Mortgage Refinansing Help

Mortgage Refinancing Help: Associations

“Both new homebuyers and refinancers can get free access to the credit reports that lenders use by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, a website created via Congressional mandate. A free report from each of the three consumer reporting agencies -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- is available at no cost every 12 months. Check for errors; if mistakes are found, don't hesitate to dispute any and all inaccurate and derogatory items. ”

Mortgage Refinancing Help : Business: Investing : Associations (16)

Close inactive credit card accounts to improve your credit score, making you eligible for lower interest rate loans. You will need to notify the credit card companies in writing that you wish the accounts closed on your request. Next, check your credit report after 30 days to be sure closed accounts include the comment "Closed at Customer's Request." You want future lenders to know it was your request and not bad credit that closed your accounts. Also, take the time to check for any mistakes in your credit report that could negatively impact your credit score.

Mortgage Refinancing Help: Associations ()

See also:

The Alliance in Support of Independent Research »
A group of broker-dealers who furnish independent research and other services to investment managers. Alliance publications promote the observance of proper standards under securities law for disseminating research.

International Securities Services Association (ISSA) »
Promotes the securities industry. Publications, conferences, recommendations, and news.

European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) »
Representative association for the European investment management industry. Includes mission statement, annual reports, press releases, and news.

International Development Enterprise Associates (IDEA) »
Information about IDEA, the Seminar on Investment Projects, related links and events, the IDEA Associates, a directory of development banks, and a directory of development bank trainers.

Association of Financial Guaranty Insurors »
AFGI members insure and reinsure municipal bonds and asset-backed securities.

International Compliance Association »
Supports and educates compliance professionals in the fight against terrorist financing, corruption, money laundering and financial crime.

Investment Management Association »
Representative body for unit trust and investment fund managers in the UK.

European Financial Market Lawyers Group »
Promotes harmonisation of European financial market activities. Site has a legal review of the short-term securities, and a list of EFMLG members.

Analyst Forum »
Online community designed for Chartered Financial Analysts and CFA candidates.

International Federation of Stock Exchanges »
The trade organization for regulated securities and derivative markets, settlement institutions and related clearing houses, and their diverse services to capital markets.

International Association of Financial Engineers (IAFE) »
Promotes financial engineering through conferences, publications, and activities of regional chapters around the world.

International Securities Lenders Association »
ISLA is the trade association for Securities Lenders. It was setup in 1989 and now has around 50 members, mostly, but not exclusively, based in the UK.

International Swap Dealers Association »
Global trade association for OTC derivatives, and maintainers of the industry-standard ISDA documentation.

New York Society of Security Analysts »
Forum of investment professionals in the greater New York area.

Emerging Markets Trade Association »
Formerly the LDC Debt Traders Association, EMTA co-ordinates the formalization of market practices, documentation and infrastructure.

CFA Institute »
A global, nonprofit organization of investment professionals from over 100 countries worldwide.

If you want to make sure the interest rate your lender offers you is the rate you get when you close the loan, ask about a mortgage lock-in (also called a rate lock or rate commitment). Any lock-in promise should be in writing. Make sure your lender explains any costs or obligations before you sign.

Be Realistic. Lenders have tightened up loan requirements, so you'll need a good credit score and at least some equity in your home to refinance. To figure out how much equity you have, subtract the total amount that you owe on all of your existing mortgages from how much you think your home is worth. If your credit is severely impaired or you owe more than the value of your home, you probably won't be able to refinance right now.

If you have a mortgage, you should keep an eye on rates-especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage. Getting locked in at a lower, fixed rate can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan.

Unless you are getting a lower interest rate, refinancing your home may cost you more money in the long run and may require you to pay higher monthly payments.