Monday, June 05, 2006

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Best Methods

Credit cards are the safest way to make payments, which carry no risk of theft or anything else. To avoid credit card debt you are advised to make payment before statement date. If you are already under the threat of credit card debt then you are recommended to take credit card debt consolidation loan to consolidate credit card debt.

Here are some best methods for credit card debt consolidation.

You can apply for credit card debt consolidation through Internet or by applying to your local creditors. Both secured and unsecured forms of Credit card debt consolidation are available in market to choose from, it will be better to take an unsecured loan because a miss payment may lead you lose your security.

For credit card debt consolidation you should take loan from a single creditor because it is easy to pay to a single creditor than to pay to multiple creditors.

With credit card debt consolidation you can get better rates as your new creditor will offer you easy terms with lower monthly installments and lower interest rates.

You can make your life simple with credit card debt consolidation by paying one bill per month, which will cut a lot of stress and bill paying time.

If you are unable to take credit card debt consolidation loan at your desired low interest rates then you can borrow needed money from your life insurance policy to eliminate credit card debt.

Of course, the best method to consolidate credit card debt is to minimize the use of credit card, which is in debt, and to transfer the balance to a lower or zero interest credit card.

Credit card debt help is usually available for both personal and business debt problems at most financial services.

Succesful Mortgage Application Tips

First time or repeat, the requirements for applying for a mortgage is constantly in the state of change. Take the time to be prepared before you meet with your mortgage banker or broker, otherwise you'll get into what I call the "document chase". This chase can be time consuming and frustrating for home buyers. Request your banker or broker to email or fax you a complete list of all the documents required to complete the application process.

Home buyers can be proactive when applying for a mortgage by following these simple tips by Mark Nash author of four books including his latest 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home and as a regular columnist for RealtyTimes.com.

-Don't be alarmed or offended when asked to sign an Authorization to Release Financial Information Form. The mortgage lender will need this form to obtain your credit report, bank accounts, employment records, mortgage history and other loans and securities.

-If you are self-employed you might also be requested to sign a Tax Information Authorization form which allows the lender to request a copy of your tax returns.

-Prepare a list of your credit cards you have by type, interest rate balance due, available credit limit, and minimum monthly payments.

-Bring payroll stubs from last six months.

-Locate tax returns from previous two years.

-List your assets such as IRA accounts, securities, bank accounts, personal property such as jewelry and furniture. If you own other real estate bring addresses and fair market value information.

-Bring copies of divorce decrees, bankruptcy discharges, student loan documents, alimony and child support obligations.

-Create lists of employment and residences from the last two years. Mortgage providers want to see stability in both these areas.

-If you have an accepted offer to purchase a property, bring a copy of the contract and copies of any earnest money checks. Have available information of other parties and real estate agents connected with the contract.

-Do not deliberately falsify information on your loan application. All information will be verified through the trimerge credit report, and verification of employment and bank accounts.

-If your lender requires an application, credit check and an appraisal fee, bring these with you to the application meeting. They might not start processing your loan without them. Do not give the loan officer any money for a credit check or other fee until you are sure you want to work with this person.

-Do not give originals to mortgage lenders. Make photo copies and submit these.

-You are only required to list enough assets to show that you can qualify to borrow enough money to purchase the home you are seeking.

-Pull your own credit report before meeting with a lender. What the scores say to a mortgage lender: 800-850=Excellent, 700-800=Great, 650-700=Okay, 600-650=Marginal, 400-600=Not good, Under 400=Help!

Your House in Exchange for Money? Home Equity Loan Basics

It is true that money does not grow on trees. You need to work hard in order to earn the money you need for your everyday living. And as time passes by, the rougher it takes to earn money. There are plenty of individuals who have declared bankruptcy as opposed to the financial progress economists have been saying. Population is growing, the demand for personal financing is increasing, yet the available financial resources seem to be depleting.

In such cases when you are bothered with financial difficulties, one common way to relieve it is by borrowing money. Today, there are many types of loans you can get to compensate any financial difficulties you are experiencing, and one of these common types is the home equity loan. Read on and learn more about home equity loan.

Home equity loan is a kind of loan that involves your home equity as the collateral or the guarantee that you will be able to repay the loan within the period specified in the contract. It is also considered to be an equity loan or a second mortgage. Your home equity is determined by taking the present worth of your home and subtracting your mortgage. Suppose your home has a present value of $200,000 and you have a $140,000 mortgage. Therefore, you have $60,000 of equity in your home. It allows you to borrow money provided that you will use your home equity of $60,000 as the collateral for the loan.

However, always remember that when your home equity loan has not been repaid off, your house may be sold out to be utilized as payments for your remaining debts. On the other hand, the interest rates you will incur if you will avail of home equity loans are generally lower and more flexible compared to that of credit cards and regular second mortgages.

There are two common types of home equity loans.

• The close end home equity loan where you will be given the lump sum of the amount you are borrowing once the loan is approved. However, no further loans will be allowed once you have received the lump sum amount. With this type, you will be able to get the entire value of your home.
• The open home equity loan allows you to borrow several times depending on your choice. It involves a revolving credit.

You need money while you are still living (and even after your death for your burial expenses), and that is the reality you need to accept no matter how bitter it is. Fortunately, with home equity loan, you are given the option to ease the difficulties brought by financial constraints.

Just a word of caution: keep your payments on regular basis. Default payments can result in loss of your home.