Edit Profile | Log Out

Home > Loans >Articles

Articles for Loans

  • Massachusetts Mulling Foreclosure Legislation

    Not long after a Massachusetts Supreme Court decision overturned some foreclosures, the state's legislature is set to consider several new laws that could further help financially troubled homeowners avoid losing their property.

  • Massachusetts foreclosure ruling could boost home prices

    A recent ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Court deemed that thousands of foreclosures in the state were transacted illegally because lenders did not properly transfer them to securitization firms. Now, some believe that decision may end up boosting home prices.

  • Government report says lenders not to blame for crisis

    While there are a number of causes for the national economic meltdown that led to millions of consumers losing their homes, a new government report indicates that the lending practices of major banks was not one of them.

  • Strategic default becoming more popular among homeowners

    In recent months, Americans have seen their home values plunge to the point that they owed more on their mortgage than the property was actually worth. This trend led millions to walk away from the loan in a process called strategic default, and many more now say they would consider doing so.

  • New law to clarify cosigning obligations for student loans

    Often, when a young adult applies for a student loan, their parents will co-sign to help them qualify. In the event that a student dies, the co-signer will be stuck with the bill. However, a new law recently introduced into the U.S. Senate would clarify parents' obligations under those unfortunate circumstances.

  • Banks must stop foreclosures during loan modifications

    As the government continues to investigate the practices of major banks relating to the foreclosure crisis that recently gripped the country, lenders are now prohibited from seizing properties if borrowers are in loan-assistance programs.

  • Banks balk at Fannie and Freddie's demands

    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have recently begun demanding that lenders buy back defaulted mortgages the government-controlled home loan insurers backed, but the banks are ignoring or refusing those requests.

  • Consolidating student loans an option again

    There were few ways to make student loans easier to pay off during the national recession. But as credit standards loosen again, many lenders may now allow consumers to consolidate their education debt.

  • Mortgage rates expected to increase in 2011

    Mortgage rates have remained at or near record lows for a number of months, but now experts are warning that this trend will reverse itself next year as interest rates creep back toward normalcy over the next year.

  • Mortgage boom buoys smaller banks

    Thanks to an increased demand for mortgages, on both new home purchases and refinances of existing loans, many regional banks throughout the Midwest and Southeast have seen marked improvements in their third-quarter earnings.

  • What to do if you can't pay your student loans

    Thanks to the stagnant job market, many recent college graduates may be having trouble finding full-time employment, and as a result could struggle to pay their student loans. However, there are a number of ways for these people to keep their credit scores healthy.

  • More Americans can't get mortgages because of credit scores

    Many people may be aware that their credit score has a direct affect on their ability to qualify for loans of all types, but mortgage lenders have tightened restrictions so much that a large percentage have been locked out of the home loan market.

  • HAMP loans have lower default rate

    Borrowers who have modified their mortgages under HAMP are less likely to default than homeowners who have secured lower payments through other programs.

  • Scammers preying on personal loan seekers

    There are many lenders that will extend consumers a fair and affordable personal loan. But a recent investigation in Nebraska has uncovered two that promised things they didn't deliver, and ripped off consumers in the process.

  • 14 questions you should ask before you sign up

    Debt settlement may sound like an easy solution to your debt woes but before you decide to hire a settlement company to negotiate or settle your debts, make sure you ask these fourteen questions before you hire them.

  • New Jersey nursing students taking out personal loans.

    As lenders tighten restrictions and make it more difficult for consumers to borrow, more Americans are looking for less-traditional ways to pay for the things they need. But one case in New Jersey had more bizarre circumstances.

  • Be cautious when shopping for personal loans

    Visiting a number of different banks and asking detailed questions about the terms of their personal loans will allow borrowers to make a more informed and financially sound decision.

  • Personal loans can pay off other debts

    The recent financial crisis has caused many consumers across the country to fall into credit card debt or see their home loans lapse into foreclosure. In these cases, they may find a personal loan to be helpful.

  • Massachusetts to offer low-cost student loans

    Many consumers may be interested in attending college but unsure of how they might begin to pay for it. Now Massachusetts is offering its residents a way to fund their higher education.

  • Lenders extend modified mortgage loans to 40 years

    Banking institutions and mortgage companies continue to be inundated with mortgage modification applications as a record number of Americans try to stave off foreclosure. But many who receive permanent modfications are part of a new trend that allows lenders to extend a homeowner's repayment period to 40 years.


  • Fewer Americans re-defaulting on mortgage modifications

    New reports reveal that homeowners who have obtained modifications as of late are finding it easier to meet their mortgage responsibilities. The latest data from the State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group - a collaboration of 12 state attorneys and banking regulators - revealed that homeowners who received modifications in 2009 were 50 percent less likely to fall behind on payments within a 60-day period in contrast to those who received lower payments in 2008.

  • Better Score, Better Deals

    Having a higher credit score can get you a lower interest rate on credit cards and loans, which means lower payments — and bigger savings in the long run. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your credit score, no matter what it is, and get better deals.

  • The Truth About Payday Loans

    Payday loans, also known as ”check cashing“ or ”payroll advance“ services, are marketed as short-term solution to covering your expenses before your next payday. Along with that benefit, however, come a number of pitfalls to consider before you seek out this loan option, among them a high annual percentage rate.

  • Student Loan Consolidation Tips

    For recent college grads, student loans are just one more reality they have to face. Consolidation is just one option to help make repayment more manageable. Considation isn't right for everyone, however, and you need to consider the pros and cons before you make the leap.

  • Repayment Options for Student Loans

    If there's one thing about student loan debt, it's that there is no easy way out of paying them back. Lenders will give you many options to help you pay them back, but if you default, there are serious consequences.

  • Paying Off Your Student Loans with Forgiveness Programs

    If you're drowning in student loan debt, there are a few legitimate options that can help you cancel out part of your debt, such as service-oriented occupations (or vocations) like being a doctor, nurse, teacher or community volunteer positions.