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<title>Latest Articles by goshowa</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
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<title>Cross Country Mountain Biking</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/cross-country-mountain-biking.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/cross-country-mountain-biking.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cross country mountain biking is cross country at<br>its finest.  Where free riders and downhill bikers<br>use four wheel bikes and ski lifts to get them to<br>their destination, cross country bikers get to <br>the top of the mountain by the ride.  Though free<br>riding is very popular, the life vein of the sport<br>has always been cross country biking.<br><br>Just as cross country riders are a different breed,<br>the bikes they ride are as well.  The cross country<br>bike is completely different in many ways from other<br>types of mountain riding bikes.  The premise for <br>cross country riders is speed.  Everything about<br>their bikes revolve with the idea of making the<br>bikes faster and faster.<br><br>Bikes used in cross country mountain biking can<br>be fully rigid frame, hardtails, or even full<br>suspension frames.  Through the years, the cross<br>over to full suspension has become very popular.<br><br>The weight difference between free ride bikes and<br>cross country bikes are considerable.  You'll be<br>extremely hard pressed to find a bike that weighs <br>more than 24 pounds, and even that weight can be<br>heavy.  Free ride bkes weigh close to 40 pounds,<br>which makes the difference in weight pretty close.<br><br>If you've never tried cross country mountain biking,<br>you'll probably find it to be a break from the<br>ordinary.  Even though this type of biking involves<br>trails, it's normally the type of terrain that <br>beginners wouldn't want to ride.  Involving hills<br>and rough terrain, cross country biking offers <br>quite the rush.<br><br>For mountain bikers everywhere, cross country is<br>the way to go.  It offers you a new assortment of<br>bikes, new areas to bike, and a new twist to <br>mountain biking as you know it.  If you've been<br>looking for a mountain biking rush, cross country <br>mountain biking is what you need to be experiencing.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your website or <br>in your ezines<br>as long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Mountain Bike see the Mountain Bike section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service <br>at: <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Different Types of Mountain Bikes</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/different-types-of-mountain-bikes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/different-types-of-mountain-bikes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With mountain biking being a very popular sport, <br>there are many bikes to choose from.  Depending<br>on what type of riding you like, the style of <br>bikes you can choose from will vary.  Below, you'll<br>find tips on the different types of bikes available.<br><br>1.  Cross country<br>Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category.<br>Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making<br>them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and<br>down hills.  This is the most common mountain bike<br>and it can be used with ease for riding on the path<br>or even commuting.<br><br>2.  Downhill<br>These types of bikes are for serious bikers who <br>crave the ultimate adventure.  Downhill bikes have<br>front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc<br>brakes.  Rarely available off the shelf, most riders<br>like to custom build their own.<br><br>3.  Trials<br>Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of <br>skill and is classified as the precision riding of<br>the sport.  Similiar to downhill bikes, trial riders<br>will often build their own bikes rather than purchase<br>one off a shelf.  Generally very light and very <br>strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.<br><br>4.  Jump and slalom<br>Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed<br>for jumping, street racing, and slalom.  They offer<br>a front suspension and use very strong components<br>dedicated to what they do.  These bikes are very<br>popular with the sport of mountain biking.<br><br>Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can<br>be a lot of fun.  There are several bikes to choose <br>from, all of which depend on your style.  If you are<br>still looking for the best style for you, all you<br>have to do is try out several bikes and see which one<br>suites you the best.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your website or <br>in your ezines<br>as long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Mountain Bike see the Mountain Bike section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service <br>at: <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Beginner Mountain Bike Skills</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/beginner-mountain-bike-skills.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/sports/beginner-mountain-bike-skills.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be<br>enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.  <br>Compared to the average bike ride, it does present<br>some danger.  Therefore, you should master these<br>basic skills before you hit the trails or the <br>dirt.  <br><br>You can practice these beginning skills at a local<br>park, school, bike path, or simply around your <br>house. If you can, try to find a location with<br>a steep hill.<br><br>Get a feel for your pedals<br>Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, <br>first while sitting on your bike with one foot on<br>the ground.  Next, move on to releasing and <br>replacing your foot while pedaling around for a <br>bit.  Those with toe clip and clipless type foot<br>pedals will want to spend a bit more time <br>practicing.<br><br>Sit and spin for position<br>Simply sit on your bike and pedal around.  You <br>should keep your arms slightly bent.  You should<br>also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to<br>90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke<br>on the pedal.  Keep your body relaxed, as there <br>will never be a position where you should have <br>either your knees or your elbows locked.<br><br>Shifting gears<br>Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike.  The<br>higher gears are harder to pedal and will go <br>faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal<br>and will help you ascend hills.  As you get to <br>steeper hills, its best to shift before you get <br>to the hill rather than while your on it.<br><br>Coasting<br>You should spend a bit of time coasting while <br>standing on your pedals, without actually sitting<br>on the seat.  Keep your arms bent but don't lock<br>your knees.  Now, try experimenting with shifting<br>your body towards the rear end of the bike.<br><br>Pedal while standing<br>You should get as comfortable as you can with <br>pedaling while standing on your bike.  Try lifting<br>yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals,<br>then crank them around.  You should try this in <br>higher gears on flat ground then again in lower <br>gears while on a hill.<br><br>Dropping down a curb<br>Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the<br>upper portion of it.  Practice at a moderate speed,<br>standing and coasting right off the curb from the<br>upper level to the lower level.  Try this at <br>different speeds until it becomes second nature.<br><br>Once you practice these techniques and get the <br>hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling<br>comfortable on your mountain bike.  Even though it<br>may take some getting used to, it'll become second<br>nature before you know it.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your website or <br>in your ezines<br>as long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Mountain Bike see the Mountain Bike section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service <br>at: <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickregister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>What is a Cash Out Re-Finance?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/what-is-a-cash-out-re-finance.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/what-is-a-cash-out-re-finance.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A cash out re-finance basically enables the homeowner to re-finance their home for an amount greater than the balance of the exiting mortgage. The homeowners than repay the existing balance plus the additional amount over the course of the loan period and are given a check for the amount above and beyond the balance of the exiting mortgage. The homeowners can use this check for any purpose they choose now and repay the debt along with the rest of re-financed amount. <br><br>When is a Cash Out Re-Finance possible?<br><br>A cash out option is available when there is existing equity in the home. This is important because the lender is able to justify the practice of offering increased funds to the homeowner due to the value of the property. This is because the lender feels as though the security of having the home for collateral does not put them at a high risk for the homeowner defaulting on the loan. <br><br>Homeowners who wish to take advantage of a cash out re-finance offered by a lender should inquire as to whether or not the lender offers this type of re-financing. This is important because not all lenders offer this option. It should actually be one of the first questions the homeowner asks when inquiring about re-financing programs. Doing so will save homeowners, who are seeking a cash out re-finance, a great deal of time. <br><br>How Can the Cash be Used?<br><br>For many homeowners the most appealing aspect of cash out re-financing is that the additional funds can be used for any purpose desired by the homeowner. The homeowner does not even have to offer the lender an explanation of how the additional funds will be used. This is important because once the lender writes the check for the additional funds, he has no concern for how the money is used. This is because the amount of the additional funds is rolled into the re-financed mortgage. The lender simply focuses on the homeowner’s ability to repay the mortgage and is not concerned with how the homeowner uses the funds which are released in the cash out. <br><br>While the purpose of a cash out re-finance does not have to be disclosed to the lender, the homeowner would be wise to use these funds in a judicious manner. This is because the homeowner will be responsible for repaying these funds to the lender. Some of the popular uses for funds collected from cash out re-financing include:<br><br>* Undertaking home improvement projects<br>* Purchasing items for the home<br>* Taking a dream vacation<br>* Putting money in a child’s tuition fund or <br>* Purchasing a vehicle<br>* Starting a small business<br><br>All of the reasons listed above are excellent uses of a cash out re-finance option. Homeowners who are considering this type of a re-financing option should also consider whether or not the deductions are tax deductible. Using the cash out option to make home improvements is jus one example of a situation where the funds can be tax deductible. Homeowners should consult their tax attorney on the matter to determine whether or not they are able to deduct the interest from the repayment of their re-financing loan.  <br><br>Cash Out Re-Financing Example<br><br>The process of a cash out refinancing option is fairly easy to illustrate with a simple example. Consider a homeowner who purchases a $150,000 with a 7% interest. Now consider the homeowner has already repaid $50000 of the loan and would like to borrow an additional $20,000 to make a rather large purchase or invest in a small business. With this additional funding available the homeowners have the opportunity to use the equity in their home to make their dreams come true. In the example above the homeowner may refinance for a total of $120,000 at a lower interest rate such as 6.25%. This process allow the homeowner to take advantage of the existing equity in their home and also allows the homeowner to qualify for a substantial loan at a rate typically reserved for re-financing or home loans.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Understanding Re-Financing</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/understanding-re-financing.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/understanding-re-financing.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Understanding the process of re-financing can be quite dizzying. Homeowners who are considering re-financing might initially be overwhelmed by the number of options available to them. However, after taking some time to educate themselves about the process, they will likely find the process is not nearly as daunting as they had imagined. This article will discuss some of the options available to those interested in re-financing as well as some of the important factors to consider in order to determine whether or not refinancing is worthwhile. <br><br>Consider the Options<br><br>Homeowners have quite a few options available to them when they are considering the possibility of re-financing their home. The most significant decision is the type of loan they will choose. Fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are the two main types of mortgages the homeowners will likely encounter. Additionally there are hybrid loan options available. <br><br>As the name implies, a fixed rate mortgage is one in which the interest rate remains constant throughout the duration of the loan period. This is an especially favorable type of loan when the homeowner has credit which is sufficient enough to lock in a low interest rate. <br><br>ARMs are mortgages where the interest rate varies during the course of the loan period. The interest rate is usually tied to an index such as the prime index and is subject to rises and falls in accordance with this index. This is considered a riskier type of loan and is therefore often offered to homeowners who have less favorable credit scores. <br><br>Although ARMs are considered somewhat risky there is usually a certain degree of protection written into the loan agreement. This may come in the form of a clause which limits the amount the interest rate can increase, in terms of percentage points, over a fixed period of time. This can protect the homeowner from sharp increases in the interest rates which would otherwise considerably raise the amount of their monthly payments. <br><br>Hybrid loans are mortgages which combine a fixed element with an adjustable element. An example of this type of loan is a situation where the lender may offer a fixed interest rate for the first five years of the loan and a variable interest rate for the remainder of the loan. Lenders typically offer a lower introductory interest rate for the fixed period to make the mortgage seem more enticing. <br><br>Consider the Closing Costs<br><br>The closing costs associated with re-financing should be carefully considered when deciding whether or not to re-finance the home. This is significant because when homeowners re-finance their home they are often subject to many of the same closing costs as when they originally purchased the home. These costs may include, but are not limited to appraisal fees, application fees, loan origination fees and a host of other expenses. These costs can be quite significant. The closing costs will be significant when the homeowner considers the overall savings associated with re-financing. <br><br>Consider the Overall Savings<br><br>When deciding whether or not to re-finance, the overall savings is one factor the homeowners should carefully consider. This is important because re-financing is typically not considered worthwhile unless it results in a financial savings. Although some homeowners refinance to lower monthly costs and are not concerned with the overall picture, most homeowners consider whether or not they will be saving money by refinancing. <br><br>The amount of money the homeowner will save when re-financing is largely dependent on the new interest rate in relation to the old interest rate. Other factors come into play such as the remaining balance of the existing loan as well as the amount of time the homeowner intends to stay in the home before selling the property. It is important to note that the amount of money saved by negotiating a lower interest rate is not equal to the entire savings. The homeowner must determine the closing costs associated with re-financing and subtract this sum from the potential savings. A negative number would indicate the new interest rate is not low enough to offset the closing costs. Conversely a positive number indicates an overall savings. With this information the homeowner can decide whether or not he wishes to re-finance.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>When Is It a Mistake to Re-Finance?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/when-is-it-a-mistake-to-re-finance.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/when-is-it-a-mistake-to-re-finance.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking re-financing is always a viable option. However, this is not true and homeowners can actually make a significant financial mistake by re-financing at an inopportune time. There a couple of classic example of when re-financing is a mistake. This occurs when the homeowner does not stay in the property long enough to recoup the cost of re-financing and when the homeowner has had a credit score which has dropped since the original mortgage loan. Other examples are when the interest rate has not dropped enough to offset the closing costs associated with re-financing. <br><br>Recouping the Closing Costs<br><br>In determining whether or not re-financing is worthwhile the homeowner should determine how long they would have to retain the property to recoup the closing costs. This is significant especially in the case where the homeowner intends to sell the property in the near future. There are re-financing calculators readily available which will provide homeowners with the amount of time they will have to retain the property to make re-financing worthwhile. These calculators require the user to enter input such as the balance of the existing mortgage, the existing interest rate and the new interest rate and the calculator return results comparing the monthly payments on the old mortgage and the new mortgage and also supplies information about the amount of time required for the homeowner to recoup the closing costs. <br><br>When Credit Scores Drop<br><br>Most homeowners believe a drop in interest rates should immediately signal that it is time to re-finance the home. However, when these interest rates are combined with a drop in the credit score for the homeowner, the resulting re-financed mortgage may not be favorable to the homeowner. Therefore homeowners should carefully consider their credit score at the present time in comparison to the credit score at the time of the original mortgage. Depending on the amount interest rates have dropped, the homeowner may still benefit from re-financing even with a lower credit score but it is not likely. Homeowners may take advantage of free re-financing quotes to get an approximate understanding of whether or not they will benefit from re-financing. <br><br>Have the Interest Rates Dropped Enough?<br><br>Another common mistake homeowners often make in regard to re-financing is re-financing whenever there is a significant drop in interest rates. This can be a mistake because the homeowner must first carefully evaluate whether or not the interest rate has dropped enough to result in an overall cost savings for the homeowners. Homeowners often make this mistake because they neglect to consider the closing costs associated with re-financing the home. These costs may include application fees, origination fees, appraisal fees and a variety of other closing costs. These costs can add up quite quickly and may eat into the savings generated by the lower interest rate. In some cases the closing costs may even exceed the savings resulting from lower interest rates. <br><br>Re-Financing Can Be Beneficial Even When It is a “Mistake”<br><br>In reality re-financing is not always the ideal solution, but some homeowners may still opt for re-financing even when it is technically a mistake to do so. This classic example of this type of situation is when a homeowner re-finances to gain the benefit of lower interest rates even though the homeowner winds up paying more in the long run for this re-financing option. This may occur when either the interest rates drop slightly but not enough to result in an overall savings or when a homeowner consolidates a considerable amount of short term debt into a long term mortgage re-finance. Although most financial advisors may warn against this type of financial approach to re-financing, homeowners sometimes go against conventional wisdom to make a change which may increase their monthly cash flow by reducing their mortgage payments. In this situation the homeowner is making the best possible decision for his personal needs.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Tax Considerations When Re-Financing</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/tax-considerations-when-re-financing.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/tax-considerations-when-re-financing.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For many homeowners the overall goals of re-financing are often paying less in interest overall and reducing monthly payments. When a homeowner is able to obtain a lower interest rate, there is usually the opportunity to re-finance the mortgage to capitalize on the lower interest rate. However, a lower interest rate does not automatically translate to a savings. The homeowner must carefully consider the amount of money they will be savings over the course of the loan in relation to the amount of money they will be spending to re-finance the mortgage. When the closing costs associated with re-financing are larger than the savings, re-financing may not be warranted. Re-financing can also have financial ramifications associated with tax options. <br><br>Paying Less Interest Equals Less of a Deduction<br><br>In most locations, homeowners are permitted to deduct the amount of taxes they pay on their mortgage when filing their tax forms. This is usually quite a substantial deduction for homeowners who owned the home for the entire tax year. Those who re-finance their mortgage will typically be paying less money each year in taxes on the mortgage. While this is great in the long run, it can adversely affect the homeowner’s tax return. <br><br>Consider a situation where a homeowner is located just below a major tax bracket which would be quite costly for the homeowner. As all ready discussed, re-financing may result in the homeowner paying less money in taxes each year. This means the taxpayer will be able to make a smaller deduction this year now fall above the tax bracket they previously fell below. When this happens the homeowner may find themselves paying significantly more in taxes. <br><br>Consult a Tax Preparation Specialist<br><br>Determining the exact ramifications of paying less interest on a home mortgage on a tax return can be a rather tricky process. There are a number of difficult equations involved which can make the apt to make mistakes while trying to determine the consequences of paying less in taxes on the mortgage. For this reason, the homeowner should consult a tax preparation specialist when determining whether or not re-financing is worthwhile because the tax specialist can provide information regarding the impact of paying less in interest. <br><br>In selecting a tax preparation specialist, the homeowner should seek out opinions from friends and family members if the homeowner does not employ a specialist to prepare their own taxes. This can be helpful because trusted friends and family members are only likely to recommend professionals they feel were knowledgeable, trustworthy and caring. A tax preparation specialists should have all of these qualities but should also be well versed in the area of tax preparation. This will enable the tax preparation specialist to make all of the right decisions when considering the needs of the homeowner. <br><br>Online Calculators<br><br>For homeowners who do not know a tax preparation specialist or for homeowners who are unable to afford the consulting services of these individuals, there are online calculators which homeowners might find very useful. These calculators are readily available throughout the Internet and can be used to determine the tax ramifications to re-financing. These calculators ask the user to input specific criteria then returns results regarding the amount the homeowner will pay in taxes during the year if he refinances.  Additionally the homeowner can run these equations several times to consider a number of different scenarios.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Re-Financing with an Interest Only Mortgage</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-an-interest-only-mortgage.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-an-interest-only-mortgage.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Interest only mortgages are a relatively new phenomenon in the re-financing industry as well as the home buying industry. While the appeal of an interest only mortgage is typically a greater monthly cash flow, this increased cash flow can come with a hefty price tag. In exchange for more cash flow each month, the homeowner may be sacrificing the ability to obtain a fixed rate mortgage as well as the ability to build equity. This article will further examine these features to provide the reader with more information on the subject of interest only mortgages. <br><br>Greater Monthly Cash Flow<br><br>The one main advantage for many homeowners in an interest only mortgage is the ability to increase monthly cash flow. Homeowners who re-finance by utilizing an interest only mortgage will likely have more money available each month because they will only be paying interest on their mortgage initially. The reduction of the principal payment can make it easier for the homeowner to either afford a larger house or have the ability to live more extravagantly on their budget. However, there is often a significant price to pay for these types of re-financing options. <br><br>While interest only loans may not be ideal, they can be beneficial in the situation where the homeowner is having a great deal fulfilling his monthly obligations. In this case, the homeowner may be willing to sacrifice an overall financial loss for the ability to continue to pay monthly bills in a timely fashion. <br><br>Unknown Risks of an ARM<br><br>Interest only re-finance loans are typically offered with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) this means the interest rate is not fixed and may fluctuate with the rise and fall of the prime index. This risk can be quite costly for the homeowner if the interest rate rises significantly. There is usually a cap placed on the amount, in terms of percentage, the interest rate can rise in a certain period but this can still be a very costly mistake for the homeowners. <br><br>An ARM re-finance option with an interest only component may be worthwhile in some situations. For example if the homeowner has a hybrid mortgage which features a fixed interest rate during the interest only portion and an ARM during the principal and interest portion of the loan they might benefit from this situation if they do not plan  to stay in the home for longer than the interest only period. This period may vary depending on the lender and the circumstances. Homeowners who plan to sell the house before the interest only period ends and the ARM period begins enjoy the benefits of lower monthly payments and the security of fixed interest rates before they ever have to worry about repaying the principal or dealing with the varying interest rates. <br><br>No Equity in the Home<br><br>Another disadvantage to the interest only re-finance loans is they do not allow the homeowner to build equity in the home during the initial period where only the interest on the loan is repaid. This can be a problem for homeowners who are looking to profit through the sale of their home. These homeowners may find the participation in an interest only re-finance has had a damaging effect on the profit they are able to generate from the resale of their home.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Re-Financing with an ARM</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-an-arm.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-an-arm.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is one of the most popular options available for both home mortgages and re-financing. Many homeowners do not fully understand the concept of an ARM and as a result may be somewhat hesitant to pursue this type of a mortgage. This is a shame because there are some situations in which an ARM or a hybrid mortgage can be the best mortgage solution for a homeowner who is in the process of re-financing. This article will focus on explaining the concept of an ARM, explaining situations where it is the best solution, debunking the most popular misconception regarding ARMs and explaining how those with bad credit can benefit from an ARM. At the conclusion of this article the reader should have a better understanding of ARMs and should be inspired to investigate this re-financing option further. <br><br>What is an ARM?<br><br>An ARM is an acronym for an adjustable rate mortgage. This means the interest rate associated with the mortgage is not fixed. Instead it is tied to an index such as the prime index and may rise and drop as the associated index rises and drops. The fact that interest rate is variable scares away many homeowners from considering this option further. However, there are certain safety measures in place which protect the homeowner from rapid increases. This safety measure will be discussed in greater detail later in the article on the section on the biggest myth regarding an ARM. However, for now homeowners should simply be aware that they would not be subjected to incredibly high interest jumps during a short period of time. <br><br>The Biggest ARM Myth<br><br>The variability of the interest rate in an ARM makes many homeowners feel very apprehensive. These homeowners envision interest rates going through the room during their loan term and resulting in their monthly payments skyrocketing. However, fortunately for these homeowners, rapidly increasing interest rates may not have a significant effect on ARMs.<br><br>This is because most ARMs have a built in clause which prevents the interest rate from rising more than a certain amount during a specific time period. During this time the national interest rate may rise significantly more but there is a cap on the amount the homeowner’s interest rate will be raised. <br><br>When is an ARM Desirable?<br><br>One of the most desirable situations for an ARM is as a part of a hybrid mortgage. Hybrid mortgages typically have one component which is fixed and one component which is adjustable. These types of mortgages may have a fixed rate for a set number of years begin to vary after this initial period. Alternately a hybrid loan may be variable for a number of years and then become fixed after this initial period. <br><br>The loan which begins with a fixed rate is usually desirable because the introductory rate is typically lower than the rate offered on traditional fixed loans for homeowners with comparable credit ratings. Homeowners may particularly like this option if they are repaying a smaller second mortgage and may be able to repay the loan in full before the introductory period ends. <br><br>ARMs for Those with Bad Credit<br><br>ARMs can also be very helpful for assisting those with bad credit in purchasing a home for the first time. There are a variety of loan options available today which makes it possible for even homeowners with poor credit to obtain a home loan. However, those with bad credit are usually offered these loans with unfavorable terms such as higher interest rates. Additionally, lenders may only be able to offer those with poor credit an ARM. Lenders take a significantly greater risk when they lend money to a homeowner with bad credit. As a result the lenders usually compensate for this increased risk by shackling the homeowner with less favorable such as a mortgage with an adjustable rate as opposed to a fixed rate.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Re-Financing with Bad Credit</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-bad-credit.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/re-financing-with-bad-credit.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Many years ago, it would have been extremely difficult for those with bad credit to obtain a mortgage loan in the first place. However, today there are so many loan options available and so many ways for lenders to protect themselves that those with bad credit can not only find a suitable mortgage but can also find appealing re-financing options as well. <br><br>Those with poor credit should carefully consider whether or not re-financing is ideal for them at the present time but the process is not much different for them as it is for those with good credit. Those with bad credit who want to learn more about re-financing should consult a mortgage advisor who specializes in mortgages for those with bad credit. Additionally the homeowner should carefully evaluate their credit score and whether or not it has improved. Finally the homeowner should evaluate their options carefully to ensure they are making the best possible decision. <br><br>Consult a Mortgage Advisor<br><br>Consulting with a mortgage advisor is recommended for those with poor credit. These homeowners may be knowledgeable about the process of re-financing but their situation warrants consulting with an industry expert. This is important because a mortgage advisor who specializes in obtaining mortgages and re-financing for those with bad credit will likely be very knowledgeable about the types of options available to the homeowners. <br><br>When consulting with the mortgage advisor, the homeowners should be completely honest about their financial situation and should provide the expert with all of the information he needs to assist them in finding an ideal re-financing agreement. Being completely candid will be very helpful in enabling the mortgage advisor to assist the homeowner in the best way possible. <br><br>Consider Whether or Not Your Credit has Improved<br><br>Homeowners with bad credit should carefully consider whether or not their credit has improved since the original mortgage was secured. Homeowners who have documented proof of past credit scores can compare these scores to current values. Each citizen is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the major credit reporting agencies. Homeowners can obtain these reports for use in making comparisons to the previous credit scores. Imperfections on the credit report such as bankruptcies, delinquent or missed payments and other transgressions do not remain on the credit report. <br><br>These blemishes are often erased from the credit report after a certain period of time. The amount of time the transgression remains on the report is proportional to the severity of the offense. For example a bankruptcy will remain on the credit report for significantly longer than a late payment. In examining the credit report, homeowners should consider the overall credit score but should also note whether or not previous offenses are being erased from the credit report in a timely fashion. <br><br>Evaluate Re-Financing Options Carefully<br><br>Once a homeowner has tentatively made a decision to re-finance the mortgage, it is time to start considering the many options that are available to the homeowner during the process of re-financing. Most homeowners mistakenly believe one factor of the re-financing process they have no control over is the interest rate. While this rate is largely dependent on the homeowners credit score, even those with poor credit have the ability to lower their interest rate by purchasing point. A point is typically equally to 1% of the total loan amount and may translate to a ¼ of a percentage point on the interest rate. When deciding whether or not to purchase points, the homeowner should carefully consider the amount of time it would take the homeowner to recoup the cost of purchasing the points. This will help to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to purchase one or more points when re-financing. <br><br>Homeowners will also have options in terms of the type of loan they choose when re-financing. Common options include fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and hybrid mortgages. The interest rate remains constant with a fixed rate mortgage, adjusts with an ARM and is fixed for a period of time and adjustable for the remainder of the loan period with a hybrid loan.<br /><br />--<br />John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your <br><br>website or in your ezinesas long as you have a link back to <a <br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/<br></a> For more information on Re-financing see theRe-financing section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at:<a<br>href="http://www.quickregister.net/partners/">http://www.quickreg<br><br>ister.net/partners/</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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