Securities regulators have raided the St. Louis headquarters of Wachovia to investigate the company’s actions around their issuance of auction rate securities (h/t Don) . The regulators are looking particularly hard at how the company valued and marketed the securities which have caused more than 70 complaints filed with the state from investors that have had assets frozen by the company during the mortgage meltdown.
From CNBC:
Missouri has also served subpoenas on more than a dozen Wachovia Securities agents and executives after receiving more than 70 complaints representing more than $40 million in frozen investments over the last four months.
The move on the headquarters comes three months after Wachovia Securities failed to fully comply with requests by the Missouri securities division for certain information, state officials said.
“Hundreds of Missouri investors have called my office because of inability to access their money. They were told these investments were safe and easy to cash in, but now they cannot run their business, make medical payments, or pay school tuition,” Carnahan said in a written statement.
Securities regulators have raided the St. Louis headquarters of Wachovia to investigate the company’s actions around their issuance of auction rate securities (h/t Don) . The regulators are looking particularly hard at how the company valued and marketed the securities which have caused more than 70 complaints filed with the state from investors that have had assets frozen by the company during the mortgage meltdown.
From CNBC:
Missouri has also served subpoenas on more than a dozen Wachovia Securities agents and executives after receiving more than 70 complaints representing more than $40 million in frozen investments over the last four months.
The move on the headquarters comes three months after Wachovia Securities failed to fully comply with requests by the Missouri securities division for certain information, state officials said.
“Hundreds of Missouri investors have called my office because of inability to access their money. They were told these investments were safe and easy to cash in, but now they cannot run their business, make medical payments, or pay school tuition,” Carnahan said in a written statement.
If you haven’t read this piece by The Big Pictture’s Barry Ritholtz you’re doing yourself a disservice:
There is a choice to be made: Either we regulate the Banks, or leave it to the vagaries of the free markets to punish those who trade with, or place their assets in the wrong institutions. But for God’s sake, do not give us the worst of both worlds — do not allow banks the freedom to make horrific but preventable mistakes (i.e., only lending money to those who can pay it back), but then expect the taxpayers to foot the trillion dollar bill.
That’s not capitalism, its not socialism, its not regulation, and its sure as hell isn’t what free markets are. Our language is insufficient to describe this hodge-podge system, other than to call it a random patchwork of quasi-capitalism, quadrennial-socialism, and politics as usual. Ideological idiocy is the only phrase I can muster that has any resonance with the daily insanity.
We have entered into a fit of Orwellian madness: The American Capitalists, long the globe’s leading advocates for free markets, have become near Socialists. Halfway around the world, the Chinese Communists have picked up the baton, and are moving rapidly towards a form of Capitalism. Ironically, it is the once largest communist nations — the Chinese and the Russians — who holds much of Fannie and Freddie’s paper.
Hey comrades, who’s selling the rope to whom?
A home equity loan can help repair your poor credit history. Begin by finding a competitive financing lender with affordable rates and terms. Next, work toward establishing a solid credit history, enabling you to lower your interest rates on future loans.
Plan For The Future
A home equity loan can be your first step toward repairing a poor credit history. Before you apply for your loan, consider how to best use the money.
Paying off credit cards with high interest rates or investing in your house by making needed repairs are both wise choices. The paid interest from your home equity loan is also tax deductible, an added financial bonus.
Shop For A Lender
When you are ready to apply for a home equity loan, compare rates of financing lenders. A rate that is even a half a percent lower can save you hundreds over the course of your loan, so take the time to look at several lenders.
Points and fees are also part of the loan’s cost, so be sure to add them in when you compare loans. Every loan will have some form of points and fees since this is how mortgage brokers are paid, but they can vary widely between mortgage companies.
Go Online
Save time by shopping for financing lender online. Mortgage websites can now send you home equity loan quotes from several lenders when you enter your information through their website. It is a no-risk way of looking at your financing options.
Lock In Rates
Rates change daily, so don’t put off applying for the actual loan. Online loan applications can be completed any time. Once approved, you will be sent the paperwork for your final approval and signature. After it is notarized, your loan will be processed.
Build Your Credit History
With your loan finalized, you can begin building a good credit history. Mortgage companies look at the last three years of your credit history, so with regular payments you can be on the right financial track in no time.
After three years of a good credit history, you can consider refinancing your home equity or mortgage loan for a better interest rate.
Buying a home is probably the most expensive investment you will make in your life, so how you pay for it is a monumental decision. There are so many products available to home buyers, you really have to do your homework before deciding on one mortgage.
Here's what you need to know when shopping for a mortgage for your new piece of real estate:
Know your credit report and credit score. Yes, this number is really important. It affects the rate and amount you get to borrow or if you qualify to borrow at all. Start by getting a copy of your credit report and get your score if you are even thinking of buying real estate. Things that bank looks at on your report are, number of open accounts, amount of available credit, late payments, paid off accounts and on-time payments. Go through and close all accounts you don't use, resolve what issues you can and don't open any new accounts until or after the mortgage is secured.
Know your finances. Before you apply, know what you can afford to pay each month by going over your budget. Think about your future finances as well. Do you know that you will be getting a yearly raise or is a promotion on the horizon? Future financial gains may affect how much you can afford and what type of loan may work best.
Know your options.
1. Conventional loans- This loan allows you to lock in to a rate and sets your payments up for a 30 or 15 year period. If you plan to stay put, this is a fairly a no-risk option.
2. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - Many banks are offering ARMs these days. This type allows you to take out a loan at a low rate. There is usually an option of 3, 5, or 7 years to lock in this rate. After this time is passed, your loan is at the mercy of market rate changes. If you know you will be moving in 3 years, this type of loan may be a good for you. However, realize that your payment will go up at some point and budget for this spike. Just because that initial low rate allows you to afford a certain home, you have to consider the long term financial commitment so that you don't get into trouble.
3. Interest-only loans- This type is exactly what it says. Your payment is on the interest only. It may allow you to afford the home, but in the long run, it may not be a good idea. If you decide to sell at some point, you will find that you have no equity in the real estate property and if market values have fallen, you will owe more than it is worth.
Know your terms.
1. Mortgage rate and APR- The mortgage rate is what the bank is offering on your loan. The APR is the actual rate you will pay after fees.
2. Discount Points- you can buy these to reduce your APR and the amount of fees.
3. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) - this is tacked onto your payment if you don't have a 20% down-payment as a protective measure for the lender; in case you default on your loan.
4. Escrow- also added to your final payment. This account is for paying the taxes and insurance on your real estate property throughout the year.
Know what documents you need. Gather all W-2s and tax returns for the past couple of years; several months back pay stubs, bank statements of the past couple of months. You will need all of these as proof of income when you apply.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider, when financing real estate. If you have a hard time putting it all together, don't be afraid to ask questions to your lenders or get a financial planner to help you to work it out. The most important thing is to arm yourself with knowledge and carefully consider all of your options before jumping into this monumental financial commitment.