RateEmpire.com Mortgage and Real Estate News Blog

New Study Shows Homeowners Could Be Saving

2006-10-05T05:49:00Z

A new study reveals that some homeowners could be saving more each month by paying attention to their reluctance to file claims. According to a new study from MIT's Sloan School of Management, many homeowners don't file insurance claims for relatively minor damage to their homes, even if the repair costs exceed the deductible...(read more)

Start By Making Your Budget Yours

2006-10-05T05:48:00Z

It isn't always possible to find the right budget for your finances on your first try. People think of finances as being a solid, written-in-stone thing. They look at budgets as being unmoving. They couldn't be more wrong. Your finances change constantly...(read more)

DEBT REPAYMENT PLANS THAT DON'T WORK

2006-10-05T05:48:00Z

There are a million people out there telling you how to pay off your debt. Finances are a very individual thing. While there are guidelines you should follow, not everything works for everyone. You have to consider your personal spending habits and reasons before you are able to make a debt repayment plan that works for you...(read more)

What Does It Mean To be In Control Of Your Finances?

2006-10-05T05:47:00Z

Personal financial planning seems like such a lofty task to so many people. But it is really a simple idea. You are in control of where your money goes. So few people are. And there really isn't any reason why. Managing your finances isn't a difficult task...(read more)

Congressional Democrats and Republicans Talk Taxes

2006-10-05T05:46:00Z

The Democrats are pointing at the Republicans, and they are pointing back. Both sides of Congress took their turns portraying the other party of wanting to boost taxes for middle class American taxpayers. A package of expired tax breaks appears to be unlikely to be reinstated before the Congress adjourns at the end of this week...(read more)

How High Did Home Prices Really Go?

2006-10-04T05:56:00Z

The U.S. Census Bureau released data on Tuesday that revealed where the nation's hottest markets were during the past five years. According to the report, median home values increased 32% from 2000 to 2005 on a national level. The survey looked at 7,000 markets with a population of 65,000 or more...(read more)

Do You Have a Debt Problem?

2006-10-04T05:55:00Z

So many people are in way to deep when it comes to debt -- they just don't know it yet. I am constantly surprised at how many people tell me that they have everything under control. Yet, they don't have enough money to pay the bills without juggling things around...(read more)

Property Taxes Increase With Home Prices

2006-10-04T05:55:00Z

With the increasing value of your home comes the increasing bill from your property taxes. Property tax collections have increased 35% from 2002 to 2006, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. With high property taxes pressuring the budgets of many homeowners, consumer backlash has been seen across the nation...(read more)

Spending Money Is Easy

2006-10-04T05:54:00Z

The simple problem is that it is so very easy to spend money. We get it in our minds that we deserve something, that we need something, that something will make our lives better -- and we just buy it. No matter how little we can afford it. Have you been there? Well chances are that you've used a credit card to buy the thing that you couldn't resist...(read more)

Are You Making Money Mistakes?

2006-10-04T05:53:00Z

You have your finances in order. But are you still making mistakes that could cost you? The credit cards are paid off. You are saving money every month towards your goals. But in the world of finance and money management, growth never ends. There are always things you can improve upon...(read more)

Financial Success Isn't Difficult

2006-10-04T05:51:00Z

Financial success isn't a hard task to master. It simply takes dedication, hard work and a little old fashioned commitment. But it also takes a little knowledge. Too many consumers are ignoring what are financial truths. They run up large amounts of debt just to appear successful to those around them...(read more)

Mortgage Rate Predictions Oct.2-Oct.6

2006-10-03T11:57:00Z

Mortgage Rate Predictions: http://www.rateempire.com/newmainpage/mortgageratepredictions.html Arrows indicate --rates will move higher --rates will move lower --rates will remain unchanged CONVENTIONAL LOAN - Loan Amount to:$417,000 $417,000 for single family mortgage $533,850 for mortgages on two-family properties $645,300 for mortgages on three-family properties $801,950 for mortgages on four-family properties Loan Program October Monthly Outlook +/- Monday October 2 Tuesday October 3 Wednesday October 4 Thursday October 5 Friday October 6 40y Fixed Mortgage 6...(read more)

Investment Properties 101

2006-10-03T11:44:00Z

Late night TV is convinced that investing in real estate is the best way to make a million. Many investors are looking at big returns with no money down. While that is unlikely, it is possible to make money in real estate. But you have to know that this is simply an investment, and with investments come risk...(read more)

Does Paying Points on a Mortgage Make Sense?

2006-10-03T11:43:00Z

You've found your dream home and are now ready to start shopping for a mortgage. Several lenders have talked about points. You've heard that paying points is the only way to get a low interest rate. But is increasing your initial costs worth getting a lower rate? For most people, paying points doesn't make sense...(read more)

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

2006-10-03T11:42:00Z

In the old days, when a mortgage was paid off, it was happily burned. Those days seem to be long gone. Very few people will stay in their home for the length of time required to pay of a 30-year mortgage. And even if you can pay it off early, it might not be best for you...(read more)