What government insurance plans are subsidized by the taxpayers and available to everyone? Probably, the only answer is flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the flood insurance program. Over the past few years, FEMA has been hammered with insurance claims. In an effort to keep expenses under control, FEMA has been encouraging relocation...
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HARRISBURG, PA – Foreclosure relief checks totaling more than $2.7 million have been mailed to several hundred Pennsylvania consumers as part of a multi-state settlement with Countrywide Financial Corporation. Attorney General Tom Corbett said the foreclosure relief is part of a broad-based package intended to assist borrowers in Pennsylvania who were allegedly misled by Countrywide...
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Today, President Obama will announce funding for innovative measures to help families in the states that have been hit the hardest by the aftermath of the housing bubble. In each of these states, the average price for all homeowners in the state has fallen more than 20% from the peak. Home prices...
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HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Tom Corbett today cautioned Pennsylvania consumers to be alert for possible scams linked to online ads for rental homes and apartments, along with Internet “for sale” ads and auctions for real estate, cars, motorcycles and other items. “Internet classified ads and auction websites are popular tools for bargain-hunters searching for...
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93. WHAT IS A 203(b) LOAN? This is the most commonly used FHA program. It offers a low down payment, flexible qualifying guidelines, limited lender’s fees, and a maximum loan amount. 94. WHAT IS A 203(k) LOAN? This is a loan that enables the homebuyer to finance both the purchase and rehabilitation of a home through a...
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88. WHAT IS MORTGAGE INSURANCE? Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects lenders against some or most of the losses that result from defaults on home mortgages. It’s required primarily for borrowers making a down payment of less than 20%. 89. HOW DOES MORTGAGE INSURANCE WORK? IS IT LIKE HOME OR AUTO INSURANCE? Like home or auto...
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Talk to your lender about specific loss mitigation options. Work directly with him or her to request a “workout packet.” A secondary lender, like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, may have purchased your loan. Your lender can follow the appropriate guidelines set by Fannie or Freddie to determine the best option for your situation. Fannie...
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66. WHAT IS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT? Also known as HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was established in 1965 to develop national policies and programs to address housing needs in the U.S. One of HUD’s primary missions is to create a suitable living environment for all Americans...
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61. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I’VE APPLIED FOR MY LOAN? It usually takes a lender between 1-6 weeks to complete the evaluation of your application. Its not unusual for the lender to ask for more information once the application has been submitted. The sooner you can provide the information, the faster your application will be processed....
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