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	<title>Latest Finance News &#187; homeowners</title>
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		<title>How Do I Negotiate a Mortgage Refinance When I&#039;ve Lost My Job?</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/how-do-i-negotiate-a-mortgage-refinance-when-ive-lost-my-job.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/how-do-i-negotiate-a-mortgage-refinance-when-ive-lost-my-job.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:54:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[losing job]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[properties]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=695</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is a good question and has a simple answer. Due to the major changes in lending over the past two years, it has become more difficult for consumers to refinance. In addition, factors such as credit, loss of a &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/how-do-i-negotiate-a-mortgage-refinance-when-ive-lost-my-job.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is a good question and has a simple answer. Due to the major changes in lending over the past two years, it has become more difficult for consumers to refinance. In addition, factors such as credit, loss of a job and no home equity have made the problem even worse.</p>
<p>Right now, it&#8217;s impossible to get a mortgage if you are not working. When you apply for a loan, your bank will evaluate your credit, income and home equity. If you meet all the criteria, your employment is next. The underwriter or the decision maker will look at several things including length of time with your current employer, the gaps between jobs and whether your current job is related to your previous one. It is for these reasons that refinancing does not work or is ineffective for many homeowners as the economy has affected everybody negatively in some way.<span id="more-695"></span></p>
<p>So what is the best solution for a person who has lost his job and looking to negotiate a lower mortgage rate? A loan modification is the answer. It has the same benefits as a refinance. The results are permanent and qualifying is more relaxed. Although the process can be done directly with the bank, many homeowners are discovering that they can achieve far better results by hiring a professionally qualified loan modification company.</p>
<p>Although banks have become more agreeable to loan modifications, you must present a very strong, solid case to not only ensure success, but to maximize your payment reduction. The best way to do that is by using a reputable company. Think of it this way. If you have ever encountered a serious situation in which you needed to go to court, would you go alone? Of course not! Having legal representation in a court room ensures, prepares and gives you the confidence that you have taken all the necessary steps to ensure the best outcome. The same principle applies here. Remember, your lender is only looking out for their best interest, not yours. Much like in a court room, if you are not prepared, you are not going to be happy with the outcome.</p>
<p>The process of qualifying for a loan modification is completely different than that used for a refinance. Credit, income, equity in your home and employment are evaluated differently. In addition, your hardship is given great consideration. Although it may seem like a simple process, it&#8217;s not. To make matters even more complicated, the &#8216;rules&#8217; and guidelines chance constantly. Many of the Banks are understaffed and can&#8217;t handle the influx of consumer inquiries. This creates confusion and mistakes.</p>
<p>A good loan modification company already has established relationships with almost ever lender. They know who to call and how to avoid the maze of customer service representatives. In addition, through experience and repetition they know exactly how to build a successful modification plan for you and one that will be approved quickly. Your home is the focal point of your life, and such an important task should not be done without professional help.</p>
<p>So, if you are wondering about how to negotiate a mortgage refinance when you&#8217;ve lost your job, don&#8217;t worry, just modify your loan.</p>
<p>J Chase is a loan modification professional. He is affiliated with a national organization which has helped 1000s of homeowners save their properties while reducing their rate and mortgage payment at the same time. He has extensive knowledge of the internal and governmental modification programs available to help homeowners. For more information about these programs visit <a href="http://www.ezloanmodifiers.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ezloanmodifiers.com</a></p>
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		<title>Stop Foreclosure &#8211; So What is a Mortgage Loan Modification and How Does it Work?</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/stop-foreclosure-so-what-is-a-mortgage-loan-modification-and-how-does-it-work.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/stop-foreclosure-so-what-is-a-mortgage-loan-modification-and-how-does-it-work.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:21:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan modification]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=515</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Foreclosures are a problem encountered by many budding home owners and are sometimes unpreventable by conventional means. A foreclosure notice is seen by many as a sign of impending doom from which there is no release, but many prospective homeowners &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/stop-foreclosure-so-what-is-a-mortgage-loan-modification-and-how-does-it-work.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Foreclosures are a problem encountered by many budding home owners and are sometimes unpreventable by conventional means. A foreclosure notice is seen by many as a sign of impending doom from which there is no release, but many prospective homeowners fail to realize that there are methods of making a foreclosure stop in its tracks by a loan modification. Previously available only to the underprivileged or people who had fallen on hard times (Losing a job, Medical conditions, Divorce, excessive debt etc.) certain corporations are willing to provide the facility of a loan modification to the average Joe or Jane.</p>
<p>So what is a loan modification and how does it work? In short, a Loan Modification reduces the interest rate of a mortgage and defers some of the principle owed by the borrower to a more realistic level. To receive a mortgage modification one must give valid and logical reasons as to why a mortgage modification is required. The prerequisite for a mortgage <span id="more-515"></span>modification is based on financial, emotional or physical hardships. Valid reasons must be given for seeking a mortgage modification &#8212; not everyone can get one, but if you can provide even a couple of valid reasons for why you require one, your foreclosure notice will be a thing of the past. That&#8217;s not all; however, one must also provide credit reports, previous reports of bankruptcy and so on to ensure the integrity of the clients&#8217; claims. If everything adds up, you will receive a mortgage modification, and a portion of the principal you owe will be deferred to a later date making things much more manageable.</p>
<p>In short, stopping foreclosure with a loan modification is a viable exit strategy for most people facing imminent foreclosure. The proposed solution could save you from future hassles and make you say bye-bye to your financial issues with foreclosures.</p>
<p>For detailed information on How to Obtain a Loan Modification, visit <a href="http://mortgagemodificationtips.com/?page_id=11" target="_blank">MortgagemodificationTips.com</a></p>
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		<title>Why You Should Compare Refinance Rates</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/why-you-should-compare-refinance-rates.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/why-you-should-compare-refinance-rates.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:21:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refinance rate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=508</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A smart homeowner will compare refinance rates before they refinance their mortgage. Any consumer will tell you that comparison shopping is the best way to get the best deal. It goes the same way with refinancing options. Customer Reviews Independent &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/why-you-should-compare-refinance-rates.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A smart homeowner will compare refinance rates before they refinance their mortgage. Any consumer will tell you that comparison shopping is the best way to get the best deal. It goes the same way with refinancing options.</p>
<p>Customer Reviews</p>
<p>Independent customer reviews are a good place to start to compare rates. The reviews are typically honest, avoid testimonials that are attached to a lenders websites, these are largely pumped up to reflect only the best possible scenarios.<span id="more-508"></span></p>
<p>Websites</p>
<p>Shopping online is a great way to compare rates. There are a lot of independent websites that offer comparison tools and calculators to compare finance rates. You can collect data from many lenders this way and do an analytical comparison of refinance rates.</p>
<p>Word of Mouth</p>
<p>Ask around, ask friends and family who they refinanced with and compare the rates that they were given to offers that you have received before making a choice.</p>
<p>Key Points</p>
<p>When you compare finance rates do not forget to look at the bigger picture. Remember the rate alone is not the only issue. Whether it is a fixed rate loan or a flexible rate loan really does matter. Accepting a lower interest rate at the risk that it may increase over time is not the best option especially for a refinance.</p>
<p>The length of the loan is also a consideration, how long will the repayment period be? To compare refinance rates accurately all of this information needs to be taken into consideration.</p>
<p>Research is the best practice to compare refinance rates.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>FHA Mortgage Refinance Options</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/fha-mortgage-refinance-options.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/fha-mortgage-refinance-options.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:20:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[invest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refinance mortgage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=506</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Homeowners invest hard earned money into their homes year after year. Sometimes, homeowners use that investment for themselves and find it a great solution to a financial problem. Refinancing your mortgage with an FHA loan can be a great way &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/fha-mortgage-refinance-options.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Homeowners invest hard earned money into their homes year after year. Sometimes, homeowners use that investment for themselves and find it a great solution to a financial problem. Refinancing your mortgage with an FHA loan can be a great way to put that home equity to use.</p>
<p>Many homeowners use their homes equity to pay off debts, college tuition, home improvements, or anything else you will need help with financially. Remember though that an FHA refinance is only available to homeowners live in the home as a primary residence. They cannot be used for second, investment, or vacation properties.<span id="more-506"></span></p>
<p>FHA has a few different choices for homeowners who are thinking about an FHA mortgage refinancing:</p>
<p>FHA Cash Out Mortgage Refinance</p>
<p>This option is especially good for homeowners who have seen the value of their homes increase since they purchased it. Cash out mortgage refinance will allow a homeowner to refinance with a bigger loan than they have now, and pocket the difference. The home equity you have built up over the years is put to use in getting you a larger loan than you already have, and a large amount of cash.</p>
<p>While not all the time, it is better to get a cash out refinance after you have a decent amount of equity built up in your home. Typically, homeowners should have more than 20% equity in their home to consider a cash out refinance to ease financial problems. Another good thing is that this is usually a much better interest rate than a personal loan would be at.</p>
<p>Streamlined FHA Mortgage Refinancing Options</p>
<p>This is considered a streamlined option because it allows a homeowner to quickly reduce interest rates on their mortgage, often without an appraisal. This FHA streamline refinance option also reduces the amount of paperwork involved on the lenders side. This saves both time and money.</p>
<p>Homeowners who want to use the quick option need to already have an FHA mortgage which is in good standing. Also, it is necessary that the refinance does reduce your interest rates. While this option does not allow you to get cash back from your homes equity, it does quickly reduce your payments and interest rate. This is a great option for homeowners looking to minimize expenses and save as much money as possible.</p>
<p>At my site I will teach you how to properly refinance or modify a home mortgage saving you thousands of dollars, or even your home. A lot of Greedy Mortgage Lenders will try to suck you dry if you let them. Learn the right way to refinance or modify your home loan at my site: <a href="http://www.refinancingcondo.com/" target="_blank">http://www.refinancingcondo.com</a></p>
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		<title>Nonjudicial Foreclosure Process Creates Additional Hurdles For Homeowners</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/nonjudicial-foreclosure-process-creates-additional-hurdles-for-homeowners.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/nonjudicial-foreclosure-process-creates-additional-hurdles-for-homeowners.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:42:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nonjudicial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[property]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In nonjudicial foreclosure states, homeowners who believe they can fight back against the process face an additional challenge that borrowers in judicial states do not have to deal with. In a nonjudicial foreclosure process, the bank is able to proceed &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/nonjudicial-foreclosure-process-creates-additional-hurdles-for-homeowners.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In nonjudicial foreclosure states, homeowners who believe they can fight back against the process face an additional challenge that borrowers in judicial states do not have to deal with. In a nonjudicial foreclosure process, the bank is able to proceed with selling a home at a public auction with no involvement by the local court system. Authority for advertising and selling the property is given in the loan documents themselves.</p>
<p>The most important clause in the deed of trust document for homeowners in nonjudicial states is the &#8220;power of sale&#8221; clause. Through this, borrowers sign away their right to a fair and meaningful trial to determine if they are in default of the contract or not. The clause also authorizes the lender to follow a certain number of guidelines, meet state requirements for foreclosure, and then have the house auctioned out from under the borrowers.<span id="more-267"></span></p>
<p>All of this sounds like a gross violation of individuals&#8217; right to a speedy and meaningful trial, as well as due process rights, and many lawyers assisting borrowers in foreclosure situations tend to agree. The ability of the bank to inform the trustee of its intent to foreclose without providing any evidence of default, even to our admittedly imperfect justice system, gives these lenders a vast amount of power over deed of trust contracts.</p>
<p>Homeowners, it is argued, are able to defend against the process by filing their own lawsuit against the bank in county court and assert their rights and any defenses they have to the foreclosure. However, even this process works against borrowers, as they are now the ones in the position of proving their case against the bank. And court procedures may make the entire lawsuit too expensive to pursue.</p>
<p>For instance, many courts require that homeowners give security in the form of a bond if they are requesting a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the bank&#8217;s efforts to pursue foreclosure. The court decides the amount of the bond, and may require financially strapped borrowers to make monthly payments during the period of the lawsuit. This is designed to guarantee payment of court costs and other fees to the bank if it is decided the foreclosure was wrongfully prevented.</p>
<p>This bond requirement, if it is not waived, can present a significant problem for borrowers. While many courts have the authority to waive the bond, they may not always do so, unless the owners can show the bank will not be unreasonably harmed or there is a question of the validity of the deed of trust security instrument. Of course, lenders will fight for higher bonds to make defending the home almost impossible.</p>
<p>It is not only in nonjudicial states that borrowers may face the requirement for providing security in the form of a bond in order to have access to the courts. While it is most common in nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings, it may also be used in cases where homeowners are attempting to stop eviction after a trustee sale, stay a judgment of foreclosure when the case is being appealed, set aside a foreclosure auction, or in other similar circumstances.</p>
<p>Many courts have also found that the failure to post this bond is enough to make the challenge worthless. In one case, homeowners&#8217; appeal of a post-foreclosure eviction was thrown out because they had failed to post a bond. Homeowners attempting to save their homes from foreclosure need to be aware of the bond requirement and how important it is to courts that borrowers pay as much as (or more than) humanly possible in order to prevent foreclosure.</p>
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		<title>Homeowners Rejoice! &#8211; The Government Loan Modification Program</title>
		<link>http://refugeintl.org/homeowners-rejoice-the-government-loan-modification-program.html</link>
		<comments>http://refugeintl.org/homeowners-rejoice-the-government-loan-modification-program.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:43:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bhaswara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bush administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.refugeintl.org/?p=215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The economic recession began its ugly reign and in 2008 it bore down on the housing market forcing it to begin flailing greatly. To combat the decline, the then Bush Administration created a government funded loan modification program. The program &#8230; <a href="http://refugeintl.org/homeowners-rejoice-the-government-loan-modification-program.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The economic recession began its ugly reign and in 2008 it bore down on the housing market forcing it to begin flailing greatly. To combat the decline, the then Bush Administration created a government funded loan modification program. The program failed and needled to say, American homeowners were outraged and left to fight the mortgage companies for assistance.</p>
<p>2008 was an election year (hooray!) and the new President Obama made a move that would truly help the homeowners keep their property. His administration wrote up the Home Affordable program.<span id="more-215"></span></p>
<p>Among it was a new and improved government loan modification. The program wasn&#8217;t just better dressed, it literally renovated the requirements as well as offered $75 billion to financial institutions that&#8217;s intended to promote lenders in opening up loan modifications to homeowners seeking them.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that this government loan modification programs put the process of obtaining a modification much easier than it used to be. While the $75 billion of incentives and funding is obviously a drastic change the program offers a huge change that makes the requirements of loan modification loans more accessible.</p>
<p>In order to receive a loan modifications, the home that the modification was for must have retained a property value no less than 92%. The problem is that, there were only a handful of homeowner&#8217;s property fit that strenuous criteria. Most homes were nowhere close to holding a value near to the purchase value. So, most homeowners were not granted loan modifications.</p>
<p>Unlike its predecessor, this government loan modification program serves homeowners whose property values are under the 92% mark. While it is common it is also a discerning fact that such a grand amount of properties have declined in value to 60 and in some cases 40 percent below initial purchase value. That&#8217;s why this program is so revolutionary and necessary.</p>
<p>Let it be known that a greatly lowered property value doesn&#8217;t lower the principal of the loan an modification does very little to assist in that area. Mortgages are based on face purchase values and loan modifications truly lower and change interest rates and do not affect the property value.</p>
<p>Another immense benefit of the new program is that applicants who were previously denied a loan modification are now eligible to re apply and are not subject to comply to their disqualifications reasoning. So say you applied but you were not in financial hardship and you are now. The new program allows you to reapply with confidence. The recession has caused millions to become unemployed and if that isn&#8217;t financial hardship what is?</p>
<p>Apply without doubt, frustration or hesitation as the lenient new government loan modification program requirements are sure to give the assistance so many homeowners desperately seek.</p>
<p>For detailed facts and essential tips about how you can be approved for a Government loan modification, visit this simple, easy to understand loan modification guide and resource: <a href="http://homeloanmodifications101.com/" target="_blank">http://HomeLoanModifications101.com</a></p>
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