Home Loan

Home Equity Scams: Borrowers Beware! Home Equity Loans : Borrowers Beware! D o you own your home? If so, it's likely to be your greatest single asset. Unfortunately, if you agree to a loan that's based on the equity you have in your home, you may be putting your most valuable asset at risk. Homeowners-particularly elderly, minority and those with low incomes or poor credit-should be careful when borrowing money based on their home equity. Why? Certain abusive or exploitative lenders target these borrowers, who unwittingly may be putting their home on the line. Abusive lending practices range from equity stripping and loan flipping to hiding loan terms and packing a loan with extra charges. The Federal Trade Commission urges you to be aware of these loan practices to avoid losing your home. The Practices Equity Stripping You need money. You don't have much income coming in each month. You have built up equity in your home. A lender tells you that you could get a loan, even though you know your income is just not enough to keep up with the monthly payments. The lender encourages you to "pad" your income on your application form to help get the loan approved. This lender may be out to steal the equity you have built up in your home. The lender doesn't care if you can't keep up with the monthly payments. As soon as you don't, the lender will foreclose-taking your home and stripping you of the equity you have spent years building. If you take out a loan but don't have enough income to make the monthly payments, you are being set up. You probably will lose your home. Hidden Loan Terms: The Balloon Payment You've fallen behind in your mortgage payments and may face foreclosure. Another lender offers to save you from foreclosure by refinancing your mortgage and lowering your monthly payments. Look carefully at the loan terms. The payments may be lower because the lender is offering a loan on which you repay only the interest each month. At the end of the loan term, the principal-that is, the entire amount that you borrowed-is due in one lump sum called a balloon payment. If you can't make the balloon payment or refinance, you face foreclosure and the loss of your home. Loan Flipping Suppose you've had your mortgage for years. The interest rate is low and the monthly payments fit nicely into your budget, but you could use some extra money. A lender calls to talk about refinancing, and using the availability of extra cash as bait, claims it's time the equity in your home started "working" for you. You agree to refinance your loan. After you've made a few payments on the loan, the lender calls to offer you a bigger loan for, say, a vacation. If you accept the offer, the lender refinances your original loan and then lends you additional money. In this practice-often called "flipping"-the lender charges you high points and fees each time you refinance, and may increase your interest rate as well. If the loan has a prepayment penalty, you will have to pay that penalty each time you take out a new loan. You now have some extra money and a lot more debt, stretched out over a longer time. The extra cash you receive may be less than the additional costs and fees you were charged for the refinancing. And what's worse, you are now paying interest on those extra fees charged in each refinancing. Long story short? With each refinancing, you've increased your debt and probably are paying a very high price for some extra cash. After a while, if you get in over your head and can't pay, you could lose your home. The "Home Improvement" Loan A contractor calls or knocks on your door and offers to install a new roof or remodel your kitchen at a price that sounds reasonable. You tell him you're interested, but can't afford it. He tells you it's no problem-he can arrange financing through a lender he knows. You agree to the project, and the contractor begins work. At some point after the contractor begins, you are asked to sign a lot of papers. The papers may be blank or the lender may rush you to sign before you have time to read what you've been given. The contractor threatens to leave the work on your house unfinished if you don't sign. You sign the papers. Only later, you realize that the papers you signed are a home equity loan. The interest rate, points and fees seem very high. To make matters worse, the work on your home isn't done right or hasn't been completed, and the contractor, who may have been paid by the lender, has little interest in completing the work to your satisfaction. Credit Insurance Packing You've just agreed to a mortgage on terms you think you can afford. At closing, the lender gives you papers to sign that include charges for credit insurance or other "benefits" that you did not ask for and do not want. The lender hopes you don't notice this, and that you just sign the loan papers where you are asked to sign. The lender doesn't explain exactly how much extra money this will cost you each month on your loan. If you do notice, you're afraid that if you ask questions or object, you might not get the loan. The lender may tell you that this insurance comes with the loan, making you think that it comes at no additional cost. Or, if you object, the lender may even tell you that if you want the loan without the insurance, the loan papers will have to be rewritten, that it could take several days, and that the manager may reconsider the loan altogether. If you agree to buy the insurance, you really are paying extra for the loan by buying a product you may not want or need. Mortgage Servicing Abuses After you get a mortgage, you receive a letter from your lender saying that your monthly payments will be higher than you expected. The lender says that your payments include escrow for taxes and insurance even though you arranged to pay those items yourself with the lender's okay. Later, a message from the lender says you are being charged late fees. But you know your payments were on time. Or, you may receive a message saying that you failed to maintain required property insurance and the lender is buying more costly insurance at your expense. Other charges that you don't understand-like legal fees-are added to the amount you owe, increasing your monthly payments or the amount you owe at the end of the loan term. The lender doesn't provide you with an accurate or complete account of these charges. You ask for a payoff statement to refinance with another lender and receive a statement that's inaccurate or incomplete. The lender's actions make it almost impossible to determine how much you've paid or how much you owe. You may pay more than you owe. Signing Over Your Deed If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and the lender has threatened to foreclose and take your home, you may feel desperate. Another "lender" may contact you with an offer to help you find new financing. Before he can help you, he asks you to deed your property to him, claiming that it's a temporary measure to prevent foreclosure. The promised refinancing that would let you save your home never comes through. Once the lender has the deed to your property, he starts to treat it as his own. He may borrow against it (for his benefit, not yours) or even sell it to someone else. Because you don't own the home any more, you won't get any money when the property is sold. The lender will treat you as a tenant and your mortgage payments as rent. If your "rent" payments are late, you can be evicted from your home. Protecting Yourself You can protect yourself against losing your home to inappropriate lending practices. Here's how: Don't: Agree to a home equity loan if you don't have enough income to make the monthly payments. Sign any document you haven't read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign. Let anyone pressure you into signing any document. Agree to a loan that includes credit insurance or extra products you don't want. Let the promise of extra cash or lower monthly payments get in the way of your good judgment about whether the cost you will pay for the loan is really worth it. Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust. Do: Ask specifically if credit insurance is required as a condition of the loan. If it isn't, and a charge is included in your loan and you don't want the insurance, ask that the charge be removed from the loan documents. If you want the added security of credit insurance, shop around for the best rates. Keep careful records of what you've paid, including billing statements and canceled checks. Challenge any charge you think is inaccurate. Check contractors' references when it is time to have work done in your home. Get more than one estimate. Read all items carefully. If you need an explanation of any terms or conditions, talk to someone you can trust, such as a knowledgeable family member or an attorney. Consider all the costs of financing before you agree to a loan. For More Information The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues , visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR THE CONSUMER 1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov April 1998

Real Estate Investment Club

Jurock.com - British Columbia Real Estate Marketplace Special Christmas Offer from Jurock.com Your Ad Here Real Estate Experts LOG IN | EDIT PREFERENCES Ask a Tax Expert with David Ingram I am a Canadian citizen living in the USA. They always tell me to leave my RRSPs untouched in Canada, but I would like to use that money to buy a house in Florida. Will it make sense to take the money for this? I am planning to stay here in the USA. Read More Ask a Property Manager of Individual Homes with Denise Barker, RI(BC) Myself and my boyfriend moved into an older house in early fall, now it's full winter and we realized our woodstove lets out tons of smoke every time we open it. We try to open as little as possible but we have to put wood in to keep it going. So my ... Read More A comprehensive directory - actively maintained since 1996 Appraisals Builders and Contractors Careers and Education Developers Developments Financing Government Sites Guides and Directories Home Inspectors Insurance Investments Law Mortgage Brokers Professional Associations Property Management Real Estate Companies Realtors Recreational Property Relocating Rental Property Selling Tax Chestnuts On The Laptop, Champagne Corks In Your Eye! Facts by Email Toronto: Big Players See Potential And They May Be Right Victoria Rental Market Remains Best In Country Saskatoon Commercial Real Estate Market Has Potential What To Do When The Vendor Gets Cold Feet The 'Loon' Of The Week Friday, December 16, 2005 Pre-Sales: Are Developers Leaving Something On The Table? Or Will Buyers Feast? Insider Newsletter Condominium pre-sales in Greater Vancouver have become so common that there is little thought anymore that people are willing to lineup for hours to pay $500 a square foot for a suite they have never seen and won't be able to move into for two years or more. Latest topics from our forums whistler, whats new? Squamish pulp mill closes 2006 predictions double-ended double tricks/ Bubble, Bubble -- Then Trouble Upload listings FREE Virtual Tours Buying a Home Home Listings, Loan Info, Home Prices... Selling a Home Market analysis, Tips on Selling, Find a good realtor... Renting Rentals Search, Post your rentals Tenant Info... Commercial Commercial Listings, expert advice, Cap Rates Info... Recreational Recreational listings, insights, market reviews... Financing Mortgage Quotes, Interest Rates, Finance Calculators... THIS WEEK: Ozzie Jurock: Tips for Condo Pre-sales More Videos Real Estate Action Weekend The Insider Newsletter $297 know the latest trends learn expert investment techniques get weekly scoops on the best real estate deals plus more Personal Real Estate Business Plan $97 Create the plan that will help guide you to success See All Our Products >> Email Dispatch - Free Free weekly email with the latest Ask an Expert, mortgage rates, Real Estate Deals, and more Rental Listings #1107 - 1199 Marinaside Cr., Vancouver Downtown Condo/Apartment, - More Rentals - New Rentals This Week Your Ad Here Privacy | Security | Site Map | Advertising | FAQ | Masthead | Contact Us REAG: Canadian Real Estate Investment Club Reproduction of material from any Jurock.com pages without written permission is strictly prohibited. 2005 Jurock International Net. All rights reserved. Powered by FeatureWeb

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Real Estate Agency Disclosure Laws  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Home Buying / Selling Real Estate Agency Disclosure Laws Most states in the US require real estate agents to disclose who they work for, buyer or sellers or both. Some disclosures can be verbal and others must be in writing. Find out what type of disclosure the real estate agents in your state should make. Scroll down for disclosure table. State Disclosure Required? Find Details Alabama Yes: Transaction Brokerage, Single Agency, Limited Consensual Dual Agency A Consumer Information Booklet (pdf) Alaska Yes: Written agency disclosures required. Real Estate Commission Statutes (pdf) Arkansas Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Agency Representation (pdf) California Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Agency Relationship Disclosure Colorado Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Brokerage Relationships (pdf) Georgia Yes: Written agency disclosure required. License Law Rules & Regulations (pdf, page 51) Hawaii Yes: Written or oral agency disclosure required. Real Estate Rules (pdf, page 10) Idaho Yes: Disclosure will focus on the differences between a "customer" and a "client;" dual agency explained. Agency Disclosure Brochure (pdf) Illinois Disclosure requirements unclear in online materials. If you are an Illinois agent, I'd appreciate clarification . Agency Relationships Iowa Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Customer or Client, the Choice is Yours (pdf) Kansas Agents must give you the brochure: "Real estate brokerage relationships." Overview of Brochure Kentucky Yes: Written agency disclosure required. Consumer Information Brochure (A specific agency brochure is mentioned, but I could not find it online; ask your agent) Louisiana Agents should provide you with an information pamphlet. Agency Disclosure Pamphlet (pdf) Maine Agents should provide you with a disclosure form. Agency Disclosure Form (pdf) Maryland Seller Agency disclosure required at first substantial meeting. Disclosure Information Massachusetts Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Information Michigan I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Michigan State Board Missouri Yes. Disclosure is required. Missouri Broker Disclosure Form (pdf) Nevada Yes. Disclosure should be made "as soon as is practicable." Duties Owed by a Nevada Real Estate Licensee (pdf) New Hampshire Yes. You must be given an Agency Disclosure Form. Agency Disclosure Forms New Mexico I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. New York Yes. Disclosure is required. Real Estate Agency Disclosure Form (pdf) North Carolina Yes. Written disclosure is required. Working with Real Estate Agents (pdf) Ohio Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Disclosure Statement (pdf) South Carolina Yes. Disclosure is required. Consumer Information Brochure (pdf) South Dakota Yes. Disclosure is required. Real Estate Consumer Guide Tennessee I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Utah I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Virginia I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Washington Yes. Disclosure is required. Agency Law (pdf) West Virginia Yes. Disclosure is required. Notice of Agency Relationship (pdf) Wisconsin I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. Wyoming I did not find specific information about agency disclosure on the Web site. A few states are missing and will be added as they are found. State Web sites have a habit of frequently changing their links. If you find a link that goes to different information, I'd appreciate it if you would send me an email so that I can update this file. Talk About Real Estate From Janet Wickell , Your Guide to Home Buying / Selling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! 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Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...

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Maine Home Mortgage Home Page. Welcome to Maine Home Mortgage Choose Experience and the Lowest Mortgage Rates in Maine . Serving Maine for over 15 years . Now is the perfect time to take advantage of low interest ratesto purchase real estate in Maine or refinance a mortgage in Maine. Use our web site to applyfor a mortgage online , use our home mortgage tools , view our home loan programs , contactus , or learn more aboutus ! It only takes 10 minutes to apply for a Maine Home Mortgage by phone or online! Local: 1-800-LOW-RATE / Out of State: 1-800-471-5730 Free Credit Report with Mortgage Application! We offer a variety of loan application options , including a Quick Application, a Standard Application, and a 5 Step Application that allows you to log in and complete your mortgage application later. To see how easy it is to apply for a mortgage online with Maine Home Mortgage, click here . Whatever your Maine mortgage residential financing needs, we will tailor a home loan that's right for you: Purchase Refinance Construction Home Improvement Home Equity Loans Investment Properties 100% Financing Debt Consolidation Loans Stated Income Loans Damaged Credit Loans! VA/FHA Seasonal Properties And more ! Distressed Credit? Get Answers Here! SELECTED RATES. CHECK MENU FOR MORE Rate APR Disc. Points 30 Year Fixed 6.125% 6.182% 0.000 20 Year Fixed 6.000% 6.076% 0.000 15 Year Fixed 5.875% 5.970% 0.000 30 Year Fixed Jumbo 6.375% 6.384% 0.000 15 Year Fixed Jumbo 6.000% 6.015% 0.000 3/1 ARM 5.750% 7.224% 0.000 5/1 Year ARM 5.875% 8.336% 0.000 Assumptions Apply Now! Portland Lewiston Bangor Augusta Maine Home Mortgage, your experienced, statewide mortgage lender and mortgage broker, offering the lowest rates for all kinds of home loans, whether for purchase or refinance. Check rates and apply on-line, or call 1-800-471-5730. It only takes a five minutes, so apply now. Equal Housing Lender. © 2005 Maine Home Mortgage. Trade/service marks are the property of Maine Home Mortgage and/or its subsidiaries. Back to Top | Apply Now | Contact Us | Home | Privacy | Licensing DESIGNED AND POWERED BY ETRAFFICERS, LLC .

Home Equity Loans &

Wachovia Home Equity Loans and Lines Home | Customer Service | Contact Us | Locations Search Tips Personal Finance Wealth Management Small Business Corporate & Institutional Home Personal Finance Lending Center Home Equity Loans & Lines Online Services Center Banking Center Investing Center Retirement Center Lending Center Mortgage Loans Home Equity Loans & Lines Education Loans Credit Cards Vehicle Loans Secured Personal Loans Insurance Center Planning Guides Customer Service H OME E QUITY L OANS AND L INES Check Current Home Equity Rates   You can put the value of your home to work with a Home Equity Loan or a Prime Equity Line of Credit. Home equity products typically offer lower interest rates than many other types of loans and, just like your mortgage, the interest you pay may be 100% tax deductible. (Consult a tax advisor concerning interest deductibility.) Home Equity Loans Home Equity Loans (Apply Now) Borrow a specific dollar amount against the equity in your home, with a fixed rate. Home Equity Lines of Credit Prime Equity Lines of Credit (Apply Now) A flexible line of credit against the equity in your home that you can draw from when you need it. Not sure which product is right for you? Home Equity Comparison Charts Email This Page Printer Friendly Version All loans and lines of credit are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Initial decision is subject to your meeting specific underwriting requirements and final approval will be based upon your satisfying those requirements. Loans originated by Wachovia Mortgage Corporation, Wachovia Bank, National Association, or Wachovia Bank of Delaware, National Association. Products not available in all states and are subject to change without notice. Member FDIC Personal Finance Login Home Equity Application Contact Us Home Equity Loans Locations ATM/Branch Locations Related Links Loan Amount Estimator Loan Payment Calculator Financial Checkup Debt Consolidation Email Series Customer Satisfaction Rating Personal Finance Customer Service Personal Finance Contacts Home Equity FAQs Personal Finance FAQs Site Map Glossary Search Text Only About Wachovia | Privacy | Security | Legal | Merger © 2005 Wachovia Corporation. All rights reserved.