When considering a settlement loan you should always know the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan. They are two complete different ways to obtain fund during a pending lawsuit when a client has no income. This article is designed to explain the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan and allow the reader to determine which can be a better solution.
Traditional Loan
A traditional loan can be compared to normal loans; this includes auto loans, mortgages and other types of unsecured credit. Basically a lender is providing you money up front, which is to be paid back on a set schedule with a pre-determined interest rate. Your credit history and current credit obligations affect the amount of interest and amount of money that can be loaned.
A traditional loan must always be paid back according to the agreement between the lender and the person receiving the loan; regardless of income changes or living situations. Missed payments can result in negative marks on your credit history, resulting in higher interest rates and make it harder to achieve loans in the future. In some cases, if you miss too many payments over a period of time you can lose the item you bought the loan with; like a house or automobile.
Settlement Loan
A settlement loan is much different than a traditional loan; in fact you can’t even consider a settlement loan an actual loan at all. It’s more like a lending provider buying interest into your lawsuit. They are providing you an advance on your possible winnings in a lawsuit in return for that amount back with interest. A settlement loan is based solely on your current lawsuit case; your credit history and current income play no role what so ever in the decision process.
What stands out the most in the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan is a settlement loan does not have to be repaid if the case is lost! Yes, that means if you lose your pending lawsuit you do not have to pay back one dollar to the settlement loan provider. You’ll also not receive any marks on your credit history, nor will it affect any future chances of receiving a settlement loans.
Summary
As you can tell from reading this article a settlement loan can be far more beneficial and smarter financial move if you’re attempting to obtain financial funds during a pending lawsuit. However, situations are different and sometimes a traditional loan might be the only way for someone to go. This article author believes you should apply for a settlement loan prior to a traditional loan. Remember, if you receive a traditional loan and lose your case your still obligated to pay it back!
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Settlement Loans Vs. Traditional Loans
Friday, January 8th, 2010Five Reason to Apply for a Settlement Loan
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010This guide is designed to explain the top 5 reasons why someone in a pending lawsuit would want to apply for a settlement loan. A settlement loan is basically a cash advance on a possible settlement amount during a pending lawsuit. A settlement loan provider reviews the probability and merit of winning your current lawsuit and determines if you’re eligible. Below are the top 5 reasons why a settlement loan would be right for you.
#1. Credit checks or Income Amounts Aren’t Required with Settlement Loans.
A settlement loan is a provider or investor buying interest into your pending lawsuit. They provide a specific monetary portion of your estimated awardable amount in return for a specific amount of it and the original amount loaned to you. Since settlement loans are solely based on your case your credit report and current income play no role in the application process.
#2. Your Are Required to Only Pay Back if You Win.
This is the main reason settlement loans aren’t consider traditional loans. If you lose your lawsuit you’re not responsible or obligated to pay back the amount of the settlement loan. You only pay back the amount if you win your lawsuit case; this fact alone makes a settlement loan far better than a traditional loan.
#3. Prevent Early Settlement of Your Pending Lawsuit
You’ll probably not be able to work during your pending lawsuit; income will be unattainable and you’ll be stuck with your current assets. Ethical rules prevent attorneys from loaning their client money, as it might create situations where you’ll feel you’ll need to settle sooner when you really didn’t want to. A settlement loan can provide you with financial support during your pending lawsuit. You won’t feel the stressed to settle your case early; you’ll be able to make all medical payments, auto payments, home mortgage, etc on time and protect your credit history.
#4. Your Not Required to Take Out The Full Amount
You never need to take out the maximum amount allowed in you’re approved settlement loan. Settlement loan providers go as low as $150 and up to $5,000,000+ when it comes to loan able amounts in your pending case. This allows you to only take out what you need during the case and keep more of your awarded money after a verdict is reached in your case. Settlement loan providers allow you to take out multiple settlement loans if you still need more money and the case has not ended yet.
#5. Settlement Loans Do Not Affect Your Case.
For some reason people think settlement loans will effect their case, this is farther from the truth. The defendant in your case is never notified if you apply for and\or get accepted for a settlement loan. In fact, the court itself isn’t even notified about the settlement loan and the provider is not required by law to notify anybody beyond your attorney.
Sub Prime Loan Modification
Saturday, September 26th, 2009Sub-prime lending is a type of credit given to homeowners who do not meet the criteria for regular (“prime”) loans. A typical sub-prime borrower has a poor or limited credit history and a FICO score of less than 620. These factors make them a risky investment for regular lenders, which keeps them from taking out loans. To compensate for the risk, sub-prime lenders impose higher costs on their contracts. For credit cards, this is usually a higher fee for over-the-limit spending or late fees. Sub-prime mortgages usually have higher interest rates and stricter terms.
Contrary to popular belief, sub-prime lending is a perfectly legal business. But like many new industries, it has been tainted by lenders who don’t play by industry standards. From 2003 to 2007, shady companies have turned up offering terms ranging from unfair to downright illegal. This, along with the economic slowdown, has contributed a great deal to the real estate crisis that forced many homeowners into foreclosure.
Are all sub-prime loans bad?
No. There are actually some sub-prime companies who give you good value for your money. If you find a good lender and stay current, sub-prime lending can have its benefits.For example, many people use sub-prime loans as a means of credit repair. Basically, it gives you a chance to rebuild your credit history and improve your scores. By keeping up a good record on sub-prime loans, you can eventually refinance to better terms and get back on your feet.
How do I know when a loan is sub-prime?
The first thing you should look at is the cost of the loan. Sub-prime loans have a higher overall cost (including interest, origination and closing fees) compared to prime loans. Although the basic formula is the same for both types, the pricing for sub-prime loans is more noticeably risk-based. A low credit score, small down payment, and other negative factors can greatly increase the cost of a sub-prime loan.
Another common feature is the prepayment penalty. Prepayment is when you pay more than the minimum monthly amount, or pay off the loan ahead of schedule. The penalty is to make up for lost interest on the lender’s part. Because you’re getting off early, the lender stops earning regular interest—and naturally, they charge you for it.
Many sub-prime mortgages follow the 2/28 structure. This means that you pay a fixed interest rate for the first two years, after which the loan switches to an adjustable rate where your payments are determined by market indicators. Often, the introductory rate is higher than the current index and the margin is applied once the loan shifts. For example, a lender can give you an intro rate of 8% while the index is currently at 4%, with a margin set at 6%. Assuming the index stays the same; your rate can jump to 10% when your two years is over.
What can I do if I’m in a sub-prime loan?
Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect borrowers in any loan, prime or sub-prime. For instance, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires all lenders to give you a good faith estimate of the total cost of the loan before closing any deals. This prevents any third party, such as mortgage brokers, from making any kickbacks at your expense.
All mortgages are also covered by the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). This law gives you the right to know the full lending terms and loan costs in any credit transaction, including credit cards. The TILA allows you to opt out of a transaction within a reasonable time if you don’t agree with some of the terms.
If a sub-prime mortgage has put you in financial difficulty, another thing you can do is apply for Loan Modification or in this case Sub Prime Loan Modification refers to an agreement between you and your lender to change the terms of your loan on account of your financial situation. This way you can modify your loan terms to a more affordable level. The Sub Prime Mortgage Loan Modification is a lengthy and time consuming process. However a competent loan modification attorney can expertly handle your case and expedite the loan modification process. A loan modification attorney will expertly present your case and use the above mentioned lending laws as leverage to get you more reasonable rates. If you’re already in foreclosure, this will also stop the process while you work out better terms with your lender.
Lawsuit Settlement Loans to get Cash Prior to a Lawsuit Settlement
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009Lawsuit settlement loans, or also known as settlement loans, pre-settlement loans or lawsuit cash advances are an excellent way for plaintiffs to get cash prior to their lawsuit settlement. Many plaintiffs during a pending lawsuit go through financial hardships. This can be most evident in cases regarding accidents or personal\workplace injuries since the plaintiff is most likely unable to work. Being unable to work can result in medical bills, mortgage payments, car payments and living expensive pile up while the plaintiff no longer has a source of income. This is where a lawsuit settlement loan can save the day and provide the plaintiff with 0% risk.
A lawsuit settlement loan is actually a ZERO risk option for plaintiffs, you’re probably wondering how this is possible; it’s due to the fact that the plaintiff is not required to pay back the lawsuit settlement loan if they don’t win their case. That’s right, if your pending lawsuit reaches a verdict in favor of the defendant you do not pay back one dollar of the lawsuit settlement loan. This is because lawsuit settlement loans are considered non-recourse debts and not actually loans. Since the collateral is your settlement if you don’t reach one you would not be able to pay back the loan. If lawsuit settlement loan providers still required you to pay it back even when you lost it would be considered predatory lending and against the law. With a lawsuit settlement loan you safely can access funds you need to get by while having not having to worry how you’ll pay it back if you lose your case.
Lawsuit settlement loans are also approved differently than traditional loans, the approval process is based on how solid and strong your case is. Lawsuit settlement loan lenders do not review your credit history; in theory you could have the worst credit in the US and it will not affect the approval process. Employment status and income level also do not affect the lawsuit settlement loan approval process. Plaintiffs need to understand that approval for your lawsuit settlement loan is based on your case; not your personal credit and ability to pay back a loan. This allows ANYONE the ability to apply for a lawsuit settlement loan if they have a sound case.
Prior to applying for a lawsuit settlement loan you should discuss it with your attorney. The lawsuit settlement loan providers will be required to speak with your attorney and review specific documents related to your case. Giving your attorney the heads up allows them to have all the proper documents ready and be prepared to answer the lender’s questions. You’ll also want to make sure any agreements with your attorney won’t be broke by applying and accepting a lawsuit settlement loan. Hopefully if you’re facing financial hardship due to a pending lawsuit a lawsuit settlement loan can help you out.
