Important Information for Joint Mortgage Loan Applications

If you and your spouse are thinking of applying for a joint mortgage loan but one of you has bad credit, you may really have a difficult time. This is because the lender usually considers the lower credit score in deciding the rate of interest it will charge to the both of you. Here are some of the things you have to know about joint mortgage loan application with bad credit.

1.) The Person with Higher Credit can Apply for the Loan Alone
Although with two borrowers it is easier to get a higher amount of loan, this is only possible if both of you has good credit. Thus, if one of you earns a good income and has a good credit, you can already qualify for the mortgage.

The person with the higher income is usually considered as the main borrower. Just know that you will not be qualified to a bigger of loan with only one applicant.

2.) Find a co-signer
A parent, family member or close friend who can act as a co-signer can help you qualify for the amount of loan that you desire. For as long as their credit is good, any of them can take the place of your spouse with bad credit as a co-applicant. If you are thinking of obtaining an FHA mortgage, you must find a co-signer who is related to you. As a word of caution, you might have difficulties convincing your potential co-signer to sign for you if he or she has a higher income than you and your partner. The reason for this is that he or she will be considered as the primary borrower and that will be too risky for him or her.

3.) Legal Information
If you have finalized your decision to apply for a loan using one of your names, you can still request for the deed of the property to be placed on both your names since the deed and mortgage are usually separate. But, there are instances when the lender has to decide on this so make sure to check their policy first. Moreover, if only one name is stipulated in the mortgage but the two of you will pay for it, make sure to have a signed agreement in place just in case you separate. This is especially a security measure for couples who are not married.

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If you are one of those many people with no credit or bad credit, you surely have a difficult time in obtaining a loan or getting a credit card. Fortunately, there are different financial institutions providing credit cards that do not require a credit check. Although these credit cards usually charge higher interest and charges, they are a good way to improve your credit standing. But, if you are thinking of getting these cards, you should consider some facts before obtaining them.

Fact 1: Most of these cards are not credit cards

Most cards that do not require a credit check are really not credit cards. They are mostly prepaid debit cards. Since you have to deposit your money to be able to use the card, you are actually not borrowing anything from the card company. This is the reason why there is no risk in taking them. If you are having a difficult time controlling your spending, then this is the right option for you.

Fact 2: Your card providers report to the credit bureaus

Whether you have a low limit or a prepaid debit card, there is a great chance that your transactions will be accounted for by the major credit agencies. Because of this, the use of the cards is a good way to enhance your credit score. Moreover, there are cards that give you a small loan that you can pay in full for 12 months. If you can pay on time, your scores will be greatly improved. At the same time, you can show the lenders that you have already changed your financial behavior.

Fact 3: Credit Cards with No-Credit Check Have High APRs

One of the attractive features of a prepaid or loan card compared to a credit card is that it does not require a credit check. But, most of these cards charge high interest rates. This is the card company’s way of safeguarding themselves against the chance that you will be in more debt because of your previous bad rating.

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The “Super Committee” also known as The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction is looking for ways to cut $1.2 trillion in deficits over the next decade. To achieve this goal, the Super Committee must watch out for a flaw in the federal student loan program that threatens the federal budget.

The federal government guarantees repayment of most student loans meaning each loan default eventually piles updeficit. Since majority of the graduates were paying loans off, the cost of defaulted loans was negligible.

However, the rising cost of defaulted student loans is now getting more attention. According to The Department of Education the overall default rate for federally guaranteed student loans had risen to 8.8percent, up from 7 percent the previous year. But that 8.8 percent refers only to the 320,000 graduates out of 3.6 million who defaulted within two years of their first payments being due. Four years out will be worse.

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The Department of Education tries to prevent students from falling into the default category by postponing the repayment requirement through deferments and since the repayment requirement begins only when students are out of school, they enroll in graduate or additional undergraduate programs. But in time, the student’s only permanent solution to student-loan debt is obtaining a job that pays well enough to start repaying the loan. However, they can’t find jobs because of the weak economy and a flaw in the student loan program.

Congress provided grants to help kids go to college. These Pell grants give children the chance to prepare at college for rewarding careers. Congress also established numerous guaranteed loan programs as supplementary student aid for college costs – student loans must be repaid after graduation or after leaving school without graduating.

The Super Committee should recommend that student loans require proof of ability to repay them by scrutinizing students’ academic records, credit histories, and other criteria of credit-worthiness. Tightening eligibility for student loans would treat student loans as risky investments and ensure they are given only to student borrowers with a good chance of repaying them.

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Why Are Credit Unions Better than Banks?

Without the free checking and with the increasing fees of banks, you may benefit more from a credit union.
Credit unions basically have better deals on loans, checking accounts and other products compared to banks. And it is easier to join them at the present times because there are around 7,000 of them nationwide.

However, there are cases when you are only eligible for basic services. This means that you cannot have online banking or other perks that banks offer.

Credit unions are already beating banks nationwide because of their nonprofit nature and their members’ ownership. Because of this, they can offer the best possible deals says Bankrate.com’s senior financial analyst Greg McBride.
Some credit unions also offer free checking which most banks today do not provide. Moreover, overdraft charges are cheaper on the average among credit unions. In addition, out of network ATM transactions are charged about 99 cents in credit unions whereas banks charge $1.41.

Aside from these benefits, a lot of credit unions belong to a network that allows customers to transact with other credit unions and withdraw funds from different ATMs all over the country.

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In terms of interest rates, credit union offer better rates. For example, a one year certificate of deposit is on the average paid at 0.7% whereas banks only pay 0.42%. For credit cards and loans, credit union rates are also much better with an average of 4.67% interest for vehicle loans compared to 5.47% charged by banks. Home equity lines of credit are at 4.16% in credit unions and 5.38% in banks.

A lot of people are also qualified to join credit unions. You can participate in a credit union that is affiliated with your employer or those that accept employees coming from different companies. You also have an option to join community credit unions which are open to people you work, live and go to school with in a specific area. Colleges and religious groups also have their own credit unions that you may be able to join.

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Business Aspects to Consider in a Financial Review

If you are a business owner, your company is as important as your health. Because of this, it is also essential that you conduct a regular review with a reliable banker of your company’s financial situation as religiously as you visit the doctor for medical consultation.

Reviews of your business’ finances are important for your company especially with the constant changes and developments in a business. This will ensure that your business has the right services and products for your customers. It will also help you making the decision to take a new loan or credit line for expansion. It is also beneficial before making repairs or buying new equipment. Business improvements are a great way to keep attracting both new and old customers.

But, what are some of the aspects that you must look at when conducting a financial review? Here are the main ones:

1. Loans and Credit Lines
Regardless if your business needs a new loan or not, it is still best to ask the bank of the different loan types and credit lines they can offer. Find out if there are loans specifically for purchasing equipment, real estate, leases or construction. Also, if you own a small business, you may want to find out if it provides Small Business Association loans because this can free up cash flow if you are eligible. Establishing a credit line is also a good business practice.

2. Convenience Banking
Determine if the bank has an online banking system that is easy to use, safe and convenient. Also, find out if the bank’s system can meet your business’ daily banking transactions. Familiarize yourself with the website to know the types of programs they provide.

3. Managing Treasury
You must review financial statements with your banker to know the possible improvements that you can do with your business and to find out where you can save money. You may also want to check the kinds of treasury management services the bank provides like remote deposit, check imaging, fraud prevention or lock box.

4. Business Relationship with Bank
Finally, evaluate your relationship with the bank. Ask yourself if the bank knows your goals and understands your business. Think about the type of relationship you have with the bank if you can consider it as a good one. Assess if you can trust them with your business. Choose a banker that gives time to know your business and understand it thoroughly.

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