Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Equity home loans

By Carrie Reeder

With a good credit rating, you can eliminate high interest debts with a low rate home equity loan. Borrowing up to 25% of the value of your home, you don’t have to have equity to qualify for a second mortgage. With low rates, you can cut your payments as much as two thirds.

Advantages Of A 125% Home Equity Loan

The prime advantage of a 125% home equity loan is that you can secure lower rates than what you are paying now on your short term loans. In reality, you aren’t increasing your debt. Rather you are trading one rate for another.

With lower rates, you payments immediately shrink. You also have the option with a home equity loan to keep the same payment, but take fewer years to pay off your debt, saving you even more in interest charges.

Financial companies are willing to lend to you based on your credit history along with the expectation of increasing property values. Both you and your lender are banking on your home appreciating.

125% home equity loans are for those who plan to stay in their home for several years, or at least until their property value increases significantly. Consolidating your debts with a home equity loan maximizes your term choices. So loans can be for five to thirty years, affecting payment and interest size.

Look For The Best Loan Rates

Take the time to look for the best loan rate before signing any loan contract. Many financial companies now offer 125% home equity loans, so you should have no problem finding loan quotes online.

Compare closing costs is as important as rates, since this can be a hidden expense. By looking at the APR, which calculates both closing costs and interest, you can find who has the cheapest loan overall. Your terms will also affect your rates. The shorter the loan, the lower the rate.

When you have found the right loan, start the application process immediately to secure quoted rates. With online applications, you will receive final paperwork in days. Then, you can have your debts paid off in just a couple of weeks.

About the Author: Visit www.abcloanguide.com to find a list of reputable online lenders for 125% home equity loans. Also, view our recommended lenders for lowest interest rate home refinance lenders online.

Source: www.isnare.com

New Web Site Urges Teens to Step "Out of the Silence"

Out of the Silence, a new web-based non-profit organization (http://stepoutofthesilence.org/) that aims to offer a safe venue in which young people with mental health problems can express their emotions through artwork, prose, poetry, photography, and graphic art, will be launched on September 9 to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week. The initiative and web site was created by 16-year-old Caitlin Carey of New Jersey to assist teens dealing with mental health problems but who feel they have no place to express their thoughts and feelings.

"It's no secret that thousands of teens today suffer in silence, not knowing where they can voice their concerns and experiences with mental illness," said Caitlin Carey, founder of the project. "Young people tend to rely on their peers for support in everyday situations. However, the stigma attached to mental illness makes it difficult to reach out to friends; so many teenagers who are trying to cope with an illness such as depression or anxiety feel isolated."

Carey, who has struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder for nearly a decade, added, "I felt like I was the only girl in the world who experienced these horrible emotions and isolation. No one should have to feel the way I did."

Carey's hope is that Out of the Silence will provide a community of advocates for teenagers dealing with mental illness. She plans to eventually hold empowering events such as sponsored writing and art contests.

"While there are many networking opportunities available for adults with mental health disorders, there are very few resources that are targeted and accessible to young people who are suffering," added Carey. "I felt the time was right for me and my peers to become more vocal and proactive in the fight against the stigma associated with mental illness. Our voice has to count."

"Caitlin Carey's commitment to fighting the stigma surrounding mental health issues is truly remarkable. Her courageous efforts will no doubt help countless teens and young adults navigate the many challenges of living with mental illness," said Jeff Bell, author of Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and advocate for mental health. "The mental health community is most fortunate to have Caitlin join its ranks."

To learn more about the web site and Caitlin, visit us at http://stepoutofthesilence.org/