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Wells Fargo Mortgage Rate Review

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Wells FargoWells Fargo is one of the nations largest banks.  Sometimes large banks are able to offer very competitive mortgage rates for their customers.

In this case Wells Fargo is showing some good average mortgage rates.  Most of the rates are falling right in line with national average.

Remember rates may change depending on where you live, but this is a good start.

These rates are based on 1 point (1% of the loan amount) being paid for origination.

Term Rate APR
30-Year Fixed 4.375% 4.559%
30-Year Fixed FHA 4.375% 5.100%
15-Year Fixed 3.750% 4.069%
5-Year ARM 2.875% 3.209%
5-Year ARM FHA 3.250% 3.074%

If you want to check out more info at Wells Fargo or read the fine print click here.

Check out the National Mortgage Rate Averages Here.

Wells Fargo has been around for well over a century. Over 150 years ago, Henry Wells and William Fargo founded a company that has become a legendary part of America. This heritage is still very much a part of Wells Fargo’s identity today.

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Categories : Bank Info, Mortgage

Bank of America Mortgages Rates and Tips

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Bank of AmericaBank of America is one of the nations largest financial and lending institutions.  Because of their size Bank of America can offer some very competitive mortgage rates often times below the national average.

Bank of America has a system which will show you the rates for your local area.  Different parts of the nation may have higher or lower interest rates than others.  B of A helps you narrow down the mortgage rates to your area.

For this example I am going to use Washington State because that is where BankAim was founded.

Washington State Purchase Mortgage Rates from B of A:

  • 30-Year Fixed-Rate – 4.500% with an APR of 4.656%
  • 15-Year Fixed-Rate – 4.125% with an APR of 4.414%
  • 3/1 ARM – 3.375% with an APR of 3.365%
  • 5/1 ARM – 3.375% with an APR of 3.296%

Mortgage rates for purchases are based on 1 point which is equal to 1% of the loan size, 20% down payment and a conforming loan amount which is typically under $417,000*.

(*Conforming loan amounts may change due to the area you live.)

Washington State Refinance Mortgage Rates from B of A:

Rates for a refinance remain the same assuming you have an 80% Loan to Value(LTV) or lower, and are under the conforming loan limit for your area.  These refinance rates are also based on 1 point.

For Washington State Bank of America rates are above the national average mortgage rates. Personally I know of a few mortgage brokers that can currently offer under the national average so I would definitely shop this rate around instead of going with Bank of America.

If you want to see what B of A offers in your area and read their fine print you can do that here.

Remember to check the articles date for accuracy.

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Categories : Bank Info, Mortgage

Top CD Rates For August 30 2010

Monday, August 30th, 2010

CD Rates Hold SteadyThere have not been many changes to the top CD Rates in the past few months. Most banks have either lowered their short-term and long-term rates or stayed steady. Nothing has changed which can either mean one of two things. The US economy is holding steady or banks have mixed emotions on what will happen next. The Fed has stated they will step in and ‘do something’ if the US economy begins to falter. As long as the Fed keeps interest rates near zero percent, CD rates and mortgage rates will continue at their low levels.

The only certificate of deposit that has moved the most in the past few weeks is the 2 year CD.

Here are the best CDs currently available to resident’s nationwide:

  • 3 Month CD – 1.35% APY at iGobanking with a minimum deposit of $500.
  • 6 Month CD – 1.25% APY at NewDominion Bank with a minimum deposit of $3,000.
  • 12 Month CD – 1.55% APY at Sallie Mae Bank with no minimum deposit.
  • 24 Month CD – 1.95% APY at NewDominion Bank with a minimum deposit of $3,000.
  • 36 Month CD – 2.50% APY at Danversbank with a minimum deposit of $500.
  • 60 Month CD – 3.03% APY at Melrose Credit Union with a minimum deposit of $5,000.

The credit union listed in our leadership board is open to anyone in the U.S. regardless of where they live or work.

Be sure to check our CD rates page for the most up to date rates.

Free Falling – Mortgage Rates – August 26th

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

According to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey by Freddie Mac mortgage rates have continued to free fall.

Currently Rates are:

  • 30 year fixed – Averaged 4.36% – Last week it was at an average of 4.42%. A year ago this week the 30 year rate was at 5.14%.
  • 15 year fixed – Averaged 3.86% – Last week it was at an average of3.90%. A year ago this week the 15 year fixed 4.58%.
  • 5 year ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) – Averaged 3.56% which was the same as last week. A year ago this week the 5-year ARM 4.67%.

The 30 year fixed and 5 year arm are based on an average of 0.7 points, and the 15 year fixed is based on .06 points.  Additionally the rates posted are based on an average from across the nation and may not necessary reflect the mortgage rate you will receive if you refinance today.

This is a wonderful time for those that have a mortgage to refinance to take advantage of the lowest rates this country has seen in decades. Hundreds and thousands of dollars are being saved by those able to refinance their existing mortgage to a lower rate.  The trouble for most homeowners is the lack of equity in their home caused by the current recession which makes them unable to refinance.

How will this effect the ecomony?

As for how this will effect the economy the opinions are being reflected as both positive and negative. Many believe this is just more troubling news for an ever weakening economy. Signs that things are getting worse and we are not on the road to recovery quite yet.

Other experts feel these low rates could put more money in consumers pockets due to the savings from refinancing.  This higher cash flow could help spur the economy on for the better.

Time will tell.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Categories : Mortgage

Ally Bank 12 Month Highest Yielding CD

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Ally Bank has the highest yielding 12 Month CD rate of 1.44% APY. With Ally Bank you can open a certificate of deposit with no money down, have no monthly fees and get their best rate guarantee. Ally Bank carries a Ten Day Best Rate Guarantee, which means that within 10 days of opening your account, if CD rates increase you will be bumped up to the higher rate automatically.

Ally Bank has a 60 days interest, early withdrawal fee for closing out your CD early. They also have a ‘No Penalty CD’ offer at a lower rate, but your money is not locked up for the term of the certificate of deposit.

How much can you earn from this rate?

If you were to deposit at least $25,000 into the 12 Month CD from Ally Bank, you would earn $360.06 in 12 months.

Ally Bank also has a competitive 5 year CD at 2.79% APY, that would earn $3,684.89 for the same deposit.

If you decide to invest into any Ally CD’s be sure to watch your maturity date, as Ally will automatically renew the account if it is not closed. Check out their current rates here.

Being Wise with College Credit Cards

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

College Student with Handful of CashIn the past credit card companies have been able to set up booths around colleges and universities nationwide and offer free giveaways to those who are willing to sign up for a credit card.

This is much like you see at a Major League Baseball game or at the county fair.

“Sign up today and we’ll give you a shirt.” (or some other piece of junk you do not need.)

Now the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act stops such action from credit card companies.

The act means that credit card companies, if marketing on campus, cannot offer free goods.  It also requires consumers ages 18-21 to prove they earn enough to pay the credit card bill, or be force to have a co-signer.

The issue is that students are not paying their credit card balances.  According to Sallie Mae 82% of students did not pay their monthly balances in 2009. This lead to seniors graduating with an average of $4,100 in credit card debt.

So if you are a college student here are some tips for finding the best credit cards.

  • Find Cards with No Fees: You do not need to pay any monthly or annual fees in order to have a credit card. You also shouldn’t have to pay to open the credit card.
  • Be sure they have online access to check your account: Use this access to track your purchases, if any hidden fees pop up and you are charged you will be able to deal with that issue immediately.
  • Do not sign up because of a “Free Gift”: Sign up because of the benefits of the credit card and the benefits of building strong credit.  If you need a new shirt or iPod shuffle just go buy one.
  • Ask about any extra fees there are with the credit card: Sometimes credit companies include extra fees for certain things related to payments, missed payments, grace periods etc.  Be sure to ask about these fees.  They are in the fine print, but they should tell if you ask.

Be wise about picking out the right credit card.  Credit cards can benefit your or hurt you so do your research and make good decisions.

Check out different types of credit cards here.

Redstone Federal Credit Union Jumbo CD Rate Offer

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Redstone Federal Credit Union out of Huntsville, AL has some competitive Jumbo CDs that are worth mentioning. Although they have regular certificate of deposits they also have Jumbo CDs with slightly higher interest rates. For those who have at least $100,000 to lock down on a certificate of deposit, then a Jumbo CD at Redstone FCU might be the place.

Most credit unions have strict membership requirements but if you live in the Huntsville, AL area, you might already qualify. They extend their services to hundreds of small and local businesses and their employees. To see if you qualify for their not-for-profit credit union, you will want to contact them.

Redstone FCU has been in business since 1951 and has assets valued over $2.6 billion. They are also insured by the NCUA.

Redstone Federal Credit Union Jumbo CD Rates:

Be sure to check out the Redstone Federal CU’s website for the most up to date CD rates. They also carry an A+ grade with the BBB, check it out here.

When Will CD Rates Go Back Up In 2011

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

This is a question that is frequently asked and searched for. If people knew the time frame that CD rates would go up, they would wait until the perfect time. This is a question that no one has an answer for, so is it pointless on asking it? Well no, not for speculation purposes. If you are looking for a place to stash your money, then CD’s might not be the place, at least not in the near future. As long as the U.S economy stays where it is at, then interest rates, mortgage rates and even inflation rates will stay low. When inflation increases, so will CDs and mortgage rates

While CD rates and mortgage rates are sitting at record lows, some credit unions are taking advantage of these times by keeping their rates higher than average. Credit Unions are smaller more personal banking institutions and while some have strict membership policies, some credit unions like Melrose are making it easier for the average person to join. Melrose Credit Union currently holds the top spot for the 12 month, 2 year, 3 year and 5 year CDs, all the while, major banks are lowering their average CDs to record lows. Just take a look at Bank of America’s CDs and their news release about dropping their longer term CD rates.

CD rates may increase starting in early 2011, but that is just speculation. As long as the U.S economy lags and continues its meager growth rates, interest rates of all kinds will lag as well. If you are looking for a place to stash your money, a savings account is probably the place to start looking. Having a high yield savings account will allow your money to earn interest and keep it free from being locked up in a Certificate of deposit. By being locked into a certificate of deposit with such a low interest rate, even if rates increase by the beginning of 2011, you will be stuck at such a low rate.

You will want to avoid long term CDs, such as the 5 year CD which is currently sitting around 2.60% and long term Bonds. Any investment that locks your money up at these low interest rates and does not move, will be an investment worth avoiding. Stocks and savings accounts might be the way to go until the U.S economy begins its recovery.

The next question that should be asked is, how low will CD rates go?

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