One Thing to Know About the USDA Mortgage Loan: Take a Look at Your Income

Don't get us wrong, though: the USDA mortgage is quite the secret in the real estate market. Just check this article out for yourself. If there was a way for someone to get a home loan approval fast and easy, it would be the USDA. But there are certain guidelines to keep in mind.

Keep an Eye on Your Income and Your Debt

It's called the debt-to-income ratio. How much debt do you have? Is it ruining your credit? Do you need Lexington Law or Independent Credit Solutions to help you through those muddy waters? Good. Do it. But bear in mind that if the debt, plus the mortgage amount, just happens to be over 31% of your actual monthly income, the specific loan might be a no for you.

The VA program, another mortgage program out there, sticks to the similar rule: 41% is their measuring stick. Jumbo mortgage loans, the conventional ones, however, tend to stick to lower ratios overall given the assumption that when you take out a home loan, you're entrusted to pay it every month despite whatever debt you already have.

And That's What the Mortgage Guideline Is For:

It's to protect you from buying a home that might be too expensive. When debt continues to drown you out, foreclosure commences. That's something this real estate market won't want given the growth we're seeing in down payment averages and home prices.

So what should you do? Get on the right path, and without a doubt, the USDA mortgage loan might be your best bet, because it has plenty of benefits! Clean up your debt. Fix your credit. Sign up with the HOPE Program.

Having Some Faith in the Home Renting Market for 2016

Rentals may be the way to go in today’s market! The housing market's declining, it seems, and apartment expansion and home rentals are skyrocketing through the roof! Such is the state of the real estate investment market for 2016.

Baby Boomers Galore! 

  

The baby boomers are getting older, and the majority of them are currently downsizing due to the immediate financial and physical accommodations of home renting. With many of them already enjoying retirement, having a mortgage over their head and a home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms really isn’t necessary for them anymore. An uptown waterfront condo with a maid and someone to cut the grass is more the style of comfort that is appealing to these thriving baby boomers.

Millennials Amuck!

The young adults that should be buying homes are just not capable enough, apparently, what with the poor employment market and looming student debt climbing to ungodly heights. Millennials are more comfortable renting than adding more debt to their already strained financial situations. Renting is really the most accommodating route for young people in today's world. Plus with most millennials still not married and without children, there is no reason for them to have a cap code on a cul-de-sac when they can enjoy a trendy loft by the local pub.

Sounds Convincing, Right?

You do, however, have to understand one thing about the real estate market, whether it's about home selling, home buying, or home investing. It's a fickle beast. And the appetite can change in a blink. So the important thing to remember is this -- keep your eyes opened.

Credit Repair's Crazy Good With Independent Credit Solutions!

You might've already ready about the most recent news at H.O.P.E. to Own, but just in case you missed it, here it is. You can catch the press release as well as multiple other sources such as the Complete Real Estate Site, Nationwide Property Values, Assisting Renters and many, many, many more. But let's just say this one important sub-header for all of you readers out there:

The HOPE Program Is Loving Credit Repair With Independent Credit Solutions

Finally.... Credit repair's branded all ICS along with the likes of Lexington Law. It's all good. The more options, the better, right? In the end, this benefits the prospective homeowner, home renter, entrepreneur, bookkeeper, college student, CEO, secret agent and watchdog located in every hen house, outhouse, and doghouse within a 5-mile radius (immediate shot-out to Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones' "The Fugitive"!).

So we don't have to tell you that credit repair's essential to the goal of getting a home -- whether it's a straight, upfront mortgage, or a rent-to-own. All we know now is that the HOPE Program now sees that it's that much more possible, with Independent Credit Solutions, for every customer seeking to enroll to get the credit repair they deserve.

So You Know What You Need to Do? ENROLL WITH INDEPENDENT CREDIT SOLUTIONS. Right now.

It's worth it. It's worth every penny (and that's not a lot of pennies). Because that's the HOPE Program's one major benefit. They're only out to help you. They're not going to charge an arm and a leg. Their goals are yours. They want you to get into that home -- hopefully with zero down.

Visit Independent Credit Solutions right now and get enrolled. Before you know it, your 640 credit score will laugh all the way up your front door as you unlock it to your new future in your new home.

Bend Toward South Bend, Indiana, for Retirement Prospects

They call this state the "Crossroads of America," and for good reason. Indiana's a hometown, a go-to, a throwback, a place where time seems to stand still. Urban legends exist there; folk tales reside within the cities of this state, but here's the big question -- is it necessarily a great place to retire in? Try South Bend for starters.

Why South Bend, Indiana, Ranks Up There for Retirement

Bear in mind this important fact -- it's not just about the small-town feel when it comes to retirement cities. Think about fixed incomes, for instance -- or maybe even limited resources to explore and redefine yourself. After all, if you're looking to retire, you're not looking to do a whole lot of moving around and spending cash.

Aside from the lack of a state tax on social security -- which automatically makes it a benefit to you as a retiree -- South Bend is all about university life and entertainment at minimal cost and maximum convenience. It's generally fun living in this town!

Think football, for instance -- as in the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Loving the football makes for a great day of the season, not to mention you get free campus tours of the legendary university, if that's your deal. I'd say it's legendary specifically because the campus does draw quite a few prestigious entertainment acts, so you most likely will be on the lookout for those events as you enjoy your retirement.

You could be fortunate to land a rent-to-own, or maybe a zero-down mortgage, and if that's the case, jump on it. Why?

South Bend Brings It for Retirees

It's a total touchdown for retirement. Sure, the population's up there, but that's what retirement should be all about: fellowship, fun and friends all around you. When you're retired, you're not just relaxing; you're living. And you're living proud.

Avoiding Cabin Fever by Enjoying the Outdoors

Whether you're in a mansion or a cabin, follow this basic rule of thumb: always try to get outside! Enjoy the sun. Enjoy the air. After all, your body needs that oxygen! What happens when you don't get those basic necessities: cabin fever.

The Scientific Study of "Cabin Fever"

Yes, this is a real thing. Not a movie. Not anything involving issues with "The Purge" and some apocalyptic universal one-day-in-a-year-crime-is-legal mentality. There have been cases of people going basically stir crazy in their homes due to a claustrophobic reaction resulting from isolation and small spaces (something to watch out for in a tiny Maine house? Maybe not.).

Interestingly enough, this phenomenon called "cabin fever" first recorded and studied back in 1838 isn't so much about the space as it is the options available to pass the time away. When you think about it like that, the extreme irritability, paranoia and restlessness typical of someone suffering from cabin fever's a no-brainer as far as the antidote -- you need to get out, man!

Walk out of the door. Into the sunshine. And explore, for crying out loud. After all, the outdoors even benefit marketing campaigns, and that's for people who are actually at work! We humans were meant to be outside; just ask Adam and Eve.

This doesn't mean, though, that you can't live on a boat, or a cabin, or a small mobile home for a lengthy period of time. You can. You just need to bring the outdoors into your daily living as well. The tiny isolated home you live in then just becomes an extension of your lifestyle.

This largely is supported by the fact that you can still go stir crazy even in a massive mansion (I'd venture to say that you can go crazier with all that space).

Home Isn't Just a 'House'

You, therefore, when approaching the H.O.P.E. Program for the prospect of getting a zero-down mortgage, don't worry so much about square footage. Just a thought. Think function versus trend or satisfaction. Happiness comes from within, and then with that happiness, you make the home. You don't make the home with an in-ground pool, trendy curb appeal, and a spiffy mailbox (although that could help a little, I guess).

Why the Guardians of the Galaxy Might Be Investing in Real Estate Soon

Just ask Star-Lord. He's all about opportunity. And Groot's just Groot. However, even in the wide array of the Milky Way Galaxy, the Guardians can see that real estate technology can be the wave of the future and a virtual black hole of possibilities ensuring that everyone's supercharged for the next best battle on the home front.

Real Estate Technology at Its Best

Out of all real estate trends for 2015, this stands as the one people are probably the most excited about. Even a talking racoon would be excited about this. Let's just hope you don't pimp out your home with streamlined costs in cloud-controlled security cameras to beef up your protection.

Additionally, you can check to see if the Rocket Raccoon's making moves with motion sensors built in around your home. And with all the security at your fingertips, you just might not need to worry about having Gamora and Drax the Destroyer on call to whip some burglar tail in your home.

Technology Makes Home Living That Much Easier

But before you do, visit H.O.P.E. to Own to get in on the fast track with a zero-down home. Who knows -- you, too, just might be a "guardian of the galaxy" -- or a collaborating member of the Avengers, maybe? -- after hitting your 640, getting the keys to your house, and moving in faster than light speed.

Buying a Ferrari With Your Home Equity Loan: a Good Thing or Bad Thing?

The option's always there, so why not enjoy it? Because you're a homeowner -- and a reliable one at that -- that home equity loan is right at your fingertips, and you have every right to use the funds to get whatever you want in terms of disposable goods and services. Believe it or not, though, there's actually some benefit to shelling out that loan money (only to have to pay it all back) on stuff you may not really 'need' (like a Ferrari, for example) --

Your Interest Will Be Deducted for Your Home Equity Money

Fairly fun reason to buy that high-priced car, or boat, or maybe a brand-new beachfront summer home! All that cash you shell out would look nice on your 2-hour tax return, no doubt, and needless to say, that's a great reward for your hard work in maintaining your mortgage payments right down to the day, every month, every year.

Pay close attention to the slight negatives, though, and it may be a big one (depending on your health)

Watch Out for Medical Bills and Other Emergencies

You've seen the deal regarding emergencies, especially with credit cards. The problem with getting hit hard on the unexpected front is that, lo and behold, you're still saddled with this one home equity loan for your zero-down home from H.O.P.E. to Own that you have to pay off, thinking, "oh, man, if I only had these funds to pay for my heart surgery or Lasik!" It's unfortunate.

Even worse, you might have that Ferrari traded in (or out of commission due to an accident you had because of your bad eyesight since you didn't get that Lasik surgery), and you're as healthy as a horse -- and you'll still have those equity home loan payments to make until you're all caught up. That's where a loan doesn't seem so fun to have!

Just Be Prepared

That 'free' money matters so much, so do enjoy it -- to an extent. Maybe you don't need the Ferrari. Who knows. But just know that the home equity loan is there -- for anything you want! And that, my friends, might be a good thing or bad thing as well.

Why Your Beachfront Investment Property Might Lose You Money in 2015

Did you notice that it's not summer right now? Yes. There's snow on the ground. That blizzard occurred over on the east coast, record numbers, and the Midwest isn't any slouch either. You can imagine, too, a lot of the summery spots don't see a lot of action, because, yes, the temperatures drop and people start migrating back to where stores are still open and people can get some hot chocolate down their pipes.

Face it: your beachfront investment property's down for the count (at least until the temp warms up and people flock back to the wind, sand and surf). What does that mean? It certainly doesn't mean you've missed out on the H.O.P.E. Program and your prospects for a zero-down home.

You're Losing Money, Though. A Lot of It.

It's to be expected, and you're probably prepared for it. After reading about all the disadvantages to having beachfront property, you practically dread it. Perhaps you offset the lost revenue by upping your prices on tenants, and that's all fine and dandy, particularly when weather becomes an issue. You've got to pay for repairs, upkeep and maintenance, and it can get costly.

Is it all worth it, though? It depends.

If you notice: beachfront properties are known not only for the sand and surf, but for the stores and commerce associated with it. You buy your t-shirts, candy, surfboards, board shorts, coolers and kites. Economy soars for those communities, but when the winter hits, it all shuts down. It might not hurt you at all, but just in case you're running a business in that community, not only do you have to worry about maintaining the beachfront home, you also have to worry about maintaining any bills you have for businesses you own.

Consider Your Finances Carefully

If you play your cards right, you just might sit fine on a beachfront property, perhaps living in it all year round. After all, grocery stores would still be open. You'd have all your necessities. As an investment property, though, consider that you might be pouring more money into it than getting out of it. Just a thought.

Playing it Safe With Credit Cards: Pull Lever Only During Emergencies

Whether it's a lever or a button, if it's red, you know you could end up dead. Unless it's an emergency, and you absolutely have to press that button! It's a last resort. No turning back. Do or die! Exciting, isn't it?

Well, That's Actually How Credit Cards Are, Too

They're like emergency buttons. Or at least that's how they're supposed to be. We can read about all the must-do's and should-have's when it comes to credit cards, but here's the thing -- the single most important motto you must take with you is this: credit cards must be used only as a last resort.

Against all better judgment, use your credit card as a last resort. If there's an asteroid coming at you, and you've exhausted all measures to try and thwart the big, dumb rock, use your credit card as a last resort. If you have no money, no car, no clothes, no pizza, and no way back home from the Mojave Desert, and all you have on you is a credit card -- then, and only then, you must use it as a last resort.

That's How Credit Cards Were Meant to Be Used

When you think about it, it makes sense. This goes with all sorts of education under your belt, particularly when it benefits your credit repair regimen with Lexington Law. Of course, the experts there will tell you the same thing: prevent the future from collapsing on you and focus on emergencies only when using your credit card.

That means if you can eat it, drink it or use it for your own benefit somehow, better hold off on pulling the plastic and wait until you have some good ol' fashioned, cold, hard cash. You save yourself some trouble.

That means if your car breaks down, and you don't have enough cash immediately on you, go ahead and pull the Visa out. If a hurricane hits your home and pulls the roof off and you have to pay off a deductible, I would think it's okay to get the Mastercard out. You see what I'm saying?

It's a Minor, Yet Still Extremely Important Measure, to Take When It Comes to a Credit Card

Because you do have to remember one thing: when you contact the H.O.P.E. Program to consider owning your own zero-down home, know that your credit score will matter tremendously. You can't have a good score, though, without actually using the credit card (or other lines of credit, whatever they may be).

So practice this, above all else: responsibility. And don't press that emergency button unless it's absolutely necessary.

Why Beach Real Estate Property Can Help De-Stress You From the Daily Grind

Let's conduct an experiment here: do you have an alarm clock handy? If so, get it out. Plug it in. Next step: let's hope this alarm clock has one of those features allowing you to loop all sorts of sounds while you sleep. You know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about the synthetic playback of all sorts of nature sounds --

• Waterfalls
• Raindrops
• Wind
• Crickets

That sort of thing. Go ahead and get this video started, by the way, while reading, and I can guarantee that this will be the best article you'll ever read today.

I know, I know. You're probably wondering where I'm going with this, especially when the title does say that this is something about the benefits of beach real estate property, so what am I getting at? Or am I just pulling your strings and leading you on some goose chase?

No Goose Chase Here: Just Beautiful Visuals and a Feast for the Ears

There's just one more sound you would've heard on that video, which also could possibly be on your alarm clock. It's a popular one. I am, of course, talking about the ever-familiar sound of the surf, perhaps some seagulls in the air, and the gentle crash of waves on the shore. It's the beach.

Name one individual researching for zero-down homes, and automatically you'll know that the term "beachfront property" perks people's ears up real fast. It's obvious.

The appeal of the getaway, the visuals, sights and lack of city sound make for a great meditative escape, relieving you of stress and recharging you for the next daily grind, whatever it may be.

Your instant benefit is that revitalization. You stay productive. You get the relaxation you need. Heck, some may even resort to their, well, resort every weekend to recharge for Monday and the rest of the workweek. In fact...that's probably why they call it a "resort"!

Don't Knock the Beach Real Estate Property

It just might be the best thing to ever happen to you, emotionally, spiritually, even practically from a profession standpoint. I'd go this far to say that you benefit the best as a writer, or an artist. Why?

Not only can you handle more of the 'marketing' and business aspect of your job during your regular days in the city, but you can do your work while on vacation. Every weekend. Or on any given week.

Bonus! Don't cheat, though, and settle for the alarm clock. I'd suggest getting the beachfront property, going for the real thing. It's always better.