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Illinois and Wisconsin Mortgage Rates as of 12/03/2008 9:59 AM CST : Current Mortgage Rate Trend: worsening
30 Year fixed: 5.625% (5.686% APR) 15 Year Fixed: 5.625% (5.729% APR) 30 Year Fixed Jumbo 6.650% (6.693% APR) 5/1 Jumbo ARM: 5.950% (5.970% APR) 5/1 ARM: 6.250% (6.313% APR) 3/1 ARM: 6.250% (6.313% APR) 30 Year FHA and VA: 6.000% (6.062% APR) 30 Year Rural Housing: 6.000% (6.062% APR) 3/1 ARM Lot Loan: 6.875% (7.034% APR) 1/1 ARM Lot Loan: 6.725% (6.882% APR)
Illinois and Wisconsin Mortgage Rates as of 12/02/2008 9:57 AM CST : Current Mortgage Rate Trend: steady
30 Year fixed: 5.500% (5.572% APR) 15 Year Fixed: 5.500% (5.603% APR) 30 Year Fixed Jumbo 7.100% (7.120% APR) 5/1 Jumbo ARM: 5.950% (5.970% APR) 5/1 ARM: 6.250% (6.313% APR) 3/1 ARM: 6.250% (6.313% APR) 30 Year FHA and VA: 6.000% (6.062% APR) 30 Year Rural Housing: 6.000% (6.062% APR) 3/1 ARM Lot Loan: 6.875% (7.034% APR) 1/1 ARM Lot Loan: 6.725% (6.882% APR)
2009 FHA Loans Limits for Wisconsin and Illinois
Beginning January 1, 2009, FHA will insure single-family home mortgages up to $271,050 in low cost areas and up to a maximum of $625,500 in high cost areas. The February 2008 Stimulus Package temporarily raised the FHA maximum to $729,750 through December 31, 2008.
Effective July 14, 2008 FHA mortgage loans will charge new mortgage insurance premiums
Effective July 14, 2008 FHA mortgage loans will charge new mortgage insurance premiums based on a combination of credit scores and percentage down. FHA will implement risk-based premiums on one- to four-unit single family mortgages.
Illinois First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Wisconsin First Time Home Buyer Loans
We pride ourselves on being able to assist the first time home buyer in learning and understanding the process. We take the time to review the credit process and explain the various lender programs available.
Illinois FHA Mortgage Wisconsin FHA Mortgage (Federal Housing Administration)
Ameristar Mortgage offers Illinois and Wisconsin FHA mortgage loans to Wisconsin and Illinois residents: Purchase a home thru FHA with no money down (100% financing). Cash our refinance with an FHA mortgage to 95%. Ameristar Mortgage is an approved mortgage broker for FHA loans in Wisconsin and Illinois including Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison.
Illinois and Wisconsin Jumbo Bank Statement Mortgage Program
Due to ever changing guidelines to the stated income program Ameristar Mortgage now offers jumbo bank statement mortgage programs to $1,500,000 available to Wisconsin and Illinois residents.
Illinois and Wisconsin Core Bank Statement Mortgage Program
Due to ever changing guidelines to the stated income program Ameristar Mortgage now offers core bank statement mortgage programs to $750,000 available to Wisconsin and Illinois residents.
It's Official! Illinois 2008 FHA Loan Limits to Rise!
FHA has increased the loan limits to $410,000 for single family homes in Cook, Dupage, Dekalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and Lake counties. The increase should provide some relief for homeowners paying adjustable or high mortgage rates. The measure is temporary, and will be available until the end of 2008.
Illinois Freddie Mac Home Possible Wisconsin Home Possible Mortgage Loan
Home Possible is a Freddie Mac program that has very flexible credit guidelines for low to moderate income borrowers. It's available to purchase or refinance a single family home, condominium, or a 2?4 family home.
Jumbo VA Mortgage Loans in Wisconsin and Illinois
With loan amounts up to $1.5 million and interest rates significantly below comparable jumbo products, there's no better time to consider jumbo VA loans! Eligible borrowers include active military, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and unmarried surviving spouses of eligible service members.
Illinois Jumbo Mortgage Loans Wisconsin Jumbo Home Loans
Ameristar Mortgage offers full doc jumbo loans and non conforming home loans, including fixed and adjustable rate jumbo mortgage loan products, balloon products, and even interest only programs to meet the purchase or refinance needs of our borrowers...
Illinois VA Mortgage Loans Wisconsin VA (Veterens Affairs) Mortgage Home Loans
Enjoy the privilege of no money down loan for qualified Illinois and Wisconsin veterans and reservists. The Department of Veterans Affairs insures these loans, so you'll get more freedom to make decisions.
Illinois Refinance Wisconsin Refinance, Debt Consolidation and Cash Out Refinance to 100% Mortgage Home Loans
Whether you are looking to refinance your current Illinois or Wisconsin mortgage to obtain a lower rate, get out of your current adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and into a fixed rate, get cash out to add an addition, finish your basement, or to just payoff credit cards and other unwanted debt Ameristar Mortgage has the right refinance program for you:
Illinois Interest Only Mortgage Loans Wisconsin Interest Only Loans
An Interest Only mortgage is an excellent mortgage option for borrowers who want the lowest payment possible. An Interest Only loan means exactly what it says, the borrower pays interest only. By paying interest only on a mortgage loan, borrowers can purchase more home with the same payment as they would with a traditional 30 year fully amortizing loan.
Illinois Stated Income Stated Asset Wisconsin Stated Income Stated Asset Mortgage Loan (Conforming Rates) (SISA)
Ameristar Mortgage of Wisconsin and Illinois offers Stated Income Stated Asset Verification (SISA) Low Doc Mortgage - Great for self employed or W2 employees who cannot document income or assets...
Illinois Rural Mortgage Loans Wisconsin Rural Housing Single Family Guaranteed Loan (USDA) Rural Developement
Rural Housing loans offer 100% Financing plus up to appraised value for closing costs and escrows (pre-paids). The Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) loan program provides moderate income families with access to affordable home ownership in eligible rural areas. Ameristar Mortgage provides home purchase financing requiring no down payment and can finance loan closing costs and repairs up to the property's appraised value.
Illinois No Money Down Mortgage Loans Wisconsin No Money Down Mortgage Loans (100% Financing)
Loans that finance the full purchase price, and thus do not require a down payment, are called "100% financing loans". 100% Financing loans are also referred to as "no money down loans". Ameristar offers the following 100% financing programs:
Illinois Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance Wisconsin Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance Loans (LPMI)
Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI) is available on Conforming 30 and 40 Year Fixed products giving you the simple path to financing your home loan.
Illinois Less than Perfect Credit Wisconsin Less than Perfect Credit (no credit, poor credit) BC or Subprime Loans
We have a variety of programs tailored for borrowers that have a less-than perfect credit history. Many potential homebuyers come to us after they have been turned down elsewhere, and often by numerous lenders. The primary difference between Ameristar Mortgage and other lenders is that we view low credit scores, low income, low home equity, and marred credit histories simply as unique challenges rather than impossible obstacles.
Illinois New Construction and Lot Loans Wisconsin Construction and Lot Loans: Refinance and Purchase
Finance up to 95% with a construction loans and up to 90% on a Wisconsin Illinois lot loan. Ameristar Mortgage also offers a cash out refinance lot loan. Purchase a new lot or refinance you current lot mortgage loan.
Illinois My Community Mortgage and Wisconsin Fannie Mae My Community Mortgage Loan (MCM)
My Community Mortgage (MCM) is a Fannie Mae program that has very flexible credit guidelines for low to moderate income borrowers. It is available to purchase or refinance a single-family home, condominium, or a 2 to 4 family home.
Illinois Flex 100 Flex 97 Wisconsin Flex 100 Flex 97: One Conventional Fannie Mae 100% or 97% Financing Mortgage Loan
Get a conventional 100% loan with only $500 down. With the Flex 100 Program, you can get more house for less out-of-pocket costs. If you have not accumulated the assets to meet traditional financial requirements, this program may be for you.
Illinois Government Loans and Wisconsin Government Insured Home Mortgage Home Loans
If you are looking to make no or low down payment or if you are a veteran, the government may be able to help you with a no money down purchase or refinance! Check out these great programs: FHA loans, VA loans and Rural Housing loans:
Illinois 80/20 Wisconsin Combo 80-20, 75-25, 80-15-5 and 80-10-10 Mortgage Loan
80/20 mortgage loans sometimes called a Piggy-Back loan, is a program designed to help Borrower's purchase a home with 0% down while avoiding Mortgage Insurance. An 80/20 loan is actually 2 mortgage loans, a 1st mortgage (at 80% of the value of the home) and a 2nd mortgage (at 20% of the value of the home.)
Illinois No Ratio Wisconsin No Ratio Mortgage Loan
Ameristar Mortgage Wisconsin and Illinois offers No Ratio mortgage loans - Low Doc Mortgage - Great for self employed or W2 employees who cannot document income but can verify assets and employment history...
Illinois No Income Loan Illinois No Income Verification Mortgage Loan (NIV)
Ameristar Mortgage Wisconsin and Illinois offers No Income Verification (NIV) no income verified assets - Low Doc Mortgage - Great for self employed or W2 employees who cannot document income but can verify assets...
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Illinois Mortgage Programs Wisconsin Home Mortgage Programs Chicago Programs Milwaukee Madison Programs
You need a mortgage company that can answer your questions, provide accurate estimates and close your transaction on time. Put Ameristar's experience in closing thousands of purchase and refinance transactions to work for you.

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Protect Yourself From Identity Theft As An Online Degree Candidate
By Joyce Jackson
As degree candidates in standard programs there is campus training every semester on personal safety and how to get around campus at night. As an online degree candidate you do not have those concerns but you do have identity theft.

Identity theft is a huge and growing proliferating problem. What is fairly new however, is the danger is poses to online degree candidates. Yes, your records and degree are in danger of being stolen. Here's how to protect yourself.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity and impersonates you in order to obtain student loans or other forms of financial aid. Fraudulent card accounts could be opened or other criminal acts committed using your identity.

You may not know when it happens. One day you may be turned down unexpectedly for a loan, get a call from a collection agency about an account you never opened or worse yet, a call from the police about a crime you didn't commit. Suddenly you are a victim of identity theft.

What are the effects of identity theft?

On average, identity theft is not discovered until 14 months after the crime has occurred. By this time, the thief has wreaked havoc on the victim's rating. Victims might spend months or even years regaining their worthiness. In the meantime, the victims find it difficult to obtain loans, get a job, an apartment, or even write checks.

How does identity theft happen?

Criminals steal personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, ATM card numbers, telephone calling card numbers and other key pieces of personal data and use them to impersonate their victims. After assuming your identity, they will quickly move to spend or borrow as much money as they can before moving on to their next victim.

Methods with which criminals gain access to your identity online: Pose as your bank or utility company needing to “update their records” Grab information off Internet sites that are not secure Once the thief has this information, they may open a new card account or apply for financial aid using your identity and their address. Chances are, you will be unaware that any of this has taken place until the bills go unpaid. The creditor then reports the delinquency to your file.

How do I protect myself from identity theft?

Prevention is the first step in battling identity theft. To minimize the risk of someone’s stealing your identity and the hassle of cleaning up the aftermath, follow these guidelines:

- Be very careful in giving out your card, social security number, bank accounts and other information online.

- Do not give personal information or account numbers to anyone claimig to be from your degree program until

you have confirmed the identity of the person requesting the information and verified that you need to provide them with the information.

- Know what type of student financial aid you are applying for (e.g. loans, grants) and the amounts of the aid awarded. Make sure the amount is promptly credited to your school account.

- Immediately report the suspected theft or loss of a key identification document such as a driver's license, passport or Social Security card to the issuing agency.

What should I do if I become a victim of identity theft?

First, contact the fraud department of each of the three major bureaus. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file. This alert will warn creditors to be especially careful in authenticating the identity of anyone claiming to be you. This means you cannot obtain instant credit, a minor inconvenience in light of the damage identity theft can do. File a report with your local police department and make sure to get a copy. Contact each grantor who has opened a fraudulent account to let them know that you are not the person responsible for opening the account. Have them close these accounts. If you open new accounts, make sure to place passwords on them. Call the Identity Theft Toll-free Hotline at 1-877-438-4338. This is the central point of contact within the federal government for reporting incidents of identity theft.

Remember to close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. If someone has stolen your identity and you are concerned about your AES-guaranteed loans or grants, or are suspicious about student financial aid granted under your identity, you may contact AES Investigative Services at 717-720-2740, or via email at: investigativeservices@aesSuccess.org.
EQUIFAX: www.equifax.com

TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 1-800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-800-525-6285 or write:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

EXPERIAN: www.experian.com

TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2104
Allen TX 75013

TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 9532
Allen TX 75013

TRANSUNION: www.transunion.com

TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 800-916-8800 or write:
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-800-680-7289 or write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790About The Author: Joyce Jackson writes extensively on the advantages of Online Degrees. More tips, articles, resources and information are on her website: http://www.theonlinedegreeguru.com

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to credit that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our bad credit website.

Bank of England Surprises with Base Rate Hike
The surprise 0.25 percentage point hike in the base rate by the Bank of England to 4.75% left the majority of borrowers and economists wrong footed, sending UK equities, Gilts and short sterling falling. But with inflation the only focus of the BoE, the question may not be if, but when will rates rise again?
Paid Volunteers Needed for Debt Consolidation Documentary plus Debt and Relationships Article
People needed for prime time BBC1 documentary on debt consolidation companies, remuneration available. Also people/couples required for proposed Daily Mail article on debt and relationships, remuneration offered.
Bad News for Bad Faith Bankrupts
Official Receivers target "Bad Faith Bankrupts" with Bankruptcy Restrictions Orders, enabling them to impose bankruptcy restrictions for up to 15 years.
Home Repossession Orders Soar 66 Percent
Mortgage repossession orders issued in the three months ending September surge to 19,687, levels not seen since the third quarter of 1993 and the dark days of the property recession.
Flexi-rate credit card rewards faster repayment with lower interest rate
New credit card with a flexible interest rate which reduces the more you pay off your debts each month to help those who want to pay off their credit card balances get out of debt faster.
Six Top Credit Score Killers
Six top credit score killers. Declined credit but the lender won't tell you why? These are the six most common reasons for lowering your credit score.
Correcting Errors on Your Credit File
There is a mass of information held on your credit report, collected from a variety of sources. If any of it is wrong, it could affect your ability to get credit. Here's how to correct the information held on your report.
Tougher Bankruptcy Restrictions for Middlesbrough Man's Credit Card Spending Spree
A Middlesbrough man has become the first person in the North East region to be subjected to tougher bankruptcy restrictions as he was found guilty of "unreasonable extravagance".
More Borrowers Plan to Reduce Their Debts
Half of people with debts say they plan to cut their borrowing over the next six months, three times the level of six months ago, according to the Nationwide building society's latest Consumer Confidence Report.
Zero Rate Balance Transfers: R.I.P.
It could be the end of 0% balance transfer deals on credit cards as providers are forced to introduce charges in order to stem the losses caused by "rate tarts" who continually switch from one zero rate deal to another.