Articles Contributed to by Richard Shapiro

Are Hybrid Mortgages Right for You?
ARM mortgages are a popular response to the increase in mortgage interest rates. For the potential home owner who wants to buy a home or refinance an existing loan but does not want the higher payment, the hybrid may be the right choice. . It has a lower fixed rate for...

How Property Appraisers Determine Property Value
If you plan on purchasing or selling a home, a home appraiser can help create an objective assessment of the property. Keep reading to learn essential information about property appraisals and find out tips on how you can earn the highest value..  . Property value depends on...

What is FHA MIP?
When taking out an FHA-insured loan, home buyers are required to pay a mandatory mortgage insurance premium (MIP).  MIP protects the bank from taking a loss if a homeowner stops making their mortgage payments. It's insurance that gives the banks the ability...

What Is a Mortgage Payment?
A monthly mortgage payment is an amount that's paid on a mortgage loan each month. . Depending on whether you have a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), your mortgage payment may be set to a specific amount each month, or it may adjust periodically based on market...