How To Spot And Avoid Equity Scams

Most lenders on the equity loan marketplace are legitimate lenders; however, a few lenders are
taking the less fortunate for a ride. These unscrupulous lenders offer appealing loans, yet fail to tell
the borrower about hidden charges or “balloon” charges. Hidden charges are often stripped from
loans, since the APR is a supposed security to borrower that weeds out hidden fees.

“Equity Stripping” is one of the leading scams on the loan marketplace. The lenders engaging in
“equity stripping” will often present to borrowers (too good to be real) deals, leading them to believe
that they are saving money. Thus, once the borrower agrees to the contract, the lender will pose new
charges, high interest, and other fees that puts weight on the borrower, until he or she breaks and
fails to make payments on the mortgage. The lender then repossesses the home, selling the house for
profit while the borrower is standing on the corner, wondering where he will live next.

Thus, the Federal Government has provided information to help borrowers avoid losing. Since
equity stripping is becoming a huge industry, the Fed’s advise homeowners to watch out for equity
stripping, including paying attention to lenders that are offering loans that reach above your wages.

The feds also advise borrowers to stay alert to “loan flipping,” which is the process of switching
loans regularly and requesting larger amounts of cash on each refinance applied. If a lender is
pressuring you to sign an agreement, you will need to find another lender, since pressuring
borrowers is a surefire tip that the lender is out to take you for a ride. You will also want to consider
PMI, which is personal mortgage insurance, which is a requirement; however, few lenders attempt to
charge for additional coverage that is not needed. Thus, homeowners, especially the less fortunate,
should adhere to advice and read details of any loan offered thoroughly.