Investing Trends

By Glenn Keller

Well, everyone that was thinking straight knew that sooner or later that home prices would fall. here it is the end of December 2006 and Florida home prices have dropped sharply since the beginning of the year. I have seen builders drop the price of new homes as much as 20%! I have also read advertisements offering free in-ground swimming pools.

I have read at least 3 advertisements this month offering home-buyers a free Mercedes Benz if someone will just buy their home. So, if you weren't able or ready to buy a home this year until now or over the next few months, shout for joy! Welcome to the state of Florida and the "Home-buyers Market!" There is no doubts in my mind that now is the time to buy a new home. Early 2007 will be full of bargains! However, do your homework before you make an offer to be sure that you won't be paying to much. Decide what you can afford to pay for a home and choose the location that you wish to live.

Compare the asking prices of seller's and don't be afraid to make a much lower price offer. Now, it's a "Home-buyers Market" and your in the drivers seat! I recommend staying away from builders who will wish to handle your mortgage financing and be very suspicious of a mortgage broker is representing a seller. This gives them control of your appraisal, as well as puts them in the drivers seat. The drivers seat is designed for you, so don't allow this to happen. Remember, "It's a Home-buyers market" and you are the "Home-buyer!"

The author, Glenn Keller is a veteran of the mortgage industry in Florida and Georgia. Glenn is affiliated with Bretlin Home Mortgage of Florida. Glenn specializes in Conforming, Non-conforming, FHA and VA Mortgage loans in Georgia and Florida. Please visit his website at http://www.bretlinfloridamortgage.com

By Tim Grimsley

The single biggest burden on Americans households is debt. Even though this is common knowledge today, we continue to pile up more debt year in and year out. Soon we are strapped into a ride that can be very scary. As our finances spin out of control we have less and less money to cover our bills. This causes us to go even deeper into debt just to maintain simple everyday items that we need to live.

There are ways we can try to reduce this burden and gain control of our financial lives once again. Probably the most effective solution to the debt problem is a low interest debt consolidation loan. A debt consolidation loan means the borrower wants to pay off debts through the loan amount either himself or asks the new lender to do so for him. The borrower owes to the new lender almost the same amount equal to debts, as the debts are now consolidated under the new lender. The payment is cheaper and easier to manage each month.

For smaller debts, there is no need to offer property as the borrower can opt for unsecured low interest debt consolidation loan which can be obtained without collateral. Though, in the absence of collateral, lenders may charge a higher interest rate, but on comparing different lender's rate, a comparatively lower interest rate is possible for clearing the debts. The loan shall have to be repaid in shorter duration of few years.

There are some good lenders who can handle the entire process over the Internet and will allow you to complete the process from the comfort of your home.

With foreclosures in Minneapolis running 79 percent higher than last year, the city's main hotline is stepping in with assistance for people who fear they may fall behind on mortgage payments.

Residents can now call 311 for a referral to agencies who will give them financial counseling, explain the foreclosure process and help them negotiate with their mortgage companies.

"The key for preventing a home from going into foreclosure is early intervention," said Marc Dronen, an analyst for Minneapolis 311. "If people think they will miss a payment or are missing one payment, it is not too early to call."

Since mid-November, 311 has received 68 phone calls from residents regarding foreclosure; no one has called so far from the Downtown area, however.

More than 1,300 foreclosures were listed in 2006 as of mid-November, a substantial increase from last year's total of 871. The North Side of Minneapolis reported more than 600 foreclosures through September.

"More families and children are losing homes," said Elizabeth Ryan, director of the city's Housing Policy and Development department.

She said the city is stepping up efforts against the trend. The city increased foreclosure-prevention grants by $147,000 in the middle of 2006 and proposed $180,000 to fund prevention programs in 2007. The city's interest in preventing foreclosure stems from concerns about neighborhood stability and the impact of vacant or boarded properties.

Cheryl Peterson, a senior foreclosure prevention counselor with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, said the agency emphasizes counseling but also offers financial assistance as a last resort.

"We're seeing more extremely high mortgage payments," Peterson said. Peterson said she has seen people run into trouble by refinancing as a way to get current with their payments, without the ability to pay future ones.

Lauren Crandall, marketing and communications director for the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, said homeowners have more options than they may realize. Depending on circumstances, lenders could allow the homeowner to refinance the loan, craft new repayment plans, restructure the loan with a different interest rate, postpone payments for a short period of time, or sell the property for less than the loan amount and consider the loan paid in full.

- Michelle Bruch

If you are not a homeowner in UK or do not want to put collateral at risk then an unsecured loan is the best way to seek a loan. An unsecured loan not only avoids the risk of repossession of your property but also helps you to get your loans faster. You can avail an unsecured loan without any hassles. You can use it for many purposes like buying a car, improving your home, consolidating your debts etc.

You can seek an unsecured loan of all kinds irrespective of your profession and financial circumstances. Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, a salaried person or a businessman, a retired person or a self employed individual you can seek a loan many types.

The benefits associated with a unsecured loan are immense. The major thing with this is that your property would not be at risk. You will go through a less documentation work and no valuation of your property is involved. Your loan would be approved quickly and hassle free proceedings are there for seeking a loan. Usually short loan terms are there which will help you to get rid of the repayments as quickly as possible.

Generally, the lenders are offering unsecured loans, which come with a higher interest rates. But you can avail it at competitive interest rates, by comparing the deals with many lenders. If you are really serious about seeking an unsecured loan then it's high time to look for a right lender.

About The Author: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Loans-Bazaar as a finance specialist.

For more information please visit: www.loans-bazaar.co.uk