Showing posts with label Lending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lending. Show all posts

Friday, April 9, 2010

The Effects Of Sub-Prime Lending In The US

In recent years it has been easier to get a loan or credit to fund a new car or whatever else you fancied. But now it's all changed and times are definitely harder. The change started when the number of repossession of homes in the US suddenly started to rise during autumn 2006. The effect of this has had a knock on effect across the world and sparked a global financial crisis in 2007.

The crisis came about when people in the States started to default on mortgage payments that they could no longer afford. Due to the relatively high level of prosperity banks had been lending money to people who had poor credit histories and were considered high risk. In order to minimise the risk banks, charged higher interest rates for these loans to ensure that they would get the cash back. Borrowers began realising that lenders were open to them, and were enticed by the rise in housing prices, so took out a mortgage to get on the property ladder. However in 2006-2007 housing prices in the US started to fall which has lead to a difficulty in re-financing homes for more favourable rates. People were therefore stuck with expensive mortgages that they just could not sustain over the long term.

Mortgage defaults were quickly responded to with repossessions, and people started to lose their homes. By October 2007 the rates of repossessions were three times higher than the number in the same month of 2005. By January 2008 this had risen even steeper by another 5%. During the whole of 2007 1.3 million homes in the US were repossessed, leaving the banks with a deficiency of between $200 and 300 billion dollars.

This all had a big effect on the American stock market which in turn negatively influenced economies around the world. The banks suddenly did not want to lend money any more to anyone that could be considered higher risk and heavy lending restrictions were put in place. This has transferred over to the UK where the number of house repossession in the last year has also risen. However sub-prime lender in the UK accounts for only 6% of all lending where as in the US it accounts for 20%. Despite this there have been heavy crackdowns who is eligible to be lent money.

The banks are in part to blame for this crisis, with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) taking action against 5 brokers, after their review of the mortgage market last year. In addition the FSA found out of the 34 brokers they monitored one third failed to properly assess if the consumer could actually afford the loan. Consumers were being asked to fill out self certification forms stating their income, but no further checks were made to validate these figures. Consumers wanting to borrow more money to keep up with the ever increasing prices of the house market may be tempted to inflate their earnings just to get on the ladder without thinking about the consequences.

The situation we have now been left with in the UK does look bleak. Mortgages are harder to obtain and have higher rates, however this may prompt a slowdown in house prices rising which would help more people actually be able to afford their own home.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Effects Of Sub-Prime Lending In The US

In recent years it has been easier to get a loan or credit to fund a new car or whatever else you fancied. But now it's all changed and times are definitely harder. The change started when the number of repossession of homes in the US suddenly started to rise during autumn 2006. The effect of this has had a knock on effect across the world and sparked a global financial crisis in 2007.

The crisis came about when people in the States started to default on mortgage payments that they could no longer afford. Due to the relatively high level of prosperity banks had been lending money to people who had poor credit histories and were considered high risk. In order to minimise the risk banks, charged higher interest rates for these loans to ensure that they would get the cash back. Borrowers began realising that lenders were open to them, and were enticed by the rise in housing prices, so took out a mortgage to get on the property ladder. However in 2006-2007 housing prices in the US started to fall which has lead to a difficulty in re-financing homes for more favourable rates. People were therefore stuck with expensive mortgages that they just could not sustain over the long term.

Mortgage defaults were quickly responded to with repossessions, and people started to lose their homes. By October 2007 the rates of repossessions were three times higher than the number in the same month of 2005. By January 2008 this had risen even steeper by another 5%. During the whole of 2007 1.3 million homes in the US were repossessed, leaving the banks with a deficiency of between $200 and 300 billion dollars.

This all had a big effect on the American stock market which in turn negatively influenced economies around the world. The banks suddenly did not want to lend money any more to anyone that could be considered higher risk and heavy lending restrictions were put in place. This has transferred over to the UK where the number of house repossession in the last year has also risen. However sub-prime lender in the UK accounts for only 6% of all lending where as in the US it accounts for 20%. Despite this there have been heavy crackdowns who is eligible to be lent money.

The banks are in part to blame for this crisis, with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) taking action against 5 brokers, after their review of the mortgage market last year. In addition the FSA found out of the 34 brokers they monitored one third failed to properly assess if the consumer could actually afford the loan. Consumers were being asked to fill out self certification forms stating their income, but no further checks were made to validate these figures. Consumers wanting to borrow more money to keep up with the ever increasing prices of the house market may be tempted to inflate their earnings just to get on the ladder without thinking about the consequences.

The situation we have now been left with in the UK does look bleak. Mortgages are harder to obtain and have higher rates, however this may prompt a slowdown in house prices rising which would help more people actually be able to afford their own home.

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Sunday, April 4, 2010

Subprime Mortgage Lending - What's Wrong With It?

For the past couple of years, it seems that every time you open a newspaper or turn on the television, you come up against the subject of subprime lending. Everyone seems to have something negative to say about it. You'd think it was the root of all evil!

It's true that subprime lending has many things about it that are not especially positive. For example, for whom was subprime lending designed? For the subprime, not-quite-good-enough borrower, of course. Often, the person who finds it necessary to borrow at subprime is the person whose credit rating is a bit tarnished, and therefore someone who is considered more likely to default on the loan. Subprime lenders generally specialize in this area. They tend to charge more, both in fees and in interest rates, to make up for the increase in risk of default.

How did we allow this to happen? It has a lot to do with greed. Borrowers were greedy, and wanted a way to buy houses they really could not afford. Subprime lenders and mortgage brokers were greedy, and offered mortgages to people they knew shouldn't be borrowing money at all. Add easy-to-access money and low interest rates into the mix, and it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Once upon a time, not so long ago, you could borrow on the equity in your home - an amount equivalent to 125% of its value. While interest rates were low, many people began refinancing their homes, or taking out lines of credit and loans on their home equity. At the same time, American real estate markets were growing faster than ever before. These individuals figured it would be easy to sell their homes, or refinance again, if they wanted to. Such extravagant growth led to a sudden, but inevitable, decline in the housing market.

At this point, these people are in a real bind. They are unable to sell their houses: the value is nowhere near the amount of the mortgages they hold. They are in a position of negative equity: that is, the mortgage is more than the value of the house, and their savings are insufficient to fill the gap. They may have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) that escalates regularly. That's a whole lot of trouble for a whole lot of people! Foreclosures on homes are at a record high. These foreclosures will make the situation even worse, as houses are sold at auction for a fraction of their full market value.

There are several other kinds of subprime loans out there that may look tempting to a borrower who has no money for a deposit. An 80/20 mortgage is one of these. This one is the epitome of greed; no borrower with an ounce of financial responsibility should even consider these loans. Eighty per cent of the asking price is borrowed through a conventional fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage. Then you borrow the remaining 20% of the price as a loan on your home equity. The rate of the latter mortgage will be higher. The lender can decide to readjust some of these mortgages on a whim. Negative amortization mortgages and interest-only mortgages are also motivated by greed. Both types benefit only the lender, not the borrower; as time goes by, the loan just gets bigger. Although monthly payments are not too large during the five-year or ten-year term of the loan, none of the principal has been repaid, and there is an enormous "balloon payment" awaiting the borrower when the term ends.

These are a few of the things that are wrong with subprime lending. Keep an eye out for mortgage plans that actually are of greatest benefit to the lender!

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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Subprime Mortgage Lending - What's Wrong With It?

For the past couple of years, it seems that every time you open a newspaper or turn on the television, you come up against the subject of subprime lending. Everyone seems to have something negative to say about it. You'd think it was the root of all evil!

It's true that subprime lending has many things about it that are not especially positive. For example, for whom was subprime lending designed? For the subprime, not-quite-good-enough borrower, of course. Often, the person who finds it necessary to borrow at subprime is the person whose credit rating is a bit tarnished, and therefore someone who is considered more likely to default on the loan. Subprime lenders generally specialize in this area. They tend to charge more, both in fees and in interest rates, to make up for the increase in risk of default.

How did we allow this to happen? It has a lot to do with greed. Borrowers were greedy, and wanted a way to buy houses they really could not afford. Subprime lenders and mortgage brokers were greedy, and offered mortgages to people they knew shouldn't be borrowing money at all. Add easy-to-access money and low interest rates into the mix, and it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Once upon a time, not so long ago, you could borrow on the equity in your home - an amount equivalent to 125% of its value. While interest rates were low, many people began refinancing their homes, or taking out lines of credit and loans on their home equity. At the same time, American real estate markets were growing faster than ever before. These individuals figured it would be easy to sell their homes, or refinance again, if they wanted to. Such extravagant growth led to a sudden, but inevitable, decline in the housing market.

At this point, these people are in a real bind. They are unable to sell their houses: the value is nowhere near the amount of the mortgages they hold. They are in a position of negative equity: that is, the mortgage is more than the value of the house, and their savings are insufficient to fill the gap. They may have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) that escalates regularly. That's a whole lot of trouble for a whole lot of people! Foreclosures on homes are at a record high. These foreclosures will make the situation even worse, as houses are sold at auction for a fraction of their full market value.

There are several other kinds of subprime loans out there that may look tempting to a borrower who has no money for a deposit. An 80/20 mortgage is one of these. This one is the epitome of greed; no borrower with an ounce of financial responsibility should even consider these loans. Eighty per cent of the asking price is borrowed through a conventional fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage. Then you borrow the remaining 20% of the price as a loan on your home equity. The rate of the latter mortgage will be higher. The lender can decide to readjust some of these mortgages on a whim. Negative amortization mortgages and interest-only mortgages are also motivated by greed. Both types benefit only the lender, not the borrower; as time goes by, the loan just gets bigger. Although monthly payments are not too large during the five-year or ten-year term of the loan, none of the principal has been repaid, and there is an enormous "balloon payment" awaiting the borrower when the term ends.

These are a few of the things that are wrong with subprime lending. Keep an eye out for mortgage plans that actually are of greatest benefit to the lender!

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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Subprime Mortgage Lending - What's it All About?

There's a lot of talk in the media these days about subprime lending. Do you really know what it is? Essentially, subprime lending means loaning money at a rate of interest that is usually much higher than the "prime" rate. In the United States, the most frequently used prime rate is the one established by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This is the interest rate on corporate loans currently posted by at least 23 of the 30 largest American banks. The prime rate doesn't change regularly, only when three-quarters of the banks decide they need to change it!

And how might subprime lending affect you? If you have a generally poor credit rating (under 620 on the FICO scale), you are considered a greater credit risk to a lender. You're perceived as more likely than others to default on your loan. To compensate them for taking a greater degree of risk with their money, subprime lenders charge a significantly higher rate of interest. If you are classified as a subprime borrower, bear in mind that when you need to borrow money, your best bet is not a regular bank, but an organization specializing in subprime lending.

The problem that faces the American public right now is that several years ago people began borrowing more than they could afford to repay. The real estate market appeared solid a few years back; home values were steadily rising. As much as 125% of the value of a home was available for borrowing to the owner. People who opted for subprime mortgage loans expected that the value of their homes would keep rising, and within the next 3-5 years they could refinance once again. Some other types of mortgages that suddenly became popular were negative amortization mortgages, 80/20 mortgages, and interest-only mortgages. These left many homeowners owing more on their mortgage loans than their properties were worth, as the housing market began its sharp decline. These people thus found themselves with "negative equity" in their homes.

Adding to the present subprime lending problem is the fact that many of these homeowners hold adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), which are continually readjusting - and always upward. Although most of these ARMs have a cap of some sort, preventing them from limitless increases, they generally have long-term rates. Many people have found that their mortgage payments have nearly doubled over time, with the continual readjustment of their rates. Simultaneously, we are experiencing record costs for gas and oil, and greatly elevated food prices, making it more and more difficult for many families to make monthly mortgage payments. Once a family is in arrears by three months on mortgage payments, they can expect foreclosure proceedings to be inaugurated by the bank that holds their mortgage. The problem is further augmented as neighborhood real estate values drop, due to the foreclosure sales of some homes.

After reading this description about the subprime lending trouble, assess your own situation. If you believe you may be in trouble, you should discuss the matter with your lender. Sometimes lenders are willing to offer various forms of relief to overextended borrowers, rather than have the bank foreclose on the mortgage. If, on the other hand, your mortgage is up to date and your payments are being made in a timely fashion, don't worry. Keep yourself informed, and keep focused on your budget. Most importantly, whatever your position, do not panic!

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Subprime Mortgage Lending - What It's All About?

There is much talk in the media these days about subprime loans. Do you really know what it is? Essentially, the subprime loans: money, lending at an interest rate that is usually much higher than the "prime" rate. In the United States is the most widespread of the prime rate set by Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This is the interest rate on loans to companies currently posted at least 23 of the 30 largest banks in the United States. The federal funds ratedoes not change regularly, but only to decide whether the three-quarters of the banks, they need to change it!

And as subprime loans could affect you? If you have a claim, usually poor (below 620 on the FICO) scale, you are considered a greater credit risk to a lender. They are perceived as more likely than others to credit default. To compensate them for taking more risks with their money, subprime lenders charge a much higher rate of interest. If youclassified as subprime borrowers, keep in mind that if you borrow money, the best thing is not a normal bank, but a company specializing in subprime mortgages.

The problem repaid, that's the law now requires that the American public a few years ago people more credit than they could afford it began. The real estate firm published a few years ago, home values were steadily increasing. As 125% of the value of a house for the loan was made available to the owner. PeopleWhat is planned for the sub-prime loans that may increase the value of their property, and that in the next 3-5 years could refinance again. Some other types of mortgages, which had suddenly become popular negative amortization loans, 80/20 loans to mortgages and interest only. This has left many owners of property value based more on their mortgages that their properties were, as the housing market began its decline. These people found themselves with such "negativeequity in their homes.

In addition to sub-prime loans problem is the fact that many of these owners holding adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), which are constantly readjust - and ever higher. Although most of these weapons have an upper limit of a species, preventing them from increasing indefinitely, tend to have long-term interest rates. Many people found that their mortgage payments over time is almost doubled, and the constant adjustment of their prices. At the same time, wePrices experienced cost accounting for oil and gas and food are much higher, so that there is always more difficult for many families, the monthly installments. If a family is in arrears for three months on the installment loan, you can expect to begin the procedures for exclusion from the bank, is their mortgage. The problem is more than a quarter housing prices multiplied by the sales of exclusion of certain buildings.

After reading this description ofSubprime effort to assess the situation. If you think you might be in trouble, you should discuss the matter with the lender. Sometimes lenders are willing to offer various forms of assistance to borrowers strain, rather than the bank foreclose on the mortgage market. If the other side of a mortgage up to date and payment must be done in time, do not worry. Inform yourself and stay focused on your budget. More important, whatever your position,Do not panic!

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Subprime Mortgage Lending - What's it All About?

There's a lot of talk in the media these days about subprime lending. Do you really know what it is? Essentially, subprime lending means loaning money at a rate of interest that is usually much higher than the "prime" rate. In the United States, the most frequently used prime rate is the one established by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This is the interest rate on corporate loans currently posted by at least 23 of the 30 largest American banks. The prime rate doesn't change regularly, only when three-quarters of the banks decide they need to change it!

And how might subprime lending affect you? If you have a generally poor credit rating (under 620 on the FICO scale), you are considered a greater credit risk to a lender. You're perceived as more likely than others to default on your loan. To compensate them for taking a greater degree of risk with their money, subprime lenders charge a significantly higher rate of interest. If you are classified as a subprime borrower, bear in mind that when you need to borrow money, your best bet is not a regular bank, but an organization specializing in subprime lending.

The problem that faces the American public right now is that several years ago people began borrowing more than they could afford to repay. The real estate market appeared solid a few years back; home values were steadily rising. As much as 125% of the value of a home was available for borrowing to the owner. People who opted for subprime mortgage loans expected that the value of their homes would keep rising, and within the next 3-5 years they could refinance once again. Some other types of mortgages that suddenly became popular were negative amortization mortgages, 80/20 mortgages, and interest-only mortgages. These left many homeowners owing more on their mortgage loans than their properties were worth, as the housing market began its sharp decline. These people thus found themselves with "negative equity" in their homes.

Adding to the present subprime lending problem is the fact that many of these homeowners hold adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), which are continually readjusting - and always upward. Although most of these ARMs have a cap of some sort, preventing them from limitless increases, they generally have long-term rates. Many people have found that their mortgage payments have nearly doubled over time, with the continual readjustment of their rates. Simultaneously, we are experiencing record costs for gas and oil, and greatly elevated food prices, making it more and more difficult for many families to make monthly mortgage payments. Once a family is in arrears by three months on mortgage payments, they can expect foreclosure proceedings to be inaugurated by the bank that holds their mortgage. The problem is further augmented as neighborhood real estate values drop, due to the foreclosure sales of some homes.

After reading this description about the subprime lending trouble, assess your own situation. If you believe you may be in trouble, you should discuss the matter with your lender. Sometimes lenders are willing to offer various forms of relief to overextended borrowers, rather than have the bank foreclose on the mortgage. If, on the other hand, your mortgage is up to date and your payments are being made in a timely fashion, don't worry. Keep yourself informed, and keep focused on your budget. Most importantly, whatever your position, do not panic!

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