Finding the Best Mortgage Rates

Finding the perfect house may be difficult, but choosing the right mortgage loan can prove to be even more challenging, especially for first-time borrowers  While the mortgage process may seem daunting, finding a knowledgeable broker can conveniently simplify and expedite the process. A mortgage broker will help you navigate the mortgage system and will match your financial needs with a suitable mortgage from a selection of lenders. The key is choosing the right broker. Similarly, choosing the right mortgage lender can be an overwhelming and frustrating process. By understanding some simple mortgage terms, knowing the right questions to ask, and comparing mortgage quotes from multiple companies can better enable you to find the best mortgage loan possible for your particular financial situation. 

To narrow down your search for the best mortgage rates, brokers, and lenders, this article will highlight three tools that will help simplify your search for the best mortgage loan available. 

Brokers vs Lenders 

To start, it is important to identify the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender. Many people do not understand and often confuse the difference between the two parties. Essentially, a mortgage broker is a loan provider who serves as a liaison between you and mortgage lenders. A mortgage broker offers the loan product of various lenders, while a mortgage lender provides the actual loan money. Many lenders, though not all, are associated with banks. As a loan seeker, you can either apply for a mortgage at the bank you use for your checking and savings accounts, or you can shop around to see which lenders offer the best interest rates and terms. 

Mortgage brokers do not loan money, instead, they work with you to help you find appropriately-matched mortgage loans. Typically, a mortgage broker will learn about your particular financial situation and then shop around for the best loans from lenders offering the particular type of loan you need. Brokers usually work with numerous lenders, attempting to match the right lender with your profile. Since they have so many lenders from which to choose, brokers are more likely to find loans for borrowers with special needs, such as bad credit, than individual lenders. It is beneficial to explore all your options and to meet with multiple mortgage brokers and lenders so you can determine where you would be best served. 

How to Find the Best Brokers 

To find the best broker it is important to get specific. Anyone seeking a loan has a different loan purpose, be it commercial or residential. This key information can be a factor in deciding which broker to work with. Similarly, when seeking help from a broker you should research each type of mortgage to see which is right for you. Each one has its own set of pros and cons, and choosing one that first your financial situation can help create better plans for the future. Check out the tool below to help you search for the right mortgage broker:

Mortgage Brokers

How to Find the Best Lenders 

To find the best lender it is important to assess loan type, mortgage loan programs, closing costs, and company reputation. Researching the necessary loan type is important for both brokers and lenders as explained above. There are several types of loans to choose from such as adjustable rate, fixed rate, home equity loans, and hybrids. Mortgage loan programs are typically overlooked, but they can offer you special deals or lower rates. Closing costs and reputation should be factors in your decision as working with a company that has excellent personnel and has been in business for years could seek to benefit you. You must also ensure that you will be paying reasonable closing costs, which are various fees charged by those involved with home sale. Check out the tool below to help you search for the right mortgage lender:
 

Mortgage Lenders

How to Save on Your Mortgage Payments 

For most homeowners, a mortgage payment accounts for about 30 percent of their monthly income. If you’re determined to stick with your budget, take time to trim some of those housing expenses. You can free up some extra cash each month by reducing your monthly mortgage payment and then reconfiguring your budget to better manage your household’s monthly expenses. It may be helpful to make a large lump sum payment to pay down your mortgage, shop around for better rates, extend the life of the loan, or ask your lender about the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). These steps and these tools will help you narrow down the search for the best rates, brokers, and lenders when seeking a mortgage loan.

4 Convenient Purchases You May Not Have Thought Of Making Online

Millions of people buy products online in the 21st century. Everything from deodorant to planes can be bought without ever leaving the questionable comfort of your computer chair. On the other hand, many products are still mainly purchased in brick and mortar stores, and have yet to take off online. However, there are hundreds of automotive products that you may not have thought of purchasing online, and for one reason or another people always feel the need to head to a store to purchase them. Let's take a look at some items that can conveniently be bought online.

1. Windshield Washer Fluid

Most people don't bother to refill the fluids in their car, and instead rely on a mechanic to do it for them when they find themselves visiting one. In certain climates where precipitation is plentiful however, drivers can find themselves running out of fluid much quicker than anticipated. Ordering windshield fluid online is much quicker than traveling to a store, and often cheaper as well. And no need to hire a mechanic when the fluid arrives, the process of refilling is as easy as pouring a glass of water.

2. GPS Units

Why let luxury car owners have all the fun? Manufacturers such as Garmin and Nuvi offer their standalone GPS units online, and one can compare hundreds of models versus the few that are often on display at electronic stores. Ordering online also guarantees your unit will have the most up-to-date maps, compared to one which may have been sitting in a showroom for months. Installation is simple as well: just stick or clip the unit onto your windshield or dashboard.

3. Touch Up Paint

Over time, every car develops dings, dents, and chips. No matter how safe you are, simply driving a car results in minor blemishes. Instead of paying someone a costly fee to fix these, why not order a bottle of Touch-Up paint and take matters into your own hands? Most cost less than ten dollars, and will save you hundreds compared to the alternative.

4. Tires

Almost every driver purchases tires from their local mechanic or automotive shop. Surprisingly however, they can be purchased online, and often at a much lower price.
Manufacturers such as Carlisle sell tires online which are delivered in days, and can be installed with a little online research and some elbow grease. Carlisle tires online even offers ATV and trailer tires, which are even simpler to install.

Money Saving Tips for Family Eye Care

Although we all know that we have to care for our eyesight and ensure that our vision is protected, those of us with families know how fast the cost can add up. Eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses cost a lot, and when vision problems run in the family, before you know it, you can break your medical expense budget.

There are a few ways you can save money when you have a family in need of eye care solutions. Here are some tips to help you trim down your budget while giving your family better vision.

Get a complete prescription.

Each time you or a family member sees the doctor and gets a new eye prescription, make sure you get the papillary distance. When you order glasses from any retailer, they will ask for this, so you need to have it on hand if you want to be able to save money. The measurement is the distance between your pupils, so that the lenses will be centered and give you the best possible vision.

Order eyewear online, not offline.

Companies such as the Lenstore.co.uk site offer better deals on eyewear such as glasses and contact lenses than you can find offline. The reasons are varied, but primarily include the fact that these sites can order contact lenses or frames in bulk. This means they can sell you eyewear cheaper than a retailer who has to order each individual pair. Also, they don't have overhead like the average store in the mall that sells eyeglasses.

Use warehouse clubs to your advantage.

Certain warehouse clubs offer eyewear and vision products at a significantly lower rate than you would find them for in a high-end store. You don't even have to be a member in some cases; check with customer service at a nearby club to find out. You may just be able to walk in and order from the eye care booth near the exit.

Don't get stuck on name brands.

Some people pay far more than they need to for name brands. Especially when you're ordering glasses for your kids, name brands are not very important – both kids and adults break and lose their glasses, after all. Name brands are not a reliable indicator of quality; they simply mean that the designer agreed to let the manufacturer pay them a lot of money to use the name.

Look for clinics that offer free replacements.

Sometimes, optometrists or vision wear retailers will offer clinics where you can get a repair or frame replacement for free. They may give away daily-use contact lenses or even offer discounts at certain times of the year. When you're willing to drive to another side of town to visit a clinic you might not otherwise go to, the benefits can actually be worth it.

Saving money when you have a family is easy if you know what to do and where to look. You don't have to skip your own prescription in order to get proper vision care for your family.

Chelsea Miller has extensive experience in eye care and treatments. She enjoys blogging where she gets to pass on her knowledge on the topic.

How Important is a Home Inspection Before Buying a House?

When buying a home, don't consider home inspection an unnecessary expense. The reality is quite different. Home inspection becomes even more important, if you are buying home for your retirement home. Today, we will talk about some of the main reasons, how it can benefit you and how it is worth your time and money:

Makes You Financially More Safe and Secure:

Home inspection helps in knowing the condition and systems of a home. You cannot evaluate a house by just looking at it. Obviously, you need to check out everything in-depth. You can't tell if there are cracks in the roof or there is something wrong with the basement. So saving money on a home inspection today can make you pay big later. A home inspection gives you the confidence your home is safe and free from problems.

A Home inspector inspects the entire house with you and briefs you about each section of the home; he informs you if there are any area in need of repairs and will give you an  estimate on how much the repair would cost. 

Eliminates the Risks to Health and Safety:

Your new home might create some health issues as well. There can be injurious elements in your new home, like mold, carbon-monoxide and radon. These are considered health and environmental hazards. So, first make sure that detection of such hazards have been included in the buyers agreement. Make sure you are not buying an "as-is" property, like foreclosed properties which are boarded up for too long. These types of houses may conceal hazardous problems, and may result in health issues. So, a home inspection should be carried out to avoid these health issues.

Serves as an Effective Expense Monitoring Tool:

Home inspection keeps track of your expenses by calculating all of your money spent on maintenance, repairs, etc. Home inspector estimates detail the age of different systems of a house, like plumbing, cooling, heating, etc. He tells you the age of a structure and also will inform you when you'll need to replace it. Though, it has nothing to do with finances and safety, but it gives you an idea of which home insurance you should consider for your new house.

Helps You in Reaching a Well-Informed Decision:

So, finally, if you have taken a home inspection and something unexpected is found, you will have the right to take back your purchase offer. Home inspection makes you well-informed about the property, which helps you in evaluating the property; thus you can negotiate the price more intelligently. You can ask him to reduce the price, and he will, most probably because the home inspection may have revealed an unseen problem. So a home inspection helps you in getting a better deal.

Final Words:

Before buying a home get a home inspection. You can't afford unexpected expenses due to a bad decision so it is highly recommended to spend the money on a home inspection. It will definitely save you money and time in the long run.

Author’s Bio:Paul Montgomery is a senior journalist and writer for http://homeinspectors.net/, a comprehensive home inspection network. Only the best home inspectors are in their network!

3 Best Ways to Build Equity Over the Next Five Years

Sometimes it's not enough to simply make money. Unless you want to see the money you earn disappear with no return, you'll need to look into ways to build personal equity.

Making smart investments that either build value over time or hold their value for a reasonable duration ensures you can actually spend money to make money. Here are a few of the best ways to build equity over a manageable, five-year period.

Purchase a Home

Intelligently investing in real estate is one of the surest ways to turn a small investment into a big payday down the road. A large or lavish home isn't imperative. With proper research, you can end up spending less on a decent condo investment than you'll spend on monthly rent.

You can also see a huge turnaround on a house that has seen its value plummet over resolvable issues, like worn paint or a dead lawn. Keep the property for several years and do what you can to improve the property without investing too much more money. After several years, put the house back on the market.

With just a few valuable improvements, you could see a decent return. Be careful, though -- the real estate market is volatile and neighborhoods can change over time. Be sure to thoroughly research both the property and neighborhood so you can avoid any future surprises.

Invest in Stocks and Bonds

The great thing about the stock market is that, while many of the highest payoffs come from the biggest risks, there are still safer stocks that can give you a decent return on investment through smarts and patience. Spend some time learning about stocks that interest you and don't be afraid to consult a broker or three. Once you find stocks and brokers you can trust, sink a few dollars into a smart investment and bide your time.

There is, of course, always the chance that your investment gets lost in the often unpredictable market, so start small so you can get your sea legs. And when it comes to bonds, keep your eye on interest rates -- these will affect the return you receive at maturity.

Purchase a Car

The key to making the most out of your automotive investments is buying vehicles that keep their value. Aside from those cars that will eventually become sought-after vintage models, all vehicles depreciate in value. In this case, it's not about identifying an investment that will turn you a profit in a few years, but finding a good place to spend money where you would spend it anyway.

If you must drive, make sure industry projections show that the car will retain its value for several years and with minimal depreciation. For example, the 2014 Ford Fusion is at the top of the list of current cars slated to hold value for several years to come.

Whether you're aiming for property, stocks, or more obscure investments like precious metals, it's essential to do your research and think long-term. Ask experts how your investment might change over time. Consider the benefits and drawbacks, and whether it's about making money later or saving money today.

4 Must-Know Tips for Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It can cause serious havoc to your finances, credit history, and reputation. That’s why you should take preventative measures to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Take a look at these four must-know tips for protecting your identity.

Closely Monitor Your Credit Accounts

According to Javelin Strategy and Research, 11.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2012. Because of this, you should closely monitor your credit accounts to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Going paperless and setting up automatic payments with your credit accounts is fine, but you should still monitor them for unusual behavior. There are several types of identity theft — tax related identity theft, child identity theft, medical identity theft, and financial identity theft. So, monitor all of your accounts, not just the ones that give you credit.

Use Secure Passwords and Virus/Firewall Protection Software

The Internet is a common place for people to try and steal your identity. They prey on people who are too trusting and not careful with their personal information. Avoid becoming a victim by never buying anything from a website that doesn't have a BBB seal on the bottom or a trusted site symbol. Also, only use secure passwords when creating merchant accounts online. Additionally, protect your computer with a good virus protection software that has firewall and spy-ware built in.

Shred Everything that Has Your Personal Information on It

If you don’t own a shredder, it’s something you should invest in. You should shred everything that has your personal information on it so that it doesn't get in the wrong hands. This includes preapproved credit card offers, bills, and anything with your name on it. Tearing these things in half isn't enough; you should get a shredder with a cross cut to make everything unrecognizable. Old credit cards should also be shredded to protect you from identity theft.

Get a Credit Report Once a Year

Another thing you should do to protect yourself from identity theft is to check your credit report once a year. You are allowed to do this without penalty to your credit, so there's no reason not to do it. When you get your report, look for identity theft threats and take care of them before things get out of control. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, so checking your credit is important.

Even if you take all of these precautions, there’s still the risk of identity theft. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, report it to the Consumer Response Center at the Federal Trade Commission. Also, notify all of your credit card companies and accounts to put a hold on them. Additionally, you may need to contact the Social Security Administration and each of the credit bureaus. The sooner you act, the better. Of course, the best thing you can do is take preventative measures in the first place.