Home equity for the

MSN Money - Home equity for the holidays MSN Home Hotmail My MSN Sign In Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Banking Home My Accounts Bill Pay Mortgages/Loans Services Credit Reports Financial Tools Track your bills Resources Decision Centers Home Buying Guide Home Financing Your Credit Rating Financial Privacy Better Banking Credit Card Smarts Bankruptcy Guide Commentary Index Related Links Manage Debt More on Budgeting Print-friendly version Send this to a friend See where rates stand Calculate your debt burden here Find a home-equity loan Find books on home buying Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site Map Recent articles by Bankrate.com: • Mortgage rates hit 18-month high , 11/2/2005 • Best deal? Go to the source , 10/27/2005 • When it pays to stay single , 10/24/2005 More... The Basics Home equity for the holidays advertisement Borrowing from a home-equity loan for holiday spending is tempting because of the lower rates and tax-deductible payments. But theres a huge risk involved. By Bankrate.com This season, many consumers will charge against the home for the holidays. They will use home-equity debt to pay for gifts and travel. Some will do it directly, paying for presents and airline tickets with charge cards tied to home-equity lines of credit. More will do it indirectly, by using equity to pay off credit-card balances that end up as bloated as a turkey-sated family. Home-equity debt traditionally has been spent on investments that bring some kind of return -- renovating houses, paying for college, starting small businesses. More recently, as consumers have become more clever about using debt, equity loans are seen as a cheaper, smarter way to consolidate debt and pay for such items as cars and furniture. But gifts and airline tickets to visit family? Believe it or not, bankers and consumer advocates agree that there are times when it's appropriate to pay for something so fleeting by charging it against the roof over your head. It's not exactly wise to go into debt to pay for presents, but if you're going to do it, you might as well do so as inexpensively as possible. Find a loan that's right for you at the Loan Center Debt for gifts "Don't let these things be excuses to be in debt. That's the issue," says Anthony Hsieh, president of Home Loan Center, an online lender based in Orange County, Calif. If you listen long enough to AM radio, you are likely to hear a holiday-themed sales pitch for these loans, which allow you to borrow money and use the accumulated equity in your home as collateral. Generally, it takes two to four weeks to get access to the money after you apply. Home-equity loans, also known as second mortgages, come in a lump sum. You repay them with equal monthly payments at a fixed rate for a specified period. Related news and commentary on MSN Money • Gift cards are not gifts • 15 worst holiday gift ideas • The fine art of holiday tipping: why, who and how much • The 13 worst holiday spending blunders • 12 rules for regifting without fear • 10 low-cost gifts from the heart Home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, on the other hand, work like credit cards. Instead of getting a lump sum, you start out with a credit line and can draw up to the credit line's limit. During the first years of the account, the minimum monthly payment covers only the interest on the balance. The rate is variable and usually is tied to the prime rate. The tax deduction On both kinds of equity debt, the interest you pay is deductible from your federal income taxes in most cases. That's the key, Hsieh says. If you decide to take some time to pay off your holiday debt, why not do it with tax-deductible interest? "Is it irresponsible to dig into equity (to pay for gifts?)" Hsieh asks. "Yes. But if you're going to get into debt and you're disciplined enough to pay it off in a predetermined time, there is an advantage to using a HELOC because the interest is deductible." Rudy Cavazos of Money Management International , a national, nonprofit credit-counseling agency based in Houston, agrees that buying things with low-rate home equity debt "beats using that credit card" with higher rates and no tax-deduction. But he's not sure every consumer understands all the differences between regular credit cards and cards tied to HELOCs, including the biggie: "You're placing your home on the line as security, as collateral, for these funds." No walking away from equity debt Sure, the HELOC has a lower rate and the interest is tax-deductible. But the regular credit card is unsecured, meaning that the balance is not backed by collateral -- so the debt can be wiped clean in some bankruptcies. Not so with a card tied to a HELOC. If you buy your godson a Christmas gift with your HELOC, you are pledging your house as collateral. You can't walk away from the debt, even in bankruptcy. This important point might not be stressed at the time of the loan application. That's why Cavazos recommends that consumers get some kind of loan counseling before they take out home-equity loans or get HELOCs. Consumer credit counseling agencies, such as MMI, often hold workshops or do one-on-one education for people who get home loans of all kinds. Cavazos hears radio advertisements all the time that urge listeners to use home equity as a way to consolidate debt "or improve their lifestyle in some way. That's all good, but you have to remember to educate yourself before you enter into these types of financial tools." When it comes to gifts and holiday travel, the best financial tool is to stay away from debt in the first place. Instead, use the financial tool that can't be beat: a savings account. 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Home Loans - Home Equity Loans from Ditech Home Loans - Home Equity Loans Home Equity Loans Home Loans : ditech.com is known as being a leader in the direct home equity loans industry. If you are looking for home loans Ditech can help you. We specialize in home equity loans . Ditech makes home equity loans quick and easy to understand. You won't get any surprises with our home loans. About Ditech Questions? Calculators Testimonials Live Chat Contact Us My Account Apply Now En Español -- Reach a home loan agent 24/7: New Purchase Overview Product Solutions Adjustable Rate Loan Home Strength Imperfect Credit 80/20 Program Overview Ditech $395 Flat Fee Moving Solutions Rates and Fees Rates at a Glance Payment Calculator Interest Rates Calculators Payment Calculator How Much Can I Afford? Free eAppraisal Frequent Questions Refinance Overview Product Solutions Adjustable Rate Loan Imperfect Credit Ditech $395 Flat Fee Rates and Fees Rates at a Glance Payment Calculator Interest Rates Calculators Payment Calculator Free eAppraisal Frequent Questions Home Equity Overview Product Solutions 125% Value Overview $49 2nd Mortgage Flat Fee Interest Only HELOC HELOAN vs. HELOC Benefit Comparison Detail Comparison Additional Research Home Improvements Financing Debt Consolidation Loan How Do Equity Loans Work? How Much Equity Do I Have? Types of Interest Types of Interest Rates Calculators Payment Calculator How Long to Pay Off My Credit Cards? Free eAppraisal Frequent Questions Home Equity Frequent Questions 125% Value Frequent Questions Loading Today's Rates... Assumptions Home loans as easy as Lower your payments with a low rate fixed for the first five years. read more Buy your dream home with a loan that is right for you Lower your interest rate with our no points, no broker fees $395 Flat Lender’s Fee. read more Lower your payments with our $395 Flat Lender's Fee Take advantage of our smallest flat fee $49 Second Mortgage Flat Lender’s Fee. read more Borrow up to 125% of your home's equity   Calculate Your Rate and Fee Options Your zip code   New Home Loans Solutions Looking to buy or build a new home and need to get pre-qualified? ditech.com has New Purchase loan products for you! read more Imperfect Credit? Had a setback? ditech.com has home loans for people with imperfect credit. read more Testimonials Hear what people across the U.S. have to say about ditech.com. Get Started Need help getting started? Home loan process overview Why ditech.com? free home appraisal get pre-qualified start loan process testimonials take our survey   print bookmark size + : size ++ : size +++ Equal Housing Opportunity Lender   A GMAC Financial Services Company Assumptions | Disclosures | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Security | Site Map State licensing © 2005 ditech.com

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Boston.com / Real estate Buying Renting Recent sales Place an ad Luxury Living Community data Financing Commercial Moving Guides Making an offer MORE Buying Guide: Step 1: What can I afford? Step 2: Find an Affordable Place Step 3. Home Buyer Counseling Step 4. Pre-Qualification Step 5. Making an Offer Step 6. Applying for a Mortgage Step 7. The Home Inspection Step 8. The Closing Process Get more information on home buying. Click here NEWS LINK NEWS LINK USEFUL LINKS Mass Housing pre-qualification Affordability calculator Income worksheet Debt worksheet Frequently asked questions RESOURCES For Sale: Homes | Condos | Open Houses For Rent: Apartments | Houses | Roommates Vacation rentals Place an ad: On Boston.com | In the Globe Commercial: Search listings for sale or rent TOOL KIT Printer-friendly version E-mail to a friend Once you've found the home that best meets your wants, needs and budget, it's time to make an offer. An offer is a formal bid for the property, and among other things, sets the amount you are willing to pay for the home. The Offer to Purchase is a signed contract and is therefore a legally binding commitment stating that you will buy the property provided certain terms and conditions are met. An accepted Offer to Purchase Real Estate must be in writing and must be signed by both parties; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not recognize verbal offers as valid. You might consider bringing your lawyer into the process before you sign anything, because an attorney can protect your interests as a first-time home buyer. Considerations Many factors come into play as you prepare to make an offer on a property. Carefully consider the following points: What is the condition and age of the house? What will be the cost of any repairs? Are the sellers willing to take on any of the repairs or closing costs? How long has the property been on the market? How active is the market? (i.e., buyers or sellers market) Are the sellers anxious to sell? Is the property in a particularly desirable location or school system? Does the house have everything or almost everything you've been looking for? Preparing the Offer When you are ready to make an offer to a seller or to the agent involved, do not offer more than you can afford. The offer should clearly outline all terms and conditions of the sale, including your name and the name of the party to whom the offer is made, the property's address, any special provisions regarding fixtures, appliances, etc., the total amount of the purchase price being offered (including the amount of deposit you are putting down to bind the offer and the additional deposit to be paid upon the execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement), and any additional riders and deadline dates. Real Estate Regulations for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can be obtained from www.mass.gov Timing and Deadlines Timing and deadlines are very important in real estate transactions. You should allow yourself enough time in the Offer to Purchase Real Estate to get an inspection, negotiate the Purchase and Sale Agreement, apply for and obtain mortgage financing, and set a closing date. Real estate deals often fail based on the inability to meet deadlines set forth in the offer. An Accepted Offer The seller may accept, reject or counter your offer. If there is a counter-offer, you may in turn accept, reject or counter. The negotiations between you and the seller could go on for several days and may be stressful at times. One way to mitigate stress during the negotiations is to involve a broker to mediate the process. It is important to remember that regardless of the progress of your negotiations, the house remains on the market during negotiations. Do I Need an Attorney? It is recommended that you retain an attorney when purchasing your first home. How will an Attorney help me? An attorney will protect your interests as a home buyer, and will: Help you negotiate a fair purchase price Help you prepare the Offer to Purchase Help you negotiate a more favorable purchase price if the home inspection uncovers significant problems Draft and/or revise the Purchase and Sale Agreement to protect you and your money Assist you with the mortgage process Prepare you for the final walk-through of the property Attend the closing and represent your interests. Tips for Successful Negotiations When negotiating the price of a home with the seller, you must analyze all of the relevant factors and determine who has the stronger bargaining position. Potential factors include market activity, location and timing. If the local market is active with many other buyers interested in the home, the seller may have the better position. If your local market is not active and the seller needs to sell the home, you may be in a better position to negotiate. For negotiating tips, Go The Purchase and Sale Agreement Once your offer has been accepted a Purchase and Sales agreement (normally the second contract between the buyer and the seller after the initial Offer to Purchase is signed) is drawn up by the broker. The Purchase and Sale Agreement spells out the agreement between the parties in specific detail. REMEMBER! This is a legally binding contract that should be reviewed by your attorney before you sign it. There are two types of Purchase and Sale Agreements: a Standard Form Purchase and Sale Agreement and a Condominium Purchase and Sales Agreement, which is designed specifically for issues associated with condominiums. It is a good idea to contact a broker to obtain copies of these forms. For a description of all components of a sales contract, Go Provisions and Contingencies By placing provisions and contingencies in your offer, you provide additional protections for you and your money. The Purchase and Sale Agreement should include a mortgage contingency clause, which states that your ability to buy the house is contingent upon your ability to obtain financing by an agreed upon date. Such a clause ensures that you do not lose your deposit on the house if your loan is not approved. Other contingencies should include acceptable home, termite, radon and lead paint inspections. The loan closing date and occupancy date should also be indicated in the agreement. For more information on provisions and contingencies, Go The Home Inspection What is the value of a home inspection? A satisfactory home inspection, although not required by law, is a major component of purchasing a home. A home inspection examines the condition of the property, and ensures that you are aware of any necessary repairs and potential problems before you buy the home. The buyer selects a licensed home inspector and pays for the inspection. The home inspection will cost a few hundred dollars but should be done; after all, uncovering problems before you buy could save you thousands. For more information, see Step 7: The Home Inspection . feedback | help | site map | advertising | globe archives | rss © 2006 The New York Times Company Real Estate Guide - Massachusetts Home Builder - New Home Construction

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real estate loan Related Links payday loan personal loan home improvement loan college loan online loan bad credit auto loan boat loan auto loan calculator fixed loan rv loan Here are the some of the best resources for real estate loan real estate loan A loan from a financial institution, such as a bank, to an individual. These kinds of loan are commonly used for expensive purchases such as a car, or an item of furniture, and do not necessarily have to be secured, for example on an asset. Personal loans tend to carry more risk for lenders than secured loans such as mortgages, and as such tend to carry higher interest rates. Commercial Commercial Commercial Mortgages, Commercial Loans, Commercial Real Estate ... Commercial mortgage loan broker offering commercial mortgages and commercial loans to meet all ... RealWebFunds is a national commercial mortgage loan broker and referral service. We are ... http://coastccu.web-loans.com/ Click here for our current Loan Masters: Commercial Outsource your commercial Real Estate ... for SBA Hard Money Loan, Fast Hard Money Real Estate Commercial Loan US ... Fast Hard Money Loan for Commercial & Residential Real Estate commercial financing explained financing rental cash flow analysis Web www.loanuniverse.com HOME Commercial Real Estate Consumer ... FINANCING COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AN INTRODUCTORY RANT If you want to skip this and just go directly ... Commercial Estate Loan Phoenix Real - Phoenix Real Estate Locate and understand commercial Commercial Mortgages & Commercial Loans - Steelhead Mortgage Brokers As a direct commercial mortgage and commercial The ->> Search another category Or Submit Your Link here credit cards offers credit card debt | online credit card