Keith Gumbinger Money Quotations

Mortgage markets have been so flush with cash that home buyers are able to layer one risk on top of the other. It's possible to borrow more than the value of the home, put in no money of your own and pay a minimum monthly payment.

These loans can be of value for people who want to save or invest the money they would have paid in principal, ... Unfortunately, the way the product has been pitched, borrowers have been encouraged to stretch their budget to buy more house.

Someone who will be out of their home within five years to seven years can save some money with an ARM. But you have to be aware of the reality that interest rates are likely to be somewhat to significantly higher in three years, five years, 10 years down the road from today.

This is very popular right now because it lets you draw some money out of your home and improve cash flow. If you do this, resist the temptation to draw too much equity out of your home.

If you pay points up front, it's harder to get your money back. When rates are high, borrowers have to pay points to trim rates any way they can, but with rates so low there is really no need to pay those points.

All mortgage money may eventually cost virtually the same. You're supposed to get a break (with ARMs). Where's the break?