Top 10 best IT management software for developers

Top 10 best IT management software for developers
IT management is the discipline whereby all of the information technology resources of a firm are managed in accordance with its needs and priorities. These resources may include tangible investments like computer hardware, software, data, networks and data centre facilities, as well as the staff who are hired to maintain them. Managing this responsibility within a company entails many of the basic management functions, like budgeting, staffing, change management, and organizing and controlling, along with other aspects that are unique to technology, like software design, network planning, tech support. Here top 10 best IT management software are listed; read and find out which one is best suite for you:

Top 10 best IT management software for developers

1. Heroku Enterprise
2. Secdo
Secdo is a next-generation IT security software that allows security operation teams to instantly investigate, verify, and respond to every single alert from their security system. Within minutes, the platform pinpoints the cause of the alert detailed endpoint activity history and causality analysis.
To make the service more powerful, it gives a set of real-time response tools that allows for the quick, appropriate, and accurate response and remediation of any endpoint with no impact on the users. Secdo has three different security products such as Observer, Analyzer, and Responder, each product control specific security issue. It has a set of critical features such as threat detection, web threat management, activity logs, endpoint insights, preemptive, advanced threat hunting.
3. Traverse Monitoring 
Traverse Monitoring is an IT management software that provides businesses with a network monitoring solution that is capable of handling the tasks of monitoring private clouds, distributed network infestation, and virtualized infrastructure. The solution also supports a massive database of device types with an integrated metric that is specific to each device. With the help of this tool, companies have a unified platform that enables them to effectively manage private and hybrid clouds, data centers, and virtualized infrastructures. It helps users spot and address issues before these concerns impact their end-users. Users have access to insights based on rich data analytic of events such as SNMP traps and Syslogs.
4. Microsoft System Center
5. Kernel for Exchange Server Recovery 
Kernel is another IT Management and file recovery tool that can successfully restore and recover all the deleted items, attachments, tasks, and contacts, etc. The user can support user mailboxes as well as public folders recovery. The solution is known for its stability even when there is a large volume of EDB data present that needs instant revival. It does not need any assistance from other tools in any form, be it plug-ins or extensions. Kernel for Exchange Server Recovery offers a user-friendly interface with lots of custom settings that make your experience more interesting. It includes core features such as filtering options, item saving options, migrates files, makes box saving options.

6. Jenkins 
Jenkins is a Java-based, open-source IT management tool that delivers continues integration services for software development. It is a server-based tool running in a servlet container like the Apache Tomcat. The tool offers support for SCM platforms and a solution like CVS, Git, and Subversion, and can implement Apache Ant and Apache Maven-based projects. It can also execute arbitrary shell script and Windows batch commands. Jenkins is a simple and easy to use an application available to use in Windows, Mac OS, and other Unix-like operating systems. To make it reliable and easy for developers, it has hundreds of plugins, and these plugins architecture also ushers infinite possibilities for software development.
7. BigPanda
8. Zabbix
9. WhatsUp Gold
WhatsUp Gold is a world’s most leading Network Management software created by IPSwitch for medium and large managed service providers and IT enterprises. The solution takes a proactive approach to IT monitoring with Total View technology that enables users to control and follow all the network activities. The solution consolidates applications, end-user experience, network, and systems monitoring, all through an intuitive interface. This network management solution delivers all insights, and the customization needed to ensure the application performance is equal to the business priorities and user expectations.It features discovery and network mapping, network monitoring tools, cloud monitoring, customizable device roles, and reports exports.
10. Manage Engine Recovery Manager

How to start Small Business at Home

A small business is one marked by a limited number of employees and a limited flow of finances and materials. By the same token, it’s just as obvious that a one-person home business, or a mom-and-pop corner candy store are the epitome of a small business. If you are looking forward to start your own Small business here mandatory steps are given; read on:

How to start Small Business at Home

1. Identify your small business idea
Whether you choose an option from the list above or have another idea up your sleeve, it’s important to have the experience, training, or skills necessary to be successful. Want to run a daycare but have never even visited a successful daycare center? Spend time conducting research to learn whether this is really the right fit for your experience and interests.

2. Start as a side business or hobby
Can you get your business off the ground as an evenings or weekends side job? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand whether your idea has legs before you quit your nine-to-five job and lose your primary income.

3. Create a business plan
Once you know your idea has the potential to succeed, it’s time to build a business plan. Your business plan should include the following elements:
  • Executive summary: A high-level overview of your company and market placement.
  • Business model: Outline what your business does, who your business serves, and how your business is structured. You should include a description of what products and services you offer, and how they meet the needs of your customers.
  • Market condition: A summary of pertinent competitor information. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
  • Products and services: Use this section to describe your products and services in detail, and outline what differentiates your product from others in the market.
  • Operations and management: Outline your business’ organization structure, key roles, and responsibilities.
  • Marketing and sales strategy: This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. Include information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offering, and your sales strategy.
  • Financial plan: Create a detailed outline of your business financials. Include your start-up costs, your initial financial productions, and how you anticipate generating funding.
  • Appendix: Once the above pieces are complete, end the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.
Business plans should identify what makes your offering different from competitors. They should also be short and actionable. And your business plan should evolve with your business.

4. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship
Two common legal structures for small businesses are limited liability corporations (LLC) and sole proprietorships.
  • An LLC is a more complex business structure than a sole proprietorship, and can include individuals, corporations, and other LLC as members. Additionally, LLC are not subject to a separate level of tax and offer the business owner liability protection and tax advantages. LLC are formed on a state-by-state basis. 
  • Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and operated by one person, and are not identified as a separate entity from the owner by the government. While a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, sole proprietors are personally liable for their business.
5. Create a business bank account
Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number, open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your business cash flow and financial health. Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier. Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interests. Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time, but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When you’re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

6. Decide on your software
You’ve got a lot of things on your plate when first starting up. But one step that’s critical is deciding on the software that can help you be more efficient as your business grows. Every business is different but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management, accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks. One of the most important software tools every business should utilize is free CRM to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home
Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to being based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office
If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, it’s still important you have a designated work space. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success. Need a more professional space; If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space.

9. Get to work
You’ve put in the hard work and I’ve got good news it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

10. Feedback and Evaluation 
Selecting a small business idea is a personal decision. But it can be helpful to bounce ideas off your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout this process and remember to have a little fun while you’re putting in the work. Keep track of your performance and set a standard for your performance evaluation.

Top 50 Small Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Small businesses are privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships that have fewer employees and/or less annual revenue than a regular-sized business or corporation. If you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss, you’ve probably considered a variety of small business ideas. But, while you have plenty of passion, direction can be hard to find. To help, we pulled together small business ideas for anyone who wants to run their own business. Use these as a jumping off point to spark your own unique ideas:

Top 50 Small Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs

1. Freelance graphic designer  
Set your own hours, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and business you’re proud of. From website design to blog graphics and more, many companies seek out experienced graphic designers for all manner of projects.

2. Freelance writer  
If you have writing skills, there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business.

3. Freelance developer  
From building websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. With such a technical skill set, make sure you can describe what you do and how you will do it in easy-to-understand language. Test your messaging on friends and family who don’t have a firm understanding of the work you do.

4. Resume writer  
Submitting a resume, cover letter, and when necessary portfolio for a new job can be tough and time consuming. That’s why many people hire help. Assist clients with tailored resumes, beautifully edited cover letters, and carefully crafted portfolios that make it impossible for employers to ignore.

5. Translator  
Speak a foreign language? Start a translation service. Consider specializing in a specific genre of translation, like medical or financial translation, as you might be able to fill a niche need in your community.

6. Photographer  
Start by conducting photo shoots for your family and friends. As you build a body of work, ask for referrals. Photography businesses often grow by word of mouth, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients, which will show up in their friends news feeds as well.

7. Videographer  
Video production requires you to have invested in the equipment up front which can be quite expensive. But that’s also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or create a website with several selections of your work available for interested viewers.

8. Personal trainer  
Offer in-home consultations, personalized nutrition and exercise regimens, and community boot camps to get the word out. Don’t forget to populate an Instagram feed with inspirational quotes, free exercise videos, and yummy snack ideas as well it’s a common way for fitness gurus to build their brands.

9. Life/career coach  
If you have some experience under your belt, put it to good use as a life or career coach. Many of us are looking for guidance in our careers and finding someone with the time to mentor us can be tough. Life/career coaches don’t come cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intense and hands-on training and advice they need to make serious moves in their personal and professional lives. After all, sometimes everyone just needs some uplifting advice.

10. Online dating consultant  
Dating consultants usually charge for their time. They help people create successful online dating profiles, source possible matches from outside normal online channels, and offer a level of personalization Tinder just can’t. Think you’ve got a knack for the match? This might be the business for you.

11. Woodworker  
Similarly, if you have a passion for crafting beautiful furniture or other home goods out of wood — there’s demand for that. List a few of your pieces on sites like Etsy, eBay, or Craigslist. Once you build a following, consider starting a website, accepting custom orders, or expanding to refinishing work and upholstery.

12. Handyman  
Are you always fixing things around the house? Often on call when friends need small projects completed? Put together a website, figure out what your time and expertise is worth, and start asking those thankful friends for referrals.

13. Sewing and alteration specialist  
People will always need clothing hemmed and buttons mended and you could be the person to do it. If you love sewing, start by offering simple services like those mentioned above, and expand your repertoire to dressmaking and design as you build a customer base and demand.

14. Garden designer  
Many people have the willingness to do the dirty work in their backyards, but few have the know-how to design a backyard space to begin with. Draw up the designs for your clients’ outdoor spaces and let them do the actual digging.

15. Landscaper  
Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair.

16. Ecommerce store owner  
Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an eCommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down an eCommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.

17. Home inspector  
This will require a great deal of expertise and certification, but it’s a job that can give you the flexibility and pay you’ve always dreamed of. Confirm the licensing requirements in your state and consider taking a few courses to build out your knowledge, authority, and expertise.

18. House cleaner  
With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.

19. Property manager  
Many people maintain properties they don’t live in  often based in different cities or states. It’s helpful to have someone to ensure the property is being well taken care of, handle small fixes as they arise, and serve as a liaison to renters.

20. Interior designer 
Similar to landscape design there are many people who have the ability to buy the furniture and home decor they need to fill their rooms, but few who know where to start. It might take some time to build a portfolio but documenting your projects and sharing them online can build a fan base beyond your wildest dreams.

21. Packing services facilitator  
Moving is always a pain, and many people hire the entire packing process out. Want to have a steady stream of clients? Partner with a local moving service who will refer new clients to you.

22. Car-detailing specialist  
The devil is in the details and you can be too. Car detailing services that travel to the client are in high demand. Just make sure you have the flexibility, transportation, and equipment to take your business on the road.

23. Travel planner  
The time of the travel agent might be passing, but people are still looking for those with a knack for more nontraditional travel coordination. If you always plan the perfect vacations complete with beautiful hotels, the ideal location, and a bevy of delicious restaurants lined up for every evening, consider advertising your services as a more modern approach to travel planning.

24. Tour guide  
 Love the local history of your city or state? Consider becoming a tour guide. Sure, you’ll need to conduct tons of research to be able to do the job well, but that’s half the fun. Set yourself apart by offering tours that speak to a specific niche of your community’s history. Some tour guides offer historical walking tours of their town’s most haunted spots while others curate guided foodie tours for guests to get a true taste of the city.

25. Massage therapist  
Soothe aching muscles and promote peace for your clients as a massage therapist. Look into training and certification courses in your city and state and invest in a portable bed to take on client visits.

26. Hairdressing or makeup artist  
Sure, you could go to cosmetology school and pay for an expensive chair at a salon, or you could offer specialized styling and makeup services right to your client’s door.

27. Bed and breakfast owner  
This is another business venture that will require you to research the correct license from your state, but it will be well worth it to see your dreams come true. Consider what guests will be traveling to your area to experience and create special packages and themed stays to coincide with their interests in your locale.

28. Tutor  
Whether math whiz, piano master, or Shakespeare aficionado  there’s someone out there who needs a little help and is willing to pay for it. Advertise your services through local schools, community colleges, and community centers to get the word out and build a customer base.

29. Consultant 
If you have significant experience in or knowledge of a specific subject, consider becoming a consultant. Perhaps you’re an expert at hiring practices, have a knack for SEO, or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. If you’re good at it, market yourself as a consultant and charge the going rate.

30. Clothing boutique owner 
If you dream of building your own fashion empire, why not start with a local boutique? Build buzz with impressive window displays, inspiring social media accounts, and heavy community involvement.

31. Event planner  
You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event like weddings or company meetings or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades. If you’re highly organized, pay keen attention to minute details, and have experience planning large events, it might be time others benefit from your skills.

32. Specialty food store owner  
Gourmet foods, cheeses, sake, wine you name a food, there’s a specialty food store out there for it. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to good use and open a store where you offer the kind of expertise and selection your audience couldn’t dream of getting from their local grocer.

33. Personal assistant  
Again, if you’re an organized, highly detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

34. Food truck owner  
Always dreamt of owning a restaurant but not quite ready to take the plunge? Test out your concepts with a food truck. It’s a great way to become familiar with food and restaurant licensing in your state, see what people like and don’t like, and build a ravenous following before ever opening or investing in a brick-and-mortar location.

35. Personal chef  
We all love to eat, but few of us have the time or energy to cook healthy, delicious meals. Advertise your services to local families and businesses alike. And consider "chunking" certain groups of clients  say, vegetarians so you can cook larger quantities of the same dish to feed them all.

36. Caterer  
If that personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work fewer but larger events, and get really good at time management.

37. Consignment shop owner 
If you have an eye for style but don’t want to invest in the inventory of a brand-new boutique, consider going consignment. It will allow you to curate a collection of clothing that matches your goals and aesthetic, without the overhead of a boutique selling entirely new garments.

38. Gym owner  
Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, Cross-fit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by opening your own gym.

39. Daycare owner  
Childcare continues to be in high demand. While nannies and nanny shares are popular right now, a good daycare is hard to find. Fill a need in your neighborhood by opening your own. And, as always, make sure you’re complying with your city and state’s zoning, licensure, insurance, and inspection requirements.

40. Boutique agency owner  
What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help, but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position. Consider a building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk.

41. Coffee shop owner  
Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game but they usually require a little more cash up front. Starting a shop from scratch requires a little more planning and a lot more work but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.

43. Moving company  
A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company. Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low. Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry.

44. Home staging  
If you have a flare for interior design, a staging service might serve as your creative outlet and professional calling. You can build a portfolio with little initial investment by staging homes using the owner’s existing furnishings and decor. Most stages eventually build up inventory of furniture as they become more established and network with area realtors.

45. Dog walker, groomer, or trainer  
Licensing and insurance will be the two most important factors in opening a dog walking, grooming, or training business, but your canine colleagues will surely make up for the initial red tape. To test the waters before jumping in, consider walking dogs through companies like Rover or Wag. Ready to run your own show? Consider a franchise like Dogtopia.

46. Bookkeeping 
The fact that so many people dislike doing bookkeeping is good news for anyone who enjoys the ins and outs of financial record keeping. Independent bookkeepers are in demand even during economic downturns because businesses realize that if they aren't careful about their money, they soon won't be in business. As a result, bookkeeping can be a good business year in and year out.

47. Swap meet
Join in a street market that provides space for vendors to sell previously-owned merchandise. This type of market is often seasonal. Consistently, there tends to be an emphasis on sustainable consumption whereby items such as used goods, collectibles, antiques and vintage clothing can be purchased.

48. Limousine Service 
With a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force behind a new business venture. Stretch your market by adding more drivers and cars to your fleet. Then, once you've established a reliable reputation, start driving home your limousine-service sales.

49. Lawn Care 
When push comes to shove, you've probably got what it takes to make some "green." Just roll up your sleeves and start mowing, clipping and fertilizing lawns for office complexes and residential clients alike.

50. Mobile Disc Jockey 
As a mobile disc jockey, weddings, parties and other events are all music to your ears. Start jamming with a collection of compact discs, a CD player, and a speaker system, then pass on the word about your services to wedding and event planners.

Top 10 best Torrent site 2020 like Thepiratebay

Top 10 best Torrent site 2020 like Thepiratebay
The Pirate Bay is an online list of digital content of largely entertainment media. It is to deliver user-friendly system that can make search of torrents easier and much structured. Thepiratebay website enables its users to get for Magnet links. Many are helpful to refer resources available for download through peer to peer networking websites. When opened inside a Bit-torrent client, start downloading the unique file. ThePirateBay characterizes a search function which helps users to determine which is to be seen in broad categories like Audio tracks, Video, as well as Games, along with sub-categories like Audio books, and many others torrent files. Here top 10 alternative to ThePirateBay given, read on:

Top 10 best Torrent site 2020

1. Limetorrents 
Limetorrents is easy to get and download anything you like to download as well as allows you to download your favorite music, video clips, TV shows, Softwares, and many more. In short, you can search, control, and also download bittorrent data files from your desktop. The main function of Limetorrents is to find and also listing all of the great torrents from other websites. The website interface is easy and user-friendly, simple to understand and find the reliable torrents. You will get verified file that are trusted by downloaders and are virus and also malware free.

2. IsoHunt
IsoHunt allows its users to feel free to search and download torrents. It offers almost Two million torrents and also a large users list. And also being able to search torrents and type them by age, quantity of peers, as well as other common search elements. Isohunt has a selection of all the other elements which includes age, range of user comments, plus much more. Sorting by Rank allows you to see which torrents are the best overall rather than just best in some subcategory like quantity of seeders or age.

3. KAT
Kickass Torrents is a website that delivers torrent files as well as magnetic hyperlinks to guide peer-to-peer file sharing using the Bit-torrent process. KAT is a most useful torrent website. KAT isn’t a tracker and hosts no content material, KAT offer simply use of already available torrents in a similar technique Google and alternative search engines do. The most significant reason for using KAT is to deliver users with a user-friendly system that can make search of torrents simpler and much organized.

4. Torrent rex
Torrentrex allows you to download your most desired songs, video clips, Television shows, applications or software, and many more. In short, you can search, manage, and download bit-torrent data files right from your desktop. Torrentrex several unique options which make it greater than the average torrent website and other desktop search apps. Torrentrex is able to manage as well as save several searches so you don’t lose your search progress. It instantly refreshes search results on a schedule, that you simply able to edit. Torrentrex may also manage automatic consecutive downloads perfect for weekly TV shows.

5. Extratorrent
Extratorrent is the popular bit-torrent website is made to deliver an database and search engine for every type of torrent files. The website guests of this platform may upload torrents to this website, tracked by any BitTorrent tracker, the great file submitting technology recently launched sync the tool for synchronization of data found in various files along several devices. The achievements story of this great tool is pointed out by the simple fact that users already have used it to sync a large petabyte of data.

6. TorrentDownloads
TorrentDownloads is another leading platform that is exclusive to people that want latest movies, series, and episodes on their devices within no time. Torrent Downloads remains one of the fastest places where you get the stuff as soon as it airs on the television. The user interface gets good marks because although it does not have all the features that a modern website needs, Torrent Downloads still makes up for the various factors that are included such as the main downloaded items that people are interested in, showing on the homepage.

7. BitSnoop 
BitSnoop is designed to create bad, duplicate and also missing torrents something of earlier times with increased listing and mixing of torrents. This kind of torrents platform is generated by Tracker Match. It collects a lot of the trackers related your search results and also uses the ones with more quantity of seeds. This also filters out copied torrents for quicker download connections. The website seems like that of Google’s in so far as the employment of minimalism. This is a easy, fast and as well good way to find files on the biggest torrent website in the world. By using this application installed, when a torrent is available, you’ll be able to find it and also download it.

8. TorrentFunk
TorrentFunk is a verified site when it comes to sharing and downloading files over the internet from torrents and has a lot to offer for people who want to make use of it. The size of file is not that large so people can easily install it on their devices. Although the software just works for desktop and laptops, Torrent Funk does have some appliances with the tablets. The main drawback initially was the content and the lessening database but that has improved considerably with new stuff added regularly.

9. 1337x
1337x is a torrent downloading and file sharing platform that has reinvented itself after getting blocked and now only provides search engine facilities so that the new index does not get blocked. The best thing about this platform is that the torrent present here have top seeds and leeches that provide for an excellent downloading experience. The search option stays on the top and comes with many other options such as finding the categories. It is an excellent website that has branding opportunities but needs to enhance the database.
10. Torlock
Torlock is another authentic place for file sharing since it comes with the tagline of having no fake torrents in the database. The search option shows on the top, but most of the latest and trending files are displayed on the homepage which allows you to download content without having to spend too much time searching. Torlock also has many other options such as categories and the distribution of files in a proper manner and therefore becomes an excellent choice for people who want real content.

Top 10 Fundraising/Crowdsourcing service like Indiegogo

Top 10 Fundraising/Crowdsourcing service like Indiegogo
Indiegogo is a fundraising and crowdfunding platform. This site gives people a chance of soliciting funds for a certain productive idea or even for a start-up business. With nominal fee charges on the contributions, this site promotes the idea of raising money for certain causes that people might consider important for themselves and for their communities. Almost 15 million people from every country around the globe visit this site in a month. The investors and donors get rewards on investments from this site for funding companies. Here top 10 alternative to Indiegogo given below; read on:

Top 10 Fundraising/Crowdsourcing service

1. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a public benefit corporation based website that is known for the global crowdfunding that mainly focuses on the creativity. The main goal of this website is to bring and encourage the work of many creative people out there, to life. In exchange for the creative work pieces by different people from around the globe, this platform encourages artists by giving away tangible prizes and rewards. From this platform, people can directly communicate with the audience to fund their work.

2. Gofundme
Gofundme is the sector’s biggest social fundraising platform, with over $5 billion raised up to now. With a community of greater than 50 million donors, Gofundme is converting the way the world offers their money. People have raised extra cash on this site than anywhere else. Gofundme is a crowdfunding platform that allows people to raise money for occasions ranging from life events along with celebrations and graduations to hard instances like accidents and ailments.

3. Fundly
Fundly is an online crowdfunding and a non-profit fundraising site. This site is meant for the political parties, charities, donors, schools, churches, and other organizations to raise money for families, peer groups, and many other deserving people. The amazing feature of this site for the fundraising process is that you can support people through various social media platforms. This site uses WePay source to transfer donations to the deserving. During the donation process, donors are charged by the site.

4. Ulule 
Ulule is the worldwide crowdfunding platform squarely centered on the funding success of creators and marketers. Within 6 years, ulule has come to be the main European crowdfunding website, with more than 24,000 successfully funded projects, more than 2.2 million participants worldwide and a file success charge close to 70 %. Those figures are specially the result of a personalized coaching introduced to every and each venture proprietor, earlier than, during, and after marketing campaign.

5. Fundedbyme
Fundedbyme is an online platform that promotes the idea of easy and quick crowdfunding among different communities around the globe. The intelligent growth by this site is stable and scalable as it takes only 1 or 2 months for the whole funding process to happen for your establishment. The funding for this site doubles the market value of your company by advertising and sharing more awareness about your company in public. This site also provides you people with a certain skill set to give a boost to your company’s growth rate.

6. FundRazr 
FundRazr is helping thousands of individuals from every country to raise money for their own good cause. The main goal of this platform is to build a big community and help people in a meaningful way. This site has risen over $115 million from more than 140,000 campaigns in many countries around the globe. This site does not restrict any kind of campaigns that require crowdfunding. You can easily share your campaign and can earn money without facing any issues.

7. StartSomeGood
StartSomeGood is an innovative crowdfunding platform that aims to make the world a better place for the deserving. This cause-driven crowdfunding platform stands at the base of social entrepreneur education and innovative partnerships. It is here to uplift the amazing projects by individuals from around the globe. There is a whole community to support the new entrepreneurs for their projects as the site understands the need for unique and difficult projects.

8. CrowdsUnite
CrowdsUnite is a crowdfunding site that serves as a review site for the online funding platforms. This reviewing site is quite helpful for business owners and many other potential clients to find out about the different crowdfunding sites that are helping businesses to grow. You can find some amazing crowdfunding sources from all over the world in the listings. The site gives reviews about different crowdfunding platforms in a comprehensive way to make it easy for you to select.

9. Rockethub
Rockethub is one of the America’s largest crowdfunding sites. People can get their projects done by the fund raising programs initiated by this site. The funders and the donors of this site include scientists, entrepreneurs, game developers, filmmakers, philanthropist, fashion designers, and many other interested people from every corner of the world. People can invest through social media platforms. Investors are offered perks in exchange of their contributions. For completing a project, an individual has to make sure to meet the deadlines.
10. Pozible
Pozible is an artist community-based crowdfunding platform especially for those people who have the talent and creative skills from all over the world. This site is a global source of earning for creative individuals of whom the ideas are connected directly to the audience. The main goal of this site is to do the crowdfunding for everyone. Artists from every country are given an equal chance of depicting their creativity so that they can get higher chances of success.

Top 10 Best Free Firewall for Windows

Top 10 Best Free Firewall for Windows
Firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external network. Firewalls are meant to help you monitor all communications made from your computer to help you prevent all intrusions and attacks. These programs are especially useful for monitoring activities of Internet facing applications. By using these firewall systems for Windows the users of these programs can perform unlimited online activities without even caring about being traced or monitored by the external persons and even agencies. Here in this article we listing top 10 best firewall to use for securing your windows PC; read on: 

Top 10 Best Free Firewall for Windows

1. TinyWall
TinyWall is a lightweight yet powerful and non-intrusive firewall system that is best known for providing the highest level of security and features to its users. The features and security system based on the approach of a unique level of no-popup. That means there will be no destruction when you are busy in doing your important task as TinyWall will automatically deal with all external security issues by running in the background. The main highlighted features are free of cost, perform the safe operation without even changing the internal system settings, powerful, perform the no-intrusive operation, convenient and perform various other functions in addition to simply working as a controller as well.

2. Private Firewall
Private Firewall is a state of the art protection tool of intrusion threat detection and prevention system. By using this users can perform unlimited online activities without even caring about being traced or monitored by the external persons and even agencies. The main highlighted features are an advanced level of protection, integration of advanced level of antivirus technologies to protect against potential threats, behavioral protection system and customization process for control and security. It also offers registry protection system, website and IP filtering system, advanced app control system, advanced reporting module that warns in real-time in case of attempt of hacking by external forces, email anomaly detection.

3. Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall
4. Agnitum Outpost Firewall
Agnitum is a free protection and firewall system for getting system secured and enhancing privacy and security level. It has its unique filtering system that first filter and sort out the data coming from the world of the internet either by way of searching or downloading or after getting satisfied permit it to enter into the system. Agnitum Outpost Firewall also warns to the users as well to make them able to decide at their own either they want to get that file or data in their system or want to ignore the threat. The best about Agnitum Outpost Firewall is that it will never effect the internal structure of your system and will never slow down the performance and speed of the system.
6. GlassWire
GlassWire is a firewall system that provides you with security and privacy missed by most of the leading antivirus programs. It is not that kind of firewall program designed to protect the external structure and environment of system architecture only. Instead, it provides the various other additional services to its users as well that are in shape of networking and threat monitoring system. GlassWire will never slow down the performance of your system and will never disturb you while working and will keep running in the background.

7. Total Defense Internet Security Suite 
It is an ultra-modern internet protection system that provides users with the system of protecting their entire network structure against both external and internal potential threats. In addition to creating a firewall, Total Defense Internet Security Suite can be used for parenting control, data migration and USB scanning as well. Total Defense Internet Security Suite a universal level of the security provider making users able to create a highly advanced firewall around their system, use the other functions and features of Total Defense Internet Security Suite as well.
9. Ashampoo Firewall
Ashampoo is a Windows firewall system designed for the earliest versions of the Windows operating systems. It is free to use the program and provide the best level of security features and functions to the Windows users. The main advantage of using Ashampoo is that it protected the system of users against all kinds of threats and resisted web-based attacks that are coming from all possible ports. That is the way of working with Ashampoo that makes it possible for the system to hide the primary process. In addition to all these, Ashampoo is entirely free to use application.


10. Sygate Personal Firewall 
Sygate is a protection program for automatically protecting the system against malicious, cyber-attack, and hackers. It is an easy to use protection managing application that will create the advance level of protection environment around the PC and will automatically restrict the all those external forces that are trying to poke into the internal structure of your system. Sygate is a highly configurable and customizable program that enables the users to create their filtering setting according to the nature of work that they usually do on their system.

Top 10 best Bible Apps to use

Top 10 best Bible Applications
In the following list, we have encapsulated the best Apps for Bible, which is a holy book to Christians and being read everywhere in the world where Christians do live. Most of the apps that are the part of this list involve the additional feature and functions as well in addition to simply providing the source for reading Bible.

Top 10 best Bible Applications

1. Bible+ 
2. Bible 
Bible is a free to read Bible application that allows smartphone users to get the advantage of reading and understanding the Bible right in their smartphones. The main functions of the Bible include easy switching of the system between hundreds of versions of the Bible, a system for both online and offline, availability of audio Bible that is not downloadable, get the verse of the day, highly customizable, and a lot of others. The customization system of the Bible makes the users able to highlight the specific verse, bookmarks any page, share the verses with the friends, make the notes.
3. Holy Bible Offline 
Holy Bible Offline is a free Bible reading application that is designed to make it possible for the users to read the Bible in offline mode. The main advantage of using the Holy Bible Offline is that it contains both the New Testament and Old Testament. The search system of the Holy Bible Offline is also very advanced that brings the exact result of the readers’ findings. In addition to providing the Bible for reading, Holy Bible Offline has a unique system of Quiz Game that makes the users able to play the games based on the Bible to enhance their knowledge about the Bible. 4. Holy Bible, King James Version app 
Holy Bible, King James Version, include a standalone app, work in the offline mode, requires no internet connection. The app brings an easy search system to go through passages and verses and search for specific words. You can get word combinations and word fragments, bookmarking system, adding footnotes, color code highlight system for later studying a text-to-speech system, auto-scrolling system, easy navigation to any part or chapter, and much more. The text to speech system of the Holy Bible, King James Version is entirely something new that is different from the audio reading system. 5. Mantis Bible Study
Mantis Bible Study is the platform of almost two hundred plus resources that can be purchased from the web site of Mantis Bible Study or through the App Store. It contains a set of most advanced Bible studying tools that make the reading experience of the Bible very easy and simple. Mantis Bible Study app comes with the full support of King James text, works offline, and requires no internet connection, new Bible translation system, availability of dictionaries, devotionals, quick search history, grid mode, and You can also tap the book name for easily navigate to a specific book and enjoy its tap and drag feature.
6. BibleGateway 
7. Blue Letter Bible
Blue Letter Bible is a Bible containing app that is entirely based on the Old Testimonials of Bible and the classic Hebrew and Greek word tools. This is for those who want to get themselves encouraged and inspired all the time by simply following the words of God are advised to use the Blue Letter Bible that will make them able to find the real treasures from the Bible. The easy to understand and reading style of the Blue Letter Bible app allows you to get the real meaning of every verse and personalize their Bible reading experience to take it to a new level. There are almost thirty different Bible versions in the Blue Letter Bible app that are backed by the audio system, commentaries, dictionaries, advanced search systems, and extreme customization.
8. Logos Bible App
9. AcroBible 
AcroBible is a multi platform application that is mainly available for almost all mobile operating systems. AcroBible is a new way to enjoy the Bible reading experience in an offline environment and particularly designed to enhance the Bible reading experience of its users. The easy to use touch interface of AcroBible make it easy and simple for the users to search for any particular verse and navigate from one chapter to another one and study the Bible with the brand new reading experience. The main features that are the part of all versions of the AcroBible are the availability of the full version of both Old and New Testaments, an advanced search system.
10. Olive Tree Bible Study 
Olive Tree Bible Study is the perfect way to understand the real messages hidden in the words of God that He has revealed in the shape of the Bible. Olive Tree Bible Study carries a collection of hundreds and thousands of Bible apps. Olive Tree Bible Study provides the powerful and easy to use customizable settings, thousands of titles, interactive Bible study, popular studied Bibles, stay in sync, and a lot of others. Olive Tree Bible Study is a brand new way of enhancing your link with the Bible and connecting with God.

Ways to Save Money in Mortgage situation

Here are few things to remember that can help you save money on your mortgage:
  • Negotiate -- The credit market is tight, but you can still negotiate for better rates or fee waivers (particularly document preparation fees or the lender's attorney fees). Everything other than the "real" costs of the loan -- appraisal, title fees, processing fee, private mortgage insurance, credit report fees and inspection fees -- is up for negotiation, especially if you have a good credit score.
  • Choose the right type of mortgage -- This can get tricky. It's true that a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will result in the largest total mortgage payment over the life of the loan. But there's a reason that the 30-year fixed was the preferred mortgage for decades and decades: it is stable and secure. Before you sign up for an adjustable rate mortgage or hybrid fixed/adjustable plan like a 5/1 ARM, run the numbers carefully. Can you really afford the monthly payments when the rate resets in a year or five years. Factor in the possibility that you won't be making more money then than you are now. If the mortgage crisis has taught us anything, it's that a lower interest rate doesn't equal a better mortgage.
  • Make extra payments -- Extra payments go directly toward the loan's principal. This means that the actual principal of the loan is knocked down by that extra amount you pay, rather than having the bulk of your mortgage payments paying interest. In fact, you can reduce your mortgage by almost 10 years simply by making one additional mortgage payment each year. Try out this calculator to see how much money extra payments can save.
  • Biweekly payments - Just as making an extra payment will shorten the life of your loan, so will shifting your payment schedule to biweekly as opposed to monthly. What this schedule does is build in an extra payment each year without it "feeling" like an extra payment. Your mortgage payment can simply follow your paycheck schedule -- if you get paid every two weeks, that is. With biweekly payments, a 30-year fixed mortgage will be paid off in about 23-and-a-half years.
  • Avoid PMI - Try to put in at least the minimum 20 percent down payment so you can avoid paying private mortgage insurance. If you're already paying PMI, make sure you watch your equity and drop the PMI once you hit 20 percent.
  • Make sure paying points will save you money -- In some cases, paying points can save you money, but not always. Quicken has a points calculator that shows you how points will impact your interest rate and monthly payment. Make sure that what you pay will be recouped within the time you plan to spend in the home.

What Is Foreclosure in Mortgage

Missing mortgage payments could lead to the loss of your property. Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender takes possession of your home and sells it in order to get its money back.
The U.S. has never seen a foreclosure crisis like the one that began in 2008. In that year alone, lenders filed 2 million foreclosure proceedings and 1 million mortgage borrowers lost their homes. Experts from housing database RealtyTrac say that as many as 4 million households could receive foreclosure notices in 2010. Just because you receive a foreclosure notice, however, it doesn't mean you will necessarily lose your home.

The Federal government has instituted a number of refinancing and loan modification programs to help homeowners avoid the credit-crushing experience of foreclosure. At the website MakingHomeAffordable.gov, borrowers can see if they qualify for one of four key programs:
  • Home Affordable Refinancing -- This program makes it possible for homeowners whose properties are rapidly losing value to refinance their mortgage at a lower rate. This program is for borrowers who have remained current on mortgage payments until now.
  • Home Affordable Modification -- If your monthly mortgage payments surpass 31 percent of your monthly gross income and you've experienced significant hardship (loss of job, medical bills), the government can help negotiate an affordable new rate and payment plan with your lender.
  • Second Lien Modification Program -- Many Americans not only have first mortgages they can't afford, but second mortgages as well. Under this program, the government offers incentives to lenders to allow qualifying borrowers to have their second liens forgiven or interest rates lowered to 1 percent.
  • Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives -- If a borrower doesn't qualify for refinancing or loan modification, there is still a way to avoid the credit stain of foreclosure. The government will work with lenders to encourage a short sale (the home is sold for a loss, but at least the mortgage lender gets the proceeds) or something called a deed in lieu of foreclosure, in which the borrower voluntarily transfers the deed to the lender, but doesn't owe the remainder of the mortgage payments. In both cases, the government will supply the borrower with up to $3,000 to cover relocation expenses.
One important thing to remember is that foreclosures are lousy for lenders, too. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, it costs lenders more than $50,000 per home just to process the claim. Then the bank has to sell the home, which will likely go for a fraction of the original loan amount.
One last note on foreclosures: In today's mortgage climate, there is no reason to pay for mortgage counseling or loan modification services. In fact, the government warns that many of these services are scams. The Housing and Urban Development office runs the HOPE Hotline (888-995-HOPE), a toll-free number for any struggling homeowner who wants to avoid foreclosure.

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Private Mortgage Insurance

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) can help you snag the mortgage you want with a down payment of 20 percent or less. This is particularly helpful for younger buyers who haven't had the years to save but want to enjoy the tax benefits and investment aspects of home ownership. PMI is insurance that pays the mortgage in case you can't. It's protection for the lender, who is taking a greater risk with a borrower who has less equity. Lenders have discovered through experience and research that there is a definite correlation between the amount of money a borrower has put into the home and the rate of default on loans. The more equity in the home, the lower the rate of default.

Here is an example of how it works: If a couple has $10,000 in the bank, then they can buy a $50,000 home if they have to pay a 20 percent down payment. If they don't have to pay 20 percent, then that same $10,000 can be a 10 percent down payment on a $100,000 house or a 5 percent down payment on a $200,000 house. If they opt for the more expensive house, however, they have to pay for PMI. The costs for PMI are based on the loan amount. For a $100,000 loan with a 10 percent down payment, the average cost of PMI might be $40 per month.

In 1998, the Homeowners Protection Act established rules for mortgages signed on or after July 29, 1999, that require the automatic termination of PMI after you have reached 22 percent equity in the home, based on the original property value. You can also request that the PMI be dropped when you reach 20 percent if your mortgage was signed after that date. If your mortgage was signed prior to that date, you can request the cancellation of PMI once you've reached the magic 20 percent mark, but your lender isn't required by law to cancel it.

There are certain conditions that may make your loan an exception to this rule -- for example, if you haven't kept your payments current, if your loan is considered high-risk or if you have other liens on the property. Note that there are some states that have laws regarding early termination of PMI for those who signed mortgages before July 29, 1998.

What Are Closing Costs in Mortgage

What Are Closing Costs?

The total cost of a home mortgage is much more than just the monthly mortgage payments. Once a sales contract is signed, the closing process begins. As part of the closing, the deed and title are transferred to the buyer, title insurance and financing documents are exchanged and copies are delivered to the county recorder. Since the closing is a legal process, it often involves an attorney or at least a third-party escrow holder. All of these processes and professionals cost money, adding up to a surprisingly large sum known as the closing costs.

The amount of money you'll have to pay in closing costs varies a lot by region. If you live in a highly taxed area, for example, your closing costs will be higher. Also, realtors, lenders and attorneys have differing fee scales depending on the markets they work in. Typically, you will pay anywhere from 3 to 6 percent of your total loan amount in closing costs -- that means $3,000 to $6,000 if you get a $100,000 loan. You can and should shop around and negotiate the fees. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act requires lenders to provide you with a good faith estimate of closing costs within three days of receiving your application. As you can see from the list covering the next few pages, there are a lot of fees that you might be able to convince the lender to lower or drop. You may also be able to negotiate for the seller to pay some of the closing costs.

The fees for services involved in closing a mortgage fall into three categories: the actual cost of getting the loan, the fees involved in transferring ownership of the property and the taxes paid to state and local governments.

List of Closing Costs, Part I

Here are some of the major fees included closing costs:
  • Processing fee --This is what the lender charges to cover initial loan processing costs. It includes the application and credit report access fees. These charges are usually around $400 to $550. Something to watch for when comparing lenders: Sometimes the credit report fee will be listed separately from the processing fee.
  • Appraisal fee -- Because the lender wants to make sure the property is worth what you are paying for it, it requires an appraisal. An appraisal compares the value of the property to similar properties in the same neighborhood. These services are performed by independent appraisers and usually cost around $250 or more depending on the price of the property.
  • Origination fee -- In addition to the application or processing fee, the lender may also charge an origination fee. This covers the additional work the lender has to do when preparing your mortgage. The charge may be a flat fee or a percentage of the mortgage. If the fee is a percentage of the loan, then it is typically considered a "discount point" in disguise. This changes the tax implications and your costs, so be sure to ask the lender about this fee.
  • Discount points -- Buying discount points means that you're buying "down" the interest rate you'll be paying. One discount point equals 1 percent of the loan amount. These points are paid either when the loan is approved or at closing. Buying points can save a lot of money in interest payments over the life of the loan, so investigate it when you're shopping around. Some lenders will let you add the cost of the points to your mortgage, or you may have the option of paying for them up front. You can also deduct those points from your federal income tax. For more information about what is tax deductible, click here.
  • Document preparation fee -- This charge may be included in the application or attorney's fee. It pays for the preparation of the mound of documents that have to be prepared and is usually a flat rate, but can also be charged as a percentage of the loan amount -- usually less than 1 percent

List of Closing Costs, Part II

  • Attorney fees -- Both you and your lender will incur attorney fees. This charge ensures that your lawyer draws up the necessary documents and sets everything up properly for the closing. Your own closing attorney will represent your interests and may be present at, or may facilitate, the closing itself. The closing attorney collects all fees, transfers the deed to the buyer, pays outstanding taxes and utility bills, pays himself and all other closing costs and gives all remaining money to the seller. The attorney fees may range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the purchase price of the property and the complexity of the sale.
  • Home and pest inspections -- Your lender will probably require that the home be inspected to make sure it's both structurally sound and free of termites and other destructive insects. You may also have to have the water tested if the property uses a well rather than city tap water. In some areas, the water test means checking only the quantity of water available to the house, rather than the quality. If this is the case, you may want to have your own water quality test done.
  • Homeowner's and hazard insurance -- You'll have to have these policies in place (and the first year's premium prepaid) at the time of the closing in most states. This insurance protects your (and the lender's) investment if the house is destroyed.
  • Private mortgage insurance (PMI) -- If your down payment is less than 20 percent of the value of the house, you may be required to purchase mortgage insurance. This protects the lender in case you fail to make your mortgage payments. Premiums will usually be a part of your monthly mortgage payment and will be transferred into the same escrow account your taxes and homeowner's insurance fees are paid into. You have to pay these PMI premiums until you reach the 20 or 25 percent requirement -- or, they can go on for the life of the loan. (See the next section for more details on PMI.)
  • Surveys -- Many lenders will require that the land be independently surveyed. This is just to ensure that there haven't been any changes, like new structures or encroachments on the property, since the last survey. These usually run $250 to $500.

List of Closing Costs, Part III

  • Prepaid interest -- Although your first payment won't be due for six to eight weeks, the interest starts accruing the day you close the sale. The lender calculates the interest due for that fraction of a month before your first official mortgage payment. It's a good strategy to plan your closing for the end of the month to reduce the amount of prepaid interest you'll owe.
  • Deed recording fees -- These fees, usually around $50, pay the county clerk to record the deed and mortgage and change the billing information for property taxes.
  • Title search fees -- A title search ensures that the person saying he or she owns the property is the legitimate owner. A title company closely examines public records such as deeds, records of death, court judgments, liens, contests over wills and other documents that could affect ownership rights. This is an important step in closing your loan because it assures that there are no outside claims against the property. The fees charged for title searches, usually between $300 and $600, are based on a percentage of the property cost.
  • Title insurance -- If the title company misses something during the title search, you'll be glad you have title insurance. Title insurance protects you from having to pay the mortgage on a property you no longer legally own. Lenders require title insurance to protect their investment, but you may also want to get your own policy. Title insurance has only a onetime fee that covers your property for the entire length of time you or your heirs own it (usually 0.2 to 0.5 percent of the loan amount for lender's title insurance, and 0.3 to 0.6 percent for owner's title insurance). It's also one of the least expensive types of insurance. If the previous owner of the property owned it for only a few years, you may be able to get title insurance at a "re-issue" rate, which is usually lower than the regular rate.
  • Closing Taxes -- Depending on the state you live in, you will have to pay anywhere from three to eight (or more) months' taxes at the closing, or place the money in an escrow account for later payments throughout the year. These include prorated school taxes, municipal taxes and any other required taxes. In some cases, you may be able to split these taxes with the seller based on when they are due. For example, you would only pay taxes for the months following the closing date up until the date the taxes had to be paid. The seller would have to pay for the months up until the closing date.
 

What's the difference between Prequalification vs. Preapproval

Getting prequalified just means that you have told a lender your income level and your debt and credit information, and the lender has estimated what you can afford.

How to apply for Mortgage Application

Mortgage Application

A lender will look at your employment history and credit history as indicators of how likely you are to pay back your loan. Lenders want to see stability, which means they will look closely any late payments during the last two years of your credit history. They will pay particular attention to any rent or mortgage payments that were more than 30 days past due. They'll also look at late payments for credit cards during the last six months.

Stable income is also important. Lenders look for steady employment with a single employer for the past two years (or at least employment in the same field). Other income -- such as earnings from part-time or freelance work, overtime, bonuses or self-employment -- is also acceptable if it has a two-year history. If you don't meet the minimum requirements, that doesn't mean you'll never quality for a mortgage. You may just have to talk to more lenders or settle for a higher interest rate.
The entire credit market has been tight for several years now. Mortgage lenders give the best interest rates to borrowers with high credit scores (760 to 850) who can make a big down payment (10 to 20 percent)

Here is a typical list of the documents you need when applying for a mortgage:

  • Money for the closing costs
  • Completed sales contract signed by buyers and sellers
  • Social Security numbers of all applicants
  • Complete address for the past two years (including complete name and address of landlords for past 24 months)
  • Names, addresses and all income earned from all employers for past 24 months
  • W-2 forms for the two years prior to your loan application
  • Most recent pay stub showing year-to-date earnings
  • Names, addresses, account numbers, monthly payments and current balances for all loans and charge accounts
  • Names, addresses, account numbers and balances for all deposit accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks and bonds
  • The last three statements for deposit accounts, stocks and bonds
  • If you choose to include income from child support and/or alimony, bring copies of court records of cancelled checks showing receipt of payment.





Are you Qualifying for a Loan?

In order to qualify for a mortgage, most lenders require that you have a debt-to-income ratio of 28/36 (this can vary depending on the down payment and the type of loan you're getting, however). This means that no more than 28 percent of your total monthly income (from all sources and before taxes) can go toward housing, and no more than 36 percent of your monthly income can go toward your total monthly debt (this includes your mortgage payment). The debt they look at includes any longer-term loans like car loans, student loans, credit cards or any other debts that will take a while to pay off.

Here's an example of how the debt-to-income ratio works: Suppose you earn $35,000 per year and are looking at a house that would require a mortgage of $800 per month. According to the 28 percent limit for your housing, you could afford a payment of $816 per month, so the $800 per month this house will cost is fine (27 percent of your gross income). Suppose, however, you also have a $200 monthly car payment and a $115 monthly student loan payment. You have to add those to the $800 mortgage to find out your total debt. These total $1,115, which is roughly 38 percent of your gross income. That makes your housing-to-debt ratio 27/38. Lenders typically use the lesser of the two numbers, in this case the 28 percent $816 limit, but you may have to come up with a bigger down payment or negotiate with the lender.

You also have to think about what you can afford. The lender will tell you what you can afford based on the lower number in the debt-to-income ratio, but that's not taking any of your regular expenses (like food) into account. What if you have an expensive hobby or have plans for something that will require a lot of money in five years? Your lender doesn't know about that, so the $1,400 mortgage it says you qualify for today may not fit your actual budget in five years -- particularly if you don't see your income increasing too much over that period. Take a look at this calculator to see how much house you can afford based on your current income.

In general, it's more difficult to qualify for a mortgage now than it was during the housing boom, when just about any motivated home buyer could find credit -- even many who couldn't afford to buy a house. In the next section, we'll explain what kind of credit history and income capacity you'll need to pass the lender's background check.

What is Origination Fee in Mortgage

The origination fee is how lenders make money up front on your mortgage loan. Origination fees are calculated as a percentage of the total loan, usually between 0.5 and 1 percent on U.S. mortgages. Going back to our APR example, let's say that the second lender charges a 3 percent origination fee, plus an application fee and other costs totaling $3,820 at closing. That brings the new loan amount down to $96,180, which yields an APR of 7.39 percent. So there you have it: Although the second lender advertised no points, it ended up with a higher APR because of its steep origination fee.
The take home message is simple: Don't just look at the interest rate. Ask for the APR and compare it with other lenders. Also, make sure you know which fees are being included in the APR calculation. Typically, these include origination fees, points, buy down fees, prepaid mortgage interest, mortgage insurance premiums, application fees and underwriting costs. But note that some fees are charged by all lenders and are non-negotiable, such as title insurance and appraisals.
Luckily, you don't have to calculate the APR on your own. The lender will give it to you when it gives you the Federal Truth in Lending Disclosure; you just have to understand its importance.
Here are some other things to take into account when you examine the APR:
  • The more you borrow, the less impact all of those fees will have on the APR, since the APR is calculated based on the total loan amount.
  • The length of time you're actually in the home before you sell or refinance directly influences the effective interest rate you ultimately get. For example, if you move or refinance after three years instead of 30, after having paid two points at the loan closing, your effective interest rate for the loan is much higher than if you stay for the full loan term.

How to calculate Annual percentage rate (APR)

Probably one of the most confusing things about mortgages and other loans is the calculation of interest. With variations in compounding, terms and other factors, it's hard to compare apples to apples when comparing mortgages. Sometimes it seems like we're comparing apples to grapefruits.
For example, what if you want to compare a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7 percent with one point to a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6 percent with one-and-a-half points? First, you have to remember to also consider the fees and other costs associated with each loan. How can you accurately compare the two? Luckily, there's a way to do that. Lenders are required by the Federal Truth in Lending Act to disclose the effective percentage rate, as well as the total finance charge in dollars.

The annual percentage rate (APR) that you hear so much about allows you to make true comparisons of the actual costs of loans. The APR is the average annual finance charge (which includes fees and other loan costs) divided by the amount borrowed. It is expressed as an annual percentage rate -- hence the name. The APR will be slightly higher than the interest rate the lender is charging because it includes all (or most) of the other fees that the loan carries with it, such as the origination fee, points and PMI premiums.

Here's an example of how the APR works. You see an advertisement offering a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7 percent with one point. You see another advertisement offering a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7 percent with no points. Easy choice, right? Actually, it isn't. Fortunately, the APR considers all of the fine print.

Say you need to borrow $100,000. With either lender, that means that your monthly payment is $665.30. If the point is 1 percent of $100,000 ($1,000), the application fee is $25, the processing fee is $250, and the other closing fees total $750, then the total of those fees ($2,025) is deducted from the actual loan amount of $100,000 ($100,000 - $2,025 = $97,975). This means that $97,975 is the new loan amount used to figure the true cost of the loan. To find the APR, you determine the interest rate that would equate to a monthly payment of $665.30 for a loan of $97,975. In this case, it's really 7.2 percent.

So the second lender is the better deal, right? Not so fast. Keep reading to learn about the relation between APR and origination fees.