100% Mortgages – What Are They, And Why Did They Vanish?

February 12th, 2009 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press Releases

100% mortgages used to be one of the most popular home loans, due to many first time buyers seeking a loan for 100% – or even 100% of the value of their property. This was usually to allow buyers to afford new furniture, cover solicitors fees etc.

100% mortgages have always been viewed as a high risk mortgage, when compared with a standard mortgage for a smaller percentage of the value of a given property. The seemingly worldwide crunch on credit caused the withdrawal of 100% mortgages from just about every mortgage lender, certainly in the UK.

Part of the reason for the withdrawal of this kind of mortgage offer may be, in part, fear of borrowers ending up in negative equity. Negative equity is a term used to describe the situation whereby a borrowers house has been devalued due to a drop in house prices, causing the remaining mortgage to be higher than the value of the house. Obviously, by definition, a 110% mortgage would leave a borrower in negative equity, but in prosperous times this is not really a concern if the borrower has a good income, and house prices are (as usual) set to raise, thus putting the borrower into positive equity.

For those looking to take out a loan of any type, but especially a secured loan, it would be advisable to do your sums before applying for credit. Using tools like a savings calculator can be helpful for standard loans, and a mortgage calculator for home secured loans.

Tags: , ,

A Savings Calculator for quiet times

December 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press Releases

Many Banks and financial institutions are currently trying to change the tone of the recession caused by irresponsible financial practice. If we look to the advertising stances offered by the main institutions the themes seem to be trust and understanding. ‘Trust us with your savings’ and ‘we understand difficult times’. So, if you are a responsible borrower is it all doom and gloom or are there still opportunities available. The banks are always shouting about the value of their interest rates they offer to savers but what do they really offer in terms of monetary growth? We often just look at the figures and then choose the biggest number but it is wise to know what you are getting for giving the banks your money. They will be investing it and using it to make more money but to find out what that means to you, it would be wise to run the numbers and use a savings calculator . This way you can find out how much the banks will pay you for the privelege of holding your money for a year, if you’re not impressed then maybe it’s time to call for a better rate from your bank or move your money elsewhere.
 

What if I have had Adverse Credit Issues?


 
To turn to difficult times, many of us at some point or other have struggled financially, and that has led to some of us having very poor credit history and therefore being ineligible for credit or loans in the future. In response, we are offered Adverse Credit cards , seen as a way to recover our credit worthiness and improve our ‘credit history’. Are they all they claim? Both yes and no. It is possible to use one wisely and avoid any charges and any interest, by paying off the full balance every month before the the minimum repayment date, after a year or so you should have a proven credit history that should allow you to get more favourable terms. However, if you you can’t meet the entire balance before this time then interest will be charged at a rate which averages 40%, if you make the minimum payments on a few hundred pounds you may find that you will finish the repayments at the end of the next recession. As ever, the devil is in the detail. So especially if times are tight or you are hoping for a decent return on your investment- check the small print.
 

Benefits of Carrying Out a Credit Rating Check


 
Whilst proving your credit worthiness and responsibly servicing your debt, it is advisable to know where you stand. Apply for a Credit Ratings Check so you are aware of what issues have caused you problems in the past and what to avoid in the future. Also, only ask for credit you are likely to get and really need, asking for large loans and being refused can also have a negative effect on your credit rating.
 
 
 
 
 

Tags: , ,