Foreclosures: Real Estate Investing The Smart Way

By Tomasheus Privetsky

If you had been watching the real estate foreclosure investing market closely during the massive housing boom of 2000-2005, you could have seen the current foreclosure crisis coming; and with it, the many foreclosure investment opportunities which have proliferated nationwide.

There have been many foreclosures and most of the sub-prime lenders are now out of business. There are many opportunities here for the real estate investors who can keep ahead of their competition.

Its A Huge Foreclosure Investing Boom, But Can You Capitalize On It? While cashing in on the housing crisis might seem as simple as getting a list of properties which are in default, getting in touch with the owners and trying to make a deal before the bank retakes possession of the home. You may want to fix the home up and resell it or hang on to it and make your money from rental income. You probably think that there is no way to lose money on the deal, this is, however not always the case.

Some people do extremely well with their foreclosure investments, making more than enough to support themselves, even being able to finance a luxurious lifestyle on their earnings. If youre not careful though, you could also lose vast amounts of money in this business.

Very few real estate investors actually succeed in foreclosures on a consistent basis. Why? Because, they're using the wrong approach in a very crowded market.

Making Yourself Stand Out To Homeowners in Foreclosure Investing Game. Crowded and competitive is probably understating the case. Foreclosures are a very competitive sector of the real estate market. The media have been giving a lot of attention to foreclosure investing as of late, meaning there are more people getting involved in these investments. Many send out mass mailings to homeowners facing foreclosure, others even bother them with phone calls and knocks on their doors.

Any homeowner who is looking at the possibility of foreclosure is probably being deluged with offers from other investors, along with everything else theyre struggling with. Your mailings will likely be just one of many and it may be destined for the trash! That is, unless you can manage to set yourself apart from the competition; keep reading to find one way to do this.

The Only Ethical Way To Approach Foreclosure Investing. Truth be told, for most people who are behind on mortgage payments and in danger of losing their home - talking to a real estate investor about selling the home is the very last thing on their mind. They often perceive foreclosure investors as sharks taking advantage of their situation.

If you want to get people facing foreclosure to call you, what you need is to offer them the option of staying in their home.

Move For Advantage In Foreclosure Investing - Giving Homeowners the Option to Stay in Their Homes Instead of Buying It. For starters, giving homeowners a chance to stay in their homes is the ethical thing to do, plain and simple.

Yet another reason is, you'll actually make money doing it. You can help them negotiate a repayment plan with their current lender (the process is called loss mitigation) and collect a fee for your service. There're several companies nationwide with an in-house list of Loss Mitigation department contacts for literally every lender in the country that will do all the work for you. So, even if you never buy a single home, with tens of thousands of foreclosures in your hometown, offering loss mitigation services could turn into a lucrative income stream by itself.

To wrap it up, this approach to investing in foreclosures is the most profitable one to use. More often than not youll end up right where you started " on your foreclosure investing track, as many homeowners will not get their repayment plan approved. Once they realize that they really have no other option but to sell, they are most likely to sell to you, the educated and considerate foreclosure investor, since you have tried to work with them to keep their home.

About the Author:

Applying foreclosure investing strategies outlined above will put you in front of all preforeclosure investors in your town.

3 Tips for Locating a Consumer Credit Counseling Service

By Steve Collins

Selecting a consumer credit counseling service seems like a pretty straightforward task. However, with the field growing by leaps and bounds, it is in your best interest to take some time and follow a few tips to make sure that the consumer credit counseling service you choose is reputable and offers the best services.

One recent and regrettable trend in the industry has been a steady rise in the numbers of consumer complaints lodged with various reporting agencies and watchdog groups that keep an eye on the consumer credit counseling service industry. Sadly, whenever an industry sees meaningful growth year after year, the temptation of easy money invites disreputable players who, provide poor service and even actively work to cheat customers. It is particularly shocking when the business caters to people who are already facing grave financial problems.

One of the best tips when looking for a credit counseling agency is to pass over any consumer credit counseling service that has not been in business at least 8-10 years. An extensive track record in the consumer credit counseling service industry typically indicates a business that is run professionally and that provides good services for the fees they charge.

A second tip is to verify the professional accreditation of each consumer credit counseling service you're considering. Look for agencies that have been formally accredited by either (or both) the Council on Accreditation (COA) or the International Standards Organization (ISO). Note: always make sure that the consumer credit counseling service you choose has a current accreditation with these organizations! Some will have been accredited in the past, but may be operating now on a expired certificate.

Finally, due diligence requires verifying with the Better Business Bureau and your State's Attorney General's Office for complaints against the agency. You might be surprised by what you uncover with these simple checks. Many disreputable credit counseling agencies remain in business, even after many complaints have been lodged against them. Take the time to check each one out thoroughly before choosing one and paying them for their services.

About the Author:

Steve Collins is an author and journalist. In these trying times, he knows the importance of obtaining effective debt solutions if necessary. Read his article about debt solutions here.

A Quick Look At Mortgage Refinance

By Ned Dagostino

There are two common situations which lead people to consider refinancing their mortgage. One is to save money by taking advantage of lower interest rates. The other is to manage an unwieldy debt repayment situation. If you are currently looking out to refinance your existing mortgage here are some important points you should consider very carefully.

Maybe you have a number of small monthly repayments and these are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. You can refinance the mortgage and get a loan large enough to pay off all the small debts at once. You can then concentrate on paying a single monthly repayment. This makes things more manageable.

Most people think that the interest they pay on mortgages is unjustifiably high, and seek ways and means to reduce the interest burden. This is intelligent thinking. The point to consider is whether the market rate is showing every intention of reaching for the sky. If it is, and if your present mortgage is based on the variable market rate, then this is a good time to opt out of the present mortgage and refinance the mortgage with a fixed interest plan, where the interest rate is lower than the average market interest rate computed over the duration of the mortgage.

Whether refinancing is advisable for you depends on your particular situation. Let's consider some situations where refinancing is not a good option.

Many a time, refinancing companies fail to mention what the actual cost of refinancing is. You may think you have hit upon the perfect plan which will save you at least $10,000 over the next 10 years. Only, you find that you have to pay brokerage fees of $1200, a foreclosure penalty of $8000, and some other fees amounting to $1300 to initiate the refinance! So instead of saving $10,000 you actually end up losing (in a manner of speaking) $500! Even if you don't end up 'losing' money the amount of saving may be so low as to be negligible, in which case the whole refinance exercise is pointless and best avoided.

Refinancing your mortgage is a serious financial decision. Therefore you should perform a due diligence market survey before taking up a refinance option. Find out the various plans and schemes offered by various companies in your locality and online. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of these schemes and tabulate your results for easy analysis.

Find out the total amount you'll have to pay upfront just to kick start the mortgage refinance. Some brokers conveniently forget to mention that brokerage fees will be taken before the refinance kicks in. Financial advisors fail to tell you that you have to pay a penalty when you pay off a mortgage before the maturity period. Forgetting to mention these fees and penalties is not a problem except that these are really hefty amounts we're talking of here. The total upfront costs can wipe out all your expected savings, and, in some cases, can actually make you incur a loss.

Refinancing is advisable if your net savings is significant. If not, you may as well keep the current mortgage going. Don't go in for refinancing if you think you may have to move before the fresh mortgage period has time to play itself out. Such a move will require you to foreclose the fresh mortgage which entails a huge penalty!

Refinancing your mortgage is a good way to save money by opting for a lower interest rate regimen. It is also a good way of consolidating your debts. But that is not be construed as a clean chit for every situation. Refinance has to be debated on a case by case basis according to the particulars of the situation. So what works for Bob may not work for Bill. The most important thing is to perform an exhaustive market survey before going in for refinance. Be very careful in computing the refinancing costs. Ask other people who have taken this route about their experiences and seek their advice. Be wary of hidden charges. These surprise charges may make the difference between saving $10,000 and paying out $500!

About the Author:

There are plenty of other refinancing options available to you in addition to a basic house refinance. You can refinance almost any loan including your vehicle, trailer, or even a manufactured home refinance can put extra money in your wallet. Visit www.Home-Mortgate-Refinancing-Loan.com to learn more.

Comparing Reverse and Forward Mortgages

By Borvonski Vanrock

Many individuals who retire acquire most of their income from social security, pensions, and retirement accounts they have built over the years. However, these income streams may not be enough. Many of these retired individuals find themselves struggling no matter how well they budget their money.

When this happens, a reverse mortgage line of credit is usually a viable option. What a reverse mortgage allows is the homeowner is able to take their homes equity and convert it into money. Basically, the equity that has been built up throughout the years in the form of mortgage payments is paid back as income to the homeowner.

This is unlike a traditional second mortgage or home equity loan for the fact that there is no required repayment until the borrower no longer uses that home as their primary residence. Also, the older the borrower, the higher the loan can be because of the amount of equity that has accumulated over time.

To acquire a reverse mortgage line of credit, an individual doesnt have to have great credit, nor is a steady income required. The main factor at play here is that the borrower be the owner of the home.

And then there is the opposite of the reverse mortgage, which is the forward mortgage. This mortgage is what people acquire when they are purchasing the home. This is when good credit and a steady income are required. If they payments are made late or not at all, the bank can foreclose upon the home because it is the home that actually secures the mortgage.

As payments are made on a forward mortgage, the equity within the home builds. This is because the difference between the amount of the mortgage and what has been paid is the equity. Once the final payment is made on the mortgage, the home is finally owned.

However, the reverse mortgage is the complete opposite of the forward mortgage. This is because the debt increases as the equity decreases. The borrower is not making monthly payments, but the equity is eaten up because there is interest added to it as the money is paid out to the borrower.

Then there is a time when the reverse mortgage must be paid back and the amount could be large, which is determined by the length of the loan. Other factors include if the home had decreased at any time and there was no equity left to borrow or if the value increased and the amount to be borrowed increased. This could have an impact on the amount of debt because of the amount of money borrowed or not borrowed during these periods.

When it is time for the loan repayment to come due, it is usually because the homeowner is selling the home and will not be using it as their primary residence anymore. They usually move to assisted living facilities or an apartment that makes moving around easier. The money that is used to sell the home is usually used to pay back the equity that they have borrowed.

So for those wondering what separates a reverse mortgage from a forward mortgage, this should explain that. This should also help to make the decision of whether or not to add to monthly income by using a reverse mortgage line of credit.

About the Author:

You can find out three other ways to draw out money with the Texas reverse mortgage here. Ahhh, and another thing, you can find an excellent resource built to inform senior borrowers about the Texas reverse mortgage at this link.

Getting Guaranteed High Risk Personal Loans

By Dave Davis

Do you think your credit is too bad to ever be able to borrow money again? Perhaps you think there aren't any options for you to receive a loan because your credit history is poor. Unfortunately, having bad credit doesn't make you immune from unexpected expenses such as medical bills or broken appliances.

While you definitely are a higher risk to a lender if you have bad credit, there are still plenty of options available to you. Guaranteed high risk personal loans are available regardless of your credit history.

These loans are also sometimes referred to as payday loans because they help you get money in advance of your payday. But you probably won't want to borrow more than you can pay back on your next payday since the interest rate will most likely be high. Since you are considered risky to the lender because of your credit history, lenders cover their bases by attaching high interest rates to the loans.

So if you do take out this kind of loan, you'll want to be careful with it. Pay it back in full and on time, and you won't have a problem. In fact, you may even improve your credit score by taking out the loan if you pay it back according to the terms of the loan. Most loans will be issued on a short-term basis and really are meant to cover unexpected expenses, not to finance something you want since the interest is so costly.

If you plan to apply for a guaranteed high risk personal loan, be sure to look around for the best offer. You may be able to find a company that will give you a really good deal and this could definitely save you some money. Lending sources are always interested in bringing in new business, so particularly if this is the first time taking out this type of loan, you may be able to get a lower interest rate than normal or avoid some fees. The best places to receive the loans are companies that specialize in them. The phone book or internet can help you do your research to find the best arrangement.

About the Author:

Dave teaches people about cheap guaranteed high risk personal loans and many other types of bad credit personal loans. You can take a look at other financial topics that Dave has written by visiting his site.

Home Buddies Economic Report Part 3 - Credit and Opportunities

By Cliff Pape

Over the past several weeks we have taken a bird's eye view of the US economy. In this post I will be addressing what we will likely see happening in mortgage and real estate markets in 2009. Finally, I will point out the unique opportunities that are available in this type of environment.

Credit Markets & Lending

It seems the biggest story coming out of 2008 is the Fed's announcement in November to buy up $600 billion in unsecured debt and mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The push is an attempt by the Federal Reserve and the Treasury to steer toward lower mortgage rates - not just lower short-term rates.

Whether the government will be able to accomplish it or not, the idea is to lower the cost and improve the investment of financing a property. The goal is to decrease debt costs to put potential investors or retail buyers with good credit back in the market to stabilize the economy.

Investors have always had the role of stabilizing property values after every bust and this cycle is no different. When investors and retail buyers begin to buy up property, values will start to recover which helps the banks' balance sheets. The good news for loan officers is that the cycle so far has been pretty predictable and we have long been anticipating a new refinance boom that usually comes after federal manipulation.

The Real Estate Market

There are a few things to keep an eye on in Houston. If housing permits continue to contract, it could be a while before the national residential real estate scene improves. Several markets such as Houston are still bucking the national trend, but, even in these markets, permits are beginning to contract which is pointing toward a slow-down as we head into 2009.

However, layoffs will be the big indicator leading into 2009. If we experience substantial job layoffs then the already fragile housing market could experience a deeper setback.

Investment Opportunities

The credit crisis has brought fear into markets whose economic fundamentals would not otherwise justify it. Therefore there may never be a better time to buy single family homes in Houston because the emotional fear does not match the fundamentals and prices have fallen below what they would otherwise warrant without the short-term, emotionally-driven fear.

In addition, with lending standards still remaining tight, many buyers are unable to credit-qualify to purchase a single family home. This is creating, and will continue to create, a great opportunity for savvy investors to pick up investment properties at undervalued prices.

About the Author:

Home Buddies is a Houston Credit Repair Coach for business and investors in real estate. Home Buddies' Credit Coaching Program takes clients through the process of restoring credit and overcomes the obstacles to financing properties and growing a portfolio.

The Different Pitfalls of College Loans

By Steve Collins

There are thousands of students who could not afford to go to college or to remain in college through their graduate school years without college loans. The fact that these loans are the only factor actively allowing some student to stay in school and graduate makes their value incalculable. The understanding that these loans will not have to be repaid until sometime in the seemingly distant future make college loans even more attractive. But that trying day will come, and a few months after leaving college, students are asked to begin paying back the college education loan.

If you have or are considering applying for college loans, there are a few things you should realize. College education loans are often your initial experience with becoming a borrower. It is essential that former students make it a priority to establish good financial habits. Students credit histories are usually short, and that can be a strike against you should you decide to apply for any other type of loan. Repaying your college education loans on time each month is an excellent way of building a respectable credit history.

You make an agreement to repay all college loans when you take on the money. There are serious penalties to those who disregard that fact. If you do not make your monthly payments, your credit report will reflect that for many years, making it incredibly difficult to get a car or home loan.

Your wages can be garnished. You can even be denied any tax refunds due you. College loans are not so much fun after you actually leave college, so if you have not applied yet, you might want to consider how much money you really want to borrow.

College loans afford excellent opportunities, but they come with serious adult expectations. Do not treat them lightly. They cannot only get you through college; they can be your initial introduction into the world of financial responsibility. Think of it as a way of proving yourself. Who knows? Responsible repayment of student loans may make you attractive to potential lenders, even with a brief history of financial behavior.

About the Author:

Steve Collins is an author and journalist. In these trying times, he knows the importance of obtaining effective Debt Solutions if necessary. Read his article about Debt Solutions here.

Credit Card Consolidation

By Caden Flynn

Finding your way out of debt can be difficult. However, if you find yourself in this position, there are some steps you can take. These options include credit card counseling and debt consolidation.

If you have many credit cards and are just falling deeper in debt, credit card counseling can help you. In this program, a counselor will help you to learn how to manage your debt. They will help educate you about credit card debt and give you the skills to find your way out of debt. This counseling will help you avoid the destructive spending habits you have acquired, and be more diligent about paying down the balance, two main issues which draw people into debt in the first place. They will teach you to be responsible with how you use the card, to avoid racking up even more debt.

When you begin the program, your final goal will be to be debt free. In order to pay off all of your debts, you must do whatever it takes. This means asking lots of questions when you meet with your counselor. If you don't understand the explanation, it is okay to ask again. You can also do research yourself. The point is that educating yourself about your debts can help you get out of them.

When you enter a credit card counseling program, one of the things they can help you with is debt consolidation. However, you'll want to do your own research to be sure that this is right for you, and understand the side effects of consolidating your debt.

For example, be sure to ask about whether you'll be able to use any of your credit cards during the debt consolidation process or for future balance transfer options. Because this is reserved for people with a lot of debt, most programs require that you give up the use of all of your cards just to obtain a good credit rating. This, of course, is the surest way to avoid adding to the balance while you're trying to pay it down. If you seriously want to get out of debt, you should stop using your cards. After all, overusing the cards and racking up a balance that you cannot pay off are what got you into debt in the first place.

When you decide on credit card counseling, make it your top priority to get rid of all of you debts. Carefully research the debt management company you choose, to make sure that they will be able to help you out of your specific situation. Stick with it, and you will be able to get out of debt and stay debt-free.

About the Author:

Knowing more helps you make better decisions, like on the topic of good credit balance transfer options. Drop by today at http://www.debtjerk.com/selecting-balance-transfer-credit-cards.html.

Wired Plastic Visa - Review

By Dan Moskel

The Wired Plastic Visa card is a prepaid credit card. You deposit money onto your card and then use your card to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATM's.

Your card is accepted online and over the phone. In addition it is accepted everywhere you see the visa logo displayed.

It is free to sign up for account alerts via e-mail and text messaging. It can also make hotel reservations or rent a car.

It has a very unique benefit; they offer card holders a rewards program. You can earn 1 point for every dollar you spend with your card.

You can redeem these points at participating retailers, this includes; Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon and more. Your points can be redeemed for; ring tones, music downloads, and toward your account balance.

It is issued by Bankfirst and offers free direct deposit. You will be expected to pay a $3.95 monthly fee, which is very low compared to other cards that charge $9.95 - $19.95 a month.

Your card can also be used to write physical checks. These checks can be written to pay your bills such as; cable, utilities, and rent. This will eliminate paying for costly money orders. Your card can be loaded with money through a bank transfer, pay pal, and at over 100,000 retail locations.

They offer guaranteed approval for this card regardless of your credit history. This card also gives you a 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason you can receive a full refund.

Your card will act just like a checking account. If you are in chexsystems it will eliminate the need to purchase money orders or pay check cashing fees.

To qualify for this card you must be 18 years or older. You must be able to comply with the patriot act to verify your identity and have a US resident address. They will not issue you a card if you only have a P.O. Box.

In sum we do suggest the Wired Plastic card. It works just like a bank account.

About the Author:

For a review of the prepaid account now visa or for a review of the prepaid rush card visit us.