Author Archive for Paul Wilson

Reverse Mortgage - Turning Your Home into a Pot of Gold

by Virginia Berry

The first baby boomers turn 62 as of January 2008. Because of this, many investors are scurrying to come up with new, innovative products to offer to the incredibly fast growing reverse mortgage market.

In days gone bay, consumers only had three reverse mortgage offers to choose from: 1. the FANNIE MAE HOME KEEPER, 2. the FHA HECM, and 3. JUMBO CASH ACCOUNT. Now that there is a booming market, seven new lenders that are now making available competing programs. And there are even more investors entering into this market.

In addition to these private sector programs, new multiple-margin HECM products have been introduced, as well as an FHA/HECM FIXED rate option. Many consumers have long awaited the option of having a fixed rate, and at last it is here.

In just the past six months (January thru June 2007) the reverse mortgage business has witnessed a rapid evolution not seen in over 17 years of existence. The reverse mortgage industry is finally beginning to mirror the traditional “forward” mortgage market, as we see more lenders launching a wider variety of products and pricing options designed to fit the needs of our senior customers.

One of the most exciting new products available today is the new “Purchase Reverse Loan”. This product is available to seniors who are in the market to either purchase a new home, to down size, or relocate close to family. The ability to use a reverse mortgage to purchase a new property while never having to make a mortgage payment is VERY appealing to all seniors.

Another exciting new product, is the use of a reverse mortgage to purchase a second home. Many seniors would love to have the option to have that summer home in the mountains, or that winter home in Arizona. Now, you can, payment free for life, with the use of a reverse mortgage. You can even, have two reverse loans at the same time, one on your existing home, and one on your vacation home. Imagine two homes, no payments!

Because of all the new program concepts, and terminology, it is advised that you have a complete understanding and confidence in the reverse mortgage process. Not all lenders have the same variety of products, and many have only a few choices of investors.

Please make sure you look for a lender who is part of the National Association of Reverse Mortgage Lenders (NRMLA). This association is presently the only overseer of the ethical conduct of reverse mortgage lenders.

About the Author:

Carpet - With So Many Styles It Makes a Great Choice for Flooring

by Larry Strauch

One of the best choices for floor coverings is carpet. Why? Because it’s available in many styles, textures and colors and it’s usually less expensive than other types of flooring. It’s also suitable for residential, remodels and commercial settings. Carpet comes in many different styles such as: Loop, Frieze, Pattern, Texture, Saxony and Cable. Each of these styles are unique in both construction and characteristics.

Cable - Cable carpeting is manufactured with a “fat” yarn process. This gives it a chunky look and feel as well as making it very functional and long lasting which is great for high traffic areas. This unique style also makes it more modern versus other styles.

Saxony - A Saxony carpet is a cut pile carpet with a smooth, level finish that has a rich, elegant look A Saxony is perfect for an area such as a formal dining room or living room. Be aware that Saxony carpet will tend to show footprints and vacuum marks more readily than other types of carpet.

Texture - The most popular type of carpet is the Texture style. It’s popular because it fits any room in your house and it is easier to maintain because it doesn’t show vacuum marks and footprints. If you are looking for a great carpet for any room then a Textured carpet will definitely do the trick.

Frieze - One of the tighter weaves that is available is called Frieze. The yarns used to make this style of carpet are more tightly twisted than other styles. This makes is very resistant to crushing and matting which makes it longer lasting in high traffic areas.

Loop - A carpet style that is extremely hard-wearing for your home, or work place, is known as a Loop style which is also called a Berber. This style is tends not to exhibit traffic marks like other styles. Because of this, it makes a great carpet for family rooms and kitchen areas. If you are looking for an extremely long-lasting carpet for your your work place, waiting room, reception area or lobby then check into a commercial level loop. Because of its lastingness, it would make an exceptional style for this type of area.

Pattern - A more formal type of carpet is known as a Pattern style. Because it can have bold or more subtle designs, it makes a great carpet for living rooms, dining rooms and master bedrooms. Pattern styles are constructed with a loop or cut pile or combination of both loop and cut pile.

There are many different styles, colors, textures and price points of carpet on the market today. Hopefully, this article has been able to at least narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right style for what your room requires.

About the Author: