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Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders - The 3 Most Common Subprime Lending Scams
By: Carrie Reeder
Legitimate sub-prime lenders provide a needed service to many wishing to buy a
home. By offering financing to those with adverse credit, sub-prime lenders
offer a valuable financing options. However, predatory lenders take advantage of
people with poor credit by charging excessive fees, forcing foreclosures, or
demanding titles. To protect yourself in your home loan search, avoid these
common mortgage scams.
Excessive Interest Rates And Fees
Predatory loans require a borrower to pay excessive upfront costs or high fees.
Some state laws protect consumers by putting caps on interest rates or fees. If
you have bad credit, you should be paying no more than 8% higher than a
conventional loan. Limits on closing costs vary, but anything more than five
points should be viewed suspiciously.
Forcing Foreclosures
Another lending scam involves lending to people so they will be forced into
foreclosures. These types of loans typically have monthly payments so high, you
can’t possibly pay them. They lure people in by promising guarantee approval or
cashing out your equity, but they charge high interest rates. Before you sign a
loan, be sure you can afford the monthly payments.
Demanding Title
A growing scam involves supposedly refinancing your mortgage, but in reality
they scammer is pocketing your cash and title. There are many variations on this
scam, but usually these con-artists will solicit those who have liens against
their property or received a foreclosure notice. They make a promise of solving
all your financial problems if you turn over your title and pay an up front fee.
The scammer will then file for bankruptcy in your name that will be dismissed
since a third party initiated the process, but it will still leave a mark on
your credit report. The scammer will also take mortgage payments from you, even
though they didn’t pay off the first mortgage. In the end you may lose your
house.
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself from these scams by being a savvy shopper. Request quotes from
several lenders before picking one. If you have any questions, talk with the
lending company. Legitimate lenders will be happy to explain the process and
answer any of your questions.
Once you pick a lender, be sure you read all forms before you sign the
paperwork. According to federal law, you have three days to cancel your mortgage
after settlement. You will also be refunded all fees, except the application
fee.
About the Author:
See my recommended Subprime Mortgage Lenders online. Carrie Reeder is the owner
of ABC Loan Guide, which offers help with loans for people with bad credit.
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