Denver Real Estate Site
Buy Denver real estate; relocation info Buy Denver real estate Denver Neighborhood Profiles The Denver Metro area consists 50 municipalities and counties that comprise the Denver area. The following links are some of the neighborhoods to consider in your relocation Arvada NW Metro Denver region Aurora E & SE Metro Denver region Brighton NE Metro Denver region Broomfield N Metro Denver region Boulder NW Metro Denver region Castle Rock South Metro Denver region Cherry Hills South Metro Denver region Conifer SW Denver mountain region Commerce City NE Metro Denver region Denver City and County of Denver Englewood South Metro Denver Evergreen West Mountain region Greenwood Village South Metro Denver region Golden West foothills of Metro Denver Highlands Ranch South Metro Denver region Ken Caryl SW Metro Denver region Lafayette N Metro Denver region Lakewood West Metro Denver region Littleton SW Metro Denver region Loft Living Downtown Denver Louisville N Metro Denver region Lone Tree SE Metro Denver region Morrison SW Metro Denver region Northglenn NE Metro Denver region Parker SE Metro Denver region Thornton NE Metro Denver region Westminster N Metro Denver region search Denver Real Estate Site Denver Denver real estate is exciting to discuss with people relocating to the Denver metro area. We have a diverse economy, a highly educated population, progressive leadership and a beautiful setting on the high plains of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. While most people are under the impression that Colorado, including Denver is hip deep in snow all winter long, happy residents know the truth. The snow gets deep in the high country while Denver enjoys sunny, mild weather with only occasional snowy days to break up the boredom! Over the past decade Denver has enjoyed a renaissance, adding a world class international airport, DIA, a new Bronco football stadium, Invesco Field at Mile High, baseball park, Coors Field for the Colorado Rockies, a massive entertainment facility and home of the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche are just of few of the new additions to the city. These days more history is in the making with the construction of additional Light Rail lines and the infamous T-REX the construction project we all love to hate. As a commuter myself, I love watching the road change each week as they progress continues. It won't be long before it is done and we will be one more step into a modern future far from the Wild West Frontier Days of the past. Denver Economy Denver's diverse economy in a variety of industries make a home in Colorado; telecommunications, aerospace, financial services, computer software, biomedical and many other high tech sectors offer employment here. Major employers in Denver include Comcast, Level 3 Communications, Qwest Communications, Lockheed Martin, Xcel Energy and Sun Microsystems. Metropolitan Denver doubled in population from 1960 to 2000. The actual growth rate was 2.4%. Interestingly the age of the population is now very close to the same age of the U.S. median population age of 34.4 years. Denver real estate The cost of living in Denver is less than most major cities in the U.S. but higher than many. Housing availability is currently very good, with single family homes beginning in the high $100,000 and going up from there. (For additional pricing information visit the Maps and Stats page ) Denver accommodates a variety of lifestyles in homes from lofts, condos, high rises to single family homes. If you are considering moving to Denver , you will enjoy doing your research here on this site. As questionsoccur, please feel free to e-mail me or telephone me (toll free 800-319-7738). I specialize in helping people relocate to the Denver and the Denver Metro area.My experience and knowledge is available for home buyers who need help. So if that's you, call on me. Source eNeighborhoods Kristal Kraft , ABR, CIPS, CRS Licensed real estate broker selling Colorado Since 1984 The Berkshire Group Realtors, Inc. 3801 E. Florida Ave, Suite 502, Denver, Colorado U.S.A. 80210 800-319-7738 toll free | 303-589-2022 direct | 720-554-7961 fax E-mail: Kristal Kraft, Realtor 1998-2005, © Reflective Motion Inc. | Privacy Policy | Site Credits | Disclaimer | Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Denver Relocation | Buy a Home In Denver | Sell a Home in Denver | Denver Map | Denver Neighborhood Profiles | Denver Sales Statistics | International Real Estate | A Bio | My Favorite Places | Real Estate Resources Denver Loft Homes | The Berkshire Group | Buy and Sell Denver | We Sell Denver | Denver Colorado Real Estate | Denver Blog
Real Estate Agent
DOL - Real Estate Real Estate WELCOME to the website for the Real Estate program of the Business and Professions Division of the Department of Licensing. The Real Estate program, in conjunction with the Washington Real Estate Commission, provides public protection in the real estate marketplace through the education and licensure of real estate brokers and salespersons. The Washington Real Estate Commission is appointed by the Governor to advise the Director regarding the rules and regulations governing the activities of real estate licensees. The commission is authorized to hold educational conferences and authorized to prepare and conduct examinations for licensure. WHAT'S NEW: Online Renewal Service Available Real Estate Licensees now have the option of renewing online. The online renewal process can be used to provide continuing education and renewal payment information using a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card, along with a unique password, which will be shown on your Notice to Renew. When the Renewal process is complete, a confirmation screen will be displayed that you can print for your records. Your license will be sent to the address on file within 14 business days.This alternative approach to renewing will provide a convenient and efficient process that is currently in use by many other departments. If you have any questions, please contact Real Estate Licensing by calling (360) 664-6500 or via email at RealEstate@dol.wa.gov . New Real Estate Administrator Mr. Lee Malott has accepted the Real Estate Administrator position.Lee comes to us from the east side of the mountains from the great city of Walla Walla and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him from the private sector. Lee has 10 years experience as a real estate salesperson and has been a memberof the Washington Association of Realtors. His most recent years of his career have been spent successfully in the hospital administration arena--leading large groups of employees working in hospital/nursing home settings. Lee will join us on Monday, October 17th as Real Estate, Appraiser, Timeshareand Camp Resort Section Administrator. 18.85 RCW Revision Task Force Information Join our mailing list - If you are interested in becoming a subscriber, you can sign onto the DOL Real Estate Program LISTSERV® today. There is no cost to subscribe and you may delete your address at any time. Change in Real Estate Fees - Effective June 27, 2005, the Department of Licensing is suspending the collection of the $26.50 fee for name and address changes and transfer. (WAC 308-124A-460) As a reminder, requests for the above changes postmarked before June 27, 2005 must still submit the required fee. Questions? Call (360) 664-6500 or email realestate@dol.wa.gov. As part of the Department of Licensing's ongoing initiative to ensure that real estate licensees endeavoring to earn the broker's (or associate broker's) license are receiving appropriate pre-license training, the Washington Center for Real Estate Research (WCRER) is coordinating a curriculum review. The current contents of the Brokerage Management and Business Management courses were adopted in late 1995 or early 1996, and have not been substantially reviewed until now. If you have recently taken either or both of those courses and have suggestions for modification to their content or emphasis, please forward your suggestions to the WCRER at wcrer@wsu.edu. Prescribed Core Curriculum Requirement The Washington State Real Estate Commission and Department of Licensing have adopted new rules that will require the completion of 3 clock hours of prescribed core curriculum, beginning with renewal dates on or after June 1, 2004. Core CurriculumRequirement Scenarios Notice to all Active Real Estate Licensees and Real Estate Schools Recognition Agreements Check the statusof a professional license. - An Internet-based application designed to give you access to Professional Licensing data. You can navigate the system using full and partial name, license number and other search criteria to perform searches for professional licensing information. FEATURES: Audit Guidelines Real Estate Resources - ARELLO Publications available. Washington State Guidelines for Advertising and Procuring Prospects on the Internet - Adopted September 19, 2000 Guidelines for Using Unlicensed Assistants SERVICES PROVIDED: Washington Real Estate Salesperson's License. Washington Real Estate Broker's License. Information on Examination Locations and Times. Information on Education Services and Publications. Prescribed Core CurriculumRequirement The department has revised its course approval application toprovide for approved providers to designate a course as including theprescribed curriculum. (Word Document) Information on Washington Center for Real Estate Research. - (To be able to use this link, your browser will need to support frames.) PUBLICATIONS: Real Estate Course Catalog Real Estate License Disciplinary Guidelines Washington Real Estate Curriculums For Real Estate related questions please e-mail RealEstate@dol.wa.gov . For Real Estate Audit related questions please e-mail ReAudit@dol.wa.gov . Mailing Address: Department of Licensing Real Estate Audit Section PO Box 2445 Olympia, WA 98507-2445 Phone Number: (360) 664-6515 Fax Number: (360) 570-4941 Please view the right side of this website for the various Real Estate licensing section's telephone and fax numbers. What's New Fees Forms Services Features Publications Meetings & Minutes FAQs Professional Licensing Internet Query Brokers License Salespersons License Appraisers Main Page Real Estate Education Washington Real Estate Commission Real Estate Complaint Form Real Estate Licensing Program Disciplinary Actions Washington Real Estate Licensing Law: RCW 18.85 Real Estate Brokerage Relationships: RCW 18.86 General Provisions: WAC 308-124 Licensing & Exams WAC 308-124A Brokers Office WAC 308-124B Records WAC 308-124C Operational Procedures WAC 308-124D Trust Accounts WAC 308-124E Education WAC 308-124H URBP - RCW 18.235 Telephone: Salesperson & Brokers Licensing Section: (360) 664-6488 or (360) 664-6500 Fax: (360) 586-0998 Education Section: (360) 664-6505 Fax: (360) 570-4977 Real Estate Audit Section: (360) 664-6515 Fax: (360) 570-4941 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fees Accepted: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday Write: Department of Licensing Real Estate Program PO Box 9015 Olympia, WA 98507-9015 Business Location: 2000 4th Avenue West, Olympia, WA 98502 E-Mail: RealEstate@dol.wa.gov ReAudit@dol.wa.gov
home equity loan or
FRB: Putting Your Home on the Loan Line Is Risky Business ESPAÑOL Are you in need of cash? Do you want to consolidate your debts? Are you receiving home equity loan or refinancing offers that seem too good to be true? Does your home need repairs that contractors tell you can be easily financed? If you are a homeowner who needs money to pay bills or for home repairs, you may think a home equity loan is the answer. But not all loans and lenders are the same--you should shop around. The cost of doing business with high-cost lenders can be excessive and, sometimes, downright abusive. For example, certain lenders--often called "predatory lenders"--target homeowners who have low incomes or credit problems or who are elderly by deceiving them about loan terms or giving them loans they cannot afford to repay. Borrowing from an unscrupulous lender, especially one who offers you a high-cost loan using your home as security, is risky business. You could lose your home and your money. Before you sign on the line, Think about your options Do your homework Think twice before you sign Know that you have rights under the law Think about Your Options If you’re having money problems, consider these options before you put your home on the loan line. Talk with your creditors or with representatives of non-profit or other reputable credit or budget counseling organizations to work out a plan that reduces your bill payments to a more manageable level. Contact your local social service agency, community or religious groups, and local or state housing agencies. They may have programs that help consumers, including the elderly and those with disabilities, with energy bills, home repairs, or other emergency needs. Contact a local housing counseling agency to discuss your needs. Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development toll-free at 800-569-4287 or visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm to find a center near you. Talk with someone other than the lender or broker offering the loan who is knowledgeable and you trust before making any decisions. Remember, if you decide to get a home equity loan and can’t make the payments, the lender could foreclose and you would lose your home. If you decide a loan is right for you, talk with several lenders, including at least one bank, savings and loan, or credit union in your community. Their loans may cost less than loans from finance companies. And don’t assume that if you’re on a fixed income or have credit problems, you won’t qualify for a loan from a bank, savings and loan, or credit union--they may have the loan you want! Do Your Homework Contact several lenders--and be very careful about dealing with a lender who just appears at your door, calls you, or sends you mail. Ask friends and family for recommendations of lenders. Talk with banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and other lenders. If you choose to use a mortgage broker, remember they arrange loans but most do not lend directly. Compare their offers with those of other direct lenders. Be wary of home repair contractors that offer to arrange financing. You should still talk with other lenders to make sure you get the best deal. You may want to have the loan proceeds sent directly to you, not the contractor. Comparison shop. Comparing loan plans can help you get a better deal. Whether you begin your shopping by reading ads in your local newspapers, searching on the Internet, or looking in the phone book, ask lenders to explain the best loan plans they have for you. Beware of loan terms and conditions that may mean higher costs for you. Get answers to these questions and use the worksheet to compare loan plans: Interest Rate and Payments What are the monthly payments? Ask yourself if you can afford them. What is the annual percentage rate (APR) on the loan? The APR is the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. You can use the APR to compare one loan with another. Will the interest rate change during the life of the loan? If so, when, how often, and by how much? Term of Loan How many years will you have to repay the loan? Is this a loan or a line of credit? A loan is for a fixed amount of money for a specific period of time; a line of credit is an amount of money you can draw as you need it. Is there a balloon payment--a large single payment at the end of the loan term after a series of low monthly payments? When the balloon payment is due, you must pay the entire amount. Points and Fees What will you have to pay in points and fees? One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount (1 point on a $10,000 loan is $100). Generally, the higher the points, the lower the interest rate. If points and fees are more than 5 percent of the loan amount, ask why. Traditional financial institutions normally charge between 1 and 3 percent of the loan amount in points and fees. Are any of the application fees refundable if you don’t get the loan? How and how much will the the lender or broker be paid? Lenders and brokers may charge points or fees that you must pay at closing or add on to the cost of your loan, or both. Penalties What is the penalty for late or missed payments? What is the penalty if you pay off or refinance the loan early (that is, is there a pre-payment penalty)? Credit Insurance Does the loan package include optional credit insurance, such as credit life, disability, or unemployment insurance? Depending on the type of policy, credit insurance can cover some or all of your payments if you can't make them. Understand that you don’t have to buy optional credit insurance--that’s why it’s called “optional.” Don’t buy insurance you don’t need. Credit insurance may be a bad deal for you, especially if the premiums are collected up-front at the closing and financed as part of the loan. If you want optional credit insurance, ask if you can pay for it on a monthly basis after the loan is approved and closed. With monthly insurance premiums, you don't pay interest and you can decide to cancel if the premiums are too high or if you believe you no longer want the insurance. After you have answers to these questions, start negotiating with more than one lender. Don’t be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete for your business by letting them know you are shopping for the best deal. Ask each lender to lower the points, fees, or interest rate. And ask each to meet--or beat--the terms of the other lenders. Once You’ve Selected a Lender, Get the Following A “Good Faith Estimate” of all loan charges. The estimate must be sent within 3 days of applying. Blank copies of the forms you’ll sign at closing, when the loan is final. Study them. If you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation. Advance copies of the forms you’ll sign at closing with the terms filled in. A week or two before closing, contact the lender to find out if there have been any changes in the Good Faith Estimate. By law, you can inspect the final settlement statement (also called the HUD-1 or HUD-1A form) one day prior to closing. Study these forms. Write down any questions you want to ask. Think Twice before You Sign Have a knowledgeable friend, relative, attorney, or housing counselor review the Good Faith Estimate and other loan papers before you sign the loan contract. Be sure the terms are the same ones you agreed to. For example, a lender should not promise one APR and then--without good reason--increase it at closing. Refer to the list of questions you’ve written down. Ask where these terms are covered in the loan contract. And ask for an explanation of any dollar amount or term you don’t understand. Don’t let anyone rush you into signing the loan contract. Make sure all promises, oral and otherwise, are put in writing. It’s only what’s in writing that counts. Get a copy of the documents you signed before you leave the closing. Don’t Sign on the Dotted Line if the Lender … Tells you to falsify information on the loan application (for example, suggests that you write down more income than you really have). Pressures you into applying for a loan for more money than you need, or one that has monthly payments larger than you can afford. Promises one set of terms but gives you another with no good reason for the change. Tells you to sign blank forms or forms that aren't completely filled in. If an item is supposed to be blank, draw a line through the space and initial it. Pressures you to sign today. A good deal today should be available tomorrow. Know that You Have Rights under the Law You Have 3 Business Days to Cancel the Loan If you're using your home as security for a home equity loan (or for a second mortgage loan or a line of credit), federal law gives you 3 business days after signing the loan papers to cancel the deal--for any reason--without penalty. You must cancel in writing. The lender must return any money you have paid to date. Do You Think You've Made a Mistake? Has the 3-day period during which you may cancel passed and you're worried that you've gotten in over your head? Do you think your loan fees were too high? Do you believe you were steered into monthly payments you can't afford? Has your lender repeatedly pressured you to refinance? Is your loan covered by insurance you don't need or want? If you think you've been taken advantage of, state and federal laws may protect you. Also, the following organizations may be able to help: Your local or state bar association--sometimes listed under "Lawyers Referral Service" in the Yellow Pages of your phone book. The association may be able to refer you to low-cost or no-cost lawyers who can help. Your local consumer protection agency, state attorney general’s office, or state office on aging, listed in the Blue Pages of your phone book. Your local fair housing group or affordable housing agency, housing counseling agency, or state housing agency. You can learn more about credit and home equity loans by visiting the federal government’s web site for consumers, www.consumer.gov (see the Home and Community section). If you don’t have access to the Internet, ask a friend or relative to get the information for you. Or visit your local library or senior center, which may offer you free access to the Internet on their computers. For More Information State Banks that Are Members of the Federal Reserve System Division of Consumer and Community Affairs Mail Stop 801 Federal Reserve Board Washington, DC 20551 (202) 452-3693 www.federalreserve.gov Federally Insured State Non-Member Banks and Savings Banks Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Consumer Response Center 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 (877) 275-3342 www.fdic.gov National Banks and National Bank-Owned Mortgage Companies Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Customer Assistance Group 1301 McKinney Street Suite 3450 Houston, TX 77010 (800) 613-6743 www.occ.treas.gov Federally Insured Savings and Loan Institutions and Federally Chartered Savings Banks Office of Thrift Supervision Consumer Programs 1700 G Street, N.W., 6th Floor Washington, DC 20552 (800) 842-6929 www.ots.treas.gov Federal Credit Unions National Credit Union Administration Office of Public and Congressional Affairs 1775 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 518-6330 www.ncua.gov For state-chartered credit unions, contact your state's regulatory agency. Mortgage Companies and Other Lenders Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20580 (877) FTC-HELP (877-382-4357, toll free) www.ftc.gov Other Information Sources U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Housing and Civil Enforcement Section, NWB Washington, DC 20580 (202) 514-4713 www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/index.html Federal Housing Finance Board 1777 F Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 (202) 408-2500 www.fhfb.gov Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20410 800-669-9777 (voice) 800-927-9275 (TTY) www.hud.gov Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) 1700 G Street, N.W. 4th Floor Washington, DC 20552 (202) 414-6922 www.ofheo.gov Adobe acrobat version of text for printing (119 KB PDF) is formatted for printing on two sides of a 11 x 17" sheet of paper. Fold the paper in half. The PDF contains a fillable area on the back panel for you to provide your own contact information. Worksheet for printing (58 KB PDF) Obtaining the Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Web Site This information was prepared by the following federal agencies: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Housing Finance Board, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, National Credit Union Administration, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Office of Thrift Supervision. Home | Brochures Accessibility | Contact us Last update: March 24, 2004
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Weichert Realtors: Homes for Sale & Real Estate Listings in NJ,NY,FL,VA,MD,DC,CT,PA,MA,SC,NC,TX,GA,DE,OH,TN,WV En Espanol City & State, or Zip: MLS #: Price Range: $ ,000 To: $ ,000 Rentals Careers at Weichert Luxury Homes Historic Homes New Homes and Land Corporate Housing Commercial & Investments Insurance Gold Services Relocation Real Estate Schools Referral Associates Franchise Opportunities Start your Home search here, or click on the map. Please Select Alabama Arkansas Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Illinois Maryland Massachusetts Missouri New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennesee Texas Virginia Washington, DC West Virginia Weichert, Realtors proudly donated $1.3 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of Hurricane Katrina Also Search For: Selling · Open Houses · Mortgages · Associates · Offices Browse By State: Alabama Real Estate Properties New York Real Estate Properties Arkansas Real Estate Properties North Carolina Real Estate Properties Connecticut Real Estate Properties Ohio Real Estate Properties Delaware Real Estate Properties Pennsylvania Real Estate Properties Florida Real Estate Properties South Carolina Real Estate Properties Georgia Real Estate Properties Tennesee Real Estate Properties Illinois Real Estate Properties Texas Real Estate Properties Maryland Real Estate Properties Virginia Real Estate Properties Massachusetts Real Estate Properties Washington, DC Real Estate Properties Missouri Real Estate Properties West Virginia Real Estate Properties New Jersey Real Estate Properties Call 1-800-USA-SOLD (1-800-872-7653) Buying a House | Selling a Home | Open Houses | Real Estate Agents | Realtor Offices Find a Mortgage | My Real Estate Listings | About Weichert | Home | Contact Us Real Estate Franchise Opportunities | Weichert Careers © 2005 Weichert Realtors. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement REALTOR® -- A Registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS ® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Inquiries regarding the Code of Ethics should be directed to the board in which a REALTOR® holds membership. © 2005 Weichert Realtors. All Rights Reserved.
Home Equity Loans -
Home Equity Loans - Agony or Ecstasy You are here: About > Money > Credit / Debt Management > Getting Money and Credit > Mortgage & Equity Loans > Home Equity Loans - Agony or Ecstasy Money Credit / Debt Essentials Credit And Credit File Fundamentals Basics Of Reducing Debt Credit and Debt Workshop Fast Financial Independence Debt Counseling Primer Articles & Resources Bankruptcy & Settlement Budgeting & Frugality Credit Law Credit Reports and Scoring Debt Counseling Debt Reduction Financial Planning Fraud and Protection Getting Money and Credit Learning About Money Smart Shopping Students and Education Tips, Essentials, Archives Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Guide Picks - Top Books On Credit & Debt Compare Insurance Carriers Compare Utility and Loan Providers Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Credit / Debt Management newsletter! See Online Courses Search Credit / Debt Management Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Biweekly Mortgage Payments The 'How-To' of Home Financing Mortgage Closiong Costs Suggested Reading Predatory Lenders Most Popular WARNING! Rising Minimum Payme Free Annual Credit Report Cleaner Credit Raises Scores Changes to the Bankruptcy Law Debt To Income Ratio What's Hot How To Consolidate Debt Credit / Debt Management - Articles Establishing Credit - Credit/Debt Management PayDay Loans Credit Problems.... Now What? Related Topics Frugal Living Financial Planning Online Shopping Banking / Loans Family Internet Home Equity Loans... Agony or Ecstasy From Apply Now , Your Guide to Credit / Debt Management . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Home Equity Loans - a dream come true or a living nightmare. A Home Equity Loan can be a dream come true or a living nightmare. It all depends on how you approach a home equity loan and for what reason you actually want the home equity in your hand instead of your home. If your intent is to reduce debt so that you have breathing room to pay more on other debts, a home equity loan MAY BE on the right track. However, if your objective is to have more breathing room so that you can add more debt, you are heading for a natural disaster. Basics of a Home Equity Loan - Good and Bad What is a home equity loan? A home equity loan is a second mortgage. It uses the collateral of your home to secure a loan. Good news - Because this is a secured loan, its interest is less than on many loans such as on a credit card. This is very attractive. Equally attractive is the fact that because it is a second mortgage, interest can offer a tax deduction. That's the good news. Bad news - But if a home equity loan is used to pay off unsecured debt such as a credit card, what you have done in essence is convert an unsecured debt into a secured debt with your home as the security. This is not a very sound plan. Not only that but just as when you default on your primary mortgage you could lose your home, so too you can lose your home by defaulting on your home equity loan. More bad news- Another draw back that has developed over the last few years is that often you can borrow more than your house is worth... up to 125% of the value of your home. This is called negative equity and means that if you sell the house because of a job transfer or any other reason, you must either get enough to pay off both loans or you will be paying off the home equity loan when you are trying to buy another home. Still more bad news - There is one other negative side to a home equity loan. You will have points and closing costs to get the loan just as you had when you got your first mortgage. Home Equity Warnings! Okay, so I did not scare you off with the above and you are still determined to get a home equity loan. What are the danger signs and issues to be watchful for? FTC warns: "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." Watch out for lowered payments because there is a balloon payment at the end. Balloon payments are large lump payments due as the last payment. Don't do it! Avoid home improvement cam which begin construction before any financing is settled. See Scams To Help You Lose Your Home . Avoid pre-payment penalties. If you want to pay off your loan ahead of time, you should not pay a fee to do so. A 10% prepayment fee is not uncommon... but is a lot of money. Avoid rate increases by avoiding missed or late payments. FTC Offers These Do's And Don t's: Don't agree to a home equity loan if you don't have enough income to make the monthly payments. Don's sign any document you haven't read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign or let anyone pressure you into signing any document. Don't agree to a loan that includes credit insurance or extra products you don't want. Don's 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. Don't 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. DO keep careful records of what you've paid, including billing statements and canceled checks. Challenge any charge you think is inaccurate. Do check contractors' references when it is time to have work done in your home. Get more than one estimate. Important disclaimer information about this About site. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot How To Consolidate Debt Credit / Debt Management - Articles Establishing Credit - Credit/Debt Management PayDay Loans Credit Problems.... Now What?