Home loans and mortgage

Whether you are shopping for your first house or if you are moving to something better, it is better to know all the facts about home loans before making your move.

There are many kinds of loans. Mortgages are the most well-known type. A mortgage is a type of secured loan pertaining to real estate or house. The ownership of the property is with the borrower who makes repayments in installments over an accepted period of time. The borrower is required to put up a collateral (asset) to secure a mortgage. The lender is able to provide higher amounts, usually with a better interest rate, as the lender can partially or fully seize the collateral if the borrower defaults.

Fixed rate mortgages are the most commonly occurring type of home loans. The benefit is, you know ahead of time the repayment amount and the term of repayment is usually stretched over a period of 10 to 50 years. There is also a provision of repaying the loan quickly by paying additional amounts. In this type of loan, loan repayment goes first towards paying interest, then to paying the principal amount.

The benefit of opting for Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is that it usually offers a lower initial rate of interest than the fixed rate mortgage. The downside to it is the fluctuating nature, as the interest rate rises, so do your loan payments.

An established credit history and a preset minimum amount of down payment are precursors to opting for the above-mentioned mortgages.

FHA mortgages are government-backed loans with flexible guidelines. They usually have low down payments as well as fixed rate and ARM options. Those with limited down payment amount and having a challenging credit history can apply for FHA mortgage. This is usually offered to first time home buyers and high-risk borrowers, but the borrowers are required to take out private mortgage insurance.

There are various other kinds of mortgages, VA loans for veterans, reverse mortgages and interest only mortgages.

Refinancing your mortgage can potentially help you:

  • Lower your monthly payment costs
  • Shorten the term of your loan
  • Get cash out of your home

It is good to reassess your home loan portfolio with changing trends in the market. If your home is worth more than your current outstanding loan amount, you might be able to use your home equity to fund an ongoing need or any one-time expense like a home remodel etc. This equity can also be used to consolidate your debt and get some cash out of your home.

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  • 6 popular phones that are compatible with Safelink

    Safelink is a government initiative that provides free cell phone and services to the low-income group. A lot of customers have benefitted from Safelink wireless services. Under Safelink wireless services, the qualifying customer gets a free cell phone that has unlimited texting and limited phone calls with no extra charge.

    Safelink phones are government-aided cell phones, and hence, they are not that fancy. Some of them do not have the latest features. All these phones work on the TracFone network, so the phones are prepaid ones. The customer can purchase additional minutes online at tracfone.com.

    As TracFone is the wireless carrier for Safelink phones, here are some the smartphones that Safelink wireless service works well on:

    • Tracfone Alcatel One Touch Sonic: This phone gives triple minutes. Alcatel One Touch is an Android-based 4.6” smartphone.
    • Motorola Moto E: This Android prepaid phone is quite a steal. Motorola Moto E comes with triple minutes and a Dual Core Snapdragon processor. This prepaid phone comes with a 400-minute card.
    • LG TracFone 306 G: This a no-contract phone with a little smaller 3.2” screen. Moreover, LG TracFone has a standby battery life of 11 days and a 2.0MP camera. But, all in all, a great, sturdy, and lightweight phone.
    • LG Sunset L33L: This phone has Android 5.0 Lollipop OS that makes for easy functionality.
    • Alcatel One Touch Icon: This cell phone has a built-in FM radio. The Alcatel One Touch Icon comes with triple minutes and has a decent 5” screen. This Safelink phone is better than its previous model.
    • Tracfone Galaxy Stardust: This one’s a popular Android phone with 3G enabled speed and decent pricing. It makes it to the list of Safelink compatible phones.

    Safelink phones can be applied for online through safelinkwireless.com. Though Safelink phones are specifically designed for low-income groups, the limit is one cell phone per household. Once you enter your zip code, you can see if this government-enabled program is available in your area. Follow the steps, give documents required for verification, and you are good to go.

  • Your Guide to Buying the Right Mattress

    Mattresses are important elements of comfort in our day-to-day lives. Hence, in addition to buying the best quality furniture, we should buy the best-rated mattresses. Mattresses of good quality provide maximum comfort and are known for their durability. With the multitude of options that are available today, buying the right kind of mattress may seem to be quite a difficult task. You can buy mattresses online as well if you know the measurements of your bed well. While buying mattresses, there are certain factors, which you need to keep in mind. This article gives you an insight into tips you should consider while buying a mattress.

    Different types of mattress

    While buying a mattress, you should make an adequate comparison between the different types of mattresses that are available. This way, you can make an informed decision. There are various kinds of best-rated mattresses in the market, suited to the varying comfort needs of the consumers.

    Foam

    Mattresses that contain foam are known to be suitable for people who suffer from joint and back pain. Although most manufacturers use the element polyurethane to make the layers of foam, some brands also make use of latex. There are good quality mattresses that use both as well.

    Innerspring

    Most mattresses today are innerspring. This is the traditional kind of mattress which is made of steel coils in different styles. Innerspring mattresses help you to shift positions comfortably and easily. These mattresses are known for their affordability and comfort.

    Adjustable air

    This kind of mattress can be inflated to the firmness that you desire. You can make use of the electric pump that you need to attach to your bed. These adjustable air mattresses are suitable for people whose comfort needs may vary according to their health conditions.

    Buy from trusted brands

    A mattress is not something that you need to buy at frequent intervals. Hence, it is important that you choose from the best-rated mattresses. You can check out the variety available on the official websites of the brands. Check out the specifications carefully before buying and purchase according to your health and comfort needs. Compare the best-rated mattresses of different brands before you make the final decision. Know the measurements of your bed, the thickness and the bounce that you desire, and your health condition before purchasing a mattress.

    Prioritize on quality

    Since a mattress is a long-term investment, you should always prioritize the quality of the product. Do not get swayed by attractive advertisements and cheap prices. These mattresses may not last too long or may shrink in size too soon. However, while keeping quality in mind, you must ensure that you buy a mattress which gives you good value for money and is worth its price. Assess the materials carefully before buying, and buy the one which is a combination of quality and value for money.

    Check if there are return policies

    It is always wiser to buy mattresses which have return policies, especially if you are buying online. When the mattress arrives, it might not suit your comfort needs. You can then return it within the given time and purchase something better. Since mattresses are long-term investments, opting for one which comes with a return policy is always a better decision.

    Sales, offers, deals, and discounts

    You can check out the wide range of offers, deals, and discounts on the best-rated mattresses online. Keep track of the latest deals and discounts on the mattress brands’ official websites as well as on home and lifestyle blogs. Make a comparison of the different prices and product qualities and make an informed choice. While buying at a discounted price, ensure that the quality of the product is not compromised with. Check the features carefully before buying online. Buy from trusted brands and stores. Order online and have the mattress of your choice delivered to your doorstep.

  • Essential trace nutrients required in the body

    Micronutrients are mineral salts that are required for the normal functioning of human body. The metal ions are the functional portions. Sodium, potassium, and calcium are the most profuse among them. They are required in higher quantities in mgs/dl of blood. Other mineral ions are needed in traces and called trace nutrients.

    Sodium: It is a systemic electrolyte and plays an important part in regulating ATP Adenosine triphosphate is the energy store of a cell and its metabolism gives the cells all the energy it needs. There are different reactions in the metabolism of ATP and chosen depending on the situation. Hyponatremia, low sodium, causes the cells to malfunction and extremely low levels can be fatal. Hypernatremia, high sodium can cause hypertension, malfunction of cells and in extreme cases cause death.

    Potassium: A systemic electrolyte, co-coordinator of ATP. with sodium, critical role in RNA synthesis. Both deficiency hypokalemia and excess hyperkalemia profoundly affect nerve cells and heart.

    Calcium: Important for proper functioning and health of muscle, digestive system and heart. Deficiency, hypocalcemia, leads to muscle cramps, including abdominal spasms and deep tendon reflex. Hypercalcemia creates constipation, muscle weakness, urinary calculi, impaired renal function, inefficient iron absorption and anemia and subdued electric conduction of electricity in the heart.

    Magnesium: It helps in processing ATP. and is essential for bone formation. Hypomagnesemia leads to nerve irritability and muscular spasms of hand, feet, larynx and twitching of muscles. Hypomagnesemia causes nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulty and low blood pressure. It very rarely happens in renal problems.

    Chloride: Very necessary for hydrochloric acid synthesis in the stomach. Required for the proper functioning of the cellular pump. Hypochloremia can be dangerous for health. Hyperchloremia, on the other hand, has no symptom and is usually caused by excessive fluid loss.

    The other ions, called trace nutrients, are essential for good health in extremely low concentrations.

    Zinc: Required by several enzymes. Deficiency creates short stature, anemia enlarged liver, spleen immune deficiency etc. Excess inhibits copper and iron absorption.

    Iron: Essential requirement for proteins, especially, hemoglobin, and enzymes. Deficiency causes anemia. Excess causes deposits in organs especially heart.

    Manganese: Needed for the proper working of enzymes. Deficiency causes fainting, hearing loss, and rarely diabetes. Excess interferes with iron and copper absorption.

    Iodine: Essential for proper functioning of the thyroid.

    Selenium: Essential for the functioning of antioxidant enzymes.

    Molybdenum: Critical for the operation of enzymes.