Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Your Credit History & Settlement Loans

When hearing the phrase "settlement loan" you might think it as a traditional loan. This is not the true. Most financial institutions do not lend money based on the merit of a pending lawsuit case. This is because financial institutions cannot absorb the risk behind it since they are funded by consumer monetary; especially with banks. This is why most people turn to settlement loan providers when in need of financial aid during a pending lawsuit.

One of the best things about settlement loans is you do not have to repay the loan back if you lose your case. For example, if you were loaned $30,000 and your case ended in a loss and you still had $10,000 left the money would be yours to keep. This risk is taken by all settlement loan providers. This is why they do research into your pending lawsuit before loaning any money.

You won't get a negative mark on your credit score if you lose your case. In fact, nothing based on credit history is involved with settlement loan application process. Regardless of your credit history you are still eligible for a settlement loan. However, in instances where a client has filed for bankruptcy there might be an issue, you should consult your attorney if this is the case.

There is nothing wrong with getting a settlement loan during your pending lawsuit. In fact, it is sometimes suggested by your attorney. Due to the hardship clients might face financially during a lawsuit sometimes people will settle for a less amount than the case is worth. With a settlement loan a client can take care of financial needs while the case goes the full course.

How to Find the Right Settlement Loan Provider

When searching for a settlement loan provider you finding there is an endless supply of them. Many settlement loan providers are really just brokers for an actual provider. This makes it a daunting task to find the right settlement loan provider. In reality, it allows you to shop around for the best deal and get the most for your money. Let's review a few things that you'll need to do while searching for a settlement loan provider.

The first step is to use the internet to locate as many settlement loan providers as you possibly can. Use Google to search for terms like "settlement loan", "settlement loans", "lawsuit cash advance", etc. Search for any terms that might be related to settlement loans or settlement loan providers. This way you'll build a huge list of settlement loan providers and their websites; use a notepad file to keep track of them.

The next step would be to start researching the providers you've found via Google search. An excellent way to do this is to type in the URL (without www) into Google or just the company name by itself. This will give results related to that domain name and company name. Be on the look out for consumer warnings, rip-off reports, etc that may show up in your search results.

After locating the companies you feel are legitimate and appear to be in good standing it's time to start the application process. You'll want to start by submitting applications to the settlement loan providers you have in your notepad file. Try to limit this to groups of 5 to 7, meaning only apply to 5 to 7 at any one time until you get a response and offer from each one; this makes it easier to manage them with all the offers you'll be getting.

Obviously, you'll accept the best offer given to you. Remember; only take out the amount that you need. Getting a smaller amount will prevent you from losing a good portion of your awarded money at the end of your case when a verdict is reached. Talk with your attorney to get an idea on how long the case might last and try to estimate how much you need financially during this period.

If done properly you'll obtain the finances you need to stay current with bills and allow your case to go on without having to accept a private settlement for a lower amount then is rightfully due.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

What’s the Low Down on Loan to Value?

It's not very often that a borrower takes into heavy consideration what his loan to value is when shopping for a loan.  In fact, if the subject is brought up by the customer, it's mostly in relation to avoiding paying monthly mortgage insurance.  But sometimes, a loan to value can affect even more aspects of your loan – like pricing and approval!



What is loan to value?  Well, it's exactly what it says.  The loan amount compared to the value of the home you are buying or refinancing.  For example, if you are buying a $100,000 home, and your loan amount is only $50,000, your loan to value or "LTV" is 50%.  It's also very common to refinance a home to obtain a lower LTV and drop mortgage insurance that was before required.



Different types of loans have different minimum requirements for LTV's.   With primary residence purchases, for instance, an FHA loan can have as high as a 97.75% LTV (soon to change to 96.5% in 2009).  A conventional loan can have as high as a 97% LTV (but more common is 95% LTV).  VA and Rural Housing loans can have 100% LTV's.  People who have cash to put down on the property they are buying and financing with a conventional loan oftentimes try to amass 20% of the purchase price in order to avoid mortgage insurance.  Mortgage insurance is required when your LTV for a primary residence is above 80% and is issued by independent mortgage insuring companies like Genworth Financial or PMI.  Fannie and Freddie, the big purchasers of conventional loans, will require one of these or other approved companies issue mortgage insurance unless the loan has an 80% LTV.  And if you're refinancing the home you live in?  The whole grid of acceptable LTV's changes for the most part, with a few exceptions.  And furthermore, if you're talking about investment properties, it's another can of worms.



But when else does LTV mean something?  Consider when a loan specialist prices your loan.  Oftentimes there are pricing differentials based upon the loan to value.  For instance, if you carry mortgage insurance and your LTV is 85.01% or higher, you might actually get a better interest rate than if you had an 85% LTV (but don't get too excited because your monthly mortgage insurance will be higher).  Or if your LTV is 60% or lower, you might also get a better interest rate.  If you are close to tipping the scales on one of these ratios, it may be to your benefit to ask your loan specialist how close you are to a pricing break one way or another.  You'd be surprised to find out it might change your mind as to how much money you decide to put down on your loan. 



And guess what else?  A low loan to value may be the difference between loan approval and loan denial.  Why is that?  Because if you are investing enough of your own money into the equity of a property, chances are you won't default on the loan.  And if you do, it's probably a last recourse.  Not to mention, the lender who holds the note won't lose money because there is enough equity in the property to cover foreclosure costs, re-sale costs and any value loss from an upside down market.  The lender is covered.  So, the lender will consider the loan less risky and a higher debt to income ratio is tolerated when reviewed with a high credit score. 

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Five Reason to Apply for a Settlement Loan

This guide is designed to explain the top 5 reasons why someone in a pending lawsuit would want to apply for a settlement loan. A settlement loan is basically a cash advance on a possible settlement amount during a pending lawsuit. A settlement loan provider reviews the probability and merit of winning your current lawsuit and determines if you're eligible. Below are the top 5 reasons why a settlement loan would be right for you.



#1. Credit checks or Income Amounts Aren't Required with Settlement Loans.



A settlement loan is a provider or investor buying interest into your pending lawsuit. They provide a specific monetary portion of your estimated awardable amount in return for a specific amount of it and the original amount loaned to you. Since settlement loans are solely based on your case your credit report and current income play no role in the application process.



#2. Your Are Required to Only Pay Back if You Win.



This is the main reason settlement loans aren't consider traditional loans. If you lose your lawsuit you're not responsible or obligated to pay back the amount of the settlement loan. You only pay back the amount if you win your lawsuit case; this fact alone makes a settlement loan far better than a traditional loan.



#3. Prevent Early Settlement of Your Pending Lawsuit



You'll probably not be able to work during your pending lawsuit; income will be unattainable and you'll be stuck with your current assets. Ethical rules prevent attorneys from loaning their client money, as it might create situations where you'll feel you'll need to settle sooner when you really didn't want to. A settlement loan can provide you with financial support during your pending lawsuit. You won't feel the stressed to settle your case early; you'll be able to make all medical payments, auto payments, home mortgage, etc on time and protect your credit history.



#4. Your Not Required to Take Out The Full Amount



You never need to take out the maximum amount allowed in you're approved settlement loan. Settlement loan providers go as low as $150 and up to $5,000,000+ when it comes to loan able amounts in your pending case. This allows you to only take out what you need during the case and keep more of your awarded money after a verdict is reached in your case. Settlement loan providers allow you to take out multiple settlement loans if you still need more money and the case has not ended yet.



#5. Settlement Loans Do Not Affect Your Case.



For some reason people think settlement loans will effect their case, this is farther from the truth. The defendant in your case is never notified if you apply for and\or get accepted for a settlement loan. In fact, the court itself isn't even notified about the settlement loan and the provider is not required by law to notify anybody beyond your attorney.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Right to Rescind Your Mortgage - a Powerful Tool for Negotiating a Loan Modification

Monday, December 8, 2008

Payday Loan Online to Make your Cash Available Anywhere

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Getting an Instant Cash Loan is as Easy as Slipping on a Banana Peel

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Distressed Homeowners Fighting Back With Forensic Loan Audits