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The Money IDEA
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 When you apply for a loan, your future lender wants to make sure that you aren’t too much of a risk on defaulting. In the past, lenders have used the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (ALLL) standard to evaluate the risk of your loan. However, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has decided to switch to a new system, known as Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL). This means that, starting in 2020, loans will be evaluated differently. Here’s what you need to know about these changes. Why The Change? The financial crisis of 2007 was devastating for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest ones is that it demonstrated that the ALLL was not adequate for making timely adjustments. ALLL worked well for evaluating losses that would happen with some certainty, but it was not able to respond to changes that happened suddenly. The financial crisis demonstrated that the current evaluation was not able to adjust for fluctuations in the economy. As a result, The FASB decided to reevaluate how risk was calculated for loans. In 2016, they announced the new accounting standard, known as CECL, that would be implemented by 2020. CECL is Based on GroupsUnder CECL, review for loans is mostly based on collective groups. CECL looks at your situation and puts on you in a category. Each institution will have to develop their own way of dividing these groups up, but they will be based on things such as credit score, type of loan, length of the loan, the interest rate, what year you are applying, and what your individual finances look like. Once you are placed in a category, your lender is able to determine how much risk this loan will carry. However, under CECL you can still be individually reviewed, but only when you fit a couple different requirements. Your lending institution will decide whether your loan will be individually reviewed based on your circumstances and other factors with your loan. Understanding the Effects In the banking industry, there has been some criticism about CECL accounts. Some lenders have a tough time adjusting to the policies since they have to implement procedures in order to pinpoint losses that could possibly happen down the road. This requires a lot more data and analysis than they have previously used. However, CECL will help lenders stay competitive and prevent a lot of the losses that many of these institutions saw during the 2007 financial crisis. To use CECL methods, bankers must always monitor the conditions in the economy, and this process heightens focus, awareness, and drive. Most of the major changes will occur behind the scenes, and you may not see much impact on your loans as a consumer. When applying for a loan, you will still need to pay attention to your earning potential, personal debt, and credit score. While it may seem intimidating and confusing, don’t let these changes scare you when it comes to getting a new loan. Your lender will be able to guide you in the right direction. Here are a couple interesting articles we think you’re going to like: KEYWORDS
If your homeowner insurance rates are creeping up even though you haven’t filed any claims, it may be time to take a look at how you can bring those prices back down. Research, smart shopping and even some home upgrades can make a noticeable difference in your insurance premiums. Explore the cost-savings potential with these tips.Save Your Way to Lower Home Insurance
(Family Features) If your homeowner insurance rates are creeping up even though you haven’t filed any claims, it may be time to take a look at how you can bring those prices back down. 
Research, smart shopping and even some home upgrades can make a noticeable difference in your insurance premiums. Explore the cost-savings potential with these tips from the experts at CertainTeed, a leading manufacturer of exterior and interior building products: Shop for the best rates. It’s easy to be complacent when you’ve used the same insurance company for years, but if getting the best rate is your objective, it’s a good idea to shop around. To do effective comparison shopping, have a copy of your current policy ready and contact a handful of competitors. Provide them the exact same coverage details so you can compare like rates, but also be ready to listen to information about additional coverage options that may suit your needs. Combine homeowner insurance with other policies. Most insurance carriers offer multiple policy discounts, which they apply when you insure more than one item. For example, if your homeowner insurance carrier also insures your cars, you’re likely to save money on the rates for protecting both your home and automobiles. Update your home’s first line of defense. Many homeowners focus on aesthetics when it’s time to make upgrades, but there are some important functional improvements that can make a difference when it comes to your insurance premiums. For example, as extreme weather becomes more commonplace, the first line of defense is often the type of roofing material chosen. Many insurance companies even offer discounts for using impact-resistant shingles. Check with your insurance provider before making a final selection, but in general, look for products that include “impact-resistant” in their name and specs, and “Class IV Impact Resistance,” the highest rating available for roofing materials. For example, NorthGate Class IV impact-resistant shingles from CertainTeed are engineered to have a higher probability of resisting hail. These shingles are made using rubber-like polymers that offer flexibility and impact resistance, as well as crack and shrink resistance, even in cold weather. So when severe weather strikes, your home can be protected and stay looking good. Install a home security system. An intruder alarm can provide more than peace of mind. Insurance companies often reward homeowners who take steps to minimize the chances of burglary or vandalism. After all, a well-protected home is less likely to result in a claim for losses. Some companies offer varying degrees of discounts on insurance rates depending on the type of system you install, so be sure to thoroughly research the options. For example, a system that simply emits a loud noise when triggered may generate one level of discount, while a system that dispatches emergency personnel when activated can lead to an even better rate. Insurance rates are one place to save money on your home costs. Learn more about impact-resistant shingles and how they can save your home and wallet at certainteed.com. SOURCE:CertainTeed
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Thinking about home repair costs? Maybe you should be...
Don’t fall victim to the financial risks and mental stresses associated with owning a home. Appliances have set lifespans, breakdowns are inevitable and repairs and replacements are costly. Make sure your home is covered, so you and your wallet can rest assured that your home is taken care of.
(BPT) - Nobody bats an eyelash when it comes to buying homeowner's insurance, but many homeowners don’t apply that same logic to planning for home repairs — not what might happen, but what will happen.
Only a fraction of the 120 million U.S. households today are protected by a home services plan, also known as a home warranty. That number is growing, as homeowners recognize the value of coverage when appliances go on the fritz, hot water heaters run cold in the middle of winter or a leaky faucet drives up their water bill. Perhaps one reason more homeowners don’t have home service plans is because they think they are covered through their homeowner's insurance policy. Homeowner's insurance doesn’t protect you from the natural home aging process. Insurance kicks in when damage occurs from an outside force, like a busted sewer line or roof damage due to a major storm. While insurance covers you when Mother Nature strikes, it doesn’t protect you from the natural wear and tear that your home’s major systems and appliances go through during the aging process. Understanding how home service plans work and how they fit into your financial and risk-planning strategy allows you to be prepared for covered breakdowns, without breaking the bank. Let’s start at the beginning. What is a home service plan? Home service plans typically cover the repair or replacement of major home appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens or cooktops, and components of major systems like plumbing, HVAC and electrical. When your air conditioning system breaks, or your washer or dryer stops spinning, you want the confidence of having a home services plan in place that will help protect your budget. This is where the true value of a home service plan comes in. Home service providers such as American Home Shield accept service requests and assign professionals to diagnose the problem and offer a solution through its vast network of skilled and trusted contractors, which includes more than 15,000 licensed and qualified pros throughout all 50 states. What’s the bottom line? With a home service plan, you won’t pay the full cost of repairing or replacing items covered by your plan. Regardless of age, make or model, your contract helps cover the repair or replacement of items covered in your plan. For example, if your refrigerator malfunctions, your service provider will connect you to a quality contractor to diagnose and repair the problem. This can help reduce the hassle of repairing it yourself and help protect your budget. Think about your home’s future (and yours). Service plans can come in handy when selling a home. The appeal speaks for itself: When buyers are making that final decision around one of the biggest investments in their lives, having a home service plan in place gives the new homeowner confidence that the home’s systems and appliances are protected, and they won’t bear the entire financial impact of repairing or replacing it if it breaks down. The choice seems obvious: Don’t fall victim to the financial risks and mental stresses associated with owning a home. Appliances have set lifespans, breakdowns are inevitable and repairs and replacements are costly. Make sure your home is covered, so you and your wallet can rest assured that your home is taken care of.
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Understanding and managing personal information is vital to achieving life goals such as owning a home, financing your education or having the convenience of credit cards for everyday purchases. With responsible financial behaviors, discipline and consistency, you’ll be on your way to improving your credit, and in turn, feeling more confident about your overall financial health.
(BPT) - It’s always a good time to reassess financial goals and work toward improving your overall financial health. No matter what your financial goals may be, having the right information and tools in place is key to getting you on track to take control of your credit.
Taking the first step towards financial wellness can provide a sense of empowerment as you get rid of everyday financial stressors, which is why many see a positive connection between financial control and self-perception. Though increasing your credit score might seem daunting, following these healthy credit behaviors can help you make positive changes to your financial health and even your personal well-being. Understand your credit: When starting on your journey to better financial health, begin by familiarizing yourself with your current credit standing, as well as understanding what factors may be negatively impacting your credit score. A great place to start is with your Annual Credit Report, which provides one free credit report each year from all three nationwide credit reporting agencies. The information in these reports directly impacts credit scores, so it’s important to carefully review for any factors that could cause your score to be lower than it should be. This TransUnion Credit Score Overview is also a helpful educational resource and provides tips towards building a healthier credit standing. Review your report and take action: While assessing your credit report, carefully review for any inaccuracies or problem areas that may negatively affect your credit score. For instance, high accumulations of debt such as maxed out credits cards and unpaid bills will likely be reflected in your credit report. Unpaid collections are also commonly reported delinquencies that can cause a big hit, even when as low as $100 or less. Prioritize addressing these smaller problem areas first before they get worse. Inaccurate information caused by identity theft can also lower your credit score and should be disputed online. Create a plan for better credit: After resolving any outstanding issues identified while reviewing your credit report, create a plan towards improving your financial health, which should include: 1) On-time payments: Paying your bills on time and in full each month is key as it builds a positive history of on-time payments and responsible credit use. 2) Credit utilization: It is recommended to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, that is, how much of your available credit you’re using at any given time. It is recommended that you use no more than 30 percent of the available credit, otherwise, your score could be suffering. 3) Evaluate your credit cards: Before opening or closing any credit cards, do your research on the different types of credit cards and the benefits they have. Do one or more of your cards have an annual fee that you could live without? Strategize which cards you use regularly and keep daily spending concentrated to one or two cards total. However, don’t close an old account just because you aren’t using it. Longstanding credit accounts are vital for building credit as this demonstrates a responsible credit history. Remain vigilant about credit monitoring and protection: Once you’re in control of your credit, the next step is to be diligent about monitoring your credit and cautious about your personal information, which includes fraud protection. Fraudsters may take out loans, lines of credit, or rent apartments in your name, which can negatively affect your credit if it results in a non-payment. If you think your information has been compromised, you can protect your credit by freezing it at all three credit reporting agencies. With TransUnion, you can simply freeze and unfreeze your credit with the touch of a button through the myTransUnion app at any time. Understanding and managing personal information is vital to achieving life goals such as owning a home, financing your education or having the convenience of credit cards for everyday purchases. With responsible financial behaviors, discipline and consistency, you’ll be on your way to improving your credit, and in turn, feeling more confident about your overall financial health. For more information, visit TransUnion.com.
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Could mortgage insurance be the key to unlock buying your first home?
(BPT) - The homebuying process is exciting, but can also seem fraught with added costs, like a home inspection, title insurance and closing costs. And if you can’t afford a full 20 percent down payment on a conventional home loan, then you will most likely pay for private mortgage insurance (MI). Some people consider private MI yet another added cost, but it helps creditworthy middle-income homebuyers qualify for home financing sooner with a low down payment. Is it really an added cost if it saves time and money in the long run?
For most people, low down payment home loan options include conventional loans with private MI and government-backed loans like those offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While comparable, each of these options has important differences. For example, the minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage is 3.5 percent while it’s only 3 percent on a conventional, privately insured mortgage. Another key feature of private MI is that it can be canceled when a borrower reaches 20 percent equity in his or her home. Borrowers who purchase a home with private MI can typically cancel it within 5 to 7 years, resulting in their monthly bill going down. Private MI’s cancelability makes it a more affordable option over FHA-backed mortgages, which typically require mortgage insurance premiums for the entirety of the loan term. Both are offered by most mortgage lenders, so it’s smart to ask a loan officer for both options so you can compare and do the math. The myth that a homebuyer needs 20 percent down to obtain a mortgage is simply not true. Low down payment mortgages are widely available and used every day across the country. In 2018, the National Association of Realtors found that first-time homebuyers typically put down 7 percent, while repeat buyers put down an average of 16 percent. Many homebuyers choose a lower down payment option to preserve some savings for home improvements or save for other goals. The time it could take to save up a 20 percent down payment is significant. On average, it could take up to 20 years to save a full 20 percent, plus closing costs, for a $257,700 house — the national median sales price. With home prices on the rise, the amount of time it takes to save up could only increase. Private MI can mean the difference between getting into the home of your dreams sooner or waiting for years. For over 60 years, more than 30 million homeowners of all backgrounds have used private MI to successfully buy their homes. In the past year alone, private MI helped more than one million borrowers nationwide purchase or refinance a mortgage. According to a study by U.S. Mortgage Insurers, 56 percent of purchase borrowers were first-time homebuyers and more than 40 percent had incomes below $75,000. For decades, millions of homeowners and prospective homebuyers have relied on private MI to help them affordably and responsibly purchase their homes — in turn helping them build personal wealth. Today’s historically low mortgage interest rates are a good reason to buy a home now. It is estimated that in 2019, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will be around 5 percent. Borrowers should take advantage of these historically low mortgage interest rates because experts forecast that primary mortgage rates are on the rise. Getting a mortgage with private MI and keeping more of your hard-earned money in the bank can be a very smart way to invest in your future. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
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 (BPT) - Sponsored Content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. The world that millennials have grown up in is a lot different than the world the Gen Xers and Baby Boomers knew. The digital revolution, widespread use of smartphones and adoption of disruptive technologies such as ride sharing and vacation rental apps are just a few of the factors that have altered the social landscape. Unfortunately, rising student debt, rising home prices and other economic factors have hit many millennials and left them to believe that they cannot afford a home. Many feel as though they have been priced out of the American dream and they will never be able to buy a home. But no matter what your age, there are plenty of ways to become a homeowner, you just have to think a little more creatively. The rise of the rental Looking at current trends, a recent research study found that more U.S. households are now renting than at any time in the last 50 years. With a rising number of renters, many have worried that we are becoming a nation of renters rather than a nation of homeowners. This is most evident with the younger generation, people under 30, who the National Multifamily Housing Council have found now account for 50 percent of all renters in the U.S. They aren’t renting because it’s a more affordable option, either. As many residents know throughout the country, rents are going up and up. Between 2012 and 2015, the median gross rent has gone up 8.24 percent, rising to $959. When you combine that with the utilities, a deposit and first and last month’s rent, it’s a lot of money to spend on something you will never own. So why do people choose to rent? One reason is that many don’t realize that just like phones, cars and countless other things we use on a daily basis, homes have changed. New priorities mean a new solution As demand for housing increases, and prices on new and existing homes continue to rise, manufactured housing has adapted to the standards of today’s first-time homebuyers and provides a solution for a market in short supply of quality, affordable options. In 2016, the average sales price for a manufactured home without land was around $70,600 — that’s an average of $48.82 per square foot — making them an affordable solution to renters looking to become homeowners. “We believe manufactured homes offer a great solution for many households seeking affordable housing,” says Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “We work with our customers to help find financing options that fit their needs and circumstances.” Renters don’t have to continue doling out a monthly check for something they’ll never own. The housing market has changed and with this change, manufactured homes have brought forth new opportunities to become a homeowner. NMLS Disclosure Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.  Realtor showing upscale home to couple (BPT) - By now it is something of a cliche to call homeownership the American dream. But even if sitting on your own deck, looking over your picket fence and sipping lemonade doesn’t move you, homeownership is still one of the best ways to build wealth. For many, owning a home is cheaper than renting and, in the long run, the biggest investment they will ever make. It is also a practical financial move thanks to the fact that you're likely building equity while getting a mortgage interest tax break. So although it is perfectly fine to dream about backyard barbecues and the smell of fresh-cut grass, the path to owning your own home should also involve taking the time to do some financial sightseeing. As a leader in creating credit scoring models, VantageScore Solutions has made it a priority to educate consumers on the important role a good credit history plays in buying a home. Whether you’re about to set out to buy your first home or if you are getting ready to sell and buy another home, here are the basics of how credit impacts the home-buying process. Basics If you are like most people, you will probably need to take out a loan. If you are able to pay cash for your home instead, count yourself among the lucky few! A huge part of taking out a loan involves your credit history and credit score. Basically, you must prove to lenders that you can be a responsible borrower and can be trusted with a mortgage of many thousands of dollars. A strong credit score may provide proof of this trustworthiness. Different types of loans have different credit requirements. Some loans require you to have a credit score of at least 620, although it is possible (with some difficulty) to be approved for a loan with a credit score as low as 580. But getting loan approval is only part of the story. Better credit, better rate Home loans come in all shapes and sizes. Some are fixed interest mortgages, some have adjustable rates or longer terms and the list of variables goes on. Just like anything else, some loans are better for you than others. To get the loan that has the lowest interest rate, which right now is around 4 percent, usually requires a higher credit score. Rates can be considerably higher when you have a lower credit score, and the result is paying significantly more monthly over the life of the loan. The reason is that a higher credit score demonstrates that you are skilled at managing debt and have a history of responsibly paying back many types of loans. Therefore, the lender is taking on less risk when lending you money. The less risk for them, the better the interest rate for you. While there are, of course, more nuances to the process, your credit score plays an instrumental role in determining the type of loan you may qualify for. Therefore, before you go to your first open house, check your credit score to better understand the factors that typically impact your scores. Many websites provide free access to your VantageScore, which is a perfectly fine barometer to use to directionally gauge your creditworthiness. Mortgage lenders use FICO scores in their underwriting. You can stay on top of things by subscribing to the monthly credit scoring newsletter, The Score. In The Score, you can find information on VantageScore 4.0, the fourth-generation scoring model that will be available to consumers in early 2018. Knowing your credit history and understanding the factors that could impact your credit score will help you plan, budget and come up with a realistic wish list for your house. KEYWORDS
 Couple working on their family finances (BPT) - Owning your own home comes with many advantages, including escaping rising rents and the personal and financial stability associated with homeownership. Fortunately, millions of Americans, with less than 20 percent down, have been able to buy a home sooner thanks to mortgage insurance (MI). If you don’t put down 20 percent of the mortgage cost, you will likely be required to purchase MI, which enables low-down-payment borrowers to qualify for home financing from lenders. While homeownership has many benefits and continues to be part of the American Dream, it is not without costs. Several surveys have found that the majority of first-time homebuyers — over 80 percent according to one study — put less than 20 percent down. For these borrowers, there is usually the added expense of MI, which may give some of these borrowers pause. But there is good news: the monthly private mortgage insurance premiums do not last forever on most conventional loans. And when private MI (PMI) cancels, homeowners will have more cash in their pockets each month — money that is available for home improvements or other goals. It is important to understand, however, that not all MI is the same, and not all MI can be canceled. There are numerous low-down-payment mortgage options available that include MI. The two most common are: (1) home loans backed 100 percent by the government through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that include both an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP); and (2) conventional loans, which are typically backed at least in part by private sources of capital, such as private MI. The key difference is that one form can be canceled (PMI) while the other (FHA) typically cannot be canceled. An FHA loan can be obtained with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent. However, be aware that you will typically have to pay a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75 percent of the total loan amount at closing or have it financed into the mortgage. In addition to your regular monthly mortgage payments on your FHA loan, you will also pay a fixed monthly MIP fee for the life of the loan. This means you could pay hundreds of dollars extra every month — thousands over the life of the loan — until you pay off the entirety of the loan. If you obtain a conventional loan with PMI, you can put as little as 3 percent down. Like an FHA loan, PMI fees are generally factored into your monthly mortgage payment. However, PMI can often be canceled once you have established 20 percent equity in the home and/or the principal balance of the mortgage is scheduled to reach 78 percent of the home’s original value. This means that the rest of your mortgage payments will not include any extra fees, so that your payments go down in time, saving you money each month. What you save in the long run can then be put toward expenses like home renovations, which can further increase your home’s value. MI is a good thing because it bridges the divide between a low down payment and mortgage approval. But not all MI is created equal. If you want to buy a home but still save in the long run, PMI might be the right option for you. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more. KEYWORDS
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