Debt Consolidation Refinance Advice: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy versus Ch. 7

Debt Consolidation Refinance Advice: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy versus Ch. 7 BK

Under the old bankruptcy laws, most debtors chose between a liquidation proceeding under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code and a wage-earner repayment plan under Chapter 13. Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA), new bankruptcy law, a two-part means (income) test now determines if your are eligible for Chapter 7 or must file under Chapter 13 for relief. And, because the new law imposes stricter requirements on lawyers, it’s harder to find an attorney to represent you in a bankruptcy case.

The new law mandates that all debtors must get credit counseling with an agency approved by the United States Trustee’s office before they can file for bankruptcy. Once the bankruptcy case is over, all debtors must attend additional counseling on budgeting and debt management before bankruptcy discharge of debts can occur.

“There are dozens of catches that will make it difficult for people who legitimately need to file for bankruptcy,” says Travis Plunkett, legislative director for the Consumer Federation of America. “The strategy of the people who supported this bill appears to be death by a thousand cuts. There are a lot of traps and gotchas designed to snare people and keep them from discharging debt that they really may need to get out from under.”

Filing for bankruptcy should always be a last resort, since it damages your credit for many years. Besides, the new bankruptcy law makes it much more expensive and time-consuming to file. Unsecured loans probably won’t provide enough money for any debt consolidation loans. So, if you are a homeowner a debt consolidation loan may provide you some relief by saving you money on interest. You may want to consider mortgage refinancing or a home equity loan (second mortgage) to pay your credit card debt and secured loans, especially if the new law for minimum payments has you considering bankruptcy.

Ideally, you should apply for a fixed mortgage rate loan due to increasing interest rates. But, if you need short-term relief and plan to refinance later on when your finances are in order or you plan on moving soon, adjustable rate mortgages may work out well for you due to their initial low interest and lower monthly payments.


Debt Consolidation Refi Loans Eliminate Debt With A Mortgage

Debt Consolidation Refi Loans Eliminate Debt With A Mortgage Refinancing

Refinancing your home loan can be worthwhile for several reasons. If you purchased your current home when rates were high, refinancing for a lesser rate may actually lower your monthly payment. Moreover, refinancing your home and receiving cash at closing is another attractive feature. With this option, homeowners also have the opportunity to eliminate debt.

What are Refinance Mortgage Loans?

By choosing to refinance your existing mortgage loan, you will create a new loan to replace the old. Aside from getting a lower interest rate, some choose refinancing to convert their adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate. Obtaining a shorter loan term is another reason for refinancing. Refinancing your home loan may take several weeks. Moreover, homeowners must have the disposable income to pay closing costs and other mortgage fees.

How to Consolidate Debt with a Mortgage Refinance?

A cash-out mortgage refinance will allow you to obtain a lump sum of money when you close on the new loan. When you refinance, you create a new mortgage and borrow money from your home’s equity. The borrowed money can be used for any purpose. Debt consolidation is a top reason why many homeowners choose this option.

Once the funds are received, you can use the money to payoff the balance on credit cards, automobile loans, student loans, personal loans, etc. In most cases, the amount borrowed from your home’s equity can be included in the new mortgage amount; thus you will not acquire a second loan.

Choosing a Good Debt Consolidation Refinance Lender

Several lenders are willing to offer mortgage refinancing. However, homeowners should not make a hasty decision. Instead, you should carefully review lender sites and request quotes before making a final decision.

The key to refinancing is getting a good, low rate. Moreover, homeowners should attempt to get some fees waived. For this matter, contact the lender of your current mortgage. If you were a loyal customer and developed a good relationship, your lenders may not charge fees such as title search, application, etc. In this instance, you can save hundred on your closing cost.

Working with an online mortgage broker is another great way to locate a good lender. Brokers will contact several lenders on your behalf. In turn, lenders will make you an offer. The offer will include rates and mortgage terms. You choose the lender with the best quote.


Debt Consolidation Refi Loan – Refinance And Get Out Of

Debt Consolidation Refi Loan – Refinance And Get Out Of Debt

Before mortgage interest rates begin to rise, homeowners must take advantage of low rates and refinance their mortgage. Refinancing serve many useful purposes. Aside from presenting the perfect opportunity to lock in at a low rate, many homeowners are able to borrow against their equity and use the money to become debt free.

What Are Debt Consolidation Refi Loans?

Consolidating debts has become an effective means for reducing and eliminating debts. Many people have more debt than they can handle. Some have discovered quick ways to get out of debt. Yet, millions of people struggling to pay minimum fees continue to search for a strategy.

If you own a home, there may be a practical answer to reducing debts. Debt consolidation refinance loans are extremely popular and for good reason. Your home is literally a cash machine. In order to tap into the equity, most people choose to sell their homes. However, if you select a refinance, it is possible to receive cash from the equity, while continuing to live in the home. The money can be used to consolidate debts and improve credit score.

How Do They Work?

The concept of a debt consolidation refi loan is very simple, and doable. To begin, homeowners must agree to create a new mortgage loan. This involves applying for a new mortgage with a new lender or your current lender. Most people apply for a new loan in order to get a lower rate, etc.

In addition to obtaining a better rate, homeowners who have built a large amount of equity in their homes have the option of borrowing money from their equity. This is termed a cash-out refinancing. By doing so, the new mortgage principle will be higher than the previous. Once homeowners obtain their money at closing, the funds may be used to payoff their debts. This is a smart maneuver for individuals hoping to raise their credit score.

Comparing Refi Lenders

Although your current mortgage lender will be more than happy to assist you with a new mortgage, it is important to shop around and compare offers from other refi lenders. Comparison shopping is very essential if you have poor credit. The easiest way to compare different lender rates is online. Many mortgage sites offer online comparisons and instant quotes.


Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans – Using Home Loans To Reduce

Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans – Using Home Loans To Reduce Debt

Excessive debts cause a lot of worry and anxiety. Many people hope to become debt free. However, earning enough money to care for daily living expenses, while paying down credit card balances is challenging. There are options available to those burdened with debt. Owning a home has certain advantages. Debt consolidation mortgage loans are easy to qualify for, and provide enough funds to payoff creditors.

Different Types of Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans

If choosing to consolidate debts, homeowners usually obtain a lump sum of money. The funds can be used to payoff credit card balances, personal loans, auto loans, etc. Once credit account balances are zero, homeowners simply submit one monthly payment to repay the debt consolidation loan.

Because debt consolidation mortgage loans have very low interest rates, most homeowners are able to repay the loan within a few years. Typical repayment periods consist of five to fifteen years. Moreover, the monthly payments are very affordable. You can expect to save hundreds each month.

If opting to take advantage of a debt consolidation mortgage loan, you may select a mortgage refinancing or home equity loan option.

How to Consolidate Debts with a Mortgage Refinancing

Cash-out mortgage refinancing is perfect for consolidating unnecessary debts. Moreover, this method serves multiple purposes. Because of falling mortgage interest rates, many homeowners are deciding to refinance for a lower rate. In some instances, this may greatly reduce your mortgage payment.

With a cash-out refinance, homeowners borrow from their homes equity, and use the money to consolidate debts. Refinancing creates a new home loan. Furthermore, if borrowing cash from your equity, the mortgage principle will also increase. For example, if borrowing $25,000, the mortgage amount owed will jump from $100,000 to $125,000.

Home Equity Line of Credit and Home Equity Loans

Another approach for using your homes equity to obtain cash for a debt consolidation involves getting a home equity loan or line of credit. In this case, loans are approved up to the amount of equity you have built in the home. Because home equity loans are protected, homeowners with less than perfect credit may also get approved.

Home equity loans are dispersed as a lump sum. This is ideal for paying large credit card balances and other types of loans. With a line of credit, homeowners are approved for a revolving credit account. Lines of credit are also ideal for debt consolidation.