Nick K asked:


I have a home mortgage for $260,000 and a student loan for $20,000. My interest rate on my home is 6.75% and my rate on my student loan is 3%. My student loan is much easier to pay off since because of the amount and I know I probably will never pay off my home before I end up selling it (I just purchased the home). I know the rate is higher on the home but I’m not sure if it’s worth putting more towards it if the payments are going to stay the same regardless. Just more principal will be paid off. It does not seem to be the best time to invest but it may be my best way to beat the system. My savings account is yielding 4% but has been dropping lately. I don’t have an auto loan because I made the mistake of leasing a car 2 years ago so I’m paying those payments when I wished I had bought instead.

Any advice from people who have been in this situation before. I’m a new home owner looking to get the most for my dollar.

What’s your opinion? Any good tips out there?

Nellie

Carrie Reeder asked:




Before attempting to buy a home after foreclosure, it is important to educate yourself on the necessary steps, and improve your odds of getting approved. Certain situations are extremely damaging to your credit report. These include bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, etc. Fortunately, you can rise from a bad credit situation. Here are a few tips to help you get approved for a mortgage after a foreclosure.

Negative Effects of a Home Foreclosure

Aside from embarrassment and shame, having a home foreclosure will significantly decrease your credit score. Immediately following a foreclosure, it is difficult to obtain any type of credit, especially a home loan. Because many factors contribute to the inability to repay a mortgage loan, those who experience a foreclosure may be able to afford a new home loan.

For example, if foreclosure was due to loss of employment, once the previous homeowner finds work, they may be able to handle a new mortgage. The problem lies in getting approved. Lenders could careless about the circumstances surrounding bad credit. Their main concern is determining whether you are a good candidate for a loan. Thus, it is essential to improve credit before applying.

Maintain Regular Payments with Existing Creditors

The best approach for improving your credit score following a foreclosure is to keep up with regular payments to your other creditors. For example, if you have three credit cards, make an effort to pay the bills on time. If possible, payoff the credit card balances. This will increase your available credit, which is perfect for quickly boosting credit rating.

If you do not have a credit card, another tactic involves applying for a new line of credit. This might consist of an auto loan or secured credit card. Likewise, maintain on-time payments. Be aware that late payments or skipped payments will cause further damage to your credit rating.

Choose a High Risk Mortgage Lender

If applying for a mortgage after a foreclosure, many traditional lenders will not approve a loan request. For this matter, request quotes from several sub prime or high risk mortgage lenders. These lenders approve loans to people who have a difficult time securing financing.

Jorge