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      <title>Financial News</title>
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 <title>Bank of England base rate stays the same</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/bank-of-england-base-rate-stays-the-same</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/polllogo.jpg">Base Rate Poll</a><h2>The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee meeting today announced that the base rate for the Bank of England will be maintained at 5.75% as predicted by WebSearch4Mortagage's <a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialpolls/item/can-you-forecast-the-next-bank-of-england-base-rate">recent base rate poll</a></h2>The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates unchanged at 5.75% for the fourth month in a row in a widely expected move.]]></description>
 <category>Interest Rates</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/bank-of-england-base-rate-stays-the-same#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 8 Nov 2007 21:41:35 +0000</pubDate>
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 <title>Compulsory Insurance Poll Results</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/compulsory-insurance-poll-results</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/insuranceicon.gif">insuranceicon.gif</a><h2>Over 95% of poll participants get it right, buildings insurance is compulsory</h2><p>In <a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialpolls/item/compulsory-insurance" title="compulsory insurance poll">our most recent poll</a> over 95% of participants got the answer right. Buildings insurance is the only insurance that is compulsory when purchasing a house</p>
<p><b>Buildings insurance</b> is insurance that covers the actual bricks and mortar of a building</p>
<p>This type of insurance also covers for things like flood damage and other natural disasters, but be careful and make sure you read your policy and make sure you have the correct cover</p>
<p>In light of the recent floods, this is even more important to home owners to ensure they have the correct cover</p>
<p>To find out more about buildings insurance, <a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/quick_application/" title="Online insurance application">Speak to an independent adviser</a></p>]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/compulsory-insurance-poll-results#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Tue, 9 Oct 2007 11:24:18 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>Skipton Building Society Lowers Fixed Rates</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/skipton-building-society-lowers-fixed-rates</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/20070719-newsicon.gif">sub prime crisis</a><h2>Amid sub-prime crisis, Skipton re-launches fixed-rate mortgages</h2><p>Skipton have re-lauched their fixed rate <a title="mortgage products" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialproducts">mortgage product range</a>, with a starting rate of 5.49%.</p>
<p>This shows that although recent crisis from overseas, the UK market is stabilising with lenders like Skipton being able to re-launch and reduce <a title="fixed rate" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialguide/item/fixed-rate">fixed-rate mortgages</a>.</p>
<p>Skipton now offer a 2 year fixed rate mortgage with a fee of £1599 with a max loan to value of 95%.</p>
<p>To apply for a mortgage, visit and complete our <a title="mortgage application form" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/remortgages">online mortgage application form</a></p>]]></description>
 <category>Interest Rates</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/skipton-building-society-lowers-fixed-rates#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:43:29 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>GMAC cap LTV</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/gmac-cap-ltv</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/houseicon.gif">GMAC cap LTV</a><h2>GMAC have decided to cap their LTV to 75 % on self-cert and new build mortgages</h2><p>As of Friday September the 21st, GMAC will be capping their Loan to Value mortgages for self certification and new builds to 75%.</p>
<p>All other rates and criteria remain unchanged with GMAC, although the recent turbulence may change that.</p>
<p>If you wish to <a title="apply for a mortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/remortgages">apply for a mortgage</a> with GMAC using their old rates, then there is a deadline of close of business Thursday 20th September.</p>
<p>Julie Gaskin said:</p>
<p align="center"><i>"We will not be changing our rates"</i></p>
<p>GMAC states that new builds are properties built within two years of the current year.</p>]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/gmac-cap-ltv#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:10:52 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>Buy to Let Mortgage Boom</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/buy-to-let-mortgage-boom</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/buytolet.jpg">buy to let</a><h2>Despite recent turmoil, Buy to Let investor confidence is high</h2><p>Although some reports show that the Buy to Let mortgage market is slowing as a result of recent turmoil, The Landlord Association's confidence report shows that investors are still buying and not selling.</p>
<p>The Landlord Association has a base of over 16,000 members and Dean Woodman-Evans, Membership Director said:</p>
<p align="center"><i>"The fundamentals of buy to let remain extremely sound. Average rental yields are up and demand far outweighs supply across the whole of the UK."</i></p>
<p>Even though interest rates look likely to continue to rise, the Buy to Let market is still strong. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said that <abbr title="Buy to Let">BTL</abbr> lending and home extension remortgages hit an all time high back in July totalling £7.8 Billion.</p>
<p>With the recent trouble in the world financial markets, interest rates are rising and this puts pressure on the first time buyer market. This shows an additional requirement for rental property to cater for this gap in the first time buyer market. The rental market will respond to this requirement and the trend for more rental properties by investors will no doubt continue. Landlord's will no doubt have to make their own increases to rental rates, but this is understandable if interest rates continue to rise.</p>
<p>The buy to let mortgage market is a complex market and one difficult to predict, with the scale of investors ranging from small 1-2 property investors through to large portfolio holders with hundreds of properties. The previous and current trends show that BTL is still very strong.</p>
<p><a title="Apply for a buy to let mortgage" href="http://www.cml.org.uk/cml/filegrab/NV2007172.pdf?ref=5514">The Council of Mortgage Lenders News and Views 11/09/2007<br /></a><a title="Apply for a buy to let mortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/buy_to_let/">Apply for a Buy to Let Mortgage</a></p>
<p><a title="Apply for a buy to let mortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/buy_to_let/"></a><a title="Buy to let mortgage news" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews">Keep posted</a> for more information on the Buy to Let market.</p>]]></description>
 <category>Buy_to_Let</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/buy-to-let-mortgage-boom#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:56:52 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>Northern Rock still solvent</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/northern-rock-still-solvent</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/northern_rock.gif">Northern Rock Shares Fall</a><h2>Amid crisis in the financial markets today, Northern Rock are holding their heads above water.</h2><p>Although shares for Northern Rock plummeted by 23% after emergency funding by the Bank of England, they remain solvent. The Bank of England during their last MPC interest rates meeting mentioned that the state of affairs would be monitored closely for any change.</p>
<p>The trend for Northern Rock does not seem to be changing, ever since the downturn in share price in May 2007. The backlash from the problems in the US means that lenders like Northern Rock get hit hard, as their funding comes largely from borrowing rather than through customer deposit accounts.</p> <p><a title="Northern Rock Share Information" target="_blank" href="http://ir1.euroinvestor.com/asp/ir/northernrock/index2.aspx">Check out the current Northern Rock share price</a></p> <p> Talking on BBC Radio 4 this morning Chancellor Alistair Darling said:</p>
<p align="center"><i>"In order to create a stable banking system, the Bank of England steps in and it makes facilities available to the Northern Rock."</i</p> <p align="center"><i>"Northern Rock can draw on them when it requires, but it means it can carry on trading, people can use their accounts in the normal way, they carry on making their mortgage payments in the usual way, Northern Rock will be able to carry on its business."</i></p>
<p>John Evans - Abbey Mortgages said:</p> <p align="center"><i>"Tuesday was a big make up day for the world funds. I am certain the Northern Rock issue is a short term one. The share prices have fallen, but this may well signal the top in this current run in interest rate rises.</i></p> <p align="center"><i>"The authorities aren't doing enough to instil confidence in the market."</i></p> <p>The financial markets are in a state at the moment, with share prices falling and interest rates rising, but as John Evans mentioned, a lot of financial institutions have had to make "make up" payments recently. This along with the problems in the US are bound to provide some lenders problems. The financial market has become a major economic entity in the UK over recent years with London now one of the major financial centres in the world. When major financial powers like the US combined with Interest Rate rises there are bound to be problems, but the UK financial market is stable enough for Northern Rock to continue trading even after a 23% share drop. This shows resilience in the UK financial market and the authorities <em>should</em> be instilling confidence in the consumer.</p> <p>For advice on your mortgage, or other loans secured on your property <a title="sound financial advice" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com">contact us for sound financial advice</a></p>]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/northern-rock-still-solvent#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:11:33 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>Secured loans are a viable solution</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/secured-loans-are-a-viable-solution</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/insuranceicon.gif">Secured loans are a viable solution</a><h2>Raising capital using secured loans is a viable solution. If you are locked into a fixed rate deal mortgage and have high early redemption charges, then a secured loan may be the answer. Although there are more reasons a secured loan may suite you better than a remortgage.</h2><p><a title="Apply for a secured loan" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/secured_loans/">Secured loans</a> are one of many personal financial solutions that have become popular in the market place today. The secured loan market hit it's peak in 2003, at which point gross new lending hit £7bn. The secured loan market has fallen in recent years, but with expectations set high for 2007 the secured loan market looks like it's here to stay. Rather than being a '<em>new product</em>' that fizzled out after a few years. "Secured loans have a positive future!", says Adam Henry of Money Partners. <br /> </p> <p>There are more reasons why a secured loan may be a more efficient way of raising capital. With recent base rate rises, it could mean that a new mortgage deal will carry a higher rate of interest, compared to a secured loan. In this scenario, <a title="Secured loan may present the best solution" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/secured_loans/">a secured loan may present the best solution</a>. Another reason could be if you have a recent bad credit problem. A remortgage might provide higher fees compared to a secured loan, allowing you to raise capital and not become a victim of <a title="High mortgage penalty charges" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/high-mortgage-penalty-charges">high fees</a>. </p> <p>With specific areas of personal finance suited to the secured loan market the secured loan looks set to stay. Secured loans can be completed faster than a mortgage and most scenarios where a secured loan is required need a speedy answer, like debt problems. <br /> </p> <p>Alex Hammond, of Kensington Mortgages says </p> <p align="center"><em>Secured loans should be considered as a possible product solution if a mortgage adviser is to offer best advice raising finance for a client</em> </p> <p>Adam Henry, of Money Partners says </p> <p align="center"><em>While not suitable in every case, secured loans offer a real alternative to other forms of borrowing. By including them in their portfolios, brokers are offering their clients a full product choice</em> </p> <p> </p> <p>Indications show that secured loans are to grow in popularity, although maybe not as rapidly as in 2003. WebSearch4Mortgages.com offer secured loans ranging from £3,000 to £100,000 and have the ability to search <a title="100 different secured loans" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/secured_loans/">100 different secured loans</a>. If you are in a scenario where a remortgage does not look feasible, then a secured loan might be the answer. If you haven't thought of a secured loan as an alternative way of raising captial, maybe you should? Whether you have bad credit and wish to consolidate your debt, or need to raise capital for any other legal reason, a secured loan provided by websearch4mortgages could be your answer. </p>]]></description>
 <category>Secured_Loans</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/secured-loans-are-a-viable-solution#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:01:31 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>Bank of England Maintains Base Rate</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/bank-of-england-maintains-base-rate</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/baserate_news.gif">BOE Base Rate Maintained</a><h2>The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee today announced the base rate is to be maintained at 5.75%</h2><p>The last change in the Bank of England base rate was on the 5th July 2007 and was changed from 5.5% to 5.75%.</p> <p>The reason the Bank of England and the Monetary Policy Committee have kept the base rate to 5.75% is that they are monitoring the financial markets to see if the recent disruptions will impair the availability of credit to companies and households.</p> <p>The coming months will no doubt dictate any future changes to the BOE base rate and will affect whether it is increased or decreased.</p> <p>To see the current Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee report visit the <a title="BOE base rate is maintained" target="_blank" href="http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/news/2007/088.htm">Bank of England</a> web site.</p> <p>Complete our <a title="Quick online remortgage application" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/quick_application/">quick remortgage enquiry form</a> to see if changing your mortgage will help reduce your monthly mortgage payments.</p>]]></description>
 <category>Interest Rates</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/bank-of-england-maintains-base-rate#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 6 Sep 2007 15:06:56 +0100</pubDate>
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 <title>High Mortgage Penalty Charges</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/high-mortgage-penalty-charges</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/arrears_news.gif">mortgage arrears</a><h2>Missing payments on your mortgage could prove costly and incur high penalty charges. A recent survey found that the lenders have disparate fees for missing payments in comparison to each other.</h2><p>Some of the lenders offer a grace period where you are given the opportunity to catch up on your arrears, avoiding the high mortgage penalty charges, these include Northern Rock &amp; Accord. If you do catch up, then no charges are applied. Here are some of the charges you could expect from some of the major lenders if you are late paying your mortgage.</p>
<p>GMAC £50 <br />Coventry Building Society £20 <br />Abbey £35 <br />Halifax £35 </p> <p>Switching your mortgage, might be the best solution for you. Your personal circumstances may have changed, leaving you with a payment that you struggle to make, forcing you to go into arrears and incur high mortgage penalty charges. If this is the case, it is probably time to look at the market and see if you can SAVE on your mortgage. By contacting www.websearch4mortgages.com, you can open up the whole financial market place and pick from the best mortgage solution for your personal situation.</p> <p>High mortgage penalty charges might seem scandalous to some of us, but the lenders are apparently covering themselves for administration of your late payment. The simple fact of the matter is, if you have an agreement/contract with an underwriter, then you should stick to it. Late payments are more often than not a breach of contract and therefore charges can be applied to manage that breach of contract, normally in the form of a penalty charge. </p> <p>Difficult circumstances may not make it possible to avoid a late mortgage payment. A relationship split or other unforeseen circumstances might force you to miss payments. This is where the charges are deemed unacceptable by the majority of consumers. According to the Financial Services Authority, who govern the mortgage industry, all cases of financial hardship must be treated sympathetically. Although a recent report by moneysupermarket shows a huge increase in high penalty charges and an unsympathetic view by the lenders.</p> <p>If you are in a difficult situation, or have arrears, speak with www.websearch4mortgages.com who can help you to switch your mortgage provider, or help you with securing your home and managing your payments. </p> <p>If you have bitten off more than you can chew, then maybe you need to consolidate your debts into one easy monthly payment? This will assist you to continue to make your mortgage payments and your other debts.</p>
<p>The real problem with addressing these charges is that even if these charges are quashed or reduced, they will probably re-appear as a fee somewhere else, either as a increased redemption penalty charge or a increased setup fee. To get advice on what to do, or to understand your personal circumstances more, contact <a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com">www.websearch4mortgages.com</a> for advice. </p>
<p>Whilst this may be the case, other mortgage related fees are on the rise too. With mortgage arrangement fees having risen by 300% over the last five years according to moneyfacts. Whatever the fee and however the fee is implemented, it is good advice to look at every angle of your mortgage contract. Some of the benefits you receive from a low interest rate, might be counteracted by high set-up/redemption fee. Speak with <a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com">www.websearch4mortgages.com</a>&nbsp; to find out if your current mortgage is the best suited for you and your lifestyle.&nbsp; </p> <p>Changing your mortgage provider may lead to a reduced monthly payment, switch now to realise the extra savings you could make on your mortgage.</p>]]></description>
 <category>Fees</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/high-mortgage-penalty-charges#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Thu, 6 Sep 2007 13:34:39 +0100</pubDate>
</item><item>
 <title>Remortgage in September</title>
 <link>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/remortgage-in-september</link>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/media/1/houseicon.gif">remortgage your property</a><h2>Start of the new school year and remortgages in September are expected to rise in comparison to July and August </h2><p>During the holiday season (June, July &amp; August) the quantity of re mortgage applications fell. This is no surprise to anyone in the financial services industry. Now the kids are back to school and Christmas is around the corner, the remortgage market is expected to take a swift upturn. With people spending an estimated total of over half a million hours searching for their perfect remortgage deal in September, it shows that a great remortgage is paramount to most home-owners. Over £45 million will probably be spent on remortgaging properties in September 2007, with home contents and buildings insurance topping a staggering £700 million pounds. </p> <p>To apply for a remortgage visit <a title="Apply for a remortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/remortgages">websearch4mortgages.com and use the online remortgage form</a> now. One of WebSearch4Mortgage's financial advisers will contact you before searching the market place for the best remortgage for your personal situation. <br /> </p> <h2>Remortgaging in the future </h2> <p>With the world's markets in the potentially unstable situation produced by high <abbr title="loan to value">ltv</abbr> loans, farming debt and non-repayments/defaults/repossessions, it is no wonder people are looking to find the best remortgage rate they possibly can. Although reports show that there was only a narrow slowdown in manufacturing in the US for August 2007. This shows the possibility of positive trends for the future, with more stable and affordable interest rates being passed onto the consumer in the shape of realistic remortgage packages. </p> <p> </p> <h2>Why Remortgage </h2> <p>There are many reasons why it may be a good idea to remortgage your property. One of the most common reasons is that your current mortgage is no longer suitable for your situation. Maybe you need to release some equity from your property for a new car, holiday or work on your house/home. With a recent rise in interest rates, most people will be looking for a better mortgage deal for their independent requirements, but with interest rate rises this puts added pressures on financial advisers to find the best remortgage rates and for the underwriters to produce remortgage packages that consumers will use. </p> <p>You may have an Interest Only mortgage that is coming to the end of its term and need to remortgage your property and start paying the capital. Either way, there are a million reasons why people wish to remortgage and one of the easiest ways to remortgage is to contact your local mortgage broker. </p> <p>WebSearch4Mortgages.com provide remortgages for just these reasons and with access to over 8,500 mortgage deals, they are sure to find the best remortgage rates for your personal circumstances. <a title="Apply for a remortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/remortgages">Apply for a remortgage using the quick and easy remortgage application form</a> to have an adviser contact you about your requirements. </p> <h2>Applying for a remortgage </h2> <p>Most remortgage brokers have a system that allows them to search the market place for the best remortgage for your circumstances. WebSearch4Mortgages.com can search over 8,500 different mortgages. Depending on your personal situation, WebSearch4Mortgages.com will search the market place for you and recommend a remortgage that suits you. To apply for a remortgage or enquire about a remortgage, please use the <a title="Apply for a remortgage" href="http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/remortgages">remortgage enquiry form</a> on the WebSearch4Mortgages.com web site.</p>]]></description>
 <category>Remortgages</category>
<comments>http://www.websearch4mortgages.com/financialnews/item/remortgage-in-september#c</comments>
 <pubDate>Wed, 5 Sep 2007 16:02:14 +0100</pubDate>
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