Mobile devices are becoming a favorite target of scammers. Malicious software that pretends to be games or other mobile apps could end up stealing your data or rack up bogus pay-er-text charges. Android apps are a particular risk
Image via CrunchBase
, since they undergo a less stringent approval process, but even Apple apps aren’t immune.
Advice: Pay ... [Read More]
Mobile devices are becoming a favorite target of scammers. Malicious software that pretends to be games or other mobile apps could end up stealing your data or rack up bogus pay-er-text charges. Android apps are a particular risk
Image via CrunchBase
, since they undergo a less stringent approval process, but even Apple apps aren’t immune.
Advice: Pay $10 to $30 a year for a mobile security program like Lookout Mobile or Kaspersky Mobile Security and don’t download apps with carefully researching them first. ”Go to the vendor’s website and follow the download link from there. Read reviews for the app that are published outside the apps’ page in the market. It may take a bit more time but it’s worth it!
Homeowners who had a mortgage loan on a primary residence and who believe were financially harmed during the mortgage foreclosure process by GMAC Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, SunTrust Mortgage, or EMC Mortgage in 2009 or 2010 can request an independent review and potentially receive compensation.
The review is intended to determine if borrowers suffered financial harm ... [Read More]
Homeowners who had a mortgage loan on a primary residence and who believe were financially harmed during the mortgage foreclosure process by GMAC Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, SunTrust Mortgage, or EMC Mortgage in 2009 or 2010 can request an independent review and potentially receive compensation.
The review is intended to determine if borrowers suffered financial harm directly resulting from errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies that may have occurred during the foreclosure process. The servicers are required to compensate borrowers for financial injury resulting from deficiencies in their foreclosure processes.
A number of servicers supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) are also required to conduct independent reviews.
Borrowers are eligible for an independent foreclosure review if
the property securing the loan was the borrower’s primary residence;
the mortgage was in the foreclosure process (initiated, pending, or completed) at any time between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010; and
the mortgage was serviced by one of the mortgage servicers listed here.
There are no costs associated with being included in the review; the review is a free program. Borrowers should beware of anyone who wants payment to assist with the independent foreclosure review or any other foreclosure assistance program.
Requests for review by the servicers’ independent consultants must be received by April 30, 2012. Borrowers are encouraged to carefully consider the information about the review program to determine if they are eligible to participate.
More info
Mortgage interest rates, near all-time lows, are likely to remain attractive throughout 2012. That means opportunities for new home buyers and for homeowners who want to refinance.
Read the full story [Read More]
Mortgage interest rates, near all-time lows, are likely to remain attractive throughout 2012. That means opportunities for new home buyers and for homeowners who want to refinance.
Read the full story
Welcome to this beautiful custom home siting on 1.21 acres. Close to town but with the space of the country. Almost 1900 square feet boasts on the main level two large bedrooms, a full bath, attached two car garage & ample storage. The oversized living room has a brick fireplace & opens to the deck ... [Read More]
Welcome to this beautiful custom home siting on 1.21 acres. Close to town but with the space of the country. Almost 1900 square feet boasts on the main level two large bedrooms, a full bath, attached two car garage & ample storage. The oversized living room has a brick fireplace & opens to the deck in the back complete with views of the valley & a brick BBQ pit. Formal dining with bay window and bright open kitchen. Master Suite upstairs.
Interest rates are the lowest in decades, enticing many borrowers to shop for a loan. Mortgage lenders adjust their rates based on perceptions of risk, so unless the borrower can show they’re a low-risk individual, the borrower is unlikely to qualify for a rate that matches those seen in recent advertisements and headlines.
Making sense of ... [Read More]
Interest rates are the lowest in decades, enticing many borrowers to shop for a loan. Mortgage lenders adjust their rates based on perceptions of risk, so unless the borrower can show they’re a low-risk individual, the borrower is unlikely to qualify for a rate that matches those seen in recent advertisements and headlines.
Making sense of the story
The rates quoted are averages drawn from a variety of financial institutions, and lenders use varied approaches to set them. Consumers who want to try for the lowest rates available need to consider basic factors, such as credit score, points, property type, down payment, and length of the loan.
Credit score: The ideal borrower has a FICO score of 740 or higher, which puts the individual in the best place for pricing.
Points: The lowest rates usually are decreased by paying a fee called a point, or 1 percent of the loan amount. Borrowers may buy points in order to get the best rates at many banks. Points might make sense depending on the borrower’s financial situation and how long they expect to stay in the home.
Property type: Borrowers planning to buy a duplex or a four-unit build likely will have a higher interest rate. Condominiums also may have a rate premium rate, especially if they are newer or the down payment is less than 25 percent. Lenders also may charge more if the borrower is not planning to live in the home.
Down payment: Borrowers who put down at least 25 percent are more likely to obtain the best interest rates. Lenders offer different breaks on rates if equity in the property is higher, so borrowers should ask what is available.
Length of loan: Borrowers who are likely to move in a few years may want to look into an adjustable-rate loan with a low interest rate fixed for a few years, and adjusted afterword.
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