Mortgages in Minneapolis: What Caused the Mortgage Collapse?

Mortgages in Minneapolis

Mortgages in Minneapolis require mortgage loans. A decade ago, mortgages were easy to obtain. The housing boom pushed up prices of homes and lenders were willing and eager to loan money for mortgages. They were even willing to loan money to people who couldn't afford homes. In 2007, the house of cards collapsed as the 'easy interest' loans were recast (recalculated). When this happened, monthly payments went up 60-80% and people could no longer afford their homes.

The combination of loaning money to people who didn't qualify for a mortgage (subprime loans) coupled with adjustable rate mortgages (ARM's) cause a massive wave of foreclosures.

Many people have blamed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (government sponsored mortgage companies) for issuing the subprime loans and consequent mortgage in Minneapolis collapse. As Paul Krugman has written, "Fannie and Freddie had nothing to do with the explosion of high-risk lending. In fact, Fannie and Freddie, after growing rapidly in the 1990s, largely faded from the scene during the height of the housing bubble." Most of the subprime loans were issued by private lending institutions with little federal regulation.

The mortgage collapse led to further financial calamity. Mortgages are backed with securities held by financial firms. These securities lost much of their value. Investors worldwide cut back of purchases of mortgage-backed debt and other securities. Concerns about the reliability of U.S. Credit and financial markets led to tightening of credit globally and reduced economic growth in the U.S. and Europe.

Looking back on the genesis of the mortgage collapse, it began with changes in banking laws in the 1990's. When the Federal Reserve lowered its rate to 1% and we received a trillions of dollars from China, Japan and the Middle East, we had all the credit we needed. The financial industry had an abundance of money in which to expand.

Wall Street found a new way of investing money call "mortgage-backed" securities. Lenders now sold their mortgages to investment bankers on Wall Street. Wall Street purchased many thousands of these mortgages. Investment bankers were now the final owners of a homeowner's mortgage.

Wall Street took these mortgages and bundled them together as Collateralized Debt obligations (CDOs). CDOs were split into different levels based on risk levels assigned by ratings agencies. AAA were the safest CDOs, BBB's were moderately safe, and Unrated CDOs were for risky investments. Each rating was then packaged again and sold to investors.

As homes lost their values due to multiple foreclosures the supposedly safe, asset backed CDOs began losing value.  This was the beginning of the financial collapse.

4G Internet Access in San Jose: What is it?

Internet Services in San Jose

What is 4G internet access? San Jose is the home of computer technology so it's an apt location from which to discuss the differences between 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G technology. In the beginning, internet access consisted of slow dial up connections made through telephone lines. Technology advanced and DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) came along which allowed people to transmit digital data alongside voice over a telephone line. This technology allowed people access to high-speed internet access while still using existing wiring. 

The next great advance in Internet access was cable and satellite Internet services in San Jose. One drawback to these services is that they required additional wiring. DSL had a great advantage in that it could use existing lines for Internet access.

The newest addition to Internet access is 4G wireless access. For those of us from older generations who carry cell phones, and are just beginning to use text messaging, the world of the G's is a mysterious and unfathomable place, which many of us do not care to visit.

4G technology is the fourth level of wireless technology offered by wireless cellular companies. It uses ultra mobile broadband for Internet access. Broadband is a word many of us have heard for years without understanding its meaning. Broadband (broad band) refers to a communications technology that can pass several streams of data along a single medium such as cable or radio frequency (RF) waves. Broadband is used in high-speed internet services in San Jose, cellular services, fiber optic services, and broadcasting services.

In the 1980's 1G wireless technology was developed. It was the first type of wireless network. 1G technology utilizes the analog signal used by cellular towers. In the early 1990's 2G technology upgraded the analog signal to digital allowing for the inclusion of text messages. In the late 1990's, 3G technologies, using electromagnetic wavelengths to broadcast a wireless broadband signal, allowed users Internet access and the ability to download applications using 3G data cards in mobile devices such as IPhones or Blackberries.

4G technology is an upgrade to faster Internet access transmission. It offers the ability to exchange greater amounts of information along with heightened security. 4G technology may provide data transmission rates between 100 Mbps and 1Gbps. 3G offers data transmission speeds approximating 200 kps.

4G wireless Internet access services may include modems, notebooks and cell phones. 4G technology may also provide a new capacity in downloading for consumers. One limitation to the new 4G technology is that the level of service provided by 4G may soon outweigh the ability of existing cell phone towers to carry the transmissions.

How to Deal with Bad Apartment Neighbors in Phoenix?

Apartment in Phoenix

People move to Phoenix, Arizona for the great climate. The air is dry and the temperatures are warm. These conditions help many people with arthritis and emphysema. The word Phoenix comes from a mythological bird with colorful plumage and a gold and scarlet tail. The Phoenix lived for 500 to 1000 years and at the end of its life built a nest of twigs that ignited consuming both the nest and bird. Out of these ashes came a new, young phoenix.

People who come to Phoenix often start out in apartments. The housing market at this time makes people wary of purchasing a new home. Apartments in Phoenix are great. You don't have maintenance, there's no property maintenance and no property taxes. If some states, the property taxes on middle class homes would pay for a full year of apartment rent.

Apartment renting is great. It is great except for one thing. You share walls, floors and ceilings with other people. These people are strangers and you can end up with the best of neighbors but that isn't always the case.
Sometimes you end up with a nut while living in an apartment. There are many types of nuts such as the anger management young girl. This type of young woman will stomp around endlessly because it makes her feel good. Chances are that at some point you did something that made her mad. Good luck with this category.

Then there are the 'troubled and lost' souls living in apartments who like to open and shut drawers, loudly, beginning at 10:00 pm at night. These people typically work off hours and delight in inducing sleep deprivation in their neighbors. There must be some obvious psychology to their tactics but mostly they seem to be crazy people with no friends. These people smile at you if you meet at midday. Their courage only arises at night when you are helplessly asleep in your apartment in Phoenix.

What can you do to protect yourself from such apartment neighbors?

The rulebooks say to document the events, send certified letters to your property owner (mostly to get out of your lease) or call the police. In other words, moving is the best solution. Sad but true, if you get a truly troubled apartment neighbor who is out to ruin your life there are few good solutions except to move.

Of course, you can fight back. Fighting back in an apartment can be fun if you don't mind reducing yourself to the level of a first grade child. Banging drawers and playing tricks can be cathartic as long as you know you're being ridiculous.

Pet Adoption in Chicago: Why it’s a Great Idea?

Pet Adoption in Chicago

Pet adoption is a great idea in Chicago and everywhere else in the world. Everyone should adopt a pet. Pets are loving, accepting and are always there to love us. The role of a pet to a human being is that of a child. That is why pets trust and love us, unconditionally. Pet adoption in Chicago is a great idea.

For the past 25 years, it's been known that living with pets improves health. It's been shown that living with a creature that loves us, without reservation, will lower blood pressure, lessen depression and boost immunity. Studies have even shown that people with Alzheimer's have less outbursts and better appetites when a pet is in the house. Pet adoption is a great idea.

Dogs are great companions and view their human as the alpha dog. Dogs and humans have been intertwined for many thousands of years. Dogs probably selected us back when human campsites were great places to pick up scraps of food.

Every year millions of cats and dogs are relinquished by their owners or rescued from the streets. Animal shelters and rescue groups have a large number of animals needing homes. Adoption rates are low.

Shelters are governed by local regulations. The amount of time an animal is kept at facility varies, greatly. Pet adoption is a great idea.

When animals need extra attention, some facilities offer 'Foster Care." These volunteers open up their homes to kittens needing time to grow, pregnant or nursing cats, dogs needing extra attention or to a companion animal recovering from an illness or injury. Many animals are given a second chance by these loving people.

Humane societies are private, nonprofit organizations.

Humane societies strive to match people with animals that fit their lifestyles. Many types of animals are available for adoption including cats, dogs, rabbits and small animals. Pet adoption in Chicago is a great idea.

The Seattle Humane Society has a booklet, including a statement on What Pets Offer:

"Pets help us feel love, needed and accepted. They can help relieve loneliness, reduce tension, lower blood pressure and make us laugh. In return, a pet looks to humans to provide all the things required for its health and well-being. This is the bargain. There is no magic to rewarding and responsible pet ownership. Love, patience and training pay off. If you do it well, everyone reaps the benefits of a loving companion, including the pet." Pet adoption is a great idea.

What is Accidental Death and Dismemberment Life Insurance and do I Need It in Pittsburgh?

life insurance in Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh is a lovely city situated in the 'golden triangle' where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converge to become the Ohio River. Pittsburgh is known as the "City of Bridges." Pittsburgh has also been called the "City of Steel" due to its history of steel mills. The city now hosts a number of major global financial companies.
Steel mills were dangerous places and 'accidental death and dismemberment life insurance policies' would have been sound investments. These policies pay off only in the event of an accidental death or dismemberment.
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) life insurance has advantages and disadvantages. One primary advantage is that you can purchase a $1,000,000.00 policy for roughly $7.00 per month. This is a very good price for a large amount of coverage.
AD&D life insurance protects your family from catastrophic hardships arising from an accident that causes death or dismemberment.
The problem is that people over age 45 typically die from natural causes such as heart attacks and strokes. These circumstances would not be covered in this type of life insurance policy. 'Accidental death and dismemberment' life insurance (AD&D) is a good choice if your occupation is dangerous. On the other hand, if your occupation is too risky you pay higher premiums.
In most cases, AD&D life insurance in Pittsburgh has limited value. Many people choose to add it one of their three major policies. The three main types of life insurance are term life, whole life and variable life. Accidental death and dismemberment is more of a sub category added on to a major policy. The addition of extra coverage to an existing life insurance policy is called a rider. If you added AD&D to your primary policy, you would have twice the coverage if you died from an accident. This is called double indemnity.
Something to consider in the purchase of these policies are strange rules that might prove these policies of life insurance in Pittsburgh less than optimal. One unusual provision is that if you have an accident you must die within a certain amount of time. If you only lose one limb, the policy would only pay half the amount. You must lose two members of your body for a full payout. You can lose any combination of members, such as one hand and one eye. These are unusual rules and the best bet is to buy a standard policy with good coverage.

How do you Know if you Need Life Insurance in Philadelphia?

Life Insurance in Philadelphia

How do you know if you need to purchase life insurance in Philadelphia? The basic answer is if your passing would leave a family member (or business partner) in a financially compromised position, you need life insurance. Let's say you live in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, and wonder if you need life insurance. Here are some helpful considerations in making that decision.
Single parents need life insurance more than any other group. It's unfortunate that single parents also have the least amount of disposable income available to purchase this product. Leaving children behind without proper means of support is truly catastrophic. If you shop around you can find a $250,000 life insurance policy in Philadelphia (if you are near 20 years of age) for $15.01 per month. Perhaps older family members could help fund the policy. If several family members chipped in several dollars a month, you could afford it. Leaving $250,000.00 is a huge safety net for families at every level of income.
You can purchase Life insurance with the cheapest of premiums if purchase your policy while young and healthy. If you believe you might want to purchase life insurance in the future (and can possibly budget the cost now) buy while you are young and healthy.
Single people with elderly parents can also make use of life insurance. Even though your parents may have income and various policies of their own, nothing can sustain elderly parents more than a living child. What if something should happen to you? A large amount of money could help them pay for health care aides and services to replace you in their direst time of need. Having just lost my mother at age 88 I know how vulnerable she was.  Life insurance protects your loved ones.
The most commonly acknowledged reason for life insurance in Philadelphia is being married with children. Whether you both work, or one stays home to care for the children, how would you replace your partner? The cost of childcare, transportation, cleaning services, laundry services, etc. would be overwhelming should a homemaker pass away. If the primary earner should pass unexpectedly, what would you do? It is truly a terrifying prospect. Life insurance replaces income.
For those who are married without children the consequences of an unexpected spousal death are equally dire. Married debt in a community property state is shared debt. In the event one spouse dies the other would inherit all the debt with half the income. Life insurance pays debt.
To sum it up, life insurance can be the least expensive and most important purchase you will ever make in your life.

How to Select a Good Dentist in Atlanta?

Atlanta is major metropolitan city located in the center of the 'New South.' Finding a dentist in Atlanta takes time and research but is well worth the effort.
In these difficult economic times, the cost of going to the dentist is a major financial concern. No one wants to ignore their teeth but even with insurance, the cost of a dental co-pay can prove too much for the average family.
Finding a good dentist in Atlanta takes time and research. Money is the first concern and your initial question will always be, "does this dentist accept my insurance?" The next question is, "how can I afford the co-payments?" It is perfectly acceptable to begin your conversation with the dental receptionist by voicing your concerns over co-payments. Ask if the office provides a flexible payment plan. You'd be surprised how many compassionate dentists in Atlanta have flexible co-pay plans that can be paid over a period of months.
Next, you want to determine what types of payment the office accepts. Many dentists accept credit cards and you can set-up recurring credit card payments over a period of months.
While determining this critical information you have already assessed the service and helpfulness of the dental staff. Were they helpful and polite? Did they make you feel comfortable with your economic situation? If they did, you are well on your way to selecting a good dentist in Atlanta.
This is the time to ask, how long do you have to wait for regular appointments, hygiene appointments and what happens in the event of a dental emergency. You need to know ahead of time who answers the phones in the middle of the night and what to do in a dental crisis.
This is the time to find out when your dentist's office is open. Are they available in the evening and on Saturdays? Many offices are open evenings and Saturdays and you don't need to settle for a one who will only see you 9-5 Monday through Friday. There are too many good choices in Atlanta to settle for a selfish dentist.
It needs to be repeated that it's imperative to determine how to contact your dentist in an emergency. If your dentist does not provide an emergency contact phone number, keep looking.
To sum it up, many dentists are looking for business as much as you are looking for service. Call around to locate dentists near your home or work and find someone willing to work within your budget.

How to Find an Optician in New York City?

Optician in New York City

The metropolitan area of New York City has over eight million people all confused about the difference between opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. This confusion is shared by people across the United States because all three words relate to eye care and all sound so similar. Opticians perform crucial roles in delivering eye care so it's important to understand their distinction from the other categories. Once you understand who they are, you can determine how to find the best optician in New York City.
The first thing to remember is that an optician makes lenses, frames and contact lenses. An optician is like a magician. They make the invisible become visible. An optician will analyze your prescription for eyewear and help you make the best possible choice of glasses or contact lenses.
An optometrist is the person you call to examine your eyes and write the prescription. An optometrist is the one with the funny looking machine who seems to always want you to make impossible decisions between, "which is better, one or two!" This decision never seems to be an easy one. Even though the quality of your new glasses depends on your answer, you'd better answer fast! An optometrist is like a ventriloquist, always trying to force words out of your mouth. You take their prescription to your optician.
The final profession, ophthalmologist, is a full-blown medical doctor. Ophthalmologists attend medical school and specialize in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Although they can provide routine eye care, they are capable of attending to diseases of the eye and performing eye surgery. A good way to remember ophthalmologist is that most doctors are 'ologists'. Just remember cardiologist, dermatologist or gastroenterologist.
Once you understand the functions of each of these professionals, you will understand which one to call to be fitted for glasses or contact lenses. Now, who do you call for glasses or contact lenses? It's the optician - very good.
Finding a good optician in New York City requires thought and attention. First, select a few choices close to home or work and call to find out which insurance they accept, their hours of operation and the length of time it will take make an appointment. This call will tell you everything you need to know about their level of service and friendliness. If the person answering the phone doesn't want to talk to you, say goodbye nicely and go to the next candidate.
An optician helps you select your glasses (or contacts) for the best possible look and fit. A good optician is kind and gentle. Opticians make the eyewear that allows you to be stylish and see the world in a completely new light.

How to select a Gynecology & Obstetrics doctor in San Francisco?

Gynecology & Obstetrics doctor in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city of youth and romantic love. This combination can sometimes result in the need for an OBGYN doctor. For all its lovely hills and cable cars, finding a quality Gynecology & Obstetrics doctor in San Francisco takes research and investigation.
You may also need a San Francisco OBGYN doctor for other health reasons. How do you go about finding the right OBGYN doctor in such a cosmopolitan city? Most people begin by asking their friends for references. Your primary care physician is also a good source of information and typically has a trusted list of specialists for referral.
Once you have a short list of OBGYN doctors there are important questions for consideration. Is the doctor accepting new patients? How long does it take new patients to get an appointment? Normally, if you have a current relationship with an OBGYN doctor you will be able to get an appointment more quickly than if you are a new patient.
One of the first questions to ask is which health plans does your OBGYN doctor accept? If your potential doctor doesn't accept your health insurance, you know immediately to move on to your next selection.
What are the OBGYN doctor's hours? Does your OBGYN doctor offer evening or Saturday appointments? These are important questions for working people.
Other important questions include admitting privileges. Which hospitals allow your doctor to admit patients? Investigate this question carefully - especially if you have a 'love-hate' relationship with certain hospitals in your area.
A critical aspect of patient care will be answered in your first call to your OBGYN doctor. You will know immediately how quickly they answer the telephone and how long you're placed on hold. This first call will also provide the litmus 'friendliness' test. If the receptionist is short tempered and reluctant to assist on your first call, chances are good this will be your experience in future.
If you're an elderly person, visiting your OBGYN doctor for gynecological reasons, ask if they accept Medicare. If you're an immigrant from another country, ask if your OBGYN doctor offers translation services.
One last and extremely important question is how does your OBGYN doctor handle after hours and emergency calls? Do they have an answering service taking calls - can you speak with a live human being? Are you getting an answering machine? Is your only option an emergency room visit? Does the doctor hold practice at other office locations? Who is your OBGYN's backup doctor?
All these questions will assist you in selecting the perfect local Gynecology & Obstetrics doctor in San Francisco to suit your needs.