The Gallup Organization's most recent consumer confidence polls don't look good. They show that only around 5% of consumers believe our economy is in good shape, and that only approximately 12% think that economic conditions will improve in any meaningful way, any time soon. But who can really blame them for feeling that way? Housing prices have crashed, foreclosure rates have been sky-high, and a number of big lenders have recently been pushed to the brink of destruction. Our current economic climate is not the sort that breeds positive thinking.
In addition, tossing around phrases such as "credit freeze" certainly doesn't help things, especially when very little clarification of their meaning is given. What it actually does is lead consumers to believe that it isn't possible to get a loan on a new home or car, which is simply not true. Various measures have been taken by the U.S. Federal Government in order to insulate consumers from the current economic crisis and encourage continued activity in the consumer lending sector. And despite tightening criteria for loans, many borrowers are still being given financing.
Right now may actually be the best time to purchase a new home. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average sale price of existing homes has declined roughly 9.5%, which is the largest fall since they began recording in 1999. The S&P/Case-Shiller 10-city housing price index also saw the steepest drop in its history, plunging about 17.5%. What this means for those considering the purchase of a new home is that they can potentially do quite well, as housing prices haven't been this low in a long time.
Additionally, new FHA lending regulations recently put in place also favor consumers. FHA loan limits have been raised from $362,790 to as high as $729,750, depending on location. FHA loans are now running very reasonable rates and only require a 3.down payment of 5%, and even will allow family members to provide down payment assistance.
One interesting thing to note for first-time home buyers is that if you make less than $75,000 a year, you will receive a tax credit for 10% of the sale price of the new house, capped at $7,500. This credit is available to buyers through July 1, 2009. Now, while it is being called a credit, actually it's technically a loan. But it isn't often that you can find a 0% loan that's payable over 15 years, so it's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
As I said before, lending criteria has tightened a fair amount, and while minimum accepted credit scores used to be in the low 500's, as of recently they range between the upper 500's to the lower 600's. Also, 100% financing has become a rarity given the current economic crisis, so it's not unreasonable to expect that you will have to put some money down. More is required in the way of documentation and proof of income these days as well.
It's hard to say who will or who won't be approved for a home loan, so you'll probably be best served by meeting with a Certified Mortgage Planner. Not only can they help you figure out which lenders will or will not finance you, they can also come to your aid in figuring out which offer best suits your individual situation.
I Still Get Jealous
There are lots of things to think through when looking for a soul mate, whatever your age. But for over 50 men, it can be an intimidating mission. There are many ways to bump into someone, exceptional. There many of explanations for an over 50 man to be free. Maybe divorce, separation, or the death of a companion. Maybe they just have yet to come by that extraordinary person that completes them.
One issue usually encountered by older individuals is the lack of single friends in their community circle. This can be a little daunting, because your community network is usually a place to begin dating. If this is the case, explore your likes and dislikes. Attend a social group, or a political group. This is a great way to not only expand your social circle, but appreciate yourself in your spare moments.
Another barrier in the life of the over 50 individual is the attitude that they are too old to date. Ask yourself a question. Is somebody ever too elderly to find joy? Just bring to mind that you are an individual with a lot to present. There are lots of great characteristics in mature individuals that are not found in younger demographics. You have a good judgment of responsibility, not to mention a lifetime of stories to tell and a lifetime more to make. There has been, and will continue to be advancement in personal relationships and dating for years to come. You may have been "out of the loop", so to say, but now is a best chance to pull alongside.
One of those progressions is online dating. There are both positives and negatives to this. You may think that the online dating arena is limited to the youthful crowd. This is just not the case. A swift online exploration can expose countless of online dating websites, many of which are targeted to those beyond fifty. But is internet dating for you? How remote are you prepared to trek to meet someone? Use of these sites is encouraging for some reasons. You may be a shy person and have trouble approaching people. But social contact is still a significant component of dating. It is easy for people to get tangled up in the "online" of internet dating websites. Perhaps you are just not certain where to start. It may be beneficial to question a friend or family member that has a little experience with the online dating environment. Remember, internet dating is very successful for some individuals. I'm sure you have come across the ads on television. Just make sure you explore all of the choices accessible to you.
Have you worried that if you go to a club, you will appear like the old, man? Is a club really a place where you want to encounter somebody? Bars are depersonalized and can make it hard to comprehend what someone's goals might be. They are usually loud and crowded, and maybe not the best environment for getting to know someone. If you do choose a club as a location to encounter possible dates, plan to go somewhere with a good environment.
Ok, so maybe you are considering returning to the dating scene once more, but you have no clue where to begin, or where to turn? Over 50 men, don't fear! There are lots of places to begin. One excellent method is to find a matchmaker service in your community. Somebody who you can share your happiness with, as well as any anxiety you may have about dating once more. The personal touch is best, and these people are accomplished in identifying individuals with similar interests and characteristics in your group.
It's comprehensible that being an older individual, it can be a intimidating undertaking to begin dating once more. But with an open mind and a bit of outside help, you may just discover that special companionship you have been searching for.
Both Nick Kent & John Smithe are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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