Foreclosures Causing More Divorces?
The financial pressure that comes with an escalating house payment or a foreclosure may indeed be playing a role in breaking up marriages, experts say.
Historically, the three most likely reasons for foreclosure problems are: loss of job, loss of health and loss of spouse. On top of that, these days, escalating mortgage payments seem to be exacerbating the divorce problem.
Though there are no studies linking foreclosure to divorce rates, Frank Fincham, the director of Florida State University's Family Institute, said, "Financial problems among couples are one of the main reasons for divorce in this country today." One recent poll commissioned by divorce360.com ranked financial issues as the No. 2 reason that Americans divorce, with abuse ranked as No. 1.
For years, Middle America was of the mindset that it could get a divorce and use the equity in their home as a safety net, but for many these days, there is no equity. It used to be, when couples bought a house, five years later it was worth more. And when people got divorced in those days they expected to be able to live for a while off the proceeds from the sale of the house. . . . We do have a lot of people in trouble in this country because the value of their house decreased.
What do you think? Give us your opinion. Has the mortgage crisis and more resulting foreclosures, had anything to do with an increase in divorce rates? Use the comment link below to give us your feedback.
Reverse Mortgages: Pros and Cons
One of the most confusing mortgages to much of the general public is the reverse mortgage. Lots of folks aren't sure what a reverse mortgage is, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to go to get information.
These are all great questions, and here is a great article that sums it up and explains it in simple terms.
Leave us any comment or question you might have about Reverse Mortgages by clicking on the comment link below.
Sub Prime Mortgages: Not So Easy Anymore
If your credit isn't the best, you might be familiar with sub-prime loans: they're the kind with a high rate for people with low credit…
With the mortgage industry suffering it's worst setback in decades in the past 12 months, the landscape is changing. Money editor Stacy Johnson explains in this 1:33 video.
Leave us your comments or thoughts on the mortgage industry and the current real estate market. We'd love to get your feedback. Just click the comment link below and give us your feedback.
Consumer Sentiment: Plunges to a 26-Year Low
Consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level in 26 years in early April, according to a report released recently by the University of Michigan/Reuters, as worries about the economy, unemployment and inflation deflated hopes for the future.
The U.S. consumer sentiment index fell to 63.2 in early April from 69.5 in March. Sentiment is at its lowest level since March 1982. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch were looking for an April result of 68.8.
Where is your "consumer sentiment" right now? We'd love to hear from you on this topic. Just click the comment link below and give us your feedback.
Termites: Not Just a Spring Pest
When we think of termites, most of us think they are only active in the spring and summer months. This is not the case, but since they do tend to swarm and become more active in most parts of this country at this time of the year, it's when most of us start thinking about them.
Termites can silently and secretly destroy a home before you even see the first sign of evidence that these hungry home wreckers are even present. And if you think they just eat wood, think again!
If you have termites you very probably have subterranean termites. There are other kinds but, they're not nearly as common in the US. We found a great web site that deals with termites and would encourage you to check it out. http://www.icfhomes.com/DYKpages/dykARTICLEtermite.htm
Another good site to learn more about termites is at http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/termites.htm
If you'd have a bad experience with termites (who has good experiences with them? - unless you're in the extermination business) then click the comment link below and tell us about it. We'd love to hear from you.
