By Kevin M
Rates for fixed rate mortgages are below 5% for a 30 year loan, and down close to 4% for 15 year loans. So is now a good time to refinance? Maybe. And only maybe.
If you have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), a funky ALT-A, a variable home equity line of credit that can be consolidated, or most definitely a sub-prime deal, refinancing is a no-brainer. You’ll probably get better terms and a much better rate, so do it and don’t delay. No one ever needed a six month, interest-only ARM with negative amortization in the first place!
It’s not all about rate!
Continue reading Is Now a Good Time to Refinance? →
STRATEGY #9 TO SURVIVE A DOWN ECONOMY
By Kevin M
In the best of times, borrowing seems to be a sensible way to get the things we want but can’t afford to purchase in full right now, but we’re sure we can tackle later with a predictably increasing income stream.
But when economic fortunes shift into low gear—as they are now—the same debt accumulated during better times can become a heavier burden, even one which is impossible to bear. Other than paying debt down and eventually off completely, there isn’t much we can do about the debt already accumulated. But the Great Recession should be a wake up call to all who might have come to view debt as a traveling companion in life.
In 10 Ways To Survive a Down Economy (published on Christianpf.com June 1) we listed ten strategies to help you deal with the bad economy. Our topic for today, Strategy #9:
”Envision a future without debt, and then pursue it.” Gradually pay down—then pay off—your debt. This includes your mortgage. It should go without saying that lowering your cost of living will be a crucial element in this effort as well. (Are you noticing a pattern?)”
Is that even possible any more?
Continue reading Envision a Future Without Debt →
Tax Benefits of Homeownership – Three Reasons Its Over-rated
By Kevin M
One of the most compelling reasons for owning a home is the heavily touted tax benefit owing to deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Real estate agents will play this benefit for all it’s worth in extolling the idea of homeownership for all.
However for three reasons, this benefit is not what it used to be: a generous standard deduction, low mortgage rates and low marginal tax rates.
The tax benefit of homeownership became an entrenched concept back in the 1970s and early 1980s and at that time it had overwhelming merit. Mortgage rates were in double digits most of the time, marginal tax rates ran as high as 70% and standard deductions were down in the low thousands. Owning a home made major sense even for moderate income earners and was an article of faith in the higher income brackets.
None of that is true today, yet the tax savings pitch remains. Standard deductions can exceed $11,000, interest rates are down around 5% and marginal tax rates cap out at 38% (but are substantially lower for the vast majority of households). Yet the notion of major tax savings remains almost unchallenged.
Continue reading Tax Benefits of Homeownership – Three Reasons Its Over-rated →