Home Inspection Reports for New Homes

Most people believe that a new home is a solid home. However, just because a home was built with all the latest technologies doesn't mean the home was built well. When prospective homeowners view a new home, they should always have a home inspection report conducted before making an offer.

What could possibly go wrong with a new home? A great example is in a small town in Colorado. There were 13 original townhomes that had been constructed in the 1970's. In the early 2000's new homes were built around the existing units. People were much more likely to purchase the new units than the old, outdated ones. Within two years the new units were having roof leakage issues. The builder decided to build quickly instead of building well. The result is that a lot of money was sunk into repairing problems that didn't exist in the homes built 30 years before.

This is just one example. Other examples of problems that crop up in new homes are water leaks. The piping should be inspected. Foundations tend to shift or settle over time. While a new home may not have any cracks under the doors, after a few years, if the house has been built on wetlands or in areas that see shifting, such as hills, the house may also shift and large cracks may be found under the doors and in the foundation itself.

One of the key features in new homes is better insulation, or creating an airtight envelope within the home, to increase energy efficiency. However, if there are toxic chemicals from carpets or mold from water leaks, those will not be vented out of the home, but will circulate in the air of the home, potentially aggravating allergies, or worse, becoming the cause of illness.

Wiring will also need to be inspected to insure there are no fire hazards in the home. Infrared thermal imaging systems can detect areas of heat and cold and alert home inspectors to potential fire hazards.

The benefit of having a good home inspection is that many of these problems can be identified before purchasing the home. During a home inspection report, both the inside and outside of the home are inspected. This includes the walkways, roof, foundation, windows and doors. The tendency to believe new is good, has cost many people money. Don't let that happen to you. Hire a licensed home inspector. Check references, both in person and on-line. Be sure that your investment is sound before you sign on any dotted lines.

Reasons For Asphalt Option Over Concrete And Gravel Pavements   

Knob Handle

Handles are attachments fixed on access portals such as doors and windows to facilitate pulling open the door or window to effect entry or exit. In many cases, the handle may simply be a knob which is attached to a locking device and helps to also lock the door simultaneously when it is closed. Knobs are essentially different in shape from handles as they are rounded whereas handles are linear in shape. Knobs and handles can be fixed at different points on the door. Some doors have the handle very high up on the door, to ensure that small children cannot access them, while others may have the handle lower down.

In many circumstances, knobs are more difficult to operate, especially for elderly and differently-abled people. They do not provide a firm grip and hence they could be slippery for an elderly person or someone with special needs to operate. In such cases, a lever-functioned handle would be more appropriate.

Some door handles are recessed into the body of the door as in automobile doors. This provides an aesthetically pleasing effect. However for more high-traffic doors, these recessed handles are not recommended, as their spring-lock mechanism may not take much wear and tear. Folding handles are good for balcony-doors and outside windows as they fold back into the frame when not in use.

Knobs and handles come in a variety of materials. Almost all metals can be used but if the knob or handle is to be facing outwards, it needs to be weather resistant, be able to repel rust and corrosion and also provide a good grip when wet. In such cases, highly polished handles may not be suitable, and metal handles may be textured, carved or decoratively embellished to provide some roughness. Brass and bronze knobs and handles provide a classic touch, while plastic handles can look stylish and contemporary.

Knurled or patterned knobs provide a good grip for turning, while lobed knobs are useful for lightweight turning operations. Domed knobs are installed on vertical surfaces and they help water to run off easily when exposed to rain or wet weather. Plastic handles are very effective when there is a need for a tough, non-conducting material which will not rust or corrode or react to aggressive chemicals. Ball-shaped knobs look decorative on drawers and cabinets especially when they're made of ceramic, painted wood or polished metals. T-shaped knobs are useful in moving levers and gas tanks.

Depending on your specific requirements, you can purchase the correct type of knobs and handles from your local hardware store or order them on-line from manufacturers.

Reasons For Asphalt Option Over Concrete And Gravel Pavements   

What's Involved In Inspecting The Roof During a Home Inspection?

The foundation and the roof of a property are two of the most expensive components of a property to repair if something goes wrong. Before buying a new home, having a home inspector conduct a thorough evaluation of the property has saved clients thousands of dollars in future repairs that they can take off the asking price of a home. The results of home inspections have even deterred potential buyers from making an offer on a home. Just because a property is new doesn't mean the roof is intact or free of leaks. New homes, poorly built, are just as likely to need repairs as older homes.

Each type of roofing comes with its own challenges. Roofs fall into one of two categories - low slope roofing and steep slope roofing.

Low slope roofing refers to slopes less than or equal to 14 degrees. This type of roof includes water impermeable types of roof membranes, such as metal panel roof systems, polymer-modified bitumen sheet membranes, single-ply membranes and spray polyurethane foam-based (SPF) roof systems, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Within these types, there are three principles that need to be checked during a home inspection:

• Weatherproofing. If this element is compromised, expect leaks and water damage. • Strength and stability through reinforcement. Making sure the roof is going to stay intact during storms and high winds is important. • Surfacing helps protect against fire and hail and may help reflect the heat of the sun's rays. Hail damage can run into the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars for repairs depending on the storm.

Steep slope roofing refers to shingles, clay and concrete tile, metal, slate, wood shakes and singles and synthetic materials (source NRCA). Clay and concrete tile can crack or come loose. Extensive cracking will be looked for as well as missing tiles. Weatherproofing comes in two forms, the covering and an underlayment that acts as a secondary layer of weatherproofing. Again, damage here can mean expensive water leaks. Thermal imaging systems can help identify leaks in this area. In climates that receive a lot of direct sun and high altitude climates, wood components can warp and weaken quickly. Wood also may need to be stained regularly, and should be factored in as a home maintenance cost.

Once weatherproofing and the condition of the covering have been inspected, an inspector can assess whether the roof will need repairs immediately or in the near future. Roofing jobs are not cheap, so be sure to protect your investment by having a trusted home inspector perform your home inspection.

Reasons For Asphalt Option Over Concrete And Gravel Pavements   

Study Habits for Middle School Students

Ohhh I still remember when I was at Middle school, those beautiful days. At the beginning of each year, everything was very nice, new friends, new teachers some times, playing football and running from one side to the other all the time... Anyway it was beautiful "at the beginning of course" hahaha, because over time, the headaches started to appear.

You guys know what I'm talking about, when I say headaches right?

Yes that's right, tests, exams, many subjects, homework; ugh it was a big headache to put everything in my little head...

But well, we cannot do anything about it, we really have to study to acquire more knowledge... otherwise in the future we will be a Joe nobody (and nobody wants that);

Although the classes are boring, and we have so many pages to study, and many formulas to memorize, it is our duty, to know how to study, and have the best grades to step up to the next year and let our parents happy.

You should have good grades not only to glad your parents, but to glad yourself, because in the future, you will have a better profession, and you will be the person who will benefit most.

In middle school there are many more disciplines than in elementary school, and usually, the student may not be accustomed to so many disciplines, and may end up shuffling. It is very important to know how to organize your notes, because later you will need them when you're studying, and if they are organized, it will be easier to find each subject.

Summaries, summaries, summaries, much attention to it, always write the summary, always! As we all know the summary contains the topics that are spoken in the classroom. If you ever decide to study for a test, and you are not quite sure what you have to study, or where to start, you know where you have to search, right? Open your notebook, and check the summaries, you will find everything you need.

Another crucial tip is to study daily. I do not recommend creating the habit of studying only on the eve of exams or tests, because besides you stay too stressed, and do not manage to retain everything in the brain, you will accumulate a lot of subjects, and it will be hard to put everything in the head, in a short time.

Now imagine that you have 2 - 3 or 4 tests in a week? How are you going to study everything at once on the eve? It's impossible... you will get so stressed, and your head will "KABOOM"!

Maybe you can manage to pass on some tests, but most of the tests will go all wrong, trust me.

Well I gave you, some tips on how to get good study habits in middle school, read and follow what I said, and you will have good results, do not forget to pay close attention in class, write everything on paper and take notes of what the teacher say.

Good luck buddy!

Study Habits for Middle School Students   

Study Habits for Middle School Students

Ohhh I still remember when I was at Middle school, those beautiful days. At the beginning of each year, everything was very nice, new friends, new teachers some times, playing football and running from one side to the other all the time... Anyway it was beautiful "at the beginning of course" hahaha, because over time, the headaches started to appear.

You guys know what I'm talking about, when I say headaches right?

Yes that's right, tests, exams, many subjects, homework; ugh it was a big headache to put everything in my little head...

But well, we cannot do anything about it, we really have to study to acquire more knowledge... otherwise in the future we will be a Joe nobody (and nobody wants that);

Although the classes are boring, and we have so many pages to study, and many formulas to memorize, it is our duty, to know how to study, and have the best grades to step up to the next year and let our parents happy.

You should have good grades not only to glad your parents, but to glad yourself, because in the future, you will have a better profession, and you will be the person who will benefit most.

In middle school there are many more disciplines than in elementary school, and usually, the student may not be accustomed to so many disciplines, and may end up shuffling. It is very important to know how to organize your notes, because later you will need them when you're studying, and if they are organized, it will be easier to find each subject.

Summaries, summaries, summaries, much attention to it, always write the summary, always! As we all know the summary contains the topics that are spoken in the classroom. If you ever decide to study for a test, and you are not quite sure what you have to study, or where to start, you know where you have to search, right? Open your notebook, and check the summaries, you will find everything you need.

Another crucial tip is to study daily. I do not recommend creating the habit of studying only on the eve of exams or tests, because besides you stay too stressed, and do not manage to retain everything in the brain, you will accumulate a lot of subjects, and it will be hard to put everything in the head, in a short time.

Now imagine that you have 2 - 3 or 4 tests in a week? How are you going to study everything at once on the eve? It's impossible... you will get so stressed, and your head will "KABOOM"!

Maybe you can manage to pass on some tests, but most of the tests will go all wrong, trust me.

Well I gave you, some tips on how to get good study habits in middle school, read and follow what I said, and you will have good results, do not forget to pay close attention in class, write everything on paper and take notes of what the teacher say.

Good luck buddy!

Study Habits for Middle School Students   

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever

With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition in the business is fierce. A day never passes that I don't hear some crazy advertisement about a new loan program that XYZ mortgage company has and no one else offers. One of the oldest programs remains steadfast in both its high profile and its duplicity. This program is the No Cost Home Loan -- the one bankers say is free, but you actually pay for as long as you have the loan.

The no closing cost home loan is virtually everywhere. It is advertised in the mail, on radio and on TV all the time. "Hey, refinance your loan today, and there will be no closing costs," the ads scream. Wow, a free loan. Imagine the money you'll save. So, if you are in the market for a refinance loan or home equity line, which you probably should be, with rates at all-time lows, you might consider running to XYZ mortgage company, who is now offering free mortgage loans.

Just be careful you don't go bankrupt, along the way. Remember, the old cliche, Nothing in life is free, because it makes a lot of sense. You actually can get a mortgage with little or no closing costs. What bankers don't tell you (one of their great secrets) is that you pay a higher interest rate than you really qualify for, when you get your loan for "free." So, you might save $2,000 or $3,000 in closing costs, but your monthly payment could be $100 to $300 higher than it would have been if you had actually paid the costs.

Imagine taking this loan and saving $2,000 in total closing costs. Perhaps you borrow $200,000. Now, if you simply pay all the costs and tell the banker you want the best rate available, let's say it is 6% for this example, you would have a monthly payment of $1,199. Now, let's assume the wiley banker convinces you to pay no closing costs and take an in terest rate of 7%. He might say, "Now, your interest rate will be a bit higher, but you'll save $2,000 in closing costs." Sounds great, you might think.

What he doesn't do, though, is spell out the difference in the 6% rate you could qualify for, versus the 7% rate you choose to take for your "free" loan. If you borrow $200,000 at 7% interest, your monthly payment is $1,330. This is $131.00 more each month than you will pay on the same loan at 6% interest.

If you choose to pay the closing costs and save $131.00 monthly, it will take you 15 months to get your $2,000 in closing costs back. Now, if you keep this loan for five years beyond that first 15 months, you will save an additional $7,860 at the 6% interest rate. If you listen to the crafty banker, selling the No Cost Loan, you'll allow nearly eight thousand dollars to drift right up your home's chimney.

Unless the difference in the interest rate on your no closing cost loan and the loan with costs is a tiny amount, say .125%, you are almost always better off paying the costs. Be sure to ask what the difference in the rates is. Then learn exactly what the total closing costs will be. Calculate the difference in the two monthly payments (one with closing costs and one without). If that amount will pay back your closing costs in two years or less, and you intend to remain in your loan for at least five years, pay the costs and take the better rate.

Use this method, and you'll never go wrong.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Turn That Fixed Rate Mortgage Into A Goldmine

When you purchased your home, you most likely got a fixed interest rate mortgage with a 15 or 30 year term. These are the most popular mortgages in the industry. Even in the summer of 2004, when the interest-only or simple interest mortgage loans became popular, the average American stuck to the fixed rate. You see, the fixed rate offers security to conservative people, and the average American home buyer and home owner is a very conservative person.

Today, it's time to ignore that conservative nature and throw out that fixed rate mortgage. If you have a home, no matter when you purchased or refinanced your mortgage, you now need to refinance your fixed interest rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage.

Now, before you begin to panic and start calling me all kinds of unsavory names, read on, and you'll see why an ARM is actually a cash goldmine, and you need to start panning for this gold immediately.

When I was originating loans fulltime, I could barely get the word ARM out of my mouth, before the customer would say, "Oh no! I don't want an adjustable mortgage. I've heard how the rates change and your payment skyrockets, and some people actually lose their homes. No, no, I don't want my rate to change." Of course, once I illustrated the thousands of dollars they would save in just a few years and quashed all of those myths about loan payments "blowing up," most of them decided the ARM was not the "devil loan" it's made out to be.

But why risk an adjustment of your rate, you may ask, when you can have it fixed for the life of the loan? The answer is twofold and quite simple. The first part is the most important, and that is the average American either sells or refinances his or her home in four to seven years. So, if the chances are that you'll sell or refinance in five years, why fix your rate for 30 years at a higher interest than you can get on an ARM?

The second reason to get an Adjustable Rate Mortgage is because the interest rates are so much lower than fixed rates. And since these great rates are fixed for a particular period, five years on a 5-year ARM and three years on a 3-year ARM, there really is no risk, at all. Again, in most adjustable rate mortgage programs, the interest rate does not adjust monthly or yearly (although programs with these types of adjustment periods do exist at much lower rates).

For example, as of publication of this article in 2004, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage was going for around 5.75%, and a 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage was going for about 4%. Suppose you're financing $100,000. The 30-year fixed rate of 5.75% would give you a monthly payment of $583.57 (not including your taxes and insurance, which vary from state to state and county to county). The same $100,000 financed at 4.0% interest yields a monthly payment of $477.42. The difference in these two payments is $106.15. This is $1,273.80 each year, and $6,369.00 for five years. I can hear you saying, "Wow, that's hard to believe," but these are real numbers and real savings. You may be saying, "Sure, but the rates change." This is true, but the difference in the fixed rate mortgages and the ARMs is almost always the same, regardless of what rates the market bears, so you'll always save a ton of money in the difference in these two payments.

The numbers are even more staggering if you finance $150,000. The fixed rate payment is $875.36 and the 5-year ARM payment is $716.12 - a monthly savings of $159.24 and over $9,500 for five years. If you buy or refinance a home and finance $200,000 or more, you'll save between $13,000 and $15,000 over five years, with the 4% rate as opposed to the fixed rate of 5.75%.

Bank that money and you can buy a decent car for cash, or pay for a year of college, or take a European vacation. Pretty powerful stuff, huh? Now, if you're one of those people who is really into cutting into the term of your mortgage, and you can afford the higher fixed-rate payment, simply apply the difference back to the principal loan amount. You'll build equity in your home very quickly, and you'll always have the option of paying the lower payment.

So, get your adjustable rate mortgage today, and start using your own personal goldmine.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever

With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition in the business is fierce. A day never passes that I don't hear some crazy advertisement about a new loan program that XYZ mortgage company has and no one else offers. One of the oldest programs remains steadfast in both its high profile and its duplicity. This program is the No Cost Home Loan -- the one bankers say is free, but you actually pay for as long as you have the loan.

The no closing cost home loan is virtually everywhere. It is advertised in the mail, on radio and on TV all the time. "Hey, refinance your loan today, and there will be no closing costs," the ads scream. Wow, a free loan. Imagine the money you'll save. So, if you are in the market for a refinance loan or home equity line, which you probably should be, with rates at all-time lows, you might consider running to XYZ mortgage company, who is now offering free mortgage loans.

Just be careful you don't go bankrupt, along the way. Remember, the old cliche, Nothing in life is free, because it makes a lot of sense. You actually can get a mortgage with little or no closing costs. What bankers don't tell you (one of their great secrets) is that you pay a higher interest rate than you really qualify for, when you get your loan for "free." So, you might save $2,000 or $3,000 in closing costs, but your monthly payment could be $100 to $300 higher than it would have been if you had actually paid the costs.

Imagine taking this loan and saving $2,000 in total closing costs. Perhaps you borrow $200,000. Now, if you simply pay all the costs and tell the banker you want the best rate available, let's say it is 6% for this example, you would have a monthly payment of $1,199. Now, let's assume the wiley banker convinces you to pay no closing costs and take an in terest rate of 7%. He might say, "Now, your interest rate will be a bit higher, but you'll save $2,000 in closing costs." Sounds great, you might think.

What he doesn't do, though, is spell out the difference in the 6% rate you could qualify for, versus the 7% rate you choose to take for your "free" loan. If you borrow $200,000 at 7% interest, your monthly payment is $1,330. This is $131.00 more each month than you will pay on the same loan at 6% interest.

If you choose to pay the closing costs and save $131.00 monthly, it will take you 15 months to get your $2,000 in closing costs back. Now, if you keep this loan for five years beyond that first 15 months, you will save an additional $7,860 at the 6% interest rate. If you listen to the crafty banker, selling the No Cost Loan, you'll allow nearly eight thousand dollars to drift right up your home's chimney.

Unless the difference in the interest rate on your no closing cost loan and the loan with costs is a tiny amount, say .125%, you are almost always better off paying the costs. Be sure to ask what the difference in the rates is. Then learn exactly what the total closing costs will be. Calculate the difference in the two monthly payments (one with closing costs and one without). If that amount will pay back your closing costs in two years or less, and you intend to remain in your loan for at least five years, pay the costs and take the better rate.

Use this method, and you'll never go wrong.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Can I Sell My Private Mortgage Notes?

n this country millions of homes are sold every year. In most cases buyers go to a bank or finance company to seek mortgage financing.

In some cases, 200,000 in the U.S., home buyers rely on the seller rather than a financial institution to provide financing because:

o The purchaser may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.

o The purchaser may be a relative looking to save on closing fees.

o The seller may be interested in having a long-term income stream.

Often the seller is pressured into providing financing for the purchaser instead of receiving a lump sum. This forces the seller to assume the role of a mortgage company, worrying about servicing and collecting a monthly income stream. A stream, which may or may not be consistent, depends on the payer's ability to meet their monthly obligations.

Peacock Capital provides an option to note holders nationwide who are ready to sell their homes and use the equity for their own purposes.

We will purchase the note for a lump sum and collect the monthly checks. No more worrying about the "Check is in the mail" Or, "Will they stop paying, forcing a foreclosure?" Or, "Has my buyer kept up with their insurance payments?" Etc.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Can I Sell My Private Mortgage Notes?

n this country millions of homes are sold every year. In most cases buyers go to a bank or finance company to seek mortgage financing.

In some cases, 200,000 in the U.S., home buyers rely on the seller rather than a financial institution to provide financing because:

o The purchaser may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.

o The purchaser may be a relative looking to save on closing fees.

o The seller may be interested in having a long-term income stream.

Often the seller is pressured into providing financing for the purchaser instead of receiving a lump sum. This forces the seller to assume the role of a mortgage company, worrying about servicing and collecting a monthly income stream. A stream, which may or may not be consistent, depends on the payer's ability to meet their monthly obligations.

Peacock Capital provides an option to note holders nationwide who are ready to sell their homes and use the equity for their own purposes.

We will purchase the note for a lump sum and collect the monthly checks. No more worrying about the "Check is in the mail" Or, "Will they stop paying, forcing a foreclosure?" Or, "Has my buyer kept up with their insurance payments?" Etc.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever

With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition in the business is fierce. A day never passes that I don't hear some crazy advertisement about a new loan program that XYZ mortgage company has and no one else offers. One of the oldest programs remains steadfast in both its high profile and its duplicity. This program is the No Cost Home Loan -- the one bankers say is free, but you actually pay for as long as you have the loan.

The no closing cost home loan is virtually everywhere. It is advertised in the mail, on radio and on TV all the time. "Hey, refinance your loan today, and there will be no closing costs," the ads scream. Wow, a free loan. Imagine the money you'll save. So, if you are in the market for a refinance loan or home equity line, which you probably should be, with rates at all-time lows, you might consider running to XYZ mortgage company, who is now offering free mortgage loans.

Just be careful you don't go bankrupt, along the way. Remember, the old cliche, Nothing in life is free, because it makes a lot of sense. You actually can get a mortgage with little or no closing costs. What bankers don't tell you (one of their great secrets) is that you pay a higher interest rate than you really qualify for, when you get your loan for "free." So, you might save $2,000 or $3,000 in closing costs, but your monthly payment could be $100 to $300 higher than it would have been if you had actually paid the costs.

Imagine taking this loan and saving $2,000 in total closing costs. Perhaps you borrow $200,000. Now, if you simply pay all the costs and tell the banker you want the best rate available, let's say it is 6% for this example, you would have a monthly payment of $1,199. Now, let's assume the wiley banker convinces you to pay no closing costs and take an in terest rate of 7%. He might say, "Now, your interest rate will be a bit higher, but you'll save $2,000 in closing costs." Sounds great, you might think.

What he doesn't do, though, is spell out the difference in the 6% rate you could qualify for, versus the 7% rate you choose to take for your "free" loan. If you borrow $200,000 at 7% interest, your monthly payment is $1,330. This is $131.00 more each month than you will pay on the same loan at 6% interest.

If you choose to pay the closing costs and save $131.00 monthly, it will take you 15 months to get your $2,000 in closing costs back. Now, if you keep this loan for five years beyond that first 15 months, you will save an additional $7,860 at the 6% interest rate. If you listen to the crafty banker, selling the No Cost Loan, you'll allow nearly eight thousand dollars to drift right up your home's chimney.

Unless the difference in the interest rate on your no closing cost loan and the loan with costs is a tiny amount, say .125%, you are almost always better off paying the costs. Be sure to ask what the difference in the rates is. Then learn exactly what the total closing costs will be. Calculate the difference in the two monthly payments (one with closing costs and one without). If that amount will pay back your closing costs in two years or less, and you intend to remain in your loan for at least five years, pay the costs and take the better rate.

Use this method, and you'll never go wrong.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Turn That Fixed Rate Mortgage Into A Goldmine

When you purchased your home, you most likely got a fixed interest rate mortgage with a 15 or 30 year term. These are the most popular mortgages in the industry. Even in the summer of 2004, when the interest-only or simple interest mortgage loans became popular, the average American stuck to the fixed rate. You see, the fixed rate offers security to conservative people, and the average American home buyer and home owner is a very conservative person.

Today, it's time to ignore that conservative nature and throw out that fixed rate mortgage. If you have a home, no matter when you purchased or refinanced your mortgage, you now need to refinance your fixed interest rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage.

Now, before you begin to panic and start calling me all kinds of unsavory names, read on, and you'll see why an ARM is actually a cash goldmine, and you need to start panning for this gold immediately.

When I was originating loans fulltime, I could barely get the word ARM out of my mouth, before the customer would say, "Oh no! I don't want an adjustable mortgage. I've heard how the rates change and your payment skyrockets, and some people actually lose their homes. No, no, I don't want my rate to change." Of course, once I illustrated the thousands of dollars they would save in just a few years and quashed all of those myths about loan payments "blowing up," most of them decided the ARM was not the "devil loan" it's made out to be.

But why risk an adjustment of your rate, you may ask, when you can have it fixed for the life of the loan? The answer is twofold and quite simple. The first part is the most important, and that is the average American either sells or refinances his or her home in four to seven years. So, if the chances are that you'll sell or refinance in five years, why fix your rate for 30 years at a higher interest than you can get on an ARM?

The second reason to get an Adjustable Rate Mortgage is because the interest rates are so much lower than fixed rates. And since these great rates are fixed for a particular period, five years on a 5-year ARM and three years on a 3-year ARM, there really is no risk, at all. Again, in most adjustable rate mortgage programs, the interest rate does not adjust monthly or yearly (although programs with these types of adjustment periods do exist at much lower rates).

For example, as of publication of this article in 2004, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage was going for around 5.75%, and a 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage was going for about 4%. Suppose you're financing $100,000. The 30-year fixed rate of 5.75% would give you a monthly payment of $583.57 (not including your taxes and insurance, which vary from state to state and county to county). The same $100,000 financed at 4.0% interest yields a monthly payment of $477.42. The difference in these two payments is $106.15. This is $1,273.80 each year, and $6,369.00 for five years. I can hear you saying, "Wow, that's hard to believe," but these are real numbers and real savings. You may be saying, "Sure, but the rates change." This is true, but the difference in the fixed rate mortgages and the ARMs is almost always the same, regardless of what rates the market bears, so you'll always save a ton of money in the difference in these two payments.

The numbers are even more staggering if you finance $150,000. The fixed rate payment is $875.36 and the 5-year ARM payment is $716.12 - a monthly savings of $159.24 and over $9,500 for five years. If you buy or refinance a home and finance $200,000 or more, you'll save between $13,000 and $15,000 over five years, with the 4% rate as opposed to the fixed rate of 5.75%.

Bank that money and you can buy a decent car for cash, or pay for a year of college, or take a European vacation. Pretty powerful stuff, huh? Now, if you're one of those people who is really into cutting into the term of your mortgage, and you can afford the higher fixed-rate payment, simply apply the difference back to the principal loan amount. You'll build equity in your home very quickly, and you'll always have the option of paying the lower payment.

So, get your adjustable rate mortgage today, and start using your own personal goldmine.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever

With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition in the business is fierce. A day never passes that I don't hear some crazy advertisement about a new loan program that XYZ mortgage company has and no one else offers. One of the oldest programs remains steadfast in both its high profile and its duplicity. This program is the No Cost Home Loan -- the one bankers say is free, but you actually pay for as long as you have the loan.

The no closing cost home loan is virtually everywhere. It is advertised in the mail, on radio and on TV all the time. "Hey, refinance your loan today, and there will be no closing costs," the ads scream. Wow, a free loan. Imagine the money you'll save. So, if you are in the market for a refinance loan or home equity line, which you probably should be, with rates at all-time lows, you might consider running to XYZ mortgage company, who is now offering free mortgage loans.

Just be careful you don't go bankrupt, along the way. Remember, the old cliche, Nothing in life is free, because it makes a lot of sense. You actually can get a mortgage with little or no closing costs. What bankers don't tell you (one of their great secrets) is that you pay a higher interest rate than you really qualify for, when you get your loan for "free." So, you might save $2,000 or $3,000 in closing costs, but your monthly payment could be $100 to $300 higher than it would have been if you had actually paid the costs.

Imagine taking this loan and saving $2,000 in total closing costs. Perhaps you borrow $200,000. Now, if you simply pay all the costs and tell the banker you want the best rate available, let's say it is 6% for this example, you would have a monthly payment of $1,199. Now, let's assume the wiley banker convinces you to pay no closing costs and take an in terest rate of 7%. He might say, "Now, your interest rate will be a bit higher, but you'll save $2,000 in closing costs." Sounds great, you might think.

What he doesn't do, though, is spell out the difference in the 6% rate you could qualify for, versus the 7% rate you choose to take for your "free" loan. If you borrow $200,000 at 7% interest, your monthly payment is $1,330. This is $131.00 more each month than you will pay on the same loan at 6% interest.

If you choose to pay the closing costs and save $131.00 monthly, it will take you 15 months to get your $2,000 in closing costs back. Now, if you keep this loan for five years beyond that first 15 months, you will save an additional $7,860 at the 6% interest rate. If you listen to the crafty banker, selling the No Cost Loan, you'll allow nearly eight thousand dollars to drift right up your home's chimney.

Unless the difference in the interest rate on your no closing cost loan and the loan with costs is a tiny amount, say .125%, you are almost always better off paying the costs. Be sure to ask what the difference in the rates is. Then learn exactly what the total closing costs will be. Calculate the difference in the two monthly payments (one with closing costs and one without). If that amount will pay back your closing costs in two years or less, and you intend to remain in your loan for at least five years, pay the costs and take the better rate.

Use this method, and you'll never go wrong.

Bankers Don't Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever   

Equine Mortality Insurance Offers Horse Lovers Peace of Mind

Just as you insure your car and home, there is another valuable asset you should consider protecting with insurance - your horse. As a horse owner, you likely have experienced the personal rewards that caring for a horse brings, but it's important to ask yourself whether the loss of your loved animal would create a financial burden for you and your family. Equine mortality insurance guarantees that the significant time and money you have invested in your horse will remain protected.

What is it?

From equine liability to farm property insurance, there are many types of insurance applicable to horse and farm owners. Equine insurance is the type of coverage that functions as a life insurance policy for your horse. Protecting against perils such as lighting, fire, colic, fractures, transportation, artificial electricity and theft, this insurance reimburses you for the death, theft, or humane destruction of your horse. In the unfortunate event of your horse's passing, resulting directly or indirectly from an accident, illness, or disease, insurance will provide coverage.

The Importance of Investing in Equine Mortality Insurance

Although your horse and his/her sentimental value may be irreplaceable, the importance of insurance lies in its ability to help ease the pain involved in the death or theft of your loved horse by guaranteeing financial stability. Considering the emotional burden that results from the loss of a loved animal, it would be devastating to suffer from a financial disaster as well. A simple, affordable and accessible solution, equine insurance protects you from the possibility of financial devastation resulting from the loss of your horse.

Determining the Horse's Insurable Value

Since equine mortality provides coverage for your horse's life, you may wonder, "How does an insurance company determine my horse's value?" Your horse's insurable value is based on the actual cash value at the inception of the policy. This value may be substantiated by way of the purchase prize, performance records, prize winnings, value of your horse's offspring, stud fees, or appraisal by an authenticated professional. It's possible to increase the value of your insured horse during the policy year, provided that you show documentation to prove the increase in value, as well as your horse's current health information. Loss of profit, replacement cost and sentiment are not accepted as part of this insurable value. When determining the cost of the premium, this insurable value, along with your horse's age, breed and use, represent significant factors.

Is My Horse Eligible?

Fortunately for horse owners, the eligibility requirements for insurance are quite flexible. Horses as young as 24 hours and as old as 20 years qualify for this type of coverage. Considering that your horse must be sound, healthy, and capable of performing his/her intended use to be eligible for equine mortality insurance, a Veterinary Certificate or Owners Statement of Health must accompany the owner's application.

Pet Care Insurance - Put Your Pet First   Vital Information About Pet Insurance   Got A Pet? Read Why Pet Insurance Is So Important For Your Pet And Your Finances   

Understand The Nuts and Bolts of Pet Insurance

What is pet insurance? Knowing you have protection for your pet for medical problems. Finding the right plan to suit your budget and your needs is important. Different plans are available; researching them is the best way to figure out if Pet Insurance is right for you. Pre-existing conditions, and common conditions in older dogs and cats, may not be included. Having an extra savings on the side is wise planning. It is best not to wait until something bad happens, have insurance in place, or an alternative savings plan, in the event of a pet emergency.

If you decide that Pet Insurance is not for you, start a savings fund. If you have an emergency, you will be prepared for the medical needs of your pet. Emergency Clinics are expensive, many charge by the hour! Medical bills run up quickly! Even if your pet is fortunate enough to have a healthy life, they get older, things happen, and they will need care. Start a savings as soon as you can. Care Credit is a service that can be of help for a family facing a pet emergency. You will have to apply for it and be approved. Once approved, you may find that the interest is very high. A better plan is to have Pet Insurance or a savings fund in place ahead of time.

Weigh your options carefully. Pet Insurance has its advantages and peace of mind. They also have deductibles and exclusions you should be aware of. Monthly payments, what is or is not covered, payout limits, pre-existing conditions, are some of the things you should be aware of. Going without insurance and having a savings plan also has its choices. There are no rules to follow, but you alone are responsible for your pets healthcare needs. You should be making a regular deposit into an emergency healthcare fund for your pet. Part of being a responsible pet owner is being prepared for the worst, and praying for the best. Having a savings fund or Pet Insurance can take away the worry and give you the assurance that you will be prepared.

If you decide Pet Insurance is right for you choose skillfully, call them on the phone and ask questions. Compare them to other companies. The internet makes this easy to do. Get the best coverage for your pet and your pocketbook! If you choose not to purchase insurance, please do start a pet savings fund. It is never a good situation when you are facing pet healthcare problems. You need to be able to focus on your pet, which needs you, and make good decisions for them. Decisions about quality of life are hard enough without the added worry of how you are going to pay. Huge medical bills can be devastating. Trying to get a loan in a hurry or with high interest is not the ideal way to care for your pet and can be very stressful. Be prepared by purchasing Pet Insurance or put a savings plan in action now!

Pet Care Insurance - Put Your Pet First   Vital Information About Pet Insurance   Got A Pet? Read Why Pet Insurance Is So Important For Your Pet And Your Finances