Could Multi-Currency Mortgages Provide All The Answers?
March 13, 2010
A specialist banking group has reported that some of its wealthier clients are seeking different kinds of mortgage loans. Investec has seen many of its high net worth clients looking into its multi-currency mortgage.
This is a risky product but it allows for a certain amount of flexibility, the loan is secured against a UK property but can be denominated in a range of varying currencies, such a Sterling, US Dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs and Japanese Yen. Borrowers can benefit from the lower interest rates, thus reducing the outstanding sum on the mortgage by switching the funds between difference currencies as the values of each rise and fall.
The turbulent market 2008 has seen so far may be the perfect time for investors to choose their mortgages very carefully, options such as this allow borrowers to keep their money safer than it may be tied into the UK property market. This is good news for advisers, brokers and mortgage lead companies who are likely to see money continuing to go into mortgages if a wider range of mortgage options are available.
HSBC recently launched a multi-currency mortgage called 766, it gives customers access to three month fixed term deposits offering rates of interest in Sterling, US Dollars and Euros.
HSBC’s deal pays 7% on deposits in Sterling and 6% each on US Dollars and Euros, the offer is currently available until the end of March, and to take it up customers need to open a Premier Bank account with the company and have ?60,000.
Having a Premier Bank account with HSBC will get you a dedicated relationship manager who will deal with any questions or problems, it will also give you exclusive access to 250 Premier centres around the world and access to your accounts at any time of the day or night.
The 766 account will also provide fee-free international money transfers over the internet and financial guidance on tax, property, investments and pensions.
Alexander Associated Group (AAG) has said that investors would be wise to look into multi-currency mortgages to avoid the damaging effects of the falling UK property market. The financial management company believes that multi-currency loans can reduce mortgage debts by 5% per year, although single currency mortgages can prove beneficial in some cases.
Similarly to all investments, these deals should be looked at from a long-term perspective. AAG’s CEO, David Alexander said: “You would hope over a period of 25 years that you would clear your whole mortgage if you’re managing it via a multi-currency mortgage.
“It’s just like any other type of fund: it’s a currency fund, and you need a currency manager to move it from one currency to another, to where he perceives the likelihood of sterling strengthening against the other currency.
“What you have to do is understand that it’s a long-term, not short-term investment – just as a mortgage is a long-term debt. And over the long term you should always do very well,” Mr Alexander finished by saying.
Consumers must however be aware that there are serious risks involved in investing the large sums required into multi-currency mortgages as the level of return seen is reliant on the interest rates in different countries, which no one can predict, especially in today’s uncertain market.
Mortgage specialist, James Cotton, who works for London & Country, said: “There is a danger in getting a foreign currency mortgage for interest rate purpose reasons only. If you look at US interest rates, they are currently above UK Base Rates and stand at 5.29 per cent, whereas in 2001 they where cheap as chips at 1 per cent. However, the main risk comes from having a different currency mortgage to that of your income as there is an exchange rate risk. Luckily for people holding mortgages in US dollars, the currency has recently depreciated against the sterling.”
FHA mortgage loans provide the Best Interest Rates, ((97%w 580 Fico))
March 8, 2010
FHA mortgage loans provide the Best Interest Rates
Florida home buyers should know the many advantages of the FHA mortgage loan programs. FHA loans were created to help increase home ownership. For the Florida home buyer the FHA program can simplify the purchase of a home, making financing easier and less expensive than a conventional mortgage loan product. Some highlights of the Florida FHA loan program include:
Minimal Down Payment and Closing costs.
- Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price Gifts are allowed
- Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards closing and prepaid costs.
- 100% Financing available
- No reserves required.
- FHA regulated closing costs.
Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as:
-
- No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements.
- FHA will allow a home purchase 2 year after a Bankruptcy.
- FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.
APPLY NOW AT http://www.fhamortgagefhaloan.com/
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a United States government agency created as part of the National Housing Act of 1934. The goals of this organization are: to improve housing standards and conditions; to provide an adequate home financing system through insurance of mortgage loans; and to stabilize the mortgage market.
History of FHA home loans
Back in the the Great Depression, the banking system failed, causing a drastic decrease in home loans and ownership. At this time, most home mortgages were short-term (three to five years), no amortization, balloon instruments at loan-to-value (LTV) ratios below fifty to sixty percent.The banking crisis of the 1930’s forced all lenders to retrieve due mortgages. Refinancing was not available, and many borrowers, now unemployed, were unable to make mortgage payments. Consequently, many homes were foreclosed, causing the housing market to plummet. Banks collected the loan collateral (foreclosed homes) but the low property values resulted in a relative lack of assets. Because there was little faith in the backing of the U.S. government, few loans were issued and few new homes were purchased.
In 1934 the federal banking system was restructured. The National Housing Act of 1934 was passed and the Federal Housing Administration was created. Its intent was to regulate the rate of interest and the terms of mortgages that it insured. These new lending practices increased the number of people who could afford a down payment on a house and monthly debt service payments on a mortgage, thereby also increasing the size of the market for single-family homes.
The FHA calculated appraisal value based on eight criteria and directed its agents to lend more for higher appraised projects, up to a maximum cap. The two most important were “Relative Economic Stability,” which constituted 40% of appraisal value, and “Protection from adverse influences,” which made up another 20%.
The FHA Mortgage loans Today
Back in 1965, the Federal Housing Administration became part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since 1934, the FHA and HUD have insured over 34 million home mortgages and 47,205 multifamily project mortgages. Currently, the FHA mortgage loan has 4.8 million insured single family mortgages and 13,000 insured multifamily projects in its portfolio. The Federal Housing Administration is the only government agency that is completely self-funded. However, although it claims to operate solely from its own income at no cost to taxpayers, there is an implicit guarantee that the taxpayer will help them in times of need.
During budget planning for 2008 HUD had been projecting $143,000,000 budget shortfall stemming from the FHA program. This is the first time in three decades HUD had made a request to Congress for a taxpayer subsidy. Even though FHA is statutorily required to be budget neutral, the GAO is projecting taxpayer funded subsidies of half a billion dollars over the next three years, if no changes are made to the FHA program.
FHA Required Down Payment
A mortgage applicant downpayment may come from a number of sources. The 3.5% requirement can be satisfied with the borrower using their own cash or receiving a gift from a family member, their employer, labor union, non-profit or government entity. Since 1998, non-profits have been providing downpayment gifts to borrowers who purchase homes where the seller has agreed to reimburse the non-profit and pay an additional processing fee. In May 2006, the IRS determined that this is not “charitable activity” and has moved to revoke the non-profit status of groups providing downpayment assistance in this manner. FHA has since stopped down payment assistance program through 3rd non profits. There is a bill currently in congress that hopes to bring back down payment assistance programs through these so called non profits.
FHA Mortgage Insurance for Homebuyers
The FHA insures only a limited range of mortgages provided by FHA-approved lenders. PMI insurers service mortgages of the conventional market. PMI is required if a homebuyer borrows more than 80% of the property’s purchase price in one loan; the FHA insurance is required for any FHA mortgage, irrespective of the size of the down payment provided. The premiums for both insurances get cancelled at a certain point (was not true of FHA premiums before Jan. 1, 2001), but the conditions for this to happen are different (see below).
Mortgage insurance is available for housing loan lenders, protecting against homeowner mortgage default. For a small fee, lenders can obtain insurance for a value of ninety seven percent of the appraised value of the home or building. FHA loans are insured through a combination of a small upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), as well as a small monthly mortgage insurance (MMI) premium.
The (UF)MIP or (Up-Front) Mortgage Insurance Premium is the upfront fee you pay either in cash at close or financed into the loan. The MMI or Mutual (sometimes called Monthly) Mortgage Insurance is your monthly premium which is included in your payment. This MMI is an annual premium which is to be remitted monthly, it must be paid for 5 years regardless of your LTV (loan to value) if after 5 years your LTV is 78% or less it may be canceled on loans originated after 1/1/01. If your loan term is 15 years or less the 5 year rule does not apply.
In many instances where the home owner has a poor to moderate credit history, the monthly mortgage insurance premium will be substantially less expensive with an FHA loan than with a conventional loan regardless of LTV – sometimes as little as one-ninth as much per month depending on the borrower’s exact credit score, LTV, loan size, and approval status. A borrower with an FHA loan always pays the same mortgage insurance rate regardless of their credit score. This is especially of benefit to borrowers who have less than 22% equity in their homes and credit scores under 620. Conventional mortgage insurance premium rates factor in credit scores, whereas FHA mortgage insurance premiums do not. When a borrower has a credit score under 620, conventional mortgage premiums spike dramatically. If a borrower has a credit score under 575, they may find it impossible to purchase a home for less than 20% down with a conventional loan, as the majority of mortgage insurance companies no longer write mortgage insurance policies on borrowers with credit scores under 575 due to a sharply increased risk. When they do write mortgage insurance policies for borrowers with lower credit scores, the annual premiums are sometimes as high as 4% to 5% of the loan amount. Based on this, if a consumer is considering purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing home, they would often be well-advised to look into the FHA loan program.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards – Benefits and Detailed Descriptions
March 6, 2010
A Balance transfer credit card helps the consumers to move an outstanding balance from one credit card to another. This process also helps the consumer to get lower APR. Balance transfer helps the consumers in many ways. By Transferring high balance from the current credit card to a 0% interest rate offered card, the consumer can save a lot. By considering the benefits, we can name the balance transfer credit cards as best financial tools. There are hundreds of new balance transfer credit cards are introduced. Lets see their benefits and detailed descriptions.
Discover® Open Road Card: This card offers 0% Intro APR for purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months. Provides full 5% Cashback bonus on gas and auto maintenance purchases. Up to 1% Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically. Provides unlimited cash rewards that never expire. There is no annual fee. Provides $0 fraud liability guarantee and easiest online account management options. The card members can DOUBLE their Cashback Bonus (turn $20 into $40) when they redeem for gift cards or certificates from many of the 70 brand name partners.
Discover® More Clear Card: This card offers 0% Intro APR for purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months and 5% cash back bonus on purchases in popular categories that change four times a year like home, apparel and more. Provides up to 1% cash back bonus on all other purchases automatically and unlimited cash rewards that never expire. Provides $0 fraud liability guarantee and easiest online account management options. There is no annual fee and the card members can DOUBLE their cash back bonus (turn $20 into $40) when they redeem for gift cards or certificates from 70 brand name partners.
BoatU.S.™ Platinum Plus® Visa® Card: This card offers 0% Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)on balance transfers and cash advance checks for the first 12 billing cycles. The card user can earn 1 point for every net retail purchase dollar spent and also he can redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift certificates, and cash. Provides Access to the MyConciergeSM service, a unique personal assistance service. There is absolute fraud protection against unauthorized use, online and offline. And there is no annual fee.
Chase Platinum Visa® Card: This Card offers 0% Intro APR for up to 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on the review of applicant’s application and credit history. There is no annual fee. Provides Flexible Rewards Program like the the card member earns one point per dollar spent. Provides redeem for the card users choice of Cash Back, Merchandise, Travel or Gift Cards. Also provides FREE Online Account Access and FREE travel services including Auto Rental Insurance and worldwide Travel Accident Insurance.
Bank of America Visa® Platinum Plus®: This card offers 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 months. There is no annual fee. Offers Credit lines as high as $25,000, Online Banking Service and total security protection.
Citi® Driver’s Edge® Card for College Students: This card offers 0% APR for Six months on purchases, Cash Advances, and Balance Transfers – No Balance Transfer Fee with this Offer. Helps the card members to build credit history and the card users will earn rebates towards any car, new or used. Provide offers like, Get Cash for Miles Driven and free online account management.
Blue from American Express®: This card offers Fee-Free Rewards Program and 0% APR for up to 15 months. There is no annual fee. Provides low balance transfer APR – 4.99% Fixed APR for the life of the balance. Actuallly Blue is named as the card members launch pad to standout shopping and entertainment rewards and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Citi PremierPassSM: This card offers 0% APR on Balance Transfers for Twelve Months and the card member will get 5,000 Bonus Points after the first purchase. The card member will earn one point for every dollar spent on purchases and also earn one point for every three miles flown on any Airline. There is no annual fee.
TripRewards® MasterCard® Credit Card: This card offers 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and cash advance checks for the first 12 billing cycles. The card member earn 2 points for every $1 in net retail purchases and earn 13 points for every $1 spent for qualifying TripRewards hotel stays. There is no annual fee. Provides 24-hour online access and Absolute Fraud Protection.
Blue Cash® from American Express: This card offers up to 5% Cash Back with unlimited Cash Rewards and unlimited cash back earnings. Offers 0% Intro APR for 6 months and low balance transfer rate – 4.99% fixed APR for the life of the balance. There is no annual fee.
Blue Sky® from American Express: This card offers Redeem points to save on any airline, hotel, rental car or cruise – and there are no blackout dates or travel restrictions. The card member earns 1 point for every dollar spend. There are No blackout dates, no travel restrictions and there is no annual fee. Provides 0% intro APR. The card users get world class cardmember benefits including Travel Accident Insurance, Buyers Assurance Plan, and Return Protection.
SkyPoints™ Credit Card from Delta and American Express: This card offers discounts on Delta and Song® flights for as few as 3,000 SkyPoints. And the card member get up to 2,500 SkyPoints with his first purchase. Also provides double SkyPoints on everyday purchases. The card member get one SkyPoint for every other eligible dollar spent. And there is no annual fee for the first year — a $49 savings.
JetBlue Business Credit Card from American Express: This card offers 25 TrueBlue points, worth 1/4 of a free flight, after the first purchase and double award dollars on JetBlue purchases, gas, wireless phone charges, and other business needs. Provides $50 statement credit after the first purchase and 5% savings on all JetBlue flights purchased directly, using JetBlue Business Card. Automatic discounts at leading merchants through the OPEN Savings program. Provides protection on travel, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance, and more.
Bank of America Visa Signature® with WorldPoints™: This card offers 0% Intro (APR)on balance transfers and cash advance checks for the first 12 billing cycles. The card members will earn 1 point for every dollar spend in net retail purchases. The points are redeemable for cash, brand name merchandise, travel with no blackout dates, dining certificates and more. There is no annual fee. The card members can take advantage of preferred seating – Visa Signature Access gives the card user an exclusive entry to exciting events as well as the best seats at sports, entertainment, and cultural venues. Provides ability to reserve last-minute tables at popular restaurants – Visa Signature Dining makes it easy to get preferrred reservations, discounts, and special offers at the nation’s hottest restaurants. The card member enjoy more savings and more extras and will get discounts at select merchants, valuable upgrades, and savings of up to 50% on accommodations at spectacular places.
Efectiva™ Visa®: This card member will earn points towards cash back. This card offers 0% (APR) on purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 billing cycles. The card member earn 5 bonus points with the first purchase. Additional advantage is that the card member get bilingual communications and services in English or Spanish. There is no annual fee.
Citi PremierPass® Card – Elite Level: This card offers low APR on balance transfers for 12 months. The card members will earn 1 Flight Point for every mile they fly on any airline — or anyone else whose ticket bought with the card, Earns 2 Purchase Points for every dollar spend at gas stations, supermarkets, and drugstores, plus earn 1 Purchase Point for every other dollar spend. Provides unlimited companion travel (minimum fare requirements apply). The card members can redeem points for: flights on any airline with no blackout dates. Provides retail gift cards, electronics, and even statement credits through ThankYou Network, the free rewards program from Citi. Exclusive bonus offer is the card member earn 15,000 bonus points after his first purchase is made within 60 days of account opening.
AT&T Universal Platinum Card: This card offers 0% APR on Balance Transfers for Twelve Months – a Balance Transfer Fee Applies with this Offer. The card member save on Phone Services used everyday and provides up to 30 free phone Minutes per month – Anytime, Anywhere. And there is no annual fee.
Union Plus® MasterCard: This card offers FREE rewards program designed for hard-working union members. The card members get 2,000 bonus points after first purchase, more than halfway to a $25 Gift Card. Also earns 1 point for every dollar spent anywhere and Earns 2 Points for every dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and drug stores. There are no balance transfer Fees and APR stays FIXED until the balance is paid in full. There is 1.99% introductory APR on new purchases. There is no annual fee and no liability for unauthorized use.
Offshore Bank Account Tips & Issues
March 1, 2010
Are you looking for a personal offshore bank account. Maybe you are looking for a corporate offshore bank account. Generally speaking, any bank account opened outside of one’s native country can be considered an offshore bank account. The appeal of an offshore bank account is much more apparent during tax time, when assets and income must be reported to the IRS or other government revenue agencies abroad. This is why some companies and wealthier individuals prefer to open an offshore bank account in small sovereign states which allow account holders to remain virtually anonymous. For many years, an offshore bank account was indeed a convenient way to hide profits from illegal activities or underreported business earnings. Many people consider opening an offshore bank account for very legitimate financial reasons.
Bank
There is usually not much difference in service or benefits between the bank on the corner and a bank located in the Cayman Islands. These banks which are well established institutions offer an online corporate offshore bank account, with offshore credit card or debit card, and which can be operated via the internet, fax or phone. All bank accounts can be opened via courier post. None of the shelf offshore corporations have ever been in use or ever held a bank account.
Account
These banks which are well established institutions offer an online corporate offshore bank account, with offshore credit card or debit card, and which can be operated via the internet, fax or phone. The offshore banks were not obligated to report the existence of these accounts, and the account holders could legally pay little to no taxes to the host country. In recent years, however, the rules governing an offshore bank account have become much stiffer. Any bank account containing over $1,000 USD must be reported as income to the IRS, even if that bank account is in the Cayman Islands or Ireland. This is why some companies and wealthier individuals prefer to open an offshore bank account in small sovereign states which allow account holders to remain virtually anonymous.
Panama
One of the greatest advantages of having an offshore bank account in a favorable jurisdiction like Panama is that no one needs to know it exists. With a Panama bearer share corporation, wires moving through the wire system are not associated with any natural persons for more privacy. There is no capital gains tax in Panama on stock market trading gains making Panama a superb offshore stock brokerage jurisdiction. Bearer Share Corporations (Sociedad Anonima) Asset Protection with a full range of effective strategies including Panama Foundations and Corporations Providing corporate nominee directors and resident agent Offshore Bank Accounts in Panama with online banking Anonymous ownership of real estate anywhere Anonymous ownership of boats and planes anywhere Real Estate Investment (Panama real estate appreciating 58% per annum) Panama Passport Program Panama Residency, Citizenship, Visas Stock Trading Accounts in Panama with secrecy Offshore Visa, MasterCard from Panama Bank and other countries Offshore Merchant Accounts for high risk or low risk accounts. Bank secrecy laws in Panama call for prison sentences and/or fines for any bank employee, officer or owner who divulges any information about a bank account or account holder(s). The only way the bank can legally divulge any information about you or any bank account associated with you is by court order from a court in Panama.
Banking
It is important that the proper jurisdiction be selected when deciding which jurisdiction to use as an offshore banking jurisdiction. It may also be far more appropriate for an individual to consider structuring their offshore banking affairs through an offshore company so that they can gain greater confidentiality in their banking affairs. Offshore banking accounts are generally opened under the name of offshore companies or corporations. Offshore banking accounts need to be opened with an initial deposit to activate your account.
Tax
Companies incorporated in the Great Britain must pay tax on their worldwide income regardless of the country in which this income is generated. With the exception of charitable companies, there are no tax-exempt companies in the United Kingdom. Offshore companies or offshore trusts are not the illicit hideaways from tax authorities as sometimes presented. The tax-free status of the jurisdiction being used is always a major consideration. When selecting an offshore jurisdiction for your foundation one must take into account the following: freedom from taxes including inheritance taxation, anonymity of the foundation, ease of passing assets to beneficiaries, ease of operation and reasonable cost. Our overriding aim is to minimise your tax liabilities whilst maximising your company’s income.
Companies
As more and more people worldwide discover the risk-free benefits of placing their business and personal financial-affairs well away from their own countries, offshore companies are being created on their behalf at a rate of over 150,000 per year. Many owners of offshore companies tend to operate the companies directly by themselves. It is absolutely critical that any client seek the information necessary to make a strong decision when opening an offshore account and forming offshore companies. Offshore banking accounts are generally opened under the name of offshore companies or corporations. To assure complete privacy, the shares of International Companies are often held by a discretionary trust.
Offshore banking has been routinely and legally used for many years by individuals and organizations worldwide. As with any type of bank account you have a choice when it comes to determining which offshore bank account best suits your needs and requirements. An offshore bank account will allow you to safely and privately explore, with few restrictions, the far reaches of the vast and diverse financial universe; from the bond markets of Korea to the stock exchanges of Eastern Europe; from ultra-private Liechtenstein trust arrangements to the most successful funds; from unique commodity investments to Caribbean corporations; from Israeli nanotech start-ups to age-old European blue-chips; from the mysterious and secretive world of offshore mutual funds to tax-free Swiss gold accounts; from Isle of Man Insurance contracts to Danish multi-currency investment accounts; from uniquely structured tax-free Austrian funds to Bulgarian mortgages; and much more beyond.
Operating A Bank Account In Hong Kong
February 23, 2010
Hong Kong is considered as one of the main financial centers in Asia. With more than 100 licensed banks, Hong Kong offers several finance related services to customers in Hong Kong as well as in Asia Pacific region. You can avail service such as corporate banking, retail banking, investment services and trade financing from each and every bank in Hong Kong. Some of the leading banks around the world including Canadian banks have their representatives here. Based on the feasibility and credit risk of the individual company, most of the banks in Hong Kong provide extended banking facilities. If you are foreigner, you can consult with your existing banker to confirm whether they have a division here. It is also recommended to ask the details of the services they offer.
Nowadays, it is a simple process to open a new account with any of the banks in Hong Kong. To start a new corporate account, the first step is to register your company. If it is already registered, you can open the account with required documents such as company registration certificate attached with related registration regulation forms, certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association and articles of association, identity proof of all the directors and copy of board resolution indicating the approval of board of directors to start a new account.
For bank account opening, the company must be registered in Hong Kong. The authority of Hong Kong do not allow all types of company structures to register, only certain company structures are allowed. Three types of companies are allowed to register including a wholly foreign owned enterprise, joint venture and representative office. You can open an account based on the company structure.
A representative office is limited to open only foreign currency and RMB expense accounts while wholly foreign owned enterprise and joint venture can open certain bank accounts, including basic accounts, capital accounts and ordinary accounts. You can not open a basic account and ordinary account in the same bank.
Type of accounts:
1. RMB Corporate Accounts
This type of account includes basic account, regular account, special account and temporary account.
You can use a basic account for the purpose of fund transfers, payment of salaries, and cash deposits and withdrawals. Regular accounts are for cash management needs and you can not withdraw cash from this account. For special purposes including infrastructure construction, reconstruction, agency business, credit cards, you can go for a special account. If you are planning to start a temporary business in Hong Kong, it is better to go with a temporary account. You can receive inward electronic and draft remittances through this account.
2. Foreign currency accounts:
These types of account include capital account, basic account or settlement account, loan account and loan repayment account.
A capital account is for capital injection and you can do foreign currency operating transactions through settlement accounts. A loan account is for borrowing foreign currency from a bank in Hong Kong. For loan principal and interest repayment, you can use the service of a loan repayment account. The approval of State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) is needed to open a Foreign currency capital account and settlement account.
You can use bank accounts in Hong Kong outside this metropolis through the following ways.
i)Phone Banking Service/Internet Banking Service
Banks in Hong Kong such as HSBC and SCB provide this facility. You can use this service via internet for making balance enquires and cash transactions. HSBC offers an exception from monthly fee of HK$80, if your account maintains an average monthly balance of HK$50,000. In the case of SCB, it offers an exception from monthly fee of HK$150, if your account maintains an average daily balance of HK$50,000.
ii)ATM Card
You can use ATM cards to withdraw money from the bank account. Specific ATM machines are there to use named “Plus” for HSBC and “Cirrus” for SCB. There will be a charge for this service, if you are making the transaction outside Hong Kong.