Best Credit Repair Blog

Top 5 Credit Myths That Are COSTING You BIG – Here’s How to Fix Them NOW!

Hey there, frustrated credit warrior! Ever feel like the credit reporting system is rigged against you? Well, in many ways, it IS… and today, I’m going to rip the lid off some of the most common credit myths that keep people chained to low credit scores and higher interest rates.Let’s dig into the Top 5 Credit Myths that the big banks don’t want you to know about—and I’ll show you EXACTLY how to bust through each one!

Myth #1: Checking Your Credit Hurts Your Score


The Truth:

People think that checking their credit is like touching a hot stove – but let me tell you, checking your own credit score won’t hurt you one bit. In fact, NOT checking it can lead to costly mistakes!

Solution:

Use “soft” inquiries from reliable sources to monitor your score regularly. Free credit check apps like Credit Karma, Experian, or even your bank allow you to check your score without any penalties. This way, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what’s on your report without paying a price.

Myth #2: Paying Off Debt Instantly Fixes Your Score


The Truth:

So, you just paid off a bunch of debt and expected fireworks on your credit report… but your score barely budged. WHY?! Paying off debt is fantastic, but it doesn’t always equal an instant credit score boost. It’s about credit history and patterns over time.

Solution:

To see a score increase, keep credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit and ALWAYS pay on time. This combination will improve your credit score over time. And remember, don’t close those accounts just because they’re paid off—older accounts help build your credit age and boost your score.

Myth #3: Once It’s on Your Report, It’s There FOREVER


The Truth:

False, false, false! You don’t have to let those old, damaging marks haunt your report for life. Just because a collection is there now doesn’t mean it’ll stay forever. Credit bureaus aren’t flawless, and mistakes DO happen!

Solution:

Challenge it! Use credit dispute letters to remove errors, outdated debts, or incorrect information from your report. If something is unfair or unverifiable, you have the right to get it removed. And if you need help, get a pro in your corner to assist you in drafting letters and following up.

Myth #4: Closing Old Accounts Boosts Your Score


The Truth:

This one is a BIG mistake! People close old accounts to “clean up” their reports, thinking it’ll give them a boost. In reality, closing an old account can knock down your score because it reduces your credit age and available credit, both crucial for your credit score.

Solution:

Leave your old accounts open, even if you don’t use them. Keep the oldest card you have (unless it has high fees), as it shows you’ve managed credit responsibly over time. If you must close an account, make sure it’s one of the newer ones, so your credit age doesn’t take a hit.

Myth #5: You Can’t Repair Bad Credit on Your Own

The Truth:

Here’s the big secret: YOU absolutely CAN improve your bad credit score on your own. You don’t need a magic wand, a fairy godmother, or even a high-priced 
agency. It takes work and persistence, but it’s completely possible to repair bad credit.

Solution:

Start by tackling one area at a time—dispute inaccuracies, lower your balances, set up automatic payments, and keep those accounts open. Stick with it, and 
watch your score improve month by month. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember there are resources, like free credit repair eBooks or professional 
advisors, who can help guide you along the way.

Final Thoughts: Now that you’re armed with the truth, it’s time to break out of the cycle of bad credit! Busting these myths and taking control of your credit could save you thousands and open up opportunities you never thought possible.

Ready to take that first step? Download our free credit score guide, “249 Point Credit Score Hack,” and start building the credit you deserve!

Arthur: Brandon Coleman

info@killmybadcredit.com

Home

checking your own credit score,” “free credit check apps,” “credit dispute letters,” and “free credit repair eBooks”

  • #CreditRepairMyths
  • #ImproveCreditScore
  • #CreditScoreBoost
  • #FixYourCredit
  • #CreditScoreTips
  • #CreditHacks
  • #BetterCreditToday
  • #CreditRepairHelp
  • #CreditScoreCheck
  • #FinancialFreedomTips
  • #CreditScoreRecovery
  • #DebtMyths
  • #CreditDisputeTips
  • #FreeCreditHelp
  • #BuildCreditScore
  • #CreditRepairSecrets
  • #CreditManagement
  • #BadCreditSolutions
  • #CreditScoreEducation
  • #PersonalFinanceTips
  • #RaiseYourScore
  • #CreditRepairDIY
  • #CreditHealth
  • #CreditUtilizationTips
  • #DebtToCreditRatio
Read more...

Trump vs Harris 2024 Debate: Key Takeaways and Analysis

Trump vs Harris 2024 Debate: Key Takeaways and Analysis

Trump-Harris debate

The 2024 debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was everything we expected—fiery, high-stakes, and filled with sharp contrasts. Both candidates came ready to defend their policies and attack their opponent’s positions. With the election just around the corner, this debate could play a pivotal role in shaping the final stretch of the campaign. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from this electrifying showdown and explore what it means for the future of the United States.

Tone and Tension

Kamala Harris opened with a confident, forward-looking tone, declaring that the election was about “moving forward, not backward.” She framed Trump’s approach as a tired relic of the past, pointing out his continued reliance on fear-based messaging. Trump, on the other hand, doubled down on his usual rhetoric, emphasizing grievances and “bringing back America’s greatness.”
This contrast in tone set the stage for the night: Harris championing progress and inclusivity, while Trump stuck to his populist playbook. It was clear that both candidates were speaking not just to the audience in the room, but to their core voter bases.

Sparring Over the Economy

When it came to the economy, the debate heated up. Trump took credit for the pre-pandemic economic boom, promising that he alone could restore economic prosperity. His message: “I did it once, I’ll do it again.”
Harris, however, called this a revisionist history. She focused on economic policies that would benefit middle and lower-income Americans, highlighting the need for fairness and equity. She pushed for a stronger safety net and criticized Trump’s previous tax cuts, calling them giveaways to the rich.

Abortion and Women’s Rights

Abortion rights were always going to be a focal point of this debate, and neither candidate shied away from the topic. Harris attacked Trump’s support of the 2022 Supreme Court decision that removed constitutional protection for abortion, calling it a “dangerous setback for women’s rights.” She painted a grim picture of what life would look like for women under a second Trump presidency, leaning on the fears of pro-choice voters.
Trump, however, argued that the decision represented a victory for states’ rights, claiming that his stance was supported by many Americans, including some Democrats. This back-and-forth was one of the most tense moments of the night, with Harris refusing to let Trump’s framing go uncontested.

Immigration and Border Security

Immigration remains one of Trump’s most controversial topics, and this debate was no different. Trump reiterated his hardline stance, going so far as to make bizarre claims about immigrants harming animals in Ohio—an assertion that was quickly debunked. Harris used this to highlight Trump’s history of inflammatory and false statements about immigrants, positioning herself as the candidate of compassion and realism.
Her message was clear: immigration policy must be tough, but humane. She proposed reforms that emphasized security while protecting the rights of those seeking asylum.

Climate Change and Renewable Energy

Climate change was another area where Harris seized the opportunity to hammer Trump’s policies. Trump repeated his infamous claim that “windmills cause cancer” and decried green energy as harmful to the economy. Harris hit back, championing renewable energy as the future, and mockingly pointed out Trump’s long history of climate denial.
She vowed to continue pushing for green energy investments, arguing that this was not only an environmental issue but an economic one. She painted a picture of a future where the U.S. leads the world in clean energy technology.

A Symbolic Handshake

One of the most talked-about moments came before the debate even started: Kamala Harris extended her hand for a handshake, which Trump hesitated before accepting. This gesture was a small but significant symbol of Harris’s strategy—offering unity, even in the face of opposition. In a debate that was otherwise filled with animosity, this handshake became a viral moment.

Conclusion: What’s Next?

The 2024 debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris did more than just highlight policy differences—it showcased two different visions for America’s future. Trump leaned into his populist base, focusing on grievance politics and making sweeping promises. Harris, on the other hand, presented herself as the steady hand guiding America into a more equitable future.
While it’s too early to say how much this debate will impact the election, one thing is clear: both candidates came out swinging, and neither is backing down. As Election Day approaches, voters will have to decide which vision they want for the future of the United States.

Arhtur: Brandon Coleman

Home

info@killmybadcredit.com

Top Book to read below FREE:

Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again!

#DebateHandshake #TrumpHarris2024 #SymbolicGesture #ClimateCrisis #GreenEnergy #WindmillDebate #ImmigrationDebate #BorderSecurity #TrumpHarrisDebate #ImmigrationDebate #BorderSecurity #TrumpHarrisDebate

 

Read more...

Midland Credit Management On Your Credit Report?

Does Midland Credit Management Hurt My Credit Score?

Any derogratory mark under it’s legitimate time breaking point may truly influence your FICO rating. A groupings account is something similar.

Who Does Midland Credit Management Collect For?

Midland Credit Management is an obligation assortment on your credit report. They bought your obligation from a leaser (for example a Visa or credit organization).

They might endeavor to speak with you by means of mail or calls (requesting installment). Far more detestable, an assortments account currently shows up on your credit report. This damages your score (and opportunities) to get supported for an advance or other significant monetary occasion.

Getting this record eliminated might be conceivable. Call (903) 740-3497 to figure out more.

How Do I Remove Midland Credit Management From My Credit Report?

Eliminating Midland Credit Management from your credit report might be conceivable in the event that any data on the record is inaccurate, error’d, or deceitful, and isn’t (or can’t be) fixed in a proper measure of time. As indicated by a concentrate by the U.S. PIRGs, 79% of credit reports contain botches or genuine mistakes. We represent considerable authority in pursuing these sorts of records for our clients.

Need Help With Midland Credit Management?

Call (903) 740-3497

Is Midland Credit Management A Debt Collection Agency?

Midland Credit Management is an obligation assortment office. They gather obligations for loan bosses, for example, banks and charge card organizations. They haggle with banks to settle obligations for not exactly the sum owed. They additionally put Collection Agreements on buyers’ credit reports.

Should I Pay For Delete With Midland Credit Management?

Taking care of Midland Credit Management to have credit departments erase it from your report appears to be great. There’s one issue. Paying an obligation in assortments changes your credit report status from ‘neglected’ to ‘paid’. The outcome? Your assortments actually shows up on your report for quite a long time (from the date of first misconduct). This implies your credit is as yet impacted.

In any case, – there is one arrangement.

You can get your collection completely removed or pay-per-delete, in which they offer this option. Call (903) 740-3497 to find out how.

Should I Negotiate A Settlement With Midland Credit Management?

Settling your obligation with Midland Credit Management might help your score, however it might likewise hurt your score. The response relies upon numerous factors. You may likewise not need to pay by any means, and in the event that any issues with the record exist you might have it taken out all together (and at no point ever need to hear from them in the future).

Why Does Midland Credit Management Keep Calling Me?

Midland Credit Management proceeds to call and endeavor to gather an obligation. First thing you can do is dismiss their calls and talk with an organization that can assist you with getting it taken out.

Will Midland Credit Management Try Suing Or Garnishing My Wages?

I’m being harassed, but is it legal? When I asked my friends and neighbors if they’d received these robocalls, I was amazed to hear nearly every single one of them say they, too, had received them. Even worse, most of them said the calls were coming from Midland Credit Management, a debt collector headquartered in my small town. The company is apparently trying to collect on debts that’s old.

It’s improbable that Midland Credit Management chooses to sue. In uncommon cases it might work out, however it isn’t the standard. State and government regulations have cutoff points or ‘exclusions’ that apply to bank and wage garnishments. We unequivocally prescribe calling us to decide the probability of a claim, yet additionally steps you can take to get this assortment eliminated.

Various standards, as well as various lawful cutoff points on the amount of your check can be garnished , apply to different kinds of obligation. Generally speaking, a lender can’t embellish your wages without first getting a cash judgment against you. The lender needs to document a claim in court and either get a default judgment (a programmed success since you don’t answer the suit) or win for its situation. After the collector gets the judgment, it sends documentation to your manager, normally through the neighborhood sheriff. The records direct your manager to take a particular measure of your check and send it straightforwardly to the individual or foundation you owe cash to until your obligation is paid off. Be that as it may, a few leasers — like those you owe charges, government understudy loans, youngster backing, or provision — don’t need to go through the court framework to get a pay garnishment.

In any case, you’ll get notice of the garnishment. The loan boss will keep on embellishing your wages until you cover the obligation or take an action to stop the garnishment, for example, guaranteeing an exemption with the court. Your state’s exemption regulations decide how much pay you’ll have the option to keep. Contingent upon your circumstance, you could possibly to some degree or completely keep your pay. You can likewise possibly stop most garnishments by declaring financial insolvency.

What Are My Rights When Dealing With Midland Credit Management?

You reserve the option to debate any obligation of yours that Midland Credit Management has bought. Midland Credit Management is governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (or FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (or FCRA). While these demonstrations appear to be extremely muddled, they give a lot of capacity to you assuming you know how to utilize it.

What Is Midland Credit Management Phone Number?

You likely want to call Colemans Independence Institute | Kill My Bad Credit, first (903) 740-3497. The explanation? Straightforward. You probably shouldn’t pay Midland Credit Management obligation, particularly assuming that it’s possibly incorrect. Taking care of it could hurt your score.

Midland Credit Management | Current Alerts For This Business

Government Action: Reports on known government actions involving business’ marketplace conduct::

CFBP v Midland Credit Management Inc
The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

On October 15, 2020, Midland Credit Management Inc entered into a Stipulated Final Judgement and Order with the The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Order settles allegations that the business violated the Administrative Consent Order, from September 9, 2015. The allegations include suing consumers without possessing Original Account-Level Documentation (OALD), engaging in legal collections without first providing the disclosure required, failing to provide OALD within 30 days of a consumer request, suing consumers on Time-Barred debts, collecting or attempting to collect Time-Barred debts without providing the disclosure required, prohibits debt collectors from using any false, deceptive or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt, and engaging in unfair acts or practices. Under terms of the order, the business agrees to pay $79,308.81 in redress to consumers and a $15 million civil money penalty. The settlement will also require the business to make various material disclosures to consumers, refrain from the collection of time-barred debt absent certain disclosures to consumers, and abide by certain conduct provisions in the 2015 consent order for five more years. The Assurance was for settlement purposes only and should not be considered as an admission of guilt or finding of violation of the law.

This action is final.

Remove Midland Credit Management From Your Report, Today!

Sometimes, we suggest talking with a Credit Repair Company proficient to break down your credit report. It’s such a lot of less pressure, bother, and time to allow experts to recognize the purposes behind your score drop. If you’re searching for a respectable organization to build your financial assessment, call us @ (903) 740-3497..

Author: Brandon Coleman-management

www.killmybadcredit.com

Read more...

Refinance A Car Loan with Bad Credit

Refinance A Car Loan with Bad Credit

OK, your credit stinks.
However, you want a new car. So, you go to the local car dealership and believe the salesman when he says…

“Buy this car today at this high interest rate and we’ll refinance you in 12 months at the lowest interest rate possible.”

Everyday car dealers repeat the “refinance in 12 months: allegedly misrepresented to people with bad credit to push them to buy new automobiles at ridiculously high interest rates.

You may have financed an automobile through a high-interest subprime lender knowing that it’s a bad idea. But you might have thought it was your only option at the time and you justified it by telling yourself you could refinance to a lower interest rate down the road.

Unfortunately, when you try to refinance the car later on, you find out the salesman allegedly misrepresented to you.

Best Way for People with Bad Credit to Refinance

The first thing you need to find out is whether or not you even qualify to refinance, or if you should just sell or trade-in your car. Begin with how much your car is worth via “Kelly Blue Book” or “Edmunds”.

The biggest error most people make when establishing the actual value of their car is they base their research on the private party value. You need the trade-in or dealer retail value instead.

Here how to get the value of your car….

Remember that lenders who refinance usually will put up no more than 125% of the trade-in or retail value. The average amount is only 110%. So, if you are upside down on more than 10% of the value of our car, you have to pony up the difference prior to the lender giving you a loan.

If you need to calculate how much is needed to borrow to refinance, download the free Auto Refinance Worksheet and it will walk you through the steps to find out.

If you happen to not be in a position to refinance currently, there is another alternative-trade in your current automobile for another one with a manufacturer’s rebate.

Make Use of Manufacturer Rebates

A lot of auto manufacturers offer massive rebates to sell automobiles fast. There are gigantic incentives for a dealer to sell a new car.

You have to locate the highest rebate offer you can find and work toward trading in our car to eradicate any upside down condition.

Prior to going to a new car dealer, check out Edmunds and look up the rebate and interest rate on every new car and truck a manufacturer offers. This way, if the car salesman isn’t being honest with you (in relation to rebates and interest rate) you will know it.

Just go to Edmunds, and click on “New Cars,” then on “Incentives & Rebates.” You will have all the information you need.

It’s a bad situation when you’re upside down on a high-interest car loan that you want to refinance. However, you can get around it by purchasing a new car with a large rebate. You just use the rebate to offset the amount you owe on your old car.

If you come across a car with a higher rebate (highly recommended), you’re in an even better situation. If the rebate is high enough, it can wipe out the negative equity and you can use any remaining amount as the down payment.

The Secret Question to Ask the Salesperson

If you want to get a really amazing deal, try asking the salesperson this question:

“What car or truck on your lot do you need to sell immediately?”

If you’re upside down, ou need every advantage possible. Ask the dealership to sell you the oldest car in their inventory.

Some dealerships are willing to take a loss on cars they’re having difficulty selling because it costs more to keep them on the lot, as compared to selling them faster and taking a loss.

Many (not every) finance companies will require minimum score of 650 from the credit bureau they use to make a loan decision to refinance. But the only way to know each individual lenders policy is to ask.

Written by Brandon Coleman and Zain
www.killmybadcredit.com  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creditbosshog/

Read more...

Pros and Cons of Credit Card Balance Transfers

Pros and Cons of Credit Card Balance Transfers

If you are looking to save money and get out of debt faster, you may be looking into transferring a balance from a higher-interest credit card to one with a lower interest. It is important to note that while transferring a balance can be helpful in helping you, it can also turn a difficult financial situation into a worse one.

When thinking about it, a zero percent balance transfer is enticing. A few months with no interest? Yes, please. However, in some cases, it does more damage than good. Let’s take a look at both, the pros and the cons of a balance transfer.

 

Infographic - How to make a 0% Interest Credit Card Balance 

My friends and I were once discussing how difficult it was becoming to stay on schedule with our credit card bills. There are the monthly insurance premiums, mortgages and car loans to think of, and we were not sure if our salaries (combined with our respective wifes’ salaries) could take any more load.

A balance transfer was at the back of my mind, but I did not have enough knowledge about it to even have the courage to bring up the topic. But I was fortunate to have …

What is a balance transfer?
If you have not been able to pay for your credit card debt, you can transfer the balance to another card issuer. If you do this, you might just worm your way out of additional expenses like late fees. Many people opt for balance transfer because another issuer is offering lower interest rates.

Pros:

How can you benefit from balance transfer?
If you have been unable to pay off your credit card balance, it is most likely that the finance charges are adding up to your debt on a monthly basis. By transferring your balance to another credit card, you will have the opportunity of starting anew.

You do not have to worry about being charged with late payment fees as long as you keep paying for the minimum amount due every month. It is always better if you pay more of course. If you are looking to save some money, give some thought to availing of a balance transfer card at a low rate of interest.

How can I transfer my current credit balance?
The first thing that you will have to do is look out for credit card companies that offer balance transfer. Make sure that their interest rates are much lower compared to your old card issuer – it’s possible to get 1% to 2% interest if you take your time negotiating and researching for a reputable company.

If you do your research right, you could end up with a bank that offers free balance transfers. Some will give you a grace period of six months to a year, where in they charge a lower interest on your transferred balance. Because these card issuers want your business, they will be more than happy to accommodate you. A maximum of four weeks is all that it will take.

Cons:

Would balance transfer have an effect on my credit ratings?
This is the tricky part. If you are just going to transfer the balance to another card, your credit score is safe. Some say that it is better to close the old credit account, but that is not true in most cases. Not only does part of your credit history get “erased”, your debt ratio will be affected negatively especially if your new card has a lower credit limit.

On the other hand, having an open bank account will also affect your credit score, but not as much as closing it. The best thing to do is to keep both accounts open. The old credit card can be discarded, or you can use it as before. But take care to make payments on the transferred amount.

Conclusion:

There is a lot of interest in 0% APR Balance Transfer credit cards because of the tremendous savings possibilities they offer. You don’t have to be an MIT graduate to understand that the 20% you are paying to a high-interest credit card on a balance of $ 10,000.00 is two grand; and if the interest on your credit card was 0% APR, that money would stay in your pocket. It turns out, however, that not all 0% APR credit cards are the same. Major credit card companies, who are competing fiercely with each other at this moment, use a variety of enhancement programs that combine the idea of 0 % APR Balance Transfers and with other add-on bonuses. Consider the offerings of three of the largest credit card companies, how they are similar in terms of the basics, but are putting a twist on benefits:

The Chase Platinum Credit Card

Chase bank has been in the credit card business for a long time, and this card is their standard offer. It has 0% APR on all purchases and balance transfers, provides free online account access, and does not charge an annual fee. The only question about this card is how long does the 0% APR last; and the answer depends on your credit. If you have excellent credit, Chase will give you 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a full year. If your credit is good enough to qualify for the card, but not quite good enough to meet the higher standards, that period of 0% APR drops. Still, the opportunity to transfer balances and make purchases at 0% APR makes Chase a good choice.

The Miles Card from Discover

Another industry heavyweight, Discover, has 0% APR credit cards available for purchases and balance transfers. The Miles Card, however, adds the benefit of accumulating airline miles to help consumers choose Discover over everyone else. The company touts their 0% APR credit card for its twelve month duration and the ability to include balance transfers at no interest. The real inducement, however, is the 12,000 mile sign-up bonus and one-mile-for-one-dollar point award. Just to make the deal a little sweeter; there are no blackout dates for these miles and you can fly any airline at any time. You have to have good credit to get one, but the Miles Card from Discover may be a good way to save interest on purchases and balance transfers while building up miles for the next vacation.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card

This 0% APR credit card from Citi not only gives you 12 months of interest-free funds and no balance transfer charges, it also has a points reward system that gives you redeemable points based on purchases. The program works by offering five reward points for every dollar spent on purchases made at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations; all other purchases get one point per dollar. You get 5,000 bonus points when you get your card, which can be redeemed for a $ 50.00 gift card after your first purchase. Like the Discover card, you will need good credit to get this 0% APR card, but the initial bonus points and rapid accumulation of reward points for purchases of the basic necessities of life could make this just the card for you.

5 MONTHS 0% INTRO APR | 1.5% CASH BACK

These days, the question is no longer about finding a 0% APR credit card or a 0% Balance Transfer card; the issue is how would you like that card—with extra months of interest-free money, airline miles, or other rewards such as incentive point programs? Any person who is currently carrying balances on high-interest credit cards should shop online and take a look at the 0% APR and 0% Balance Transfer credit cards from Chase, Discover, Citi and other companies. You may just find the right card for you.

Article by Brandon Coleman & Zain

www.killmybadcredit.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creditbosshog/ 

Read more...

Home Finance – 20 Questions For Your Lender

Home Finance – 20 Questions For Your Lender

With the cost of homes steadily rising, it wouldn’t be surprising if people were looking for a way to save even the smallest amount of money on their home purchase. And between the down payment, closing costs, inspections, PMI, and more, the cost of a home can quickly add up.

Paying interest on your mortgage isn’t avoidable, but you don’t have to feel like you don’t have any control over how much you pay. As you start the homebuying process, you’ll want to consider what factors into the total cost of your loan. The reason being you can improve your chances of saving some cash, especially when it comes to your interest rate.

Warning! Home finance has blossomed into an incredibly diverse and complicated industry. This is good and bad. There are at least a hundred ways to borrow the money for your next home now. There are also dozens of ways for lenders to take advantage of you, from hidden charges to prepayment penalties and more.

Let your lender explain all the various home loans and home finance options available. However, when you finally decide on a product you like, ask as many of the following as are relevant to your loan. These are the questions that will protect you.

Home Finance – Questions For The Lender

– What is the interest rate?

– What is the APR (annual percentage rate; includes fees, points and mortgage insurance)?

– What is the initial rate (if it is an ARM – adjustable rate mortgage)?

– What is the highest the rate can go to next year (ARM)?

– What are the annual and lifetime caps on the interest rate and payment (ARM)?

– How often is the rate or payment adjusted, and when (ARM)?

– What index is the rate based on (ARM)?

– What margin is added to the index (ARM – it might be the index plus 3%, for example)?

– Is credit life insurance required (this pays off the loan if you die)?

– How much would the payment be without it?

– Can any of the fees or costs be waived?

– Is there a prepayment penalty?

– How much is the prepayment penalty?

– For how long is the penalty in force?

– Are extra principal payments allowed?

– Is an interest rate lock-in available? (guarantees interest rate for a time)

– Can I have the lock-in in writing?

– Is the rate locked in at time of application or time of approval?

– If rates drop, can I get a lower rate locked-in?

– What inspections and/or surveys are required?

– Is a title search and/or title insurance required, and what is the cost?

– Can I get an estimate of prepaid amounts that I’ll have to pay at closing?

– Are there “points,” and what will these cost (discount points to reduce interest rate)?

– What state taxes, local taxes, stamp taxes and transfer taxes will I have to pay?

– Will a flood determination be required (to see if the home needs flood insurance)?

– What other costs will there be?

– Is there anything else I should know?

Lenders may not like getting two dozen questions thrown at them, but you have a right to ask before you agree to a loan. Did you know that a 1% higher interest rate on a $150,000 loan can cost you an extra $30,000 over the years? Home finance can be as important as a good price when it comes to saving money on your home.

Article by Brandon Coleman and Zain

www.killmybadcredit.com

 

Read more...