stigma which is often attached to the process. This negativity is important to mention because strong emotions can sometimes lead to unsound financial decisions with devastating results.

Bankruptcy becomes a viable option for someone who is “upside down” in terms of cash flow. In other words, when a person has more money going out each month than coming in, bankruptcy should be considered if no reversal of this negative cash flow is within sight. The longer someone waits to explore the various options available, the more serious his or her situation may become.

One of the worst things people can do in this situation is to borrow more money to try and pay off their debts. On paper, this is clearly an unwise financial decision. In the real world, however, it is very common for individuals to pursue this strategy in an attempt to buy time and hold off on filing for bankruptcy. On the surface, this is certainly a noble notion; however it can often compound the problem and serves only to delay the inevitable.

For many homeowners in the midst of this upside down cash flow, speaking to a qualified mortgage professional is a much better option. An experienced loan officer can objectively look at your finances and help you determine if restructuring your mortgage would not only help, but possibly even alleviate any need for bankruptcy.

If bankruptcy is the only option, seek out a reputable bankruptcy attorney and credit counselor. A qualified mortgage specialist can provide references for you as well, as he or she works with these professionals on a regular basis. Reliable references are essential in this case because experienced professionals greatly increase the odds of a successful bankruptcy experience. It’s that simple.

When filing for bankruptcy, be completely honest and accurate regarding every aspect of your financial situation. This includes any changes to your income which may occur throughout the process. Bankruptcy is a federal procedure, adjudicated by real judges, and scrutinized by representatives who coordinate with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the IRS.

Here are some additional steps you can take to make the bankruptcy process as painless as possible:

  • Save all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy, and keep it organized. This will prove beneficial after your bankruptcy as you now have all of the pertinent information in one place. Also, be sure to write down your discharge date. It’s surprising how many people forget to do this.
  • Establish a household budget. This can be accomplished in many ways, but there are several inexpensive computer programs available which do an excellent job.
  • Throughout the bankruptcy, do your best to not only live below your means, but to save as much cash as possible. You never know what you may need it for once the process is completed.
  • Be prepared for a barrage of junk mail. There will be sharks on the loose who are hoping to capitalize on your need for credit.

Tips for Rebuilding Credit:

  • If you must buy a car, focus on transportation as opposed to style. Buy an inexpensive, used car, and try to get a loan for it. It’s a good idea to figure out what your budget allows in terms of a dollar amount first. This means obtaining financing prior to looking for a car.
  • Get a secured credit card. Secured credit cards allow for the cardholder to deposit a said amount of money into an account, thus establishing the spending limit of the card. Missed payments result in deductions from the account. Some of these cards will reward responsible borrowers by upping the limit without an additional deposit. Some will even convert the account into a traditional credit card. (Be wary of offers of “easy credit” or any card which asks you to call a 900 number. You will be charged for the call.)
  • Meet with a credit repair specialist. Not only can they help you clean up the damage to your credit report, they can advise you on specific ways to rebuild the credit you lost as well.


While it does take time, there is definitely life (and credit) after bankruptcy. Some mortgage lenders will even lend to you within a year or so after a bankruptcy. If you’re in serious financial trouble, the trick is to get the help and advice you need from professionals you trust.


Joseph Greenspan is affiliated with 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC, a Licensed Mortgage Broker with, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. For a free copy of our Consumer Credit Scoring Booklet, contact Joseph Greenspan at 800-We Say Ok. (937-2965)

# # #


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on December 27th, 2007 8:32 PMPost a Comment (0)

Lowest Rates in 25 Months
November 28th, 2007 4:17 PM

Lowest Rates in 25 Months!

By Joseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

We couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving treat than the one we got on Monday: the lowest 30-year fixed-rate in over two years. That's right. For those of you who have been patiently waiting, here's your chance to save anywhere from $5,000 to $7,500 or even more on the mortgage financing you've been looking for. Do not miss this great opportunity to cash in on the lowest rates since October 2005.

Here's why you should act now:

  • Monday saw the lowest 30-year fixed interest rate in over two years. However, each time this interest rate reached previous low points, both last year and earlier this year, it began increasing and didn't stop, climbing over 0.50% in the months that followed!

  • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tightened guidelines, announcing new Loan-Level Price Adjustments. In the first quarter of 2008, most borrowers who have good credit, but have FICO scores below 680, will now be forced either to pay more points at closing or incur a higher interest rate.

The amount that a borrower could be forced to pay, even if they've never been late on a payment, could be as much as 2.00% in points or an interest rate that's 1.00% higher than the going rate.

On a $250,000 home loan, a borrower could have to pay up to $5,000 in order to receive normal market rates! Borrowers choosing the higher interest rate, under the worse case scenario, would stand to lose over $7,500 in just the first three years of the loan.

Choosing to wait could cost you money both in the form of higher market rates and points. This could well be the greatest holiday present you could treat yourself to this year, but only if you act fast!

Call us today for a FREE loan evaluation to determine what we can do to help you improve your financial situation before these great rates disappear.

800 We Say Ok (937-2965)

Joseph Greenspan

President 

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on November 28th, 2007 4:17 PMPost a Comment (0)

Mortgage Market Credit Crunch
August 29th, 2007 2:28 AM

The Truth About the Mortgage Market


By Joseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha, WI – Some subprime mortgages have now been credited for bankrupting well over 110 lenders and seriously damaging operations at many major mortgage firms. They've reportedly wiped out 5 hedge funds, tens of thousands of jobs, and have led to millions of foreclosures with millions more on the way. And, as if that weren't enough, subprime mortgages are also blamed for massive volatility in the stock, bond, credit, futures, and real estate markets here in the US and around the globe. Some say losses in the mortgage securities market alone could reach hundreds of billions of dollars this year.

This means that, for any Americans looking to buy, sell, or refinance a home, they are confronting a very different market from the one that existed just 6-12 months ago.

How did this happen?
The recent real estate boom was fueled by a period of record home appreciation and historically low interest rates. Banks, in order to compete, loosened guidelines and began offering more funding to more borrowers through riskier, non-conforming or "exotic" mortgages. i.e. Option ARM's

These ideal lending conditions persisted for several years, supported by high demand, historical real estate data, home prices, and massive trading volume/profits on mortgage-backed securities and other financial instruments on Wall Street.

Then, in 2006, a slowdown in real estate led to a deterioration of home values, an increase in inventories, and ultimately to today's tightening of credit guidelines, leaving many investors unable to sell or refinance out of their existing positions. Many Americans who had tapped into their equity were suddenly tapped-out and overextended as home values fell. Foreclosures followed in record numbers and a re-valuation of mortgage bonds and other financial instruments created the credit/liquidity domino effect we're now experiencing.

Unfortunately, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. According to the latest estimates, over 2 million subprime and Alt-A adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) holders will face payment increases of up to 30%-100% when their loans reset in the next 2 to 18 months. These loans make up less than 40% of the total mortgage market, but the negative effects, as we have seen, of increased foreclosure activity can have a ripple effect throughout the industry and around the globe.

What does this mean to you and your mortgage?

Sellers: If you're planning on selling your home, be prepared for an even smaller pool of qualified buyers. While some experts predict a settling of this credit crisis over the coming year, tightened credit guidelines and diminishing mortgage products could knock out as many as 15%-30% of potential qualified buyers. Now is not the time to sit and wait for the best possible price. Have a serious talk with your real estate agent. Having experienced buying/selling transactions in your area, he or she can help you price your home accordingly. He or she can also help ensure that your buyers are pre-approved and stay pre-approved throughout the entire transaction.

Buyers: Get pre-approved by your mortgage professional. While there are a lot of great deals out there, getting credit is becoming tougher and tougher, and it's taking longer and longer to complete a transaction. Remember, what you qualify for today could change tomorrow in a volatile market. For those looking to refinance, keep this in mind. There is no time to delay! Communicate with your lender. Don't do anything that could negatively affect your credit, and make sure you get all your documentation in on time.

ARMs Borrowers: If your ARM is scheduled to reset in the next 2-18 months, you need to schedule an appointment with a mortgage professional right away. Whether your ARM is subprime, Alt-A, or even if you have a pre-payment penalty, don't let a default or foreclosure situation sneak up on you. Did you know that your monthly payments can increase anywhere from 30% to 100% once your loan resets? At the very least, give yourself the peace of mind of knowing what your adjusted payment will be.

Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit: Each week it seems lenders are shedding more and more mortgage products. Many lenders have stopped offering No-Doc loans and are reducing all forms of Stated-Income loans. While it might be challenging, borrowers with credit issues need to see a loan expert. Often they have credit repair resources and other strategies to help you reach your financial goals.

Special Note to Wisconsin Residents:

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage has special programs available for Wisconsin residence Only.

Do to market conditions we have added loan programs for people with less than perfect credit to either:

* Refinance into a special low rate.

* Purchase a home with little or No Money Down.

at 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC We Still Say Ok

Please call for details. 800- We Say Ok (937-2965)

Finally, there's an important concept to embrace: all markets, while cyclical in nature, are self-correcting, be it credit, real estate, stocks, or bonds. For the last 6 or 7 years, real estate was booming and riding high. The correction we're experiencing now – while it seems harsh and could get much worse – is, in a sense, "natural" and directly related to the extremely loose guidelines and perhaps overzealous lending and leveraging during the boom cycle.

 


Joseph Greenspan is the President of 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC, a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. For a free consultation or more information about the mortgage market, contact Joseph Greenspan at 800-We Say Ok (937-2965)


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on August 29th, 2007 2:28 AMPost a Comment (0)

Understanding Credit Scoring & Credit Repair
July 27th, 2007 12:13 PM

Seek a Qualified Mortgage Consultant to Ensure the Best Results

Understanding Credit Scoring & Credit Repair

By Joseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha,WI – Credit remediation is a subject consumers often face with fear and trepidation, and for good reason. With the exception of recognizing that the best score wins, the average home shopper knows very little about the whole credit scoring process. Sub-prime borrowers who are eager to move into A-Paper territory often find themselves at a loss when trying to find ways to upgrade their credit history. The good news is there are ways to improve less-than-perfect credit scores and obtain a loan for the home you really want.

The first step in the process is making sure that you have a current copy of your credit report. Congress recently amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act so that consumers may now receive one free credit report annually. There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Since entries can vary across bureaus, you’ll want to request a free report from each of the three companies. (Go to www.annualcreditreport.com)

It's also important to know just what a good credit score is. Most A-Paper scores generally begin around 680, although this number may differ slightly among lenders. Don't despair if you come up shy, there is always room for improvement. Increasing your score just 5 points can save a significant amount of money. For example, if your score is 698 and you increase it to 703, then you could save yourself thousands of dollars over time as a result of a slight improvement to your loan’s interest rate.

While credit repair is necessary for some, it's not the only way to increase your credit score. Even if you have stellar credit, you can enhance your score through these steps:

· Evenly distribute your credit card debt to change the ratio of debt to available credit. Let's say you have a credit score of 665. If you have debt on only one card, and four additional credit cards with zero balances, evenly distributing the debt of the first card could move you closer, and possibly into, that ideal bracket.

· Keep your existing accounts open and active. The average consumer is usually anxious to close credit card accounts that have zero balances, but doing this can cause them to lose the benefits of a long-term credit history and increase their ratio of debt-to-available credit. The bottom line is don't close those old accounts!

· Keep credit inquiries to a minimum. Each inquiry into your credit history can impact your score anywhere from 2-50 points. When it comes to mortgage and auto loans, even though you're only looking for one loan, multiple lenders may request your credit report. To compensate for this, the score counts multiple auto or mortgage inquiries in any 14-day period as just one inquiry, so try and stay within that time frame.

Remember, credit scores don't change overnight. Improving them requires time and diligent effort on your part, so it's a good idea to get the ball rolling at least three to six months prior to submitting your application for home financing.

If credit repair is what you need, you can either begin the process yourself or seek out a repair service. If you decide to make your own improvements, visit as many websites as possible to get information regarding credit laws and consumer rights. Diligently search through them and educate yourself to ensure that you don’t sustain any self-inflicted wounds. A good place to start would be the Federal Trade Commission's website, which contains a wealth of helpful literature.

If you’re facing severe or complicated credit issues, then you’ll probably want to enlist the assistance of a professional credit repair company. Before you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the FTC's regulations on credit repair. With over 1100 credit repair companies to choose from, it's important to be certain you are dealing with a reputable firm. Examine the FTC's information on fraudulent practices to avoid falling prey to credit repair scams.

Addressing credit issues can be uncomfortable to say the least. But by taking these steps now, you’ll be that much closer to obtaining the home of your dreams.

Additional Resources:

To order your free credit report, go to:

www.annualcreditreport.com

To read the Fair Credit Reporting Act, go to:

www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/frca.htm

For the Federal Trade Commission's information on consumer credit, go to:

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/index.html

Joseph Greenspan is affiliated with 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC , a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. If you would like to obtain a free Consumer Credit Scoring Booklet, please contact Joseph Greenspan at 800 We Say Ok (937-2965)

# # #

SUBMITTED BY:

Joseph Greenspan

PHONE 262-650-9890

FAX 262-650-9894

EMAIL JGreenspan@WeSayOk.com


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on July 27th, 2007 12:13 PMPost a Comment (0)

Home Buyers Face Decisions that Affect Their Long-Term Financial Picture
July 6th, 2007 3:46 PM

For immediate release July 6, 2007


Seek a Qualified Mortgage Consultant to Ensure the Best Results

Home Buyers Face Decisions that Affect Their Long-Term Financial Picture

By Joseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha, WI – Taking the step into home ownership is one of the most important financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime. There are many factors to consider when embarking on this venture. Literally hundreds of loan programs are available, and it is important to find the one that best fits your personal long-term goals.

First and foremost, you must have a mortgage consultant in your corner that is willing to take the time to know what your long-term goals are. Communication is the key factor here.

Curious prospective home buyers sometimes turn to Internet-based services just to see what current interest rates are. But a faceless web site will not take the prospect’s future financial planning into consideration or guide the potential borrower through the many nuances of the loan process. When shopping for a home loan, be wary of web-based services that offer programs to reel prospects in with attractive rates that are based upon unrealistic time frames.

If a lender is offering a terrific rate based on a 10-day lock-in period, it is unlikely that the potential home owner would actually be able to find their dream home, get through the negotiation process and win approval from a lender within such a short period of time. This is called short-pricing, and when it comes time to close the transaction, the rate that was originally offered is simply no longer available. As a result, the unfortunate prospect is bulldozed into a loan program with a higher interest rate.

It is highly unlikely that a qualified loan originator whose business is based upon referrals will use unscrupulous tactics such as this to get new customers in the door!

Once you have found a mortgage consultant that you feel comfortable working with, lay your goals out on the table because it will have a tremendous impact on choosing a loan program that meets your specific needs. One of the most important factors to consider is how long you wish to borrow the money for. For example, if you know you will only be in the home for five years, it wouldn’t make sense to opt for a 30-year loan program or pay points up front to secure a lower interest rate. You would not be in the home long enough to benefit from such action.

Your mortgage consultant should be able to narrow down a selection of programs based on the information that you have provided, and present you with an easy-to-read spreadsheet that clearly defines viable options for your interest rate and amortization schedule, monthly payment and any potential savings you may realize by paying points up front.

Moreover, a reputable loan originator will not hesitate to share this information with your tax consultant or financial planner so they may offer additional feedback on your behalf.

Home ownership imparts a rewarding vehicle for building wealth and a strong financial future. The mortgage consultant that you choose should be there not only when your loan closes, but should also provide you with ongoing service to assist you in managing that debt over time.

Joseph Greenspan is affiliated with 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Joseph Greenspan hosts Home Buyer’s Seminars which are open to the public on the first Tuesday of each month at 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC 2426 N Grandview Blvd Suite A  Waukesha, WI 53188 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat at the next event, call 800-We Say Ok (937-2965) to RSVP and obtain a free copy of Joseph Greenspan’s Home Buyer Handbook.


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on July 6th, 2007 3:46 PMPost a Comment (0)

Payments Increase for Millions with ARMs
June 19th, 2007 2:17 AM

 

A Farewell to ARMs:

Refinance Before Adjustable Rate Mortgages Reset

By Joseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha,Wisconsin – Since June of 2004, the Federal Reserve has systematically increased the federal funds rate, causing short-term interest rates to follow suit. As a result, consumers with Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) tied to volatile short-term rate indices, such as the LIBOR, are finding themselves at the mercy of the Federal Reserve’s war on inflation.

"Higher interest rates function as a tax on people who hold variable debt," says Daniel Gross, reporter for The New York Times, a "truism that is particularly apparent to homeowners holding adjustable rate mortgages." In his article, Gross cites Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, who estimates that nearly $2 trillion in ARMs are due to reset by the end of calendar year 2008. This could potentially increase the total interest payments of ARM holders by an estimated $50 billion in 2009, compared to today. For many of these borrowers, reset minimum monthly payments could increase upwards of 50% to even 100% of what they’re paying now – if they haven’t already. And the worst may not even be over!

According to Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve’s chairman, the real estate market is experiencing a "substantial correction". This, economists say, is the result of the Fed’s attempt to engineer a "soft landing" by systematically increasing interest rates to control inflation without fueling a recession. Fed officials believe that they are making strong progress towards this difficult goal. However, even moderate economic growth will give the Fed room to increase short-term rates further, according to David Leonhardt of The New York Times. This means more bad news for ARMs holders with life-caps at 10% or more, and even worse news for the estimated 70% of Option ARM borrowers who chose the minimum or negative payment options of their mortgages and are now actually accruing (and compounding) a larger balance than what they originally borrowed.

If you or someone you know has an ARM, however, all is not completely lost. There is still time to take advantage of alternative loan programs, such as intermediate fixed-rate and tiered-rate loans, that can effectively limit one’s liability before rates increase again. These programs enable borrowers to stabilize their finances and know exactly what their monthly payments will be over the next few years while the Fed does its best to stifle inflation. Remember, the Fed has a habit of overcorrecting the market before changing policies, which means rates could still increase even after their goal of a soft landing has been reached.

If you do foresee a sustained period of paying an interest rate that is significantly higher than what you want or are able to pay, see your mortgage professional today. Don’t be a casualty of the Fed’s war against inflation. Ask about intermediate fixed-rate or tiered-rate products to hold you over until the Fed flips the script and rates finally begin to decrease. 

An experienced and resourceful loan professional will have access to a variety of loan programs including 3, 5 , or 7-year fixed-rate products as well as tiered-rate programs to counter fully-indexed ARMs and Option ARMs. A 5-year fixed rate mortgage, for instance, converts to an adjustable at the end of that fixed tenure. Taking out such a loan, with no prepayment penalty, may make a lot of sense right now because it will provide some interest rate relief in today's market, while buying the consumer time to refinance once rates begin to decrease.

Tiered-rate products, on the other hand, are essentially fixed-rate loans that act like adjustable rate loans but offer the security of a built-in cap. In fact, these loans actually adjust in your favor, saving you money in the first years of the loan before reaching their final fixed rate. Various types of these tiered-rate products exist, and each offer different money-saving options. See your mortgage professional for the one that’s right for you. Just be sure, however, that he or she caps you out at a rate that’s lower than your current interest rate to receive the full benefit of these products. Finally, confirm that your mortgage professional will be keeping abreast of market conditions and will be ready to refinance you once rates do decrease, saving you even more. 

 

Joseph Greenspan is the President of 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC , a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Free consultation and a 10-Year History of ARM Indexes are available by calling 800-We Say Ok (937-2965)

# # #


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on June 19th, 2007 2:17 AMPost a Comment (0)

Protecting Your Credit During Divorce
May 30th, 2007 5:06 PM

For immediate release May 30, 2007


Protecting Your Credit During Divorce


By Joseph Greenspan, President

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage

Waukesha, Wisconsin – When a marriage ends in divorce, the lives of those involved are changed forever. During this time of upheaval, one thing that shouldn’t have to change is the credit status you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Unfortunately, for many, the experience is the exact opposite. Unfulfilled promises to pay bills, the maxing out of credit cards, and a total breakdown in communication frequently lead to the annihilation of at least one spouse’s credit. Depending upon how finances are structured, it can sometimes have a negative impact on both parties.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. By taking a proactive approach and creating a specific plan to maintain one’s credit status, anyone can ensure that “starting over” doesn’t have to mean rebuilding credit.

The first step for anyone going through a divorce is to obtain copies of your credit report from the 3 major agencies: Equifax, Experian®, and TransUnion®. It’s impossible to formulate a plan without having a complete understanding of the situation. (Once a year, you may obtain a free credit report by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com.)

Once you’ve gathered the facts, you can begin to address what’s most important. Create a spreadsheet, and list all of the accounts that are currently open. For each entry, fill in columns with the following information: creditor name, contact number, the account number, type of account (e.g. credit card, car loan, etc.), account status (e.g. current, past due), account balance, minimum monthly payment amount, and who is vested in the account (joint/individual/authorized signer).

Now that you have this information at your fingertips, it’s time to make a plan.

There are two types of credit accounts, and each is handled differently during a divorce. The first type is a secured account, meaning it’s attached to an asset. The most common secured
accounts are car loans and home mortgages. The second type is an unsecured account. These accounts are typically credit cards and charge cards, and they have no assets attached.

When it comes to a secured account, your best option is to sell the asset. This way the loan is paid off and your name is no longer attached. The next best option is to refinance the loan. In other words, one spouse buys out the other. This only works, however, if the purchasing spouse can qualify for a loan by themselves and can assume payments on their own. Your last option is to keep your name on the loan. This is the most risky option because if you’re not the one making the payment, your credit is truly vulnerable. If you decide to keep your name on the loan, make sure your name is also kept on the title. The worst case scenario is being stuck paying for something that you do not legally own.

In the case of a mortgage, enlisting the aid of a qualified mortgage professional is extremely important. This individual will review your existing home loan along with the equity you’ve built up and help you to determine the best course of action.

When it comes to unsecured accounts, you will need to act quickly. It’s important to know which spouse (if not both) is vested. If you are merely a signer on the account, have your name removed immediately. If you are the vested party and your spouse is a signer, have their name removed. Any joint accounts (both parties vested) that do not carry a balance should be closed immediately.

If there are jointly vested accounts which carry a balance, your best option is to have them frozen. This will ensure that no future charges can be made to the accounts. When an account is frozen, however, it is frozen for both parties. If you do not have any credit cards in your name, it is recommended you obtain one before freezing all of your jointly vested accounts. By having a card in your own name, you now have the option of transferring any joint balances into your account, guaranteeing they’ll get paid.

Ensuring payment on a debt which carries your name is paramount when it comes to preserving credit. Keep in mind that one 30-day late payment can drop your credit score as much as 75 points. It is also important to know that a divorce decree does not override any agreement you have with a creditor. So, regardless of which spouse is ordered to pay by the judge, not doing so will affect the credit score of both parties. The message here is to not only eliminate all joint accounts, but to do it quickly.

Divorce is difficult for everyone involved. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your credit remains intact.


Joseph Greenspan the President of 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC, a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. If you would like to obtain a free Consumer Credit Scoring Booklet, please contact Joseph Greenspan at 800 We Say Ok (937-2965)


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on May 30th, 2007 5:06 PMPost a Comment (0)

Getting the Best Interest Rate on Your Home Loan?
April 6th, 2007 9:04 AM

04-06-2007


Getting the Best Interest Rate on Your Home Loan?

A Qualified Mortgage Consultant Can Help Boost Credit Scores

ByJoseph Greenspan, President
1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha, WI– Consumers interested in purchasing or refinancing a home will pay an interest rate based on current market conditions and their ability to pay back the loan. The borrower’s income and debt ratios are taken into consideration by the lender, as well as the predictability factor provided by credit scoring. It’s important to have a mortgage professional in your corner that has a keen eye for solutions to improving credit scores in an effort to get the best interest rate possible.

Interest rates associated with various loan programs are broken down into schedules based on credit score ratings. While each lender has its own guidelines, it’s safe to assume that as the consumer’s credit score goes down, interest rates will go up.

A borrower with an outstanding credit rating will get what is called an A-paper loan. This type of borrower is rewarded with a lower interest rate because they have a proven track record of using credit sensibly and paying their bills on time.

Loans designed for consumers with less-than-perfect credit – sometimes referred to as "sub-prime" – can range anywhere from A-minus, B-paper, C-paper or D-paper loans.

If you have already taken out a mortgage loan with a higher interest rate because your credit score was a little under par, you will really appreciate the value in doing a little work to improve your credit score. Refinancing from a D-paper loan to a B-paper classification can save literally thousands of dollars in financing fees over time, even though the B-paper loan is still considered sub-prime.

A qualified mortgage consultant will guide you through the nuances of the process of improving your credit score to refinance and save money. First and foremost, he or she will want to review the terms of the existing mortgage loan to determine if you have a pre-payment penalty clause written into your contract. In general terms, that means that if you sell the home or try to refinance before the pre-payment penalty expires and you have not already paid off 20 percent of the original loan amount, you will most likely have to pay a 3 percent fee back to the lender to compensate for the high risk and high costs incurred to provide that financing.

Next, you should obtain free copies of your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com and start working on improving the credit score six months prior to the expiration date on your existing pre-payment penalty.

There are five factors that make up the credit score and your mortgage consultant can coach you through some basic strategies to improve your credit score. This means very conservative use of credit cards, paying off debt as much as possible and not applying for additional credit cards unless you will benefit from such action. You will want to verify that negative items you have paid off are being removed from your credit report, and that good credit history is being reported to all three bureaus. You’ll also want to dispute any errors that appear on your credit reports and seek to have those removed entirely.

Once your credit score improves, it’s time to refinance at a better interest rate. Your mortgage professional should look for a program that carries no more than a two-year prepayment penalty so you can continue to refinance as your credit score increases. You can repeat this process until you reach A-paper status and secure the best interest rate available.

This is a strategy that also works well for first time home buyers who do not have enough credit history under their belt to get an A-paper loan at the time of purchase. The important thing is to work with a mortgage consultant who can give you a roadmap to follow and a strategy for success in building personal wealth.

 

Joseph Greenspan is the President of 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage,LLC, a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. For free consultation and a copy of The Certified Guide to Credit Scoring,call Joseph Greenspan at 800-WeSayOk (937-2965)

 

# # #

 

SUBMITTED BY:

Joseph Greenspan

262-650-9890

FAX 262-650-9894

EMAIL JGreenspan@WeSayOk.com


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on April 6th, 2007 9:04 AMPost a Comment (0)

Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership
March 12th, 2007 10:40 AM

A Qualified Mortgage Consultant Can Outline Your Options

Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership

By Joseph Greenspan, President

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC

Waukesha, WI – Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate has been considered an extremely profitable investment. It is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.

Yes, there are certain responsibilities associated with owning a home. Landlords will often argue the benefits of renting, and for obvious reason. If you are renting, you’re helping them make their mortgage payment.

The numbers are staggering if you look at it this way. If you are paying $1,000 per month for an apartment, and you know your rent will increase 5% every year, then over the next five years you will pay your landlord $66,309. If you are currently renting a house, you may be paying much more than that each month. Either way, you gain no equity by shelling out this monthly housing expense and you certainly won’t benefit when the property value goes up!

However, if you were to purchase your own home or condominium, you would be well on your way toward building equity within that same five-year period. By choosing a fixed-rate loan program, you can have the comfort of knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will never go up. In fact, you would have the option of refinancing to a lower interest rate at some point in the future should interest rates drop, and this would cause your monthly mortgage commitment to go down.

In addition to building equity, there are tax advantages that come into play with home ownership. Depending on your tax bracket, owning a home is often less expensive than renting after taxes. Interest payments on a mortgage below $1 million are tax-deductible, and your mortgage consultant should help you evaluate the tax advantages of various loan scenarios, and share this information with your tax consultant to glean feedback on your behalf.

To find the loan program that is right for you, your mortgage consultant will need to evaluate your monthly household income, current assets and savings, as well as any monthly obligations you may have for credit card payments, car payments, child support, etc. These prequalification factors, along with the report of your credit score, will determine how much house you can afford and what interest rate you will pay for financing. It is also important to let your mortgage consultant know what your future goals are, because this will help narrow down which loan option is the best fit for your long-term needs.

There are many different types of loan programs available, including “low” and “no” down payment mortgage programs. These types of programs require the borrower to provide less than 3 percent of the loan amount as down payment. FHA lenders rule that the mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) should not exceed 31 percent of your gross income, and the PITI plus other long-term debt (car payments, etc.) should not exceed 43 percent of your gross income.

Housing is an expense that takes a big bite out of the monthly budget. If you are a renter and feel that “home” is more than just someplace to hang your hat, think about the advantages of purchasing real estate. It may be time to take the step into building your personal net worth as a home owner.

Joseph Greenspan is affiliated with 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage,LLC, a Licensed Broker, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Joseph Greenspan hosts Home Buyer’s Seminars which are open to the public on [the first Tuesday of each month] at 2426 N Grandview Blvd Suite A Waukesha, WI 53188 from [7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.] Seating is limited. To reserve your seat at the next event, call 800 WeSayOk (937-2965) to RSVP and obtain a free copy of Joseph Greenspan’s Home Buyer Handbook.

# # #

SUBMITTED BY:

Joseph Greenspan

Office 262-650-9890

FAX 262-650-9894

EMAIL JGreenspan@WeSayOk.com


Posted by Joseph Greenspan on March 12th, 2007 10:40 AMPost a Comment (0)

Recent Posts:

Archive:

My Favorite Blogs:

Sites That Link to This Blog:

1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC 2426 N GRANDVIEW BLVD STE A WAUKESHA, WI 53188-6905
Phone: Toll Free Phone: Fax:

Contact Us | Property Management | Real Estate Zone | Wealth Diagnostics | Home | Loan Application | The Loan Process | Get Your Loan Faster! | Improve Your Credit Score | When to get Qualified | When to Refinance | Loan Application Info | What is a credit score? | Mortgage Talk, Wisconsin, USA

Copyright © 2008 1st Fidelity Home Mortgage, LLC
Portions Copyright © 2008 a la mode, inc.
Another XSite by a la mode, inc. | Admin LoginTerms of UseSite Map