http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=p:br3 Rates, analysis and mortgage-hunting tips en-us Copyright 2009, Bankrate Inc. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:28:55 GMT webmaster@bankrate.com (webmaster) http://www.bankrate.com/Images/logos/bankratelogo.gif http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=p:br3 118 22 60 How long do you plan on staying? This should help you decide whether to rent or buy. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-home.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-home.aspx?pid=p:br3 Even with the first-home tax credit, renters need to consider all the expenses before buying. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-house-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-house-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Mortgage rates drop to the lowest level in Bankrate survey's 24-year history; Deed for Lease details. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/mortgage-matters.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/mortgage-matters.aspx?pid=p:br3 See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-135645.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-135645.aspx?pid=p:br3 Despite record low rates, mortgage applications have plummeted recently. What's the problem? Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/rates-drop-to-all-time-low.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/rates-drop-to-all-time-low.aspx?pid=p:br3 Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-134692.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-134692.aspx?pid=p:br3 Existing homeowners now have a shot at the new home tax credit. Is it the right move for you? Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/4-questions-on-6-500-homebuyer-tax-credit-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/4-questions-on-6-500-homebuyer-tax-credit-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 A woman continues to pay her half of the mortgage while her spouse makes excuses. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/husband-won-t-pay-fair-share-of-mortgage.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/husband-won-t-pay-fair-share-of-mortgage.aspx?pid=p:br3 Closing fees, also called settlement costs, cover almost every expense associated with your home loan. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/the-good-faith-estimate-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/the-good-faith-estimate-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Owning a home is not the right choice for every person. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/how-do-i-decide-if-i-should-rent-or-buy-a-home.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/how-do-i-decide-if-i-should-rent-or-buy-a-home.aspx?pid=p:br3 Many lenders are offering jumbo mortgages now, but requirements are stricter. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/do-you-qualify-for-a-jumbo-mortgage-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/do-you-qualify-for-a-jumbo-mortgage-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Professional help with mortgage lenders might be a good investment -- or a waste of money. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/can-an-attorney-help-loan-modification-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/can-an-attorney-help-loan-modification-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Condominium associations struggling to pay bills have three options to turn things around. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/3-ways-to-save-your-condo-community-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/3-ways-to-save-your-condo-community-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-134691.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-134691.aspx?pid=p:br3 See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-135254.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-135254.aspx?pid=p:br3 Skipping a payment during the mortgage refinance process results in having to pay up later. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/there-s-no-free-lunch-when-refinancing.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/there-s-no-free-lunch-when-refinancing.aspx?pid=p:br3 A homeowner with low tax expenses and a top return on her savings should not prepay her mortgage. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-prepayment-may-be-unwise.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-prepayment-may-be-unwise.aspx?pid=p:br3 U.S. home prices jumped in hard-hit markets during the third quarter, but signs of weakness remain. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:05:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/nar-home-price-study8-135205.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/nar-home-price-study8-135205.aspx?pid=p:br3 A 66-year-old man can raid his retirement funds to pay down a loan. But such a move may be unwise. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/is-ira-good-source-of-mortgage-cash.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/is-ira-good-source-of-mortgage-cash.aspx?pid=p:br3 2009 housing prices plunged nationwide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/home-values-map.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/home-values-map.aspx?pid=p:br3 Home values fell in most of the country. How did they fare in your state? Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/home-values-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/home-values-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Home values found on the Web usually are accurate but shouldn't be used in a real transaction. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/online-appraisals-close-but-not-perfect-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/online-appraisals-close-but-not-perfect-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 If a lender won't agree to a weekly mortgage plan, it's easy to create your own DIY version. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/create-diy-mortgage-payment-plan.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/create-diy-mortgage-payment-plan.aspx?pid=p:br3 Some homeowners mistakenly think they can avoid making second-mortgage payments. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/unwise-to-skip-second-mortgage-payment.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/unwise-to-skip-second-mortgage-payment.aspx?pid=p:br3 Want to take advantage of the extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit? Follow these tips. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/4-tips-for-the-homebuyer-tax-credit-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/4-tips-for-the-homebuyer-tax-credit-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 A woman who's considering a refinance should break up the decision process into two parts. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/heloc-makes-sense-if-refinance-doesn-t.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/heloc-makes-sense-if-refinance-doesn-t.aspx?pid=p:br3 Congress expands homebuyer tax credit beyond first-timers; Fannie Mae rents out foreclosures. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/tax-credit-details.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/tax-credit-details.aspx?pid=p:br3 In the market for a new home? The next three months may be your very best time to buy. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/5-reasons-to-buy-a-home-during-holidays-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/5-reasons-to-buy-a-home-during-holidays-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Now that the tax credit for homebuyers has been extended, are you considering a new home? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/homebuyer-tax-credit-extended-and-expanded.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/homebuyer-tax-credit-extended-and-expanded.aspx?pid=p:br3 See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-134933.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-134933.aspx?pid=p:br3 Take a look at the different types of mortgages on the market to decide which would be best for you. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/which-mortgage-is-right-for-you-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/which-mortgage-is-right-for-you-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Rates were unchanged as many waited to see if the homebuyers' tax credit would be extended. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis-nov-5-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis-nov-5-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-133453.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-133453.aspx?pid=p:br3 Fed keeps rate near zero in an attempt to stabilize the economy and support the mortgage market. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/federal-reserve-meeting-nov-4-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/federal-reserve-meeting-nov-4-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 Fed keeps rate at near zero in a balancing act to boost employment and stabilize inflation. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/federal-reserve-translation-nov-4-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/federal-reserve-translation-nov-4-2009.aspx?pid=p:br3 An adjustable-rate mortgage may look great today, but it could become a trap if rates rise. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/low-arm-rate-may-turn-ugly-later.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/low-arm-rate-may-turn-ugly-later.aspx?pid=p:br3 Fed meets this week; the long Thanksgiving break could disrupt first-time homebuyer tax credit. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/fed-meets-payment-perspective.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/fed-meets-payment-perspective.aspx?pid=p:br3 The foreclosure crisis has not been kind to renters. A new federal law aims to change that. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/renters-get-relief-from-foreclosure-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/renters-get-relief-from-foreclosure-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 This new chart will help you determine the FHA loan limit for a single-family home in your county. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/new-fha-loan-limits-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/new-fha-loan-limits-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Mortgage rates don't move much ahead of Fed meeting; FDIC chairman endorses consumer protection. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/rates-wait-on-fed.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/rates-wait-on-fed.aspx?pid=p:br3 Congress works on an extension to the homebuyer tax credit, but will it do any good? Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/preparing-for-another-fix.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/preparing-for-another-fix.aspx?pid=p:br3 Reader asks: Bankers got bailouts; why not homeowners? And Obama seeks extended tax credit. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/bailouts-and-tax-breaks.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/bailouts-and-tax-breaks.aspx?pid=p:br3 See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-134452.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/interest-rate-roundup8-134452.aspx?pid=p:br3 Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-133452.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rate-trend-index8-133452.aspx?pid=p:br3 Mortgage rates continue to inch up, but supply has begun to decrease as sales increase. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rates-rise-for-third-week.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-rates-rise-for-third-week.aspx?pid=p:br3 Knowing the after-tax return on your investments helps determine whether it makes sense to prepay the mortgage. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/weigh-taxes-before-prepaying-mortgage.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/weigh-taxes-before-prepaying-mortgage.aspx?pid=p:br3 To understand why a lender won't forgive debt to prevent foreclosure, you must think like a banker. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/why-won-t-they-modify.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/why-won-t-they-modify.aspx?pid=p:br3 Diverting a little extra cash into your mortgage can save you tens of thousands of dollars. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/extra-payments-cut-mortgage-by-12-years.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/extra-payments-cut-mortgage-by-12-years.aspx?pid=p:br3 What's a bifurcated loan and why does it prevent a refi? And when is it OK to walk away? Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/bifurcation-and-walking-away.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/mortgages/bifurcation-and-walking-away.aspx?pid=p:br3 A first-time homebuyer is wise to buy some financial wiggle room, even if it costs $10,000. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-flexibility-not-cheap.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-flexibility-not-cheap.aspx?pid=p:br3