Fannie Mae Announces Single National Down Payment Policy

Replaces Policy Regarding Markets Where Home Prices are Declining. WASHINGTON, DC — Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) announced yesterday a new, national policy on down payment requirements for conventional, conforming mortgages the company will purchase or guarantee. Starting June 1, 2008, Fannie Mae will accept up to 97 percent loan-to-value ratios for conventional, conforming mortgages processed through [...]

Would Your Home Be Restored To Original Condition?

By Bradley Steffens When you have an automobile accident, the repair shop is required to restore your vehicle to original condition. That means using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, not after market or junkyard parts. It means straightening the frame to the original dimensions, down to the millimeter. It also means refinishing the vehicle with [...]

Home Owners Insurance Tax Deduction up to $50

By Earnest Young Before Congress went on recess for the holidays, it passed a new tax break for middle-income taxpayers who plan to purchase a home in 2007. The tax break, neatly sandwiched in an omnibus tax bill, allow new homeowners to claim a deduction on their mortgage insurance premiums. Many home buyers cannot afford [...]

Home Owners Insurance and Trees – You Love Them Your Insurance Company Hates Them

By Geary Morris Coverage for damage caused by trees and for the trees themselves is one of many confusing areas of a Homeowners insurance policy. Your neighbors’ tree falls and damages your garage, shed and fence. Will insurance pay for the damage? Whose insurance should pay? What will they pay for? A tree falls in [...]