Real Estate Broker

Halstead Property | Halstead: Manhattan Real Estate Brokers NYC residential property listings New York City By Web ID # By Address For Agent By Keyword New Listings Properties for Sale Properties for Rent Open Houses Featured Properties Sales Developments Rental Developments About Project Marketing View All Faces View By Last Name View By First Name View By Office View By Languages Spoken Manhattan Brooklyn Services for Individuals Broker Referrals Corp. & Relocation Mgt. Companies The Halstead Relocation Team Why Halstead Relocation? Recent Press Market Reports Buyer's Guide Renter's Guide Glossary of Terms Who are we? Why Halstead? Property Mgmt. History Executives Terra Holdings Marketing Offices Contact Us halstead today -- -- Happy Holidays from Halstead Property To all of our friends and family, to all of our customers and clients in and around New York and to all who visit Halstead.com: have a happy and peaceful holiday season. We wish you all a joyful and prosperous New Year, and look forward to serving you in 2006 and beyond. featured new development 50 Madison is where the best of old New York meets new. Rising on the corner of the elegant Madison Square Park, this luxury condominium combines a restored 1898 mansion with a new 8-story tower skillfully designed by the renowned firm of Platt Byard Dovell White. View Website publications and reports Halstead Property publishes extensive resources for customers interested in buying, selling or renting property in the New York area. Read our latest publication View all Halstead publications featured properties 433 EAST 51ST STREET Midtown East $5,250,000 1965 BROADWAY Upper West Side $2,465,000 240 RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD Upper West Side $2,800 View all Featured Properties log into my halstead Sign up for My Halstead | What is it? Username: Password: 30 Year Fix 5.125% 5.49% Provided by --

Sell House

Preparing to sell a house quickly Geta Free Home Valuation Now Preparing To Sell Your House Quickly What makes one house go on the market, have anumber of showings in the first week and have a contract in place shortly thereafter, while an apparently similarhouse sits on the market for months? Of course, luck may have a little to do with it, but there is a good chancethat the quick selling house (and its owner) was prepared to sell while the other house and owner were not. Althoughpricing is a very important factor ( see thediscussion on that topic ) there are other issuesthat will have a great deal of effect on whether or not you have a quick sale. 5 Steps for Helping Your House to Sell Quickly Prepare yourself to sell your house . Do yourbest to see the house, no longer as your home, but as a product to be marketed. This takes some work, especiallyif you have been in the home for a number of years and have many memories there, but it is necessary if you wantto maximize your potential. Consider a professional whole house inspection .An inspection will most likely uncover any major defects before they can cause trouble with a potential buyer.It also is a signal to buyers that you are a responsible seller. Prepare the house . Stand back and look at your house as objectively as possible. Would you buy this home?Ask friends and neighbors to do the same, asking them to be totally honest. Overlooking flaws could cost you money!Get them fixed before you put the house on the market. Do what is necessary to make your house stand out from the competition . Make certain that your house is fresher, cleaner, and better maintained. Familiarizeyourself with effective marketing and advertising techniques. Remove most of the "imprint" that you have made on the house . Having a few family pictures around is fine, but if your house is a "shrine"to your family--walls full of personal pictures--you should take some steps to depersonalize it. Buyers must beable to envision themselves in the house, which is nearly impossible if everywhere they turn they stare at you! Sell Your Home on YourOwn RELATED TOPICS Preparing theHouse Pre-listing houseinspection Evaluation and Feedback HOME | Checklist | To-Do Lists | Set a Value | By Owner | With an Agent | Preparation | Showtime | Research | More Links

Colorado Real Estate is

DURANGO REAL ESTATE - REALTY IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO - MOUNTAIN, RANCH, COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN FOUR CORNERS AREA OF CO - DON RICEDORFF Residential Listings Multifamily Listings Commercial Listings Land Listings Farm / Ranch Listings Virtual Tours Search Listings Toll Free: 800-955-0259 | Office: 970-259-6680 | E-mail: info@durangorealproperty.com Real Estate In Durango Colorado Putting You First Is Our Promise. Buying or selling a home can be a stressful, time-consuming process. You need an experienced real estate agent whose primary goal is your satisfaction; a dedicated, reliable expert to assist you with all of the details associated with your transaction. Durango Colorado Real Estate is my full time business. Raised in Southwest Colorado, I have a complete knowledge of Durango, Bayfield, Hesperus, Ignacio & Hermosa residential, vacant land, ranches and commercial properties. We have access to all the listings offered in the Durango M.L.S. (Multiple Listing Service). My corporate background coupled with my real estate experience combines to give you the highest professional service. Let Durango Real Property and the Don Ricedorff real estate team help you buy or sell your Colorado home, land or business! Experience Does Make a Difference Wells Group Sales Volume Leader for 1996-2004 Top 2% in Volume, La Plata County Realtors Salesperson of the year from 1996-2004 Education - B.A. Fort Lewis College No other real estate broker has received as many national real estate designations! Realtor, Broker, G.R.I, C.R.S., C.R.B., C.C.I.M. & A.B.R. Featured PropertY Gorgeous Animas Valley location Horse Property Pond & Irrigation Beautiful 5580 sqft home 3.79 acres See More Information and Photos Visitors currently online: 7 Residential Listings | Multifamily Listings | Commercial Listings | Land Listings | Virtual Tours | Search Listings | About Us Durango Information | Durango Weather | Contact Us | Home Page Site Development ©2001-2004 Electric Sage Designs Contact the Webmaster Additional Sites of Interest P7 MenuMagic dwt Control Layer -Do Not Alter

Buy Home

Amazon.com: Home Alone: DVD: Macaulay Culkin,Joe Pesci,Daniel Stern,John Heard,Roberts Blossom,Catherine O'Hara,Angela Goethals,Devin Ratray,Gerry Bamman,Terrie Snell,Hillary Wolf,Larry Hankin,Michael C. Maronna,Kristin Minter,Daiana Campeanu,Jedidiah Cohen,Kieran Culkin,Senta Moses,Anna Slotky,John Candy,Chris Columbus Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! Top 10 Best Christmas Movies : A list by "mjp260" Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 64 used & new from $11.00 Available for in-store pickup now from: $14.99 Price may vary based on availability Enter your ZIP Code Have one to sell? Home Alone (1990) Starring: Macaulay Culkin , Joe Pesci Director: Chris Columbus Rating: See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $19.98 Price: $12.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $6.99 (35%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Want it delivered Tuesday, January 3? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. See details 64 used & new available from $11.00 Edition: Other Versions and Languages Other Versions (DVD) List Price Price Other Offers: DVD Home Alone/Home Alone 2: Lost in New York $29.98 2 used & new from $59.99 DVD Home Alone Better Together Buy this DVD with Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York DVD ~ Macaulay Culkin today! Total List Price: $39.96 Buy Together Today: $25.98 Customers who bought this DVD also bought Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York DVD ~ Macaulay Culkin National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition) DVD ~ Chevy Chase The Santa Clause (Widescreen Special Edition) DVD ~ Tim Allen A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition) DVD ~ Yano Anaya Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Video , and in Music Storyline Genres: Comedy , Crime , Family Tagline: A Family Comedy Without The Family. Plot Outline: An eight year-old, who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas, has to defend his home against idiotic burglars. Plot Synopsis: 8-year-old Kevin McAllister is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. Once he realizes they've left him home by himself, Kevin learns to fend for himself, and eventually has to protect his house against bumbling burglars Harry and Marv, who are planning to rob every house in Kevin's suburban Chicago neighborhood. Kevin's mother Kate is frantic when she realizes that she and the family have unintentionally left Kevin behind in Chicago, and she tries to make it back to Chicago as fast as she can, getting help from a polka band leader named Gus Polinski. Plot Keywords: Blockbuster | Burglary | Christmas | Family | Home Alone | Kid Outsmarts Adult | Kids And Family | Famous Score | Booby Trap | Title Spoken By Character | Chicago Illinois | (Show all 97 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Macaulay Culkin , Joe Pesci , Daniel Stern , John Heard , Roberts Blossom , See more Directors: Chris Columbus Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Widescreen, Ntsc, Widescreen Letterbox Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: Studio: 20th Century Fox DVD Release Date: October 5, 1999 Run Time: 103 minutes Average Customer Review: Based on 142 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B00000K3CL Amazon.com Sales Rank: #243 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: November 16, 1990 MPAA: Production Company: 20th Century Fox USA Box Office: $286 Million Worldwide Box Office: $534 Million Budget Estimate: $15 Million Filming Locations: 656 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, Illinois, USA| 671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, Illinois, USA| Chicago, Illinois, USA| Evanston, Illinois, USA| Grace Episcopal Church - 924 Lake St., Oak Park, Illinois, USA| Haven Middle School - 2417 Prairie Ave., Evanston, Illinois, USA| Highland Park, Illinois, USA| Hubbard Woods Metra Station - 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA| O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, USA| Panera Bread Company--formerly Hubbard Woods Pharmacy - 940 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Illinois, USA| Paris, France| Trinity Methodist Church - 1024 W. Lake Ave., Wilmette, Illinois, USA| Wilmette, Illinois, USA| Winnetka, Illinois, USA Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Now and forever a favorite among kids, this 1990 comedy written by John Hughes ( The Breakfast Club ) and directed by Chris Columbus ( Mrs. Doubtfire ) ushered Macaulay Culkin onto the screen as a troubled 8-year-old who doesn't comfortably mesh with his large family. He's forced to grow a little after being accidentally left behind when his folks and siblings fly off to Paris. A good-looking boy, Culkin lights up the screen during several funny sequences, the most famous of which finds him screaming for joy when he realizes he's unsupervised in his own house. A bit wooden with dialogue, the then-little star's voice could grate on the nerves (especially in long, wise-child passages of pure bromide), but he unquestionably carries the film. Billie Bird and John Candy show up as two of the interesting strangers Culkin's character meets. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are entertainingly cartoonish as thieves, but the ensuing violence once the little hero decides to keep them out of his house is over-the-top. --Tom Keogh Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Home Alone 3 DVD ~ Alex D. Linz It's a Wonderful Life DVD ~ James Stewart Miracle on 34th Street DVD ~ Maureen O'Hara The Santa Clause 2 - The Mrs. Clause (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Tim Allen Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music , and in Video Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 8 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Christmas Alone is a Laugher , February 9, 2004 Reviewer: rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews This Christmas classic is so enjoyable, due to the engagement between Kevin and two superb burglars (ala Pesci and Stern). In my view, these two burglars make it the great comedy that it is. There expressiveness in being duped by the redhead protecting his family home is creative and simply good comedy to enjoy. The neighbor with the shovel is another outstanding character that pops up in key spots in the plotline. Candy is so-so as the polka king. The mother played by O'Hara is authentic too in her concern, and the rest are just support cast in this. The plot is possible due to the setup of the busy family preparing for the trip with all the chaos and Kevin being somewhat of a sore-thumb in all this. The results are a howl! Enjoy watching this periodically over the years. Too my way of thinking, this makes a movie truly great, its ability to have lasting power. This might be one of those that endures the fads and all that make many flicks ok, but would one buy them or rent them or watch them again? Likely not. But this, this one I've did all three, finally purchasing a copy for our own collection. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 8 of 9 people found the following review helpful: Be Careful What You Wish For! , October 31, 2002 Reviewer: L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (fountain valley, ca United States) - See all my reviews This review refers to the VHS(20th Cent Fox) edition... Second grader Kevin McCalister(Macaulay Culkin) is having a REALLY bad day. His family(including cousins, Aunt and Uncle) is getting ready to leave on a Christmas vacation to Paris. There's lots of activity, he is the youngest. He feel's picked on(and he is),and brushed aside. He has to actually do things for himself, unheard of in his 8 yr old world.His older brother scares him with stories of the neighbor being "The Shovel Murderer". He wishes they would all "JUST GO AWAY". The next morning he awakes to discover his wish came true. Jubilant he immediatly preceeds to do all the things he's not allowed to. Meanwhile, halfway across "The Pond", to Paris, his parents make the grim discovery that they have accidentally left him behind. Panic sets in! With the feeling of worry and guilt only known to parents, his mom(Catherine O'Hara) makes a hasty retreat back to the states, hitting road blocks all the way. Kevin settles in to life alone, waivering between being a kid and the responiblities of the household chores.Lurking around his house though, are two bumbling cat burglers(Joe Pesci/Daniel Stern).Kevin must protect his domain. He goes about setting his plan into motion,using whatever available means to thwart the bad guys.He also gets a little help from a surprise source. What follows is very funny, kind of three stooges action, as the burglers fall into every trap he sets for them. Kevin learns several lessons in his time alone. One is that he really loves his family,that he can take care of himself, and not to judge others. The music by John Williams,including lots of seasonal classics, will leave you singing Christmas songs, whatever time of year you watch it. Directed By Chris Columbus who really makes you root for the good guys. The supporting cast includes,John Heard, Roberts Blossom, and Hilary Wolfe.Look for the wonderful John Candy as "The Polka King". "Home Alone" will have you laughing throughout.It is a funny,sometimes poignant story, that will be enjoyed year after year by the whole family. There are 2 sequels,the first has most of the same cast returning to do it again, this time in New York City! The VHS has a very good picture. It is in Dolby Surround Stereo,(nice for the soundtrack). Have fun...........Laurie Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Never knew Christmas could be this fun! , December 26, 2005 Reviewer: Kirs Mabitad "AnGeLkirs" (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews First of all, the main thing about this movie is the irresponsibility of the parents. It angered me to know how they could just forget about their son like that. Overall, I thought McCauly Culkin was really great. He acted very naturally for a 9-year-old boy. The whole plot is fun for all ages. The music was very nice too. It gives you a christmas feel but at the same time, it makes you feel the cunningness of Kevin. I found it a very interesting movie...watch it! Kirstie Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Being Left Alone is like a Christmas Gift! , December 24, 2005 Reviewer: Massacre "Weird Al" (Dracut) - See all my reviews Way Better than the 4 and 3! Two Burglurs that break in a house of a 8 year old smart cookie boy is just funny Enuff! Get this for Christmas if you don't have it! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) HOME ALONE IS A HYSTARICALLY FUNNY MOVIE , December 6, 2005 Reviewer: BENJAMIN SANTINO FILIPPI "BENJAMIN" (BRECKSVILLE OHIO USA) - See all my reviews HOME ALONE IS A HYSTARICALLY FUNNY MOVIE DANIEL STERN AND JOE PESCI ARE HYSTARICALLY FUNNY YOU COULD OWN IT ON VIDEO CASSETTE AND YOU COULD OWN IT ON DVD IT'S VERY FUNNY PLEASE EMAIL ME bsfilippi@sbcglobal.net BENJAMIN SANTINO FILIPPI BRECKSVILLE OHIO Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 0 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Its a fun christmas family film but is not great , December 6, 2005 Reviewer: Jake - See all my reviews Home Alone is one of the top grosing films ever and is a family classic but it's not a great film. Yes the film is funny and it's a fun family film for the whole family but it's not a great film. Maybe I dont find it great becouse I've seen it so maney times and i dont find the traps funny anymore(I liekd the traps in the sequal better). The story is un beievale as a boy is left home alone by mistake during christmas and he sets the house full of traps to catch 2 bumbling robbers. Culkien is great and Stern and Pesi are funny. The movie is a good christmas film. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 142 customer reviews... Listmania! Favorite Movies 1989-1999 Part... : by "crgreen06172" 25 Cool Pre-Teen Kid Movies : by K. Ellis "kjjcellis" Top 10 Best Christmas Movies : by "mjp260" So You'd Like to... know the movies I like to watch : by Chris , As I said they are mostly comedies make your christmas DVD collection : by ldaman , DVD collector See Yet Another Essential Christmas Viewing List : by Devin Melancon , Cinema buff who won't shut up Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Awards Click here to see more Awards American Comedy Awards, USA: American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) BMI Film & TV Awards: BMI Film Music Award British Comedy Awards: British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film Casting Society of America, USA: Artios for Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy Chicago Film Critics Association Awards: CFCA Award for Most Promising Actor Golden Screen, Germany: Golden Screen Young Artist Awards: Young Artist Award for Most Entertaining Family Youth Motion Picture - Comedy/Action, Best Young Actor Starring in a Motion Picture Nominations Click here to see more Nominations Academy Awards, USA: Oscar for Best Music, Original Score, Best Music, Original Song Golden Globes, USA: Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical Young Artist Awards: Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Trivia Click here to see more Trivia The concept for this movie originated during the filming of a scene in Uncle Buck in which Macaulay Culkin plays a character who interrogates a would-be-babysitter through a letterbox. The movie that Kevin watches on video tape is not a real film, but footage especially created. It was called "Angels With Filthy Souls." Goofs Click here to see more Goofs Harry protects his burnt hand with a handkerchief when he climbs along the rope towards the tree house, but alternating shots show the tail of the handkerchief either sticking out or not. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections Followed by: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York | Home Alone 3 Alternate Versions Click here to see more Alternate Versions Television airings edited the following: Kevin saying that Fuller will pee all over him after explaining to Kate that Fuller wets the bed; Kevin calling Harry and Marv "horse's ass"; when everyone glares at Kevin after the dinner accident, the second scene with Peter and Buzz looking at him was removed. Quotes Click here to see more Quotes Kevin McCallister : This is my house, I have to defend it. [to the Scranton Ticket Agent] Kate McCallister : This is *Christmas*. The season of perpetual hope. And I don't care if I have to get out on your runway and hitchhike. If it costs me everything I own, if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I am going to get home to my son. For more information about "Home Alone" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Look for similar items by category Browse similar items in: DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( B ) > Blossom, Roberts DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( C ) > Culkin, Kieran DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( C ) > Culkin, Macaulay DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( H ) > Hankin, Larry DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( H ) > Heard, John DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( M ) > Minter, Kristin DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( O ) > O'Hara, Catherine DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( P ) > Pesci, Joe DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( S ) > Stern, Daniel DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( W ) > Wolf, Hillary DVD > Directors > ( C ) > Columbus, Chris DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Mischievous Children DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Nothing Goes Right DVD > Genres > Comedy > Domestic Comedies DVD > Genres > Comedy > General DVD > Genres > Comedy > Series & Sequels > Home Alone DVD > Genres > Comedy > Slapstick DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > 10-12 Years DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > 7-9 Years DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > By Theme > Christmas DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > By Theme > Mischievous Children DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > Comedy DVD > Genres > Kids & Family > Family Films Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. Propose corrections using our Online Catalog Update Form . The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Pet Supplies Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Automotive for Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Room | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1996-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

home equity loan or

FRB: Putting Your Home on the Loan Line Is Risky Business ESPAÑOL Are you in need of cash? Do you want to consolidate your debts? Are you receiving home equity loan or refinancing offers that seem too good to be true? Does your home need repairs that contractors tell you can be easily financed? If you are a homeowner who needs money to pay bills or for home repairs, you may think a home equity loan is the answer. But not all loans and lenders are the same--you should shop around. The cost of doing business with high-cost lenders can be excessive and, sometimes, downright abusive. For example, certain lenders--often called "predatory lenders"--target homeowners who have low incomes or credit problems or who are elderly by deceiving them about loan terms or giving them loans they cannot afford to repay. Borrowing from an unscrupulous lender, especially one who offers you a high-cost loan using your home as security, is risky business. You could lose your home and your money. Before you sign on the line, Think about your options Do your homework Think twice before you sign Know that you have rights under the law Think about Your Options If you’re having money problems, consider these options before you put your home on the loan line. Talk with your creditors or with representatives of non-profit or other reputable credit or budget counseling organizations to work out a plan that reduces your bill payments to a more manageable level. Contact your local social service agency, community or religious groups, and local or state housing agencies. They may have programs that help consumers, including the elderly and those with disabilities, with energy bills, home repairs, or other emergency needs. Contact a local housing counseling agency to discuss your needs. Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development toll-free at 800-569-4287 or visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm to find a center near you. Talk with someone other than the lender or broker offering the loan who is knowledgeable and you trust before making any decisions. Remember, if you decide to get a home equity loan and can’t make the payments, the lender could foreclose and you would lose your home. If you decide a loan is right for you, talk with several lenders, including at least one bank, savings and loan, or credit union in your community. Their loans may cost less than loans from finance companies. And don’t assume that if you’re on a fixed income or have credit problems, you won’t qualify for a loan from a bank, savings and loan, or credit union--they may have the loan you want! Do Your Homework Contact several lenders--and be very careful about dealing with a lender who just appears at your door, calls you, or sends you mail. Ask friends and family for recommendations of lenders. Talk with banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and other lenders. If you choose to use a mortgage broker, remember they arrange loans but most do not lend directly. Compare their offers with those of other direct lenders. Be wary of home repair contractors that offer to arrange financing. You should still talk with other lenders to make sure you get the best deal. You may want to have the loan proceeds sent directly to you, not the contractor. Comparison shop. Comparing loan plans can help you get a better deal. Whether you begin your shopping by reading ads in your local newspapers, searching on the Internet, or looking in the phone book, ask lenders to explain the best loan plans they have for you. Beware of loan terms and conditions that may mean higher costs for you. Get answers to these questions and use the worksheet to compare loan plans: Interest Rate and Payments What are the monthly payments? Ask yourself if you can afford them. What is the annual percentage rate (APR) on the loan? The APR is the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. You can use the APR to compare one loan with another. Will the interest rate change during the life of the loan? If so, when, how often, and by how much? Term of Loan How many years will you have to repay the loan? Is this a loan or a line of credit? A loan is for a fixed amount of money for a specific period of time; a line of credit is an amount of money you can draw as you need it. Is there a balloon payment--a large single payment at the end of the loan term after a series of low monthly payments? When the balloon payment is due, you must pay the entire amount. Points and Fees What will you have to pay in points and fees? One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount (1 point on a $10,000 loan is $100). Generally, the higher the points, the lower the interest rate. If points and fees are more than 5 percent of the loan amount, ask why. Traditional financial institutions normally charge between 1 and 3 percent of the loan amount in points and fees. Are any of the application fees refundable if you don’t get the loan? How and how much will the the lender or broker be paid? Lenders and brokers may charge points or fees that you must pay at closing or add on to the cost of your loan, or both. Penalties What is the penalty for late or missed payments? What is the penalty if you pay off or refinance the loan early (that is, is there a pre-payment penalty)? Credit Insurance Does the loan package include optional credit insurance, such as credit life, disability, or unemployment insurance? Depending on the type of policy, credit insurance can cover some or all of your payments if you can't make them. Understand that you don’t have to buy optional credit insurance--that’s why it’s called “optional.” Don’t buy insurance you don’t need. Credit insurance may be a bad deal for you, especially if the premiums are collected up-front at the closing and financed as part of the loan. If you want optional credit insurance, ask if you can pay for it on a monthly basis after the loan is approved and closed. With monthly insurance premiums, you don't pay interest and you can decide to cancel if the premiums are too high or if you believe you no longer want the insurance. After you have answers to these questions, start negotiating with more than one lender. Don’t be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete for your business by letting them know you are shopping for the best deal. Ask each lender to lower the points, fees, or interest rate. And ask each to meet--or beat--the terms of the other lenders. Once You’ve Selected a Lender, Get the Following A “Good Faith Estimate” of all loan charges. The estimate must be sent within 3 days of applying. Blank copies of the forms you’ll sign at closing, when the loan is final. Study them. If you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation. Advance copies of the forms you’ll sign at closing with the terms filled in. A week or two before closing, contact the lender to find out if there have been any changes in the Good Faith Estimate. By law, you can inspect the final settlement statement (also called the HUD-1 or HUD-1A form) one day prior to closing. Study these forms. Write down any questions you want to ask. Think Twice before You Sign Have a knowledgeable friend, relative, attorney, or housing counselor review the Good Faith Estimate and other loan papers before you sign the loan contract. Be sure the terms are the same ones you agreed to. For example, a lender should not promise one APR and then--without good reason--increase it at closing. Refer to the list of questions you’ve written down. Ask where these terms are covered in the loan contract. And ask for an explanation of any dollar amount or term you don’t understand. Don’t let anyone rush you into signing the loan contract. Make sure all promises, oral and otherwise, are put in writing. It’s only what’s in writing that counts. Get a copy of the documents you signed before you leave the closing. Don’t Sign on the Dotted Line if the Lender … Tells you to falsify information on the loan application (for example, suggests that you write down more income than you really have). Pressures you into applying for a loan for more money than you need, or one that has monthly payments larger than you can afford. Promises one set of terms but gives you another with no good reason for the change. Tells you to sign blank forms or forms that aren't completely filled in. If an item is supposed to be blank, draw a line through the space and initial it. Pressures you to sign today. A good deal today should be available tomorrow. Know that You Have Rights under the Law You Have 3 Business Days to Cancel the Loan If you're using your home as security for a home equity loan (or for a second mortgage loan or a line of credit), federal law gives you 3 business days after signing the loan papers to cancel the deal--for any reason--without penalty. You must cancel in writing. The lender must return any money you have paid to date. Do You Think You've Made a Mistake? Has the 3-day period during which you may cancel passed and you're worried that you've gotten in over your head? Do you think your loan fees were too high? Do you believe you were steered into monthly payments you can't afford? Has your lender repeatedly pressured you to refinance? Is your loan covered by insurance you don't need or want? If you think you've been taken advantage of, state and federal laws may protect you. Also, the following organizations may be able to help: Your local or state bar association--sometimes listed under "Lawyers Referral Service" in the Yellow Pages of your phone book. The association may be able to refer you to low-cost or no-cost lawyers who can help. Your local consumer protection agency, state attorney general’s office, or state office on aging, listed in the Blue Pages of your phone book. Your local fair housing group or affordable housing agency, housing counseling agency, or state housing agency. You can learn more about credit and home equity loans by visiting the federal government’s web site for consumers, www.consumer.gov (see the Home and Community section). If you don’t have access to the Internet, ask a friend or relative to get the information for you. Or visit your local library or senior center, which may offer you free access to the Internet on their computers. For More Information State Banks that Are Members of the Federal Reserve System Division of Consumer and Community Affairs Mail Stop 801 Federal Reserve Board Washington, DC 20551 (202) 452-3693 www.federalreserve.gov Federally Insured State Non-Member Banks and Savings Banks Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Consumer Response Center 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 (877) 275-3342 www.fdic.gov National Banks and National Bank-Owned Mortgage Companies Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Customer Assistance Group 1301 McKinney Street Suite 3450 Houston, TX 77010 (800) 613-6743 www.occ.treas.gov Federally Insured Savings and Loan Institutions and Federally Chartered Savings Banks Office of Thrift Supervision Consumer Programs 1700 G Street, N.W., 6th Floor Washington, DC 20552 (800) 842-6929 www.ots.treas.gov Federal Credit Unions National Credit Union Administration Office of Public and Congressional Affairs 1775 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 518-6330 www.ncua.gov For state-chartered credit unions, contact your state's regulatory agency. Mortgage Companies and Other Lenders Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20580 (877) FTC-HELP (877-382-4357, toll free) www.ftc.gov Other Information Sources U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Housing and Civil Enforcement Section, NWB Washington, DC 20580 (202) 514-4713 www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/index.html Federal Housing Finance Board 1777 F Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 (202) 408-2500 www.fhfb.gov Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20410 800-669-9777 (voice) 800-927-9275 (TTY) www.hud.gov Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) 1700 G Street, N.W. 4th Floor Washington, DC 20552 (202) 414-6922 www.ofheo.gov Adobe acrobat version of text for printing (119 KB PDF) is formatted for printing on two sides of a 11 x 17" sheet of paper. Fold the paper in half. The PDF contains a fillable area on the back panel for you to provide your own contact information. Worksheet for printing (58 KB PDF) Obtaining the Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Web Site This information was prepared by the following federal agencies: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Housing Finance Board, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, National Credit Union Administration, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Office of Thrift Supervision. Home | Brochures Accessibility | Contact us Last update: March 24, 2004