Bond Insurance

Bond insurance is a service where bond holders pay a premium for interest and capital repayments specified in the bond if the issuer cannot do so. This raises the bond rating to be the same as the credit rating of the insurer.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Bond Insurance in a Changing Market

The Knowledge Congress Has Scheduled a Live Teleconference & Webinar on Bond Insurance in a Changing Market and Regulatory Environment: What to Expect

New York, NY, June 20, 2008 -- The Knowledge Congress, the leading producer of regulatory focused teleconferences and webinars, announced today that it has scheduled a live teleconference and webinar on Bond Insurance in a Changing Market and Regulatory Environment: What to Expect. This two-hour event is scheduled on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT - New York).

Bond insurance companies are being monitored by a number of investment firms to make sure they can sustain any loss brought about by collateralized debt obligations with high-risk mortgage-backed securities. Issuers and borrowers should examine bond transactions that are tax-exempt as a precautionary measure in case a downgrade occurs. It is also important in examining agreements entered into by issuers and in case there is a need in changing credit and liquidity support bonds secured by a letter of credit. Non-profit organizations that are classified as bond issuers or conduit borrowers should take note of this issue so that preventive measures may be taken if necessary. The Knowledge Congress has assembled a panel of distinguished experts to help make these policies clear to the organizations most impacted. The panel will present their findings, which include "best practice" panel, and a question-and-answer segment enabling the audience to interact directly with the faculty in a two-hour teleconference and webinar.

Speakers/Faculty Panel

Steven A. Chamberlin, Manager, Tax Exempt Bonds, Compliance & Program Management, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Michael Moriarty, Deputy Superintendent for Property and Capital Markets, New York State Insurance Department

Michael J. Schozer, President, Assured Guaranty Corp.

Margaret Purcell, Executive Director, National Tax Exempt Organization Group, Ernst & Young LLP

Valerie Pearsall Roberts, Partner, Jones Day

For updated list of the faculty panel, please visit:
http://www.knowledgecongress.org/event_2008_BondInsurance.html

About The Knowledge Congress

The Knowledge Congress is an organization that produces teleconferences and webinars that examine regulatory changes across a variety of industries. "We bring together the world's leading authorities and industry participants through informative two-hour teleconferences and webinars that study the impact of changing regulations and help businesses succeed through proper regulatory compliance."

Contact Information
The Knowledge Congress
Thomas LaPointe, Jr., Executive Director
1.800.578.4370
info@knowledgecongress.org
www.knowledgecongress.org
Therese Lumbao, Director
Account Management & Member Services
tlumbao@knowledgecongress.org

No Cost Personal Finance Program

The Money Books.com is offering "Links To Your Financial Future" for a limited time.

Los Angeles, CA  -  March 14 -- dash Media Networks announced today its website The Money Books.com (www.themoneybooks.com) will offer a free downloadable personal finance program for a limited time. Users will need to join The Money Books mailing list to get access to the program. Links To Your Financial Future provides valuable internet links to a variety of important financial topics in the categories of Investment and Planning, Credit and Retirement.

According to a dash Media Networks spokesman, "This type of personal finance program is particularly important this time of year when everyone is concerned about the IRS and their taxes. The Money Books.com site is all about helping people increase their personal wealth and financial well being and this program provides an avenue for greater financial knowledge."

For dash Media Networks, the move is part of an effort to increase its interaction with the users of The Money Books.com. By encouraging users to sign up for its mailing list the site can service the needs of the community more efficiently as well as provide important information to the most motivated users. Mailing list subscribers will receive targeted content in a variety of areas such as mortgage finance, insurance, and entrepreneurial wealth building.

About dash Media Networks:
dash Media Networks is a collection of broad and niche oriented e-commerce and social networking outlets focused on products and communities in the range of technology, consumer electronics and other high growth potential sectors.

Press Contact: David Ashe
Company Name: dash Media Networks
Phone: 310-749-5055
Website:
www.themoneybooks.com

Friday, July 25, 2008

Property.com Unable to Resist Foreclosure

Property.com SOLD to Foreclosure.com

FORECLOSURE.COM OWNER TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY.COM

Brad Geisen continues to build online real estate empire to expand opportunities for future homebuyers and investors nationwide
Boca Raton, Fla. - July 22, 2008 Foreclosure.com Founder, President and CEO, Brad Geisen, announced today that he has reached an agreement with "Domain King" Rick Schwartz to acquire the domain name "Property.com," paving the way for his entry into a new market.

With Property.com Geisen intends to create a one-of-a-kind - and convenient - one-stop online real estate marketplace that is easy-to-use and navigate. The Web site will serve as an easy-accessible national real estate classified that is going to be free to all visitors, providing sellers, buyers and investors with a whole new concept of marketing and finding homes on the Web.

According to Geisen, the acquisition of Property.com will allow him to focus his efforts on a different and potentially much larger segment of the real estate market. In fact, in Geisen's opinion, the niche foreclosure market, which is Foreclosure.com's market, represents just 2 percent of all available real estate inventory.

"I'm going after the 98 percent of the real estate market outside of the foreclosure business." said Geisen. "For the past several years, I've built and run one of, if not 'the,' most successful Internet foreclosure businesses, but the business was always exclusively distressed real estate. I've achieved in Foreclosure.com what I set out to accomplish and I am ready for a new challenge in a different market. I intend to shift my focus on developing my new ideas that will revolutionize how homes should be listed, viewed and purchased. I've developed the critical skills which I intend to apply to this new market," said Geisen.

Property.com will include all listing types, including those indexed the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), creating a database that could surpass more than 15 million homes, but not including distressed properties, which will remain the business of Foreclosure.com. The best part is that it will be totally free to search for potential buyers and visitors, and sellers will be able to upload and edit their own personal listings at no charge. It's a wide-open model that Geisen knows will create an invaluable resource for just about anyone interested in real estate.

"I'm raising the stakes and pushing all my chips to the center of the table," said Geisen. "Foreclosure.com and my related companies have been leaders in their spaces for nearly a decade. I've seen what's been wrong with the way things were done and I've developed the methods to fix them. I have the knowledge and resources to take this to a whole new level . and that's what I plan to do."

Geisen revealed the new Property.com will be unveiled sometime in 2009. The specific terms of the deal to acquire Property.com were not disclosed. However, Geisen indicated that the value of the deal is one of the largest URL purchases to date.
That's a deal that has the seller Rick Schwartz - who is known as the "Domain King" -- smiling from ear-to-ear. He purchased Property.com for $750,000 in 2005 and was recently introduced to Geisen through Kevin Leto of BigTicketDomains.com about a possible re-sale.

"My job is to acquire prime, industry specific domain names with large volumes of natural type in traffic and eventually develop them to their fullest potential by partnering with leading companies in their respective fields which I have been doing for more than a decade," said Schwartz," "Early on I saw the value in Property.com; however, I never had the resources to develop it so it could reach its maximum potential. Brad Geisen has the vision to truly get the most of Property.com for the benefit of so many people in every corner of the United States. I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting new project with Brad."

Stay tuned for frequent updates and milestones for the new Property.com. Feel free to visit the Web site in its current form. However, as mentioned earlier, the complete re-launch will not be official until sometime in 2009.

About Brad Geisen and Foreclosure.com
Ten years ago, Brad Geisen founded Foreclosure.com and built it over time to a company with more than 1.8 million foreclosure, preforeclosure, bankruptcy, FSBO and tax lien listings in one place, Foreclosure.com delivers America's largest and most accurate searchable database of foreclosed homes and distressed property information to its customers and business partners. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Brad Geisen and Foreclosure.com work with hundreds of top lending institutions and government agencies to list diverse property types on its Web site, including Real Estate Owned (REO); Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Fannie Mae; and other government agency and financial institution properties; as well as listings from an extensive network of corporate sellers. On the Web: www.foreclosure.com.

About eRealEsate.com.
Rick Schwartz, aka "Domain King" and "Webfather," is the CEO, President and Cofounder of T.R.A.F.F.I.C. found at TargetedTraffic.com-- the premiere domain conference for the domain industry. It is both the oldest and largest and attracts over 500 of the top professionals in the industry in a by invitation only event. As one of the early domain pioneers dating back to 1995, Rick has a knack for predicting big trends and getting it right. He may have been the first to recognize the value of "type in" traffic which is now commonly referred to as "direct navigation" -- the most potent and targeted traffic on the net. Rick has a prime portfolio of one and two word domains, and is considered by many to be among the leading experts on domain names, traffic, Web site flow and valuation. www.eRealestate.com

Media Contact
Thomas Myers
Foreclosure.com
tmyers@foreclosure.com
Tel: (561) 981-5337 ext. 381

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Downgraded

Fitch Downgrades Capstan Master Trust Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Series 1-4

NEW YORK-- July 23, 2008 --Fitch Ratings has removed from Rating Watch Negative and downgraded the following series of Capstan Master Trust (collectively, Capstan). The following rating actions are effective immediately:

Capstan Master Trust Series 1

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 2

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 3

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 4

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

The actions reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the rated certificates following the release of Fitch's new Corporate CDO rating Criteria.

Capstan Series 1 through 4 are four series of auction rate credit-linked certificates, the proceeds from which were used to directly purchase $600,000,000 of credit linked certificates (the 'Underlying Collateral') referencing a static portfolio of primarily investment grade corporate assets, which was privately-rated by Fitch in July 2007. The Underlying Collateral is the sole asset of Capstan. Periodic interest payments on the auction rate credit-linked certificates are determined and paid according to an auction process, as described in the transactions' governing documents. In addition, Capstan has entered into a basis swap with Deutsche Bank AG (rated 'AA-/F1+'; Outlook Stable by Fitch), whereby income from the Underlying Collateral is transferred to Deutsche Bank AG in exchange for periodic interest payments due on the auction rate credit-linked certificates. The rating of Capstan is directly linked to the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral. Thus, the downgrades reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral for the deal, which was downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA' on July 23, 2008.

The key drivers of the downgrade on the Underlying Collateral include Fitch's updated corporate CDO rating criteria as well as the deterioration of the average portfolio quality from 'BBB/BBB+' on the closing date (July 2007) to 'BBB-' on July 16, 2008, representing an average downgrade of 2 notches across 51.2% of the portfolio. Currently, 18.4% of the portfolio carries a below investment grade rating, approximately 12.0% of the portfolio is on Rating Watch Negative and 17.6% is on Negative Outlook by Fitch. Moreover, 24.0% of the portfolio is concentrated in the banking & finance sector which is currently under stress.

Given Fitch's view of concentration and the current credit quality of the portfolio, the credit enhancement level of 9.8% is not sufficient to justify the current rating of the Underlying Collateral.

Fitch released updated criteria on April 30, 2008 for Corporate CDOs and, at that time, noted it would be reviewing its ratings accordingly to establish consistency for existing and new transactions. As part of this review, Fitch makes standard adjustments for any names on Rating Watch Negative or with a Negative Outlook, reducing such ratings for default analysis purposes by two and one notch, respectively. Fitch has previously noted that its review will be focused first on ratings most exposed to risks it has highlighted in its updated criteria. Consequently, the certificates were placed on Rating Watch Negative on May 15, 2008. As previously indicated, resolution of the Negative Watch status depends on any plans managers/arrangers may choose to modify either the structure or the portfolio. In this case, the arranger has confirmed that it does not intend to make any modifications.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

Contacts


Fitch Ratings
Derek Miller, +1-312-368-2076 (Chicago)
Kevin Kendra, +1-212-908-0760 (New York)
Media Relations:
Julian Dennison, +44 020 7682 7480 (London)
Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278 (New York)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Consolidate Outstanding Debts With Bad Credit Loans

Even if your credit is not great, you can still benefit from a Consolidation Loan explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk.

Edinburgh, UK  -  March 11 -- Even if your credit is not great, you can still benefit from a Consolidation Loan explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk, and get out from under an avalanche of rising interest payments.

Just when we had hoped for relief, the economic woes seem to accelerate with no end in sight. Combined with growing fears of a recession we now have the disturbing prospect that an imminent recession will be combined with simultaneous price inflation. Commodity prices, for example, are climbing - with some industry observers predicting that the price of petrol will rise as much as 30-40 percent by July. As these factors create a bleak economic outlook, the cost of high-interest debt becomes more burdensome.

According to recent reports from the Telegraph and BBC News:

- A record-breaking 107,000 people went insolvent in 2006, an annual rise of almost 60 percent, as UK personal debt totals hit £1.4 trillion

- Lenders wrote off about £6.8bn in individual debt last year, the biggest annual total on record.

- Banks classified a total of £2.1bn as bad debt in the final quarter of 2007, of which £1.6bn was consumer debt.

- Only a small fraction of this was mortgage debt, with the majority accounted for by credit card and other unsecured debts.

But all is not lost. While major interest rates are still relatively low there is time to get out from under high-interest debt, and mounting monthly payments by borrowing a single affordable loan and using it to pay off more expensive loans. The strategy, referred to as debt consolidation, is often recommended to consumers faced with seemingly impossible financial circumstances. A debt consolidation loan is one that offers a more competitive rate than the ones you currently hold.

Of course if you already have bad credit, it can be harder to find an attractive consolidation loan. But so-called bad credit loans offer a solution, even for those with low credit scores. Lenders who offer these loans tailor to a niche market, and specialise in serving those borrowers who are turned down by traditional banks and other lenders due to credit problems. Their sole purpose and business focus is on providing loans to people with poor credit, and the services they provide are a valuable asset for UK consumers unable to borrow from conventional lenders.

With a bad credit loan from one of these lenders, it is possible to consolidate debt and convert your bad credit into a good plan for saving money and getting back on track to financial security. Transferring outstanding balances to a single lower interest bad credit loan accomplishes two critical and financially helpful goals.

First of all, you save money on the difference in interest payments. For example, if you are paying on a credit card that charges 18 percent interest and can pay off that balance with a new loan that only charges 8 percent, you realise immediate savings of 10 percent. That's a better return than most stock market wizards can boast, and it can be done in a matter of minutes by simply applying for the new loan.

Secondly, consolidating debt by paying it off with a single loan makes monthly payments simpler to manage your budget. With only one payment to make - instead of numerous bills to pay at various times during the month - it is easy to write one check, once a month. You minimize the risk of late payments, penalties, fees, and punitive rate hikes, while also making your personal financial life less stressful.

Press Contact: Andy Hygate
Company Name: Loans for Bad Credit
Phone: 07780859312
Website:
www.loansbadcredit.org.uk

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Secrets How To Survive This Mortgage Market Collapse

New Radio Show Reveals Insider Secrets How To Survive This Mortgage Market Collapse

Teaneck, New Jersey based Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross reveals mortgage market survival secrets on a brand new radio show, "Your Home - Your Future" on WVNJ 1160AM.

Teaneck, NJ  -  March 19 -- National Mortgage Expert Joe Gross launched a new radio show "Your Home - Your Future." You can listen to the show live on Thursday March 20th at 2pm, or at http://www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com. "Your Home - Your Future", is all about helping listeners get the tools and information they need to protect their home for today and the future.

National Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross, addressed in his radio show on this past Thursday the issues of protecting your credit rating, debt consolidation companies, refinancing in today's ever changing mortgage market. Listeners were able to email their financial questions or situations and receive help both on- and off-air.

"Your Home - Your Future" is a forum to discuss most recent financial headlines, listener financial problems and tips to protect your home and improve your financial situation.

This week's program is all about Adjustable Rate Mortgages and how to stop the predatory rate increases. Future shows in the "Your Home - Your Future" series will cover other aspects of the mortgage market including:
•    Avoiding scams and fraudsters
•    How to budget your income and expenses
•    Boosting your credit score
•    How to choose a good broker
Since the mortgage market collapse, Joe has redoubled his efforts in educating the public about the mortgage market and what they can do to get in a better position for the future. "If this crisis has taught us anything, it's that everyone loses when people aren't educated." This is the primary reason behind the launch of the radio show.

Joe has worked in the mortgage industry for ten years and has heard hundreds of stories from customers who have gotten into trouble with debt and thought they couldn't get out. He has helped people refinance into a much better situation with manageable monthly payments and has maintained a 98 percent approval rating.

Kim and Richard VanNortwick had combined mortgage and credit card payments of $2,903.00. They had been trying for a few months to refinance. "We were very stressed out," says Kim. "We tried calling other mortgage companies but we kept getting the answer, "I'm sorry but there is nothing we can do for you."

Joe got them a 30 year fixed mortgage and saved the VanNortwick's $597.63 a month. "It only took us 17 days to get out of this misery. Joe was also able to escrow our taxes and insurance and pay off our outstanding taxes of $9,042.41" says Kim. The VanNortwick's are happy to be on their way to financial freedom and credit National Mortgage Expert, Joe Gross with their success.

Joe Gross is the president of Qualified Mortgage Inc. and specializes in Debt Consolidation and helping people with credit issues. He is committed to getting each customer into a product that will benefit them today AND tomorrow. Joe's unique Client for Life program provides additional support to customers through monthly newsletters, tele-seminars and email bulletins.

Currently, Joe is writing a book on the mortgage market collapse covering what happened, who's to blame and, most importantly, how people can get out of this mess and keep their homes.

Joe is available for interview and welcomes your mortgage-related questions. Call 800-662-0125 for a Free No-Obligation Consultation or visit http://www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com.

Please contact Theresa Consoli with any questions or interview requests:
800-662-0125
Fax: 201-837-1128
email protected from spam bots
www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com

Qualified Mortgage Inc.
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Press Contact: Theresa Consoli
Company Name: Qualified Mortgage Inc.
Phone: 800-662-0125
Website:
www.yourhomeyourfutureradioshow.com

Thursday, July 17, 2008

First-Timers Prefer Virgin Money

Virgin Money USA Leads Industry in Private Mortgage-Based Loans

Growing Number of Homeowners Seek Intra-Family Mortgage Loans Over Traditional Lending Sources

Waltham, MA  -  March 13 -- Virgin Money USA, the leader in formalizing and servicing mortgage loans between friends and family, today announced that it has reached its highest volume of mortgage-based loans to-date. With over 1/3 of the total loan volume -- which has recently surpassed the $300 million mark -- coming from mortgage-based loans, Virgin Money continues to prevail as the leader in the private mortgage loan industry.

With consumers feeling the impact of the recent credit crunch and the decline of the housing market, homeowners are now seeking refinance options to help lower their monthly interest payments. In addition, new homeowners are seeking an alternative source of funding for a down payment or mortgage now that it has become increasingly difficult to get from a bank due to tightening loan qualification restrictions.

Turning to family or friends for a mortgage-based loan has become a popular option that offers benefits to both the borrower and the lender alike. Borrowers are able to determine an interest rate that is often lower than a traditional bank rate, and can set a repayment schedule that meets their needs, considerably lowering the risk for default. In addition, lenders are able to earn additional income from an interest rate that is often higher than traditional bank investments, such as a CD.

"By keeping the money within the family, an intra-family loan provides options to all parties involved with the transaction; borrowers need a financial boost without breaking the bank, and lenders are looking for unique ways to preserve their wealth. Virgin Money allows lenders to earn fixed income while helping a loved one or friend in need," said Asheesh Advani, CEO of Virgin Money USA. "We offer a variety of mortgage products that are designed to meet the individual needs of homeowners, including residential mortgages, retirement mortgages and seller-financing options, enabling consumers to get a better deal than they would from a traditional lending source."

Virgin Money USA provides documentation, professional service and complete record-keeping for every mortgage loan, as many people welcome having an independent third party in the middle of a family transaction. Virgin Money allows homeowners to keep the home and the cash, as well as the decision-making power, in the family. To learn more about mortgage products and services from Virgin Money USA, please visit www.virginmoneyus.com.

About Virgin Money USA
Virgin Money USA is a financial services company committed to offering consumers alternatives to traditional and costlier forms of credit. The company provides a safe and easy way for people to make loans between relatives and friends -- thereby helping people to arrange affordable loans without hurting their relationships, to enjoy the benefits of flexible loans that fit their needs and to keep money where it belongs -- in the family. With interest rates that are typically lower than what a bank charges, coupled with flexible repayment schedules, Virgin Money allows consumers to take major steps toward achieving their personal dreams, with help from friends and family. Visit us at www.virginmoneyus.com.

Press Contact: Laren Frueh
Company Name: Virgin Money USA
Phone: (617) 337-9514
Website:
www.virginmoneyus.com