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Mortgages Articles

My Short Sale Nightmare

Bills.com TeamApril 10, 2015

A bills.com reader provides a detailed review of his short sale experience. Examine how he fought to avoid the potential tax implication of the short sale by kn

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PMI: Low Down Payment

Betsalel CohenApril 9, 2015

PMI | If you are looking to buy a house and take a mortgage loan with a low down payment then PMI can...

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Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Daniel CohenMarch 25, 2015

Calculate how much you can afford on your mortgage with Bills.com's mortgage affordability calculator. Enter your information for an estimated mortgage range.

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HARP 3.0 Mortgage Refinance Program

Betsalel CohenMarch 17, 2015

Obama Passes HARP, but borrowers are looking for HARP 3.0 Mortgage Refinance programs. When a HARP 3 update is announced, you need to be ready to move…

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HECM Basics

Betsalel CohenMarch 13, 2015

HECM Reverse Mortgage | Learn about the FHA backed HECM product before shopping for a reverse mortgage. Learn about different types, interest rates and...

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Top Reasons For Reverse Mortgages

Daniel CohenFebruary 19, 2015

Read the top 5 reasons people get reverse mortgages, based on information readers shared with Bills.com. Did you know that the #1 reason is to...

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Consumer Debt & Retirement Planning

Mark CappelFebruary 19, 2015

I'm nearing retirement and selling a property. Should I invest the proceeds or pay-off my debt?

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Anti-Deficiency

Bills.com TeamFebruary 18, 2015

Learn if your state offers no-recourse rules for mortgage deficiency balances. In some states, the lender cannot pursue you...

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Mortgage Laws

Mark CappelFebruary 18, 2015

Learn if your state mortgage laws require both spouses to sign mortgages or mortgage refinances. Some states require you to hire a lawyer, or a special notary.

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Infographic: Dance your way to a successful reverse mortgage

Betsalel CohenFebruary 18, 2015

An infographic showing what steps you need to take to be successful with your reverse mortgage, if you are at least 62 and have sufficient equity in your home.

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Foreclosure Laws

Bills.com TeamFebruary 18, 2015

Learn how much time a lender must allow from default to a foreclosure auction. In some states the default-to-foreclosure time is as little as 60 days, but in...

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Mortgage Tips - Getting Qualified for a Mortgage

Betsalel CohenJanuary 30, 2015

Bills.com mortgage tips will help guide you through the shopping process. The first step is to get qualified for a mortgage. You can save the most money...

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Mortgage Refinance Opportunities 2015

Betsalel CohenJanuary 30, 2015

With currently low mortgage rates, but expectations of a mild increase in mortgage rates and slightly higher home prices, now is a great time to check if you...

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Shopping for a Mortgage Tips: Get the Best Mortgage Terms

Betsalel CohenJanuary 27, 2015

Getting mortgage quotes is easier than ever. Check out Bills.com mortgage tips on how to get the best mortgage to fit your financial situation.

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Reverse Mortgage Video

Anthony GarciaJanuary 22, 2015

Reverse Mortgage Video with free tips on the reverse mortgage process and what you NEED to know, from Bills.com

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Fit Your House to your Family

Betsalel CohenDecember 18, 2014

A growing family is a great time to re-consider your housing needs. The first step you need to take is to set your limits. Make sure that your mortgage is...

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Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing

Betsalel CohenNovember 23, 2014

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing | Do you want to refinance and get a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment? Bad credit refinancing now or later? Learn...

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7 Second Mortgage Scams

Bills.com TeamNovember 7, 2014

Avoid second mortgage home loan scams with these tips and advice from Bills.com - your one stop resource for saving money.

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Refinance to Save Money

Betsalel CohenJune 11, 2014

One great reason to refinance is to save money and lower your costs. You may be able to qualify for a lower rate or eliminate mortgage insurance, if you...

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Should I Take a Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Betsalel CohenMarch 30, 2014

Which is your best choice, a Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage? You can save a lot of money with an adjustable rate mortgage, but make sure that you...

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Reverse Mortgage Inheritance

Mark CappelDecember 12, 2013

Any heirs to real property take the property subject to its encumbrances, including a reverse mortgage.

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Infographic: Home appreciation by the numbers

Rotem SegalNovember 22, 2013

An infographic showing home appreciation in the US by state, the national median home price, YoY increase in home prices and some foreclosure statistics

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California Mortgage Foreclosure Process

Mark CappelNovember 4, 2013

Learn the process for foreclosing on property in California, including the timing on a NOD, and a Notice of Trustee's Sale. A foreclosure can take 200 to...

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Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure

Mark CappelOctober 14, 2013

Under common law, a landlord's foreclosure terminated a tenant's lease. This rule changed in 2009 with the 'Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act,' which...

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Reverse Mortgage Rules | Changes in 2013

Betsalel CohenSeptember 29, 2013

Reverse Mortgage Rules | The FHA insured reverse mortgage program is losing money. Learn about proposed mortgage rules for 2013 and how they will help...

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HECM Loan | Changes in Loan Amounts - 2013

Betsalel CohenSeptember 16, 2013

Starting September 30, 2013 the HECM loan will not look the same. New rules include changes in the overall amount of loan you can borrow and the amount you...

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FHA Loan After Foreclosure and other Economic Hardship

Betsalel CohenSeptember 11, 2013

Looking to buy a home and take a FHA loan after a foreclosure, short sale, deed-in-lieu, or bankruptcy? The FHA introduced a shorter waiting period, if you...

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What to Do when Mortgage Rates are Going Up

Betsalel CohenJune 16, 2013

Mortgage Rates Going Up? Mortgage rates are continually changing. After hitting record lows in 2012, mortgage rates are increasing in mid-2013. Make sure...

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Wells Fargo Mortgage Modification and Foreclosure Prevention

Betsalel CohenJune 4, 2013

Wells Fargo Modification is just one of many foreclosure alternatives. If you also have a second mortgage, then...

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Home Affordability | Regional HOI Index

Betsalel CohenMay 21, 2013

Home Affordability varies over different regions and neighborhoods. Make sure that you look at local data and prepare your finances so that your income...

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Home Affordability Index Tips

Betsalel CohenMay 16, 2013

Before buying a home and taking a mortgage learn about Home Affordability. Housing prices, income, and interest rates are important factors to consider when...

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FHFA Streamline Modification: A HAMP Alternative

Betsalel CohenMay 12, 2013

The FHFA Streamline Modification is available for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan. You must be delinquent at least 90+ days, but you don't have to prove...

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FHA Mortgage Insurance - Changes in 2013

Betsalel CohenMay 6, 2013

Changes in FHA Mortgage Insurance in 2013 will cause FHA loans, popular for first time buyers and borrowers with low credit scores, to be more expensive.

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HARP 2.5? The Boxer-Menendez Refinance Bill

Betsalel CohenMarch 11, 2013

Boxer-Menendez Refinance Bill | Senators Boxer and Menendez introduced for the third time their Refinance bill to improve the HARP program; however, it still...

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RAHPP | Sen. Merkley's 4% Mortgage Pilot Program

Betsalel CohenFebruary 14, 2013

Rebuilding American Homeownership Pilot Program | Is this the start of HARP 3? The results of the pilot will help determine if Sen. Merkley can push through...

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Reverse Mortgage Heirs

Mark CappelJanuary 22, 2013

Reverse mortgages don't disappear when homeowners die, but heirs nor estates must repay the loans. If you consider a reverse mortgage, learn 3 alternatives...

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Home Affordability: Preparing for the 2013 Housing Market

Betsalel CohenJanuary 6, 2013

Housing Market 2013 and Home Affordability: There are signs that housing prices and mortgage rates will increase in 2013. Make sure that you can afford...

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Reverse Mortgage Counseling | A Necessary Step

Betsalel CohenDecember 24, 2012

Reverse Mortgage Counseling | Reverse mortgages require a counseling session (all HUD backed ones). Counselors are not financial planners, so make sure that...

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How Does A Reverse Mortgage Work?

Betsalel CohenDecember 24, 2012

How a Reverse Mortgage Works | Learn about the differences between a regular mortgage and a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage can work for you, but...

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Reverse Mortgage | Pros and Cons

Betsalel CohenDecember 24, 2012

Reverse Mortgage Cons | Reverse Mortgages are complicated. Avoid trouble by understanding how they work. By learning about the disadvantages you can avoid...

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No Down Mortgage

Bills.com TeamDecember 14, 2012

The VA, USDA, and some local governments offer no-down mortgages. If you do not qualify, you have several good options for low-down mortgages from...

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FHA Loan Limits - 2013

Betsalel CohenDecember 13, 2012

FHA Loan Limits 2013 | FHA loan limits remain, for most areas, the same as for 2012. FHA loans are a popular choice for homebuyers and with low...

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Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Expires

Bills.com TeamDecember 13, 2012

The expiring of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act does not necessarily mean borrowers who had a short sale or foreclosure will face a large income tax...

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Learn About Reverse Mortgage Complaints

Betsalel CohenNovember 22, 2012

Reverse Mortgage Complaints | High pressure and false advertising lead some borrowers to take reverse mortgages. Make sure that a reverse mortgage is a good...

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Reverse Mortgage Lenders

Mark CappelNovember 14, 2012

It's easy to find reverse mortgage lenders. It's harder to find a good deal. Learn which fees reverse mortgage lenders can waive, and which are fixed...

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Reverse Loan Qualifications

Mark CappelNovember 12, 2012

A reverse mortgage unlocks equity. Learn reverse mortgage qualifications for FHA HECM loans...

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Housing Recovery and the FHA Bailout

Betsalel CohenNovember 8, 2012

FHA Bailout and Getting a Mortgage | A FHA bailout could potentially hurt a housing recovery by making it harder to get FHA loans. Learn about the importance...

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Real Property Law

Mark CappelNovember 7, 2012

Details on joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and tenancy by the entirety, and under what circumstances you should chose one of these forms of title...

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HARP 2 Mortgage | Keeping Updated

Betsalel CohenNovember 5, 2012

HARP 2 Mortgage Updates | The HARP 2 mortgage has stepped up helping more borrowers, with high LTVs. However, you need to shop around to find the best HARP 2...

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What to Know About ARM Refinance

Mark CappelOctober 29, 2012

Refinancing your ARM? Whether you should depends on your answers to eight questions about your existing loan and finances. The Bills.com ARM refi calculator...

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