Credit
by Christina Inman
| October 19, 2009
For homeowners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy–or considering a short sale of their property to avoid one or both–the effect the action will have on their credit is undoubtedly a huge concern. Though keeping their homes might not be an option at this point, there could very well be another one in the not-too-distant future, so knowing when they’ll be eligible to qualify for another mortgage is important.
Be Aware of the Rules of the Road
Earlier this year, Fannie Mae updated its credit guidelines for borrowers who experience one of these circumstances. And, in general, the wait time will now range from two to five years.
Homeowners who lose their properties to foreclosure or file multiple bankruptcies within a seven-year period will have the longest wait–five years.
In the case of foreclosure, additional requirements and restrictions will apply after five years and up to seven years as well, which include making a minimum 10% down-payment, having a credit score of at least 680, and having limited cash-out refinance options. Also, the purchase of second homes or investment properties is not permitted.
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Economy
by Richard Warren
| October 12, 2009
Where have we seen this before? A major backer of home mortgages may need a bailout. Oh yeah, that was right here. Wasn’t it only a year ago that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac needed a bailout to save them from themselves? They had so many bad loans on the books because of lax rules and loose oversight.
Now it seems that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is in trouble. According to an article in the New York Times (article) 20% of loans insured last year and another 24% of those from 2007, are in serious trouble.
Didn’t They Learn?
Banks all across the country have tightened lending standards requiring that the borrowers actually have the ability to repay. Imagine that! It seems that just throwing money at anyone who can fog a mirror is not good business. While people complain about how tough it is to get a loan now, they are better off in the long term.
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Newspeak or Bankspeak?
by Ted Karsch | September 16, 2008The parallel I find most striking between the language used by financial executives and the language used by the fascists in 1984 are what Orwell referred to as “Newspeak”.