Articles written by Michael Cook
All 82 articles written by Michael Cook
Mortgage Market Fears: Mortgages and Real Estate Do Not Look Good
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Consumers worry about the future of the real estate market. Their fears seem to be justified based on the current economy and the way real estate prices are trending. more...
Housing Market Bottom: Mortgage Markets and the Speed of the Housing Recovery
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Signs of a housing market recovery seem to be coming; however, new mortgage market dynamics could make the housing recovery a long and slow process. more...
Mortgages and Elections: Clinton: Clinton Champions Borrower Support
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Clinton focuses less on the economy and more on borrowers. Her plan, while expensive is the most focused on getting borrowers relief. more...
Mortgages and Elections: McCain: Down to Three Candidates, but Who Is Best for Homeowners?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
McCain wants to let the situation sort itself out with little government intervention. This risky strategy could save taxpayers money, but what about homeowners? more...
Foreclosure Not Just for Consumers: Mortgage Lenders Face Defaults from Homebuilders
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Banks are waking up to a vastly different market today. After the near bankruptcy of a major investment bank, increased defaults are really starting to hit home. more...
Mortgage Market Changes: Tighter Home Lending Is Changing the Loan Game
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
In the past, interest rates and the housing market went hand and hand. As tighter lending standards decrease the number of applications, even low rates cannot help. more...
Executing a Short Sale: What to Do When a Seller Owes More than their Mortgage
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Real estate short sales have become far more common as real estate prices decline. Sellers could see short sales as a life line, but they are very hard to execute. more...
Refinance to Lower Mortgage Rates: Despite What the Media Says, Refinancing Loans Is Still an Option
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As the economy slows, interest rates tend to decrease. Mortgage interest rate declines could make refinanciing an attractive option again. more...
Federal Reserve Rate and Mortgages: Fed Funds Rate Affects Lending Rates
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
During recessionary times, mortgage rates hit historical lows. This time is no different. As the Fed aggressively cuts rates, look for mortgage rates to decline. more...
Increase in Maximum Loan Amount: Maximum Mortgage Amounts Increasing for FHA and Conforming Loans?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As part of a recent stimulus package the government has discussed increasing the maximum loan amount for conforming and FHA mortgages. Could this really help borrowers? more...
Mortgage Write-offs: Subprime Mortgage Write-downs and the Mortgage Industry
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Headlines continue to splash huge write-downs for many Wall Street banks. What does it all mean and how will it affect the consumer? more...
The Mortgage Plan: Can the Government Rescue Subprime Borrowers?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The new government bail-out plan lacks the breadth to cover all of the borrowers in need, but it does provide relief for some. Is help really on the way? more...
Adjustable Rate Mortgages Return: Some Borrowers Should Still Consider the ARM over Fixed Rates
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Adjustable rate mortgages have fallen in with subprime lending and gotten a bad rap. They are still good and will always be good for some consumers. more...
Today's Mortgage Market: How to Navigate in Crazy World that is Today's Loan Market
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
With interest rates in flux and the loan market changing quickly, borrowers need to know where they stand and what they should do next. Now might be a good time to buy. more...
Creative Financing: Do Not Be Fooled By Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As it gets harder to obtain loans, lenders and brokers will get more creative in their offerings. Here are a few pitfalls to be aware of. more...
Seller Financing: A Tool to Give Sellers an Advantage in a Down Real Estate Market
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Seller financing has been a tool used to make properties more attractive on the commercial side of the real estate business. It works for residential sellers as well. more...
A Crash Course in Mortgages: How they Work, Why they Failed, and What Consumers Should Do Now
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The mortgage industry is in shambles. Find out what happened to make the mortgage industry fail and what consumers should expect from mortgages over the next few years. more...
Student Loan Legislation Changes: Wins for Colleges, Parents, and Students; Banks Lose Big
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Parents and students celebrate changes that will lower college costs, provide a level playing field for banks providing college loans, and increase overall reporting. more...
Payday Loans: Emergency Loans Never a Good Source of Cash
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Cash now loans have become a legimate funding source for too many people. With the highest interest rates in the US, these lenders are bleeding their borrowers dry. more...
How to Buy a Timeshare: Purchase at a Lower Interest Rate and at Half the Price
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As people head out on vacation this summer, timeshare sales pitches will be everywhere. If you decided to make the purchase, do it the right way and save more...
Introduction to Hybrid REITS: Part Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trust, Part Equity REIT
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Hybrid Real Estate Investment Trusts provide investors exposure to mortgage and equity real estate investments. Find out how. more...
Hybrid REITs and Investors: A Story of Unnecessary Diversification
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
REIT investors want to invest in real estate or they want exposure to interest rates. Equity and Mortgage REITs provide this, so where do Hybrid REITs fit? more...
Mortgage Companies in Trouble: Consumers Will Ultimately Pay Higher Fees and Interest Rates
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Mortgage companies have recently experienced negative earnings and expect this trend to continue. Consumers will soon see higher fees and more points. more...
How to Fix the Mortgage Industry: Consumer-oriented Ways to Avoid Deliquency and Default
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
A recent report order by the Ford Foundation found some unsettling trends and practices in the mortgage industry. Find out how you can avoid these pitfalls. more...
Mortgage Fraud On the Rise: Protect Yourself from Bad Lenders With These Helpful Tips
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The subprime lending market has imploded. The shortage of high risk loans has opened the door for bad lenders to prey on high risk borrowers. Avoid being a victim. more...
Avoid Adjustable Rate Mortgages: With Interest Rates on the Rise, ARMs Should be Falling
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Now is a good time to start thinking about fixed rate mortgages. Even though they have a higher upfront interest rate, they will be a bargin in five years or less. more...
What are Mortgage REITs: Real Estate Investment Trusts Provide Great Investment Vehicles
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Mortgage REITs have proven to be great investments, but have hit a bumpy road today. With the subprime lending fallout, many investors wonder where they are headed next. more...
Lenders and Banks to the Rescue: Mortgage Companies try to Avoid Rises in the National Default Level
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Mortgage companies and Banks are going to great lengths to help borrowers repay their loans. This effort will be great for current borrowers, but what about the future? more...
Real Estate Appraisals and Zillow: Online Residential Valuation Sites Change the Appraisal Business
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The future of real estate appraisals is here. Sites like Zillow and Trulia provide unprecedented access to real estate comparables and values, but how accurate are they? more...
Sub-Prime Lending Affects Banks: Conservative Practices Leave Consumers without Higher Risk Loans
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Mortgage lenders have reacted very negatively to the sub-prime market fallout. After the lending bankruptcies, the loser will be low income and low credit borrowers. more...
Find the Right Mortgage Broker: Get Lower Interest Mortgages and Loans with Less Hassle
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Mortgage brokers can help you get the best interest rates and connect you with just about any type of loan you are looking for. more...
Manage Your Credit Score: Helpful Tips to Keep Credit in Good Standing
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Credit score management has become more important than ever. Understanding your credit drivers can help you keep your score high. more...
Prepay Your Mortgage?: With Tax Deductible Interest Payments, the Answer Maybe No
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Loans and Mortgages are a great financial tool. Refinancing regularly can help you maximize the value of your real estate by freeing up cash flow for new investments. more...
Reverse Amortization Mortgages: Real Estate Financing Alternative: The Reverse Am Mortgage
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Understanding the pros and cons of a reverse amortization mortgage can help you decide whether this investment is right for you. This article compares your options. more...
Pay Bills More Often: Save Money by Understanding APR vs. APY
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Credit cards and auto loans trick consumers into thinking they get a great rate by using the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Beat the system by paying twice as fast. more...
Chicago Bears Disaster: The Super Bowl is over, why not reward the fans?
Category: National Football League (NFL)
In less than two months, the Bears have gone from a great story to a franchise on the brink of ruin. Ron Rivera, Lovie Smith, Lance Briggs and Tank Johnson are the story. more...
Understand Your Property Taxes: The Right Appraisal Can Save You Thousands
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Property taxes are based on your city's assessment of your property value. Understanding how your home is valued and the appeal process can keep money in your pocket. more...
Great Agents and Bad Realtors: Picking the right real estate agent can save you a time and money
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Realtor commisions represent a large cost of a real estate transaction. Understanding what a good agent does and how to select one can save you thousands of dollars. more...
Get a Real Estate License Today: Getting a real estate license can save you thousands
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Whether you are interested in selling real estate or not, having a real estate license can save you thousands of dollars when you buy and sell your own property. more...
How to Find the Right Mortgage: Save Thousands of Dollars Choosing the Right Financing Vehicle
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
When purchasing a new home, a mortgage can be a great investment tool. Making sense of fixed, arms, reverse amortization, and interest only loans can save you thousands. more...
Three Tips to Buying a Home: Personal Assessment, Affordability and Location
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Buying a new home starts with an internal assessment. Understanding personal needs, financial ability and location requirements can set the buyer off on the right path. more...
Mortgages and Elections: Update: McCain Does a 180-degree Shift on the Housing Market
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
McCain now believes that the real estate market needs assistance. While his plan only provides up to $10 billion, it hits key areas of the mortgage market. more...
Conforming Loan Guideline Changes: Mortgages Just Got Harder to Qualify for
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Fannie Mae announced new conforming loan guidelines that put a floor on credit ratings and extend the time a borrower must wait to borrow again after a foreclosure. more...
Mortgages and Elections: Obama: What Does Obama Mean for Mortgage Aid?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Obama, probably the most middle-of-the-road candidate on mortgage reforms, offers help directly to the people. His method is more costly, but could be effective. more...
What's Wrong with Housing?: Value Equation, Over Supply, and Consumer Confidence
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The housing market is spiraling out control and there appears to be no near-term end. Based on three fundamental problems in the market, trouble seems here to stay. more...
Seller Financing Basics: Personal Lending Can Sell a House in Any Market
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Homeowners looking for an edge should consider seller financing. As lenders' standards have tightened, seller financing gives sellers a higher chance to get more money. more...
Credit Card Debt Reform: Defaults Increase while Mortgage Refiances Decline
Category: Personal Loans
Many consumers alternate between credit card debt and mortgage refinance to finance their personal needs. This may no longer be an option for many homeowners. more...
Keeping a Home: How to Know When to Stay and When to Walk Away
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The government and banks are more eager than ever to help borrowers keep their homes. How can a borrower tell when to stay and when to just walk away? more...
Online Mortgage Search: Tips for Finding a Home Loan Online
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
More and more people begin their home search online. Understanding how to shop for a mortgage online can help save time and money. more...
Foreclosure or Bankruptcy: Now Might Be the Best Time Ever to Try to Work out a Mortgage
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Banks are more willing than ever to work with buyers. Additionally, the government has been working on a variety of borrower centered plans. Learn how to keep a home. more...
Recessions and Mortgage Rates: When Recessions Loom, Interest Rates Decline
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Recessions generally have a negative effect on the economy. New homebuyers, however, should welcome recessions because they normally lead to a drop in mortgage rates. more...
Mortgage Market Turmoil: What to Do When a Mortgage Lender Goes Bankrupt
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
In the current market hundreds of banks and mortgage lenders have gone under. It's important to know what to do with a mortgage if the lender becomes insolvent. more...
Mortgage Market Update: Congress, Defaults, and the Borrowers
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
With so many people affected by the current mortgage crisis, it's important to stay up to date and alert. Here are the latest happenings in the mortgage industry. more...
Congress and the Mortgage Industry: Can Congress Make a Positive Change for Consumers?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Congress has decided to step into the mortgage market. Will they help the consumer or simply end up costing them more money? more...
Jumbo vs. Conforming/Home Equity: Choosing the Best Option for Large Mortgages
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As jumbo rates have soared, conforming mortgages with a home equity loan second have become more attractive. Find out what every borrower should know before they choose. more...
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The stock market has reflected many investors' and consumers' worries about the credit markets. Many predict a recovery by year end, but this author sees it differently. more...
How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud: Knowingly or Unknowingly, Misinformation is Illegal
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As it gets harder and harder for consumers to obtain financing, many borrowers will be tempted to falsely report information to lenders. Don't eat this forbidden apple. more...
New Homes: Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Homebuilders have continued to report huge losses because of their inability to sell new houses. Their misfortune has presented a great opportunity for new buyers. more...
Student Loans and Redlining: Loans Based on the School Attended Draw Attorney General's Ire
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Choosing a college is becoming more complicated as banks begin to offer rates based on the quality of the school a borrower attends. Is this college loan practice fair? more...
Before Buying a Timeshare: Consider Timeshare Resales, Maintenance Fees, and Vacation Costs
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Don't fall for the allure of fast salespeople and tricky math. Timeshares can be an expensive learning lesson for those who are unfamiliar with pressure sales situaitons. more...
Know the College Loan Process: Information to Get You the Best Rate and the Lowest Student Loan
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
With the recent scandal at Columbia University, incoming student need to be aware of the College Lending Market. By knowing your rights and alternatives, you can save. more...
Do Hybrid REITs Really Diversify?: Studies Suggest the Answer is No
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Hybrid REITs are designed to provide investors exposure to the mortgage and equity side of the real estate market. But do they actually provide diversification benefits? more...
The Next Mortgage Casualty: GMAC Swings to a Huge Loss on Mortgage Industry Exposure
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
General Motors surprised investors with a lower than expected profit due to GMAC's mortgage losses. Consumers can expect even more companies to fall as mortgages default. more...
PMI Prices on the Rise: As Defaults Increase, Private Mortgage Insurance Rates to Swell
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Private Mortgage Insurance has lagged the subprime mortgage market, leaving insurers with big losses. Expect them to wise up and increase rates in the future. more...
Mortgage Backed Securities: Subprime Defaults Have Forced Downgrades in the RMBS and CMBS Market
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Most consumers have no idea what a Mortgaged Backed Security is. Unfortunately, trouble in this market could have consumers paying much higher future interest rates. more...
Save for the Mortgage Downpayment: Budget, Set Goals, and Pick the Right Savings Vehicle
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
5% down plus closing costs can be a lot of money for most home buyers. Smart saving, slow and steady, can help you get into a new home sooner than you think. more...
Subprime Investors Beware: Bank Bailouts and Falling Prices Leave Investors in the Cold
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The subprime fallout has the potential to be an investor boon, but with banks refocused on consumers and a soft real estate market, investors should proceed slowly more...
Mortgage Defaults Affect Prices: The California Real Estate Market Appears to be the First Casualty
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
With defaults on the rise and subprime lending on the decline, real estate prices are soon to fall. As a homeowner and future buyer, find out how this affects you. more...
Beware of Mortgage Vultures: Subprime Defaults are Rising, Avoid Foreclosure with Loan Workouts
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
As defaults rise real estate investors prey on unsuspecting homeowners, who have trouble paying their mortgages. Save your home equity by working with your lender. more...
Commercial Mortgage Basics: Understanding the Differences Between Commercial and Resential Loans
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Making the leap from personal real estate to commercial real estate can be daunting. Learning the key financing differences can prepare you for life as an investor. more...
Life after the Mortgage Loan: Don't Let Major Real Estate Expenses Bankrupt You After You Move in
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Having a sound budget can prepare you for life after you have purchased your home. Avoid being surprised by unexpected expenses and big tickect replacement items. more...
Option ARM Resets Are Here: Don't Get Caught off Guard When Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage Rises
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
With the Real Estate market off of its peak, homeowners are seeing their 3 and 5 year adjustable rate mortgages reset to higher rates. Avoid default with good planning more...
Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance: Avoiding PMI Can Save You Hundreds off Your Mortgage Payments
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) adds a heavy burden to borrower's mortgage payments. Many borrowers look to avoid it with a second loan, but is prepayment better? more...
Credit Repair Tips: Improve Your Credit Score By Proactively Managing Your Debt
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Credit Misteps occur for a variety of reasons. Understandinig how to manage these situations can save your credit score and save you thousands in higher interest payment more...
The College Loan Process: Find Out How You Can Save Thousands on Loans
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
Student loans have become big business with the staggering increase in college tuition. Find out how to manage the process before you dig into the hole of student debt more...
Investing in Your Home: Make Your Largest Real Estate Investment Thrive
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Unlock the potential of your house by treating it like an investment. Although Real Estate requires constant attention, it can be just as rewarding as stocks or bonds. more...
Will Sub-Prime Lending Affect You?: With mortgage defaults on the rise here's what can buyers expect
Category: Mortgages/Loans (general)
The real estate market has slowed significantly over the past year. Sub-prime mortgage defaults have been an early casuality of the bursting of the real estate bubble. more...
Sell Your House Quickly: Minimize your home's time on the market
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
In hot real estate markets properties sell quickly. However, every market has its ups and downs. Avoid being stuck holding your property by being proactive. more...
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Real estate appraisals can make or break the sale of your house. Knowing how to maximize the value of your appraisal can increase the value you get for your house. more...
Rehabbing Real Estate is for You: Succeeding at Home Improvement May be Easier Than You Think
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Great new real estate may just be one house away. Rehabbing can be a great way to get into a good neighborhood cheaper and add value to your most important investment. more...
How to Avoid Home Buyer's Remorse: Quantify, Read, and Resale: How to Always Paying the Right Price
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Avoid buying the wrong house by taking a step by step approach to the purchase. Understanding how to value upgrades will keep you focused during the purchasing process. more...
Category: Buying/Selling a Home
Research is king if you're a first-time homebuyer. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you on your way. more...
