Archive for the 'Home Equity' Category

The $1.1 Trillion HELOC Problem

By: Myles, April 1st, 2008

There just may be an even scarier phenomenon approaching us on the financial and real estate horizon: HELOC’s.
Recently HoweStreet.com made several very interesting comments, in response to The New York Times’ enlightening article: Home Equity Loans as Next Round in Credit Crisis.
We at MarylandCommercialTitle.com believe that information is power. We hope you agree. These are […]

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Can Banks Recapture Closing Costs?

By: Myles, March 12th, 2008

The Maryland Daily Record just reported that “a bill that would allow Maryland banks to collect closing costs from customers who pay off loans early moved closer to final passage … after a contentious debate.” Apparently there’s no free lunch. It makes sense, but is is legal? It will be, if this piece of legislation […]

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Homeowner Equity Below 50% for First Time Since 1945

By: Myles, March 7th, 2008

This is a historic time, in our financial markets. Americans’ percentage of equity in their homes fell below 50 percent for the first time on record since 1945, as reported on CNBC today.

Homeowners’ portion of equity slipped to downwardly revised 49.6 percent in the second quarter of 2007, the central bank reported in its quarterly […]

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FINALLY: New FHA/GSE Loan Limits Are Announced

By: Myles, March 6th, 2008

HUD has just released the new loan limits, as mandated by the Economic Stimulus Package of 2008.  This will immediately affect the Jumbo Residential marketplace.

FHA and the GSE’s can temporarily increase loan limits and insure larger mortgages at a more affordable price in high cost areas of the country.  Here’s the link to see for yourself. […]

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A New Approach to Tapping Home Equity

By: Myles, February 13th, 2008

Inman News reports of a newfangled and unique way to tap home equity. Warning: This is most definitely not for everyone. Where else would such a plan be hatched? You got it — San Francisco!
No, it’s not a reverse mortgage, but it sort of (kind of) looks like it. They bill it as an equity […]

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