If an area like Phoenix, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV, or Frisco, TX is growing while the real estate markets in the rest of the US are cooling, you might think that buying an established home in a growing area would be a good move, right?

They have been on the A.M. radio every weekend for years. It used to be “get an interest-only or variable rate mortgage now – no income verification needed. Bad credit or bankruptcy OK”.

The Great American Frontier, how great is the prospect in the imagination. Actually, from a residential homeower’s perspective, it is still a possibility. But like those great American Quarter Horses, you might have to jump through some hoops.

Another big one bites the dust. Amazing. Bear Stearns joins the ranks of the fallen Goliaths. Shocking as it may seem, however, I can’t say that I am shocked.

Reuters ran the headline: Capital One slashes jobs, mortgage industry swoons. It is almost enough to upset the faint of heart. After all, we are told that there is a mortgage industry meltdown – or at least a subprime mortgage industry meltdown.
A “correction” would be a better term.
Capital One is a lending provider whose target [...]

That’s the report alright. But, we’re not surprised, are we? Sure, it is unfortunate anytime there are mass layoffs and industry downturns. The Lord knows I’ve seen my fair share as a consultant in the technology sector. But things are not as first meets the eye.

Earlier I wrote an article cautioning about buying a home in an area where prices are falling.
That is not to say “don’t buy”, but rather, “don’t buy in the wrong place at the wrong time”. However, today I have a different thought in mind. And that is to encourage you to consider buying [...]

The question seems clear – “Should I finance/refinance my home with 2 mortgages in order to avoid having to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?” I say yes, while Dave Ramsey says no. Obviously the answer is not as clear as the question. So let’s take a look to see what the best answer is. [...]