Buy property in Spain

Foreign currency for buying property abroad | Currency for Property purchase overseas | Cheap currency rates Forex Brokers Treasury Services Foreign exchange Bureau de change Currency Exchange for purchasing proerty overseas, buying currency at the correct exchange rate can save you lots of money when exchanging money for buying a property abroad. Real time exchange rates convert Sterling to Euro for buying a house in Spain or purchasing property in Ireland. Purchase Foreign Currency for buying Property abroad. Foreign currency exchange rate to convert UK pounds Sterling to US Dollars for buying property in American. Exchange currency for any country that you wish to buy a house abroad in, check out our no commission cheap exchange rates. Sterling - Euro exchange rate for property in Europe and Sterling to US Dollar exchange for property in America. No commission exchange rate and cheap currency rate for buying property abroad. Foreign currrency for purchasing Overseas Property Get a currency quote for a foreign property and see how much you can save! Freephone 0800 953 1384 or Click here to request a currency quote An increasing number of UK residents buy properties abroad , either as a holiday home or as a retirement home. All sorts of houses are purchased abroad from Villa's in Spain - for the sun, Chalet's in the Alps, Gite's in France , Italian farmhouses, second homes in Cyprus to West Indian beach houses. Buying property overseas has become easier and the proposition of cheaper airline flights has made accessing an overseas property more affordable. As well as purchasing properties in France, buying properties in Spain and buying properties in Italy, people are now widening the net buying properties all over the World. People fund the purchase of a foreign property in many different ways. People retiring abroad usually sell their home in the UK to fund their dream retirement home in the sun. Some people have funds available to make an outright purchase of a property abroad. Others use a mortgage to buy an overseas property. However more and more people are finding that their UK home has lots of equity in it. It is straightforward to remortgage in the UK and so many people are buying a property overseas by releasing cash from the equity of their home. When buying a property abroad the period of completion may be over a period of months and a Fixed Term Forward Contract or a Forward Time Option Contract may be helpful to protect against the vagaries of the foreign currency markets. A small deposit will secure a fixed rate for a period of time and hedge against any changes in the currency exchange rate. A small change in the foreign currency rate could have a dramatic effect on the cost of the purchase of a property abroad. The Xchange Business can help you buy your property overseas by offering competitive cheap exchange rates. The Vendor will have to be paid in local currency and the Xchange Business will be happy to provide a quotation for your foreign currency needs. We can help private individuals purchasing their overseas property and we can help agencies by providing their clients an excellent service and competitive Foreign Exchange rates. FREEPHONE 0800 95301384 or email: Foreign currency for property purchase and we will send you a quote. Remember: We don't charge fees for transactions over 5000. Our rates for currency exchange are cheap - they compare favourably against high street banks and other sources. We offer you total security for all receipts and payments of currency. Foreign Currency for buying Property abroad. Buy property in Spain and change Sterling - Euros. Purchasing property in Florida or throughout America, exchange Sterling to Dollars. Funding property in France may require a Euro transfer form Sterling to Euro for French currency. The A-Z of buying a property Abroad There are many things to be considered and planned for before you can buy your dream home abroad. Whether you are buying a retirement home an investment property or a much deserved holiday home in the sun. Many people are lucky enough to have capital to release for buying a property abroad, others finance the project with some form of loan or mortgage. Now is a good time to buy property in Spain as European interest rates are low and there is a wide selection of property options available, from developed plots, farmhouses and village locations, through to villas, townhouses and new apartment developments. However and wherever you purchase your property there are some underlying principles to help you make the right decision. We have outlined some of them below and we have also listed some country specific advice for buying a property in Spain, buying property in Florida and buying property in France. Many other countries are becoming more popular and we see people buying properties in Estonia, purchasing properties in Bulgaria and buying properties in Italy. Location, location, location. This well worn maxim is as important when buying a property abroad as it is when buying at home. Research, research, research should also be a watchword. It is easy to get carried away with yourselves on your annual holiday. You're enjoying the resort so much you want to buy into it. Before making a life changing decision consider all your options and make a plan of action. Take a Holiday A holiday in the area under consideration will tell you a lot about the area where you want to buy a property. Be careful not to view it all with rose tinted glasses and try and picture the area on a quiet day off season. Are the facilities that you require on hand ? Do the shops suit your needs? These and many other questions will be answered later. A good way of getting an inside line is to ask those that have done it before. Many popular areas have a large ex-pat community to ask about the area. Estate Agents When buying a property abroad the advice of an estate agent may prove to be invaluable. Find an established company that will offer advice and not a hard sell. The whole process of buying a property abroad can be burdened with rules and regulations Make sure you have a good lawyer with an excellent command of English . For instance did you know that if you're buying in Spain you'll need to make out a will in Spanish before buying, or that you can inherit debts from a previous vendor? If you are buying a property in USA take a look at our guide to exchange Sterling to Dollars for property purchase in America.If you are purchasing a property in Australia, it will be our Australian Dollar exchange and transfer service that you will require.For property purchase in Canada, the Sterling to Canandian dollar transfer rate is crutial, and our currency brokers are on hand to over their expertise and advise.Remaining in Europe and buying a house? Spain is particularily popular at the moment and Sterling to Euro exchange rate applies to transfers to Spain. Get a quote and see how much you can save! Contact Email: Xchange Business Contact Telephone: FREEPHONE 0800 953 1384 Contact us | Why us? | FAQ? | Testimonials Currency for buying a property abroad at www.exchange-currency.co.uk Disclaimer Exchange Currency © 2005

Texas Land Title Abstracts

AncestryLibrary.com- Search Texas Land Title Abstracts Sorry, we were unable to authenticate you. Click here to login Texas Land Title Abstracts Description: This database contains abstracts of original titles located in the archives of the Texas General Land Office in Austin, Texas. The records provide information about lands granted and transferred within the state of Texas including those dated in the 1700s. Fields of information include the district name (a three-letter code) the county, page in original document, grantee, patentee, date, volume, description/location, acreage, class, file, and any additional data found in the record. This database will prove useful for those seeking ancestors in Texas. Thanks to the Texas General Land Office who have worked with Ancestry.com to update this database with current and accurate information. Extended Description: The following are the prefix codes for land districts in Texas: AUS ------- Austin LAM Lamar BAS ------- Bastrop LIB Liberty BEX ------- Bexar MAT Matagorda BOW ------ Bowie MIL Milam BRA ------- Brazoria MON Montgomery BRS ------- Brazos NAC Nacogdoches COL ------ Colorado PAN Panola FAN ------ Fannin PAS Paschall FAY ------ Fayette RED Red River FOR ------ Fort Bend REF Refugio GAL ------ Galveston ROB Robertson GOL ------ Goliad RUS Rusk GON ------ Gonzales SAB Sabine HAR ------ Harris SAU San Augustine HAS ------ Harrison SHE Shelby HOU ------ Houston SPA San Patricio JAC ------ Jackson TRA Travis JAS ------ Jasper VIC Victoria JEF ------ Jefferson Requests for more information about a name found in the land title abstracts of Texas may be obtained for $5.00 from the Texas General Land Office. Please click on the link to access the name submission form. (Link here) Upon completion of the form, please mail the form and fee to the following address: Texas General Land Office Stephen F. Austin Bldg. 1700 North Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701-1495 http://www.glo.state.tx.us/archives.html Source Information: Ancestry.com. Texas Land Title Abstracts [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000. Original data: Texas General Land Office. Abstracts of all original Texas Land Titles comprising Grants and Locations . Austin, Texas: , 19--.

Real Estate Agent: It's

Amazon.com: Millionaire Real Estate Agent: It's Not About the Money: Books Your Store Books See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Subjects | Bestsellers | The New York Times® Best Sellers | Magazines | Corporate Accounts | Amazon Shorts | Bargain Books | Used Books | Textbooks Search Amazon.com Books Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . or Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . More Buying Choices 20 used & new from $9.15 Have one to sell? Share your own customer images Look inside this book Millionaire Real Estate Agent: It's Not About the Money (Paperback) by Gary Keller , Dave Jenks , Jay Papasan (57 customer reviews) List Price: $20.00 Price: $20.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details Availability: This title usually ships within 4 to 6 weeks. Please note that special order titles occasionally go out of print, or publishers run out of stock. These hard-to-find titles are not discounted and are subject to an additional charge of $1.99 per book due to the extra cost of ordering them. We will notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. 20 used & new available from $9.15 Other Editions: List Price: Our Price: Other Offers: Paperback (1) $21.95 $14.93 65 used & new from $11.00 Audio CD $75.00 $75.00 2 used & new from $75.00 Better Together Buy this book with 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me... byFrank Cook today! Buy Together Today: $37.29 Customers who bought this book also bought 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me : Practical Advice for New Real Estate Professionals. by Frank Cook The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller How To Become a Power Agent in Real Estate : A Top Industry Trainer Explains How to Double Your Income in 12 Months by Darryl Davis Your First Year in Real Estate: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional by Dirk Zeller How to Develop a Six Figure Income in Real Estate: Superstar Selling the Mike Ferry Way by Mike Ferry Explore Similar Items : in Books , in Magazine Subscriptions , and in Tools & Hardware Editorial Reviews Chris Leporni, Realtor Magazine "Keller presents the million-dollar benchmark as a symbol of excellence, rather than a monument to materialism." Mark Victor Hansen, Co-creator #1 New York Times best-selling series Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) and Co-author, The One Minute Millionaire "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent is the step-by-step handbook for seeking excellence in your profession and your life." See all Editorial Reviews Product Details Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Rellek Publishing Partners (February 15, 2003) Language: English ISBN: 0970294107 Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies Average Customer Review: based on 57 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: Today: #97,259 in Books Yesterday: #44,792 in Books (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) In-Print Editions: Paperback (1) | Audio CD | All Editions Look Inside This Book Browse Sample Pages: Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover Customers who viewed this book also viewed Real Estate Agent's Business Planning Guide by Carla Cross Real Estate Rainmaker: Guide to Online Marketing by Dan Gooder Richard Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Real Estate Agent (The Complete Idiot's Guide) by Marilyn Sullivan Mastering the Art of Selling Real Estate by Tom Hopkins Your Successful Real Estate Career by Kenneth W. Edwards Explore Similar Items : in Books , in Magazine Subscriptions , and in Apparel Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 183 of 190 people found the following review helpful: Made My First Year In Real Estate a Huge Success! , July 15, 2004 Reviewer: Cheryl Sellers Johnson "www.SellersTeam.com" (Rockville, MD United States) - See all my reviews I found this book on Amazon when I was just starting out in Real Estate. I read many of the how-to books because I wanted and needed to hit the ground running in my new career. This book, by far, was the most information-packed and practical guide to starting a real estate business. (By the way, another excellent book is "How to Become a Power Agent in Real Estate" by Darryl Davis). I am an attorney and before starting my real estate career, I had my own law practice; and before that, I had my own computer consulting company-both successful ventures. I approached real estate from a businessperson's perspective and this book difinitely speaks to the serious businessperson. There are so many books and articles telling new agents where to spend their time and money that by the time the agent figures out what works and what doesn't, they have spent their entire budget and an entire year, and have not made enough money to move on. That's why 70% of new agents drop out of the field by the end of their second year. This book helps agents, new and seasoned, stay focused on the bottom line. Moreover, it answered the most important question for me--If I need to generate $80,000 in income per year (salary, not gross commissions), what activities do I need to do and how much will it cost me? So many of the other books and articles claimed to have the winning formula by telling you that you must knock on 50 doors per week and make 50 cold calls per week to generate business. Their theory is that it must be painful if you are to be successful. This book, however, gives you lists of ideas and says if you do "x" number of activities from this list, you can expect to receive "x" number of transactions per year. YOU get to pick which activities you perform (if you don't like knocking on doors, pick another activity--it does not have to be painful for you to be successful). The other books tell you that you must know a lot of people--friends and family--and that you MUST call and hound them in order to get business. This book, alternatively, says that if you do not know a lot of people (if you are new to an area) or if you don't want to call your friends and family and beg for business, you don't have to. It gives you the formulas so that you can determine how much marketing you have to do with the "people I haven't met yet" group to generate the same results as you would have with your "friends and family" group. Using this book as a business modeling guide, I closed just under $3 million in volume in my first year; and just over $7 million my second year. I already broke through the $6 million volume cap that many seasoned agents hit as a glass ceiling and cannot move beyond. My broker with my first real estate company (Long & Foster) was hostile to my business model because she didn't understand it and because I was taking control of my own career. She wanted me to follow her formula and she wanted me completely dependent on her for my success (even though she never provided me with leads). Then Keller Williams came to Maryland! (Gary Keller, the author, founded Keller Williams to empower real estate agents to run their own successful businesses). I joined Keller Williams and now I am surrounded by agents and brokers who realize that the business is mine and that the broker's role is to support my success. They do not believe, like so many other companies, that the agent's role is to make the broker rich. This is obvious by the fact that they offer one of the highest commission splits in the industry, without charging a monthly "desk fee," and they share the profits with their agents! And their entire culture is based on the "Millionaire Real Estate Agent" business models. If you are serious about approaching real estate as a business, you must read this book. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 95 of 104 people found the following review helpful: The Real Deal, Can't Recommend Highly Enough , July 16, 2003 Reviewer: Jeff Hansen (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews After reading this book three times through I'm struck with one overriding sense, "OK, this guy gets it". Can one book successfully sum up what's needed for a successful real estate career.....yes. I've been a real estate broker for 11 years and I've been to and heard just about every major "real estate trainer" out there: Wickman, Buffini, Stumpf, Kennedy, Ferry, Knox, Droz, DeLuca, etc. What they all offer are specifics of how they were successful realtors in their time. Which is really helpful, but what sets this book apart is that Keller looks at the challenge of treating your real estate sales career like a business. There is real wisdom here, not just about having a "successful" real estate career, but life balance, and personal fulfillment through our real estate business. I know a number of other agents who have read this book and one thing I've heard a few times is "I wish something like this was around when I got into the business", which are exactly my thoughts. Keller has kind of a tough love approach to spelling out exactly what is involved in true mastery as a realtor producing at a very high level. Another thing I find interesting is that this book could be about any industry, any career. The disciplines and business concepts he describes are universal. Keller starts with the open questions of essentially "what would it take for an agent to succeed at a really high level, and let's use a million dollars as a kind of random goal." He then builds with 1) finding the motivation within to climb this mountain, 2) How to earn a million, 3) how to net a million, 4) how to receive a million in passive income (a true business owner), and finally 5) how to put it all together with the key of focus driving your business. Keller has a direct common sense outlook and writing style which I found refreshing. This book applies to the new agent as well as a realtor who is already producing at a high level. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 3 of 4 people found the following review helpful: This is the worst and most boring book I ever read in my life! , December 14, 2005 Reviewer: Willie Shi "bill stone" (bay area) - See all my reviews what this book all about? sell himself and his company! there are total 5 chapter. want to know what chapter 1 tell you? do it! do it!!! you could do it!!! chapter 2 think big! the more money you could imagine, the more money you will be received. chapter 3. earn it as long as you do it, you will earn it. there is no HOW you will be able to find in this book??? chapter 4. net it or deposit it to the bank. even fools know how to walk to the bank. chapter 5. receive it and spend it. absolutably nonsenses!!! bottom line don't waste your money and time. It's worthless! Why did i buy this book? I was cheated! I doubt that all the positive review are from the insiders. Don't fall on a trick! don't take my word for it, walk to the Barnes & Noble and find out yourself! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: The best book on how to succeed in real estate , November 29, 2005 Reviewer: R. J Sharpe "Texkabob" (The Republic of Texas) - See all my reviews This book is an excellent tool for a beginning agent or an experienced agent who wants to take his or her business to the next level. It is especially valuable in the following areas: 1. Lead Generation - the book is crystal clear about the fact that real estate is a lead generation business. The authors provide quantifiable models to generate leads that work, provided that the agent is disciplined enough to follow and stick with the program. 2. Budgeting and Marketing - Too many agents make the mistake of spending money they don't have. The authors stress the need to spend out of profits (red light, green light) and stick to your budget. The top line is important if you want to feed your ego and be agent of the month. The bottom line is important if you want to live a really good life. 3. If you list, you last - The authors stress that agents should prospect for listings. This is extremely important. Listings are inventory, and as with any business, the person who controls the inventory is the person who will profit the most. The beauty of inventory in real estate is that you don't own it, so you don't pay the carrying costs, run the risk of loss or theft etc as you would in most other businesses that carry inventory. Without a listing inventory, you are vulnerable to the market. With a listing inventory, you are the market. One area where caution is warranted is in the hiring of staff. The authors are decidedly pro-team, and that's fine, but too many agents add staff too quickly and kill their bottom line as a result. It's helpful to look at the profiles in the back of the book and determine how many transactions per year per person these top teams do. Unless you leverage your staff to do more transactions per person than you can do alone, you might be better off growing staff more slowly than quickly. That's a minor gripe, though, and the authors do an adequate job of explaining the risk. Overall, this book is the best source of knowledge on how to structure a winning residential agency business that I've come across, and it is well worth the price of admission. Bob Sharpe www.canyonlakemls.com Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful: Developing a Real Estate Business: This is the Best! , November 12, 2005 Reviewer: Ernest Buckley (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews I have to laugh at the people who complain about this book, they are not reading the same book I am. I turn to Kellers book almost weekly. I went from no sales and no listings to 3 listings in 3 weeks since reading his book. Just his 8x8 touch technique alone was worth the price. This book is not for everyone. If you are satisfied with your career as is then you will not go the extra effort Keller suggests. For the serious Realtor looking to go out on their own, this book is the roadmap on how to do it. My ten year plan is to develop the skills and relationships needed to go out on my own. This book will take me there with some hard and smart work. Just the fact that Keller has such details in one book is amazing. Everyone from Michael Gerbers to Tony Robbins systems are in this book. What makes it a classic is the fact that the book can combine such a wide range of information in a clear and simple format. Thanks to Keller for writing such an inspiring book. Much Success! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 4 people found the following review helpful: Must read! , October 26, 2005 Reviewer: Laura - See all my reviews For everyone who's new, newer or older in the real estate arena, this book will change your way of doing business. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 57 customer reviews... Listmania! Real Estate Career : A list by Barry Bullard Be a Realtor : A list by Orange Peel List for Real Estate Agents : A list by "boevans2" Create a Listmania! list So You'd Like to... Work Less and Earn More : A guide by carlamarie , Business Guru Be a Sales Champ? : A guide by Steve Green , Sales Enthusiast take another look-see IV : A guide by Melody Davis , mostly do-it-yourself style books Create a So You'd Like to... guide Look for similar items by category Subjects > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Real Estate > General Subjects > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Real Estate > Sales Subjects > Business & Investing > Marketing & Sales > Sales & Selling > General Look for similar items by subject Business & Economics / Real Estate Business & Economics / Sales & Selling Business / Economics / Finance Finance, Personal Personal Finance Real Estate - Sales Real estate agents Real estate business Business & Economics Career development Guidebooks Real Estate Sales & Selling Success in business Vocational guidance i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ... 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home mortgage. YOUR VA

VA Loans from the VA Mortgage Center 800-405-6682 Contact Why a VA Loan? Pre-Qualify VA Loan THE VA LOAN SPECIALISTS If you are among the 29 million veterans or active duty service personnel who are eligible for a Veteran Loan, the VA Mortgage Center can help provide you with the advice and resources needed to buy or refinance the home of your dreams, while ensuring you get the best rates on your loan. GET STARTED WITH YOUR VA LOAN Your State: Select... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Unsure Loan Type: VA Home Purchase VA Refinance The VA Mortgage Center specializes in helping veterans with all of their mortgage lending needs. Loan Limits Increased - To $417,000! As of January 1, 2006, qualified Veterans and Active Duty military can obtain a loan of up to $417,000 or $625,500 in high cost areas- with no money down. Let one of our knowledgeable, courteous VA specialists help you maximize your VA benefits today. Prequalify now OUR PURPOSE The VA Mortgage Center is founded on 2 principles. First, we believe every military service member and veteran should be aware of their VA Benefits for home loans. Furthermore, we feel that any and all interested service members should be guided through the VA home loan process by a knowledgeable VA loan specialist. DO YOU KNOW IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A VA LOAN? Almost every veteran is eligible for Veterans Affair benefits like VA home loans. These loans are generally the best choice for veterans who are planning to make a home purchase or to refinance an existing home mortgage. YOUR VA BENEFITS The Department of Veteran Affairs, which originated in 1930, provides a variety of financial benefits for Veterans and their dependents. VA home loans are one of the prime VA benefits provided for by this Department. VA LOAN SPECIALISTS VA Mortgage Center's knowledgeable Veteran loan professionals are waiting to answer all of your questions and help you with the entire VA loan application process. You may contact one of our specialists using our simple online form or by calling a specialist at 800-405-6682. PRE-QUALIFY Apply online for a VA mortgage loan Whether you plan to Purchase a Home or Refinance an existing home loan for a better interest rate (or to take out cash), contact us to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility and get Pre-Qualified. Helpful VA specialists are standing by. Please call 800-405-6682 . EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER " I was a bit nervous to make such a large purchase, but the VA Mortgage Center was there for me every step of the way. Kris, my loan officer, was extremely patient with me, and kept me informed daily as to the status of my loan. I love my new home! " - Paul St. Pierre E-7 Master Sergeant, McGuire AFB Read More Testimonials about the VA Mortgage Center VA Loan Information VA Loan FAQs VA Loan VA Loan Qualification Home Purchase VA Refinance Cash-Out Refinance Contact Us Privacy Policy The VA Mortgage Center is a private lender specializing in VA loans , we are NOT affiliated with any government agency . We originate loans in most states . In order for us to best serve our customers, the VA Mortgage Center may share customer information with trusted affiliates.

Home Mortgage Insurance Home

Federal Trade Commission -- Search: Facts for Consumers PDF Version Looking for the Best Mortgage Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage—whether it's a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan—is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You'll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars. Obtain Information from Several Lenders Home loans are available from several types of lenders— thrift institutions , commercial banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you should contact several lenders to make sure you're getting the best price. You can also get a home loan through a mortgage broker. Brokers arrange transactions rather than lending money directly; in other words, they find a lender for you. A broker's access to several lenders can mean a wider selection of loan products and terms from which you can choose. Brokers will generally contact several lenders regarding your application, but they are not obligated to find the best deal for you unless they have contracted with you to act as your agent. Consequently, you should consider contacting more than one broker, just as you should with banks or thrift institutions. Whether you are dealing with a lender or a broker may not always be clear. Some financial institutions operate as both lenders and brokers. And most brokers' advertisements do not use the word "broker." Therefore, be sure to ask whether a broker is involved. This information is important because brokers are usually paid a fee for their services that may be separate from and in addition to the lender's origination or other fees. A broker's compensation may be in the form of "points" paid at closing or as an add-on to your interest rate , or both. You should ask each broker you work with how he or she will be compensated so that you can compare the different fees. Be prepared to negotiate with the brokers as well as the lenders. Obtain All Important Cost Information Be sure to get information about mortgages from several lenders or brokers. Know how much of a down payment you can afford, and find out all the costs involved in the loan. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Ask for information about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan so that you can compare the information. The following information is important to get from each lender and broker: Rates Ask each lender and broker for a list of its current mortgage interest rates and whether the rates being quoted are the lowest for that day or week. Ask whether the rate is fixed or adjustable . Keep in mind that when interest rates for adjustable-rate loans go up, generally so does the monthly payment. If the rate quoted is for an adjustable-rate loan, ask how your rate and loan payment will vary, including whether your loan payment will be reduced when rates go down. Ask about the loan's annual percentage rate (APR). The APR takes into account not only the interest rate but also points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that you may be required to pay, expressed as a yearly rate. Points Points are fees paid to the lender or broker for the loan and are often linked to the interest rate; usually the more points you pay, the lower the rate. Check your local newspaper for information about rates and points currently being offered. Ask for points to be quoted to you as a dollar amount—rather than just as the number of points—so that you will actually know how much you will have to pay. Fees A home loan often involves many fees, such as loan origination or underwriting fees , broker fees, and transaction , settlement, and closing costs . Every lender or broker should be able to give you an estimate of its fees. Many of these fees are negotiable. Some fees are paid when you apply for a loan (such as application and appraisal fees), and others are paid at closing. In some cases, you can borrow the money needed to pay these fees, but doing so will increase your loan amount and total costs. "No cost" loans are sometimes available, but they usually involve higher rates. Ask what each fee includes. Several items may be lumped into one fee. Ask for an explanation of any fee you do not understand. Some common fees associated with a home loan closing are listed on the Mortgage Shopping Worksheet in this brochure. Down Payments and Private Mortgage Insurance Some lenders require 20 percent of the home's purchase price as a down payment. However, many lenders now offer loans that require less than 20 percent down—sometimes as little as 5 percent on conventional loans . If a 20 percent down payment is not made, lenders usually require the home buyer to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in case the home buyer fails to pay. When government-assisted programs such as FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Administration), or Rural Development Services are available, the down payment requirements may be substantially smaller. Ask about the lender's requirements for a down payment, including what you need to do to verify that funds for your down payment are available. Ask your lender about special programs it may offer. If PMI is required for your loan, Ask what the total cost of the insurance will be. Ask how much your monthly payment will be when including the PMI premium. Ask how long you will be required to carry PMI. Obtain the Best Deal That You Can Once you know what each lender has to offer, negotiate for the best deal that you can. On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different prices for the same loan terms to different consumers, even if those consumers have the same loan qualifications. The most likely reason for this difference in price is that loan officers and brokers are often allowed to keep some or all of this difference as extra compensation. Generally, the difference between the lowest available price for a loan product and any higher price that the borrower agrees to pay is an overage . When overages occur, they are built into the prices quoted to consumers. They can occur in both fixed and variable-rate loans and can be in the form of points, fees, or the interest rate. Whether quoted to you by a loan officer or a broker, the price of any loan may contain overages. Have the lender or broker write down all the costs associated with the loan. Then ask if the lender or broker will waive or reduce one or more of its fees or agree to a lower rate or fewer points. You'll want to make sure that the lender or broker is not agreeing to lower one fee while raising another or to lower the rate while raising points. There's no harm in asking lenders or brokers if they can give better terms than the original ones they quoted or than those you have found elsewhere. Once you are satisfied with the terms you have negotiated, you may want to obtain a written lock-in from the lender or broker. The lock-in should include the rate that you have agreed upon, the period the lock-in lasts, and the number of points to be paid. A fee may be charged for locking in the loan rate. This fee may be refundable at closing. Lock-ins can protect you from rate increases while your loan is being processed; if rates fall, however, you could end up with a less favorable rate. Should that happen, try to negotiate a compromise with the lender or broker. Remember: Shop, Compare, Negotiate When buying a home, remember to shop around, to compare costs and terms, and to negotiate for the best deal. Your local newspaper and the Internet are good places to start shopping for a loan. You can usually find information both on interest rates and on points for several lenders. Since rates and points can change daily, you'll want to check your newspaper often when shopping for a home loan. But the newspaper does not list the fees, so be sure to ask the lenders about them. The Mortgage Shopping Worksheet that follows may also help you. Take it with you when you speak to each lender or broker and write down the information you obtain. Don't be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete with each other for your business by letting them know that you are shopping for the best deal. Fair Lending Is Required by Law The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants in any aspect of a credit transaction on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, whether all or part of the applicant's income comes from a public assistance program, or whether the applicant has in good faith exercised a right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in residential real estate transactions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Under these laws, a consumer cannot be refused a loan based on these characteristics nor be charged more for a loan or offered less favorable terms based on such characteristics. Credit Problems? Still Shop, Compare, and Negotiate Don't assume that minor credit problems or difficulties stemming from unique circumstances, such as illness or temporary loss of income, will limit your loan choices to only high-cost lenders. If your credit report contains negative information that is accurate, but there are good reasons for trusting you to repay a loan, be sure to explain your situation to the lender or broker. If your credit problems cannot be explained, you will probably have to pay more than borrowers who have good credit histories. But don't assume that the only way to get credit is to pay a high price. Ask how your past credit history affects the price of your loan and what you would need to do to get a better price. Take the time to shop around and negotiate the best deal that you can. Whether you have credit problems or not, it's a good idea to review your credit report for accuracy and completeness before you apply for a loan. To order a copy of your credit report, contact: Equifax: (800) 685-1111 TransUnion: (800) 916-8800 Experian: (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) Glossary Adjustable-rate loans , also known as variable-rate loans, usually offer a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate loans. The interest rate fluctuates over the life of the loan based on market conditions, but the loan agreement generally sets maximum and minimum rates. When interest rates rise, generally so do your loan payments; and when interest rates fall, your monthly payments may be lowered Annual percentage rate (APR) is the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate. The APR includes the interest rate, points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that the borrower is required to pay. Conventional loans are mortgage loans other than those insured or guaranteed by a government agency such as the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the VA (Veterans Administration), or the Rural Development Services (formerly know as Farmers Home Administration, or FmHA). Escrow is the holding of money or documents by a neutral third party prior to closing. It can also be an account held by the lender (or servicer) into which a homeowner pays money for taxes and insurance. Fixed-rate loans generally have repayment terms of 15, 20, or 30 years. Both the interest rate and the monthly payments (for principal and interest) stay the same during the life of the loan. The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money expressed as a percentage rate. Interest rates can change because of market conditions. Loan origination fees are fees charged by the lender for processing the loan and are often expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Lock-in refers to a written agreement guaranteeing a home buyer a specific interest rate on a home loan provided that the loan is closed within a certain period of time, such as 60 or 90 days. Often the agreement also specifies the number of points to be paid at closing. A mortgage is a document signed by a borrower when a home loan is made that gives the lender a right to take possession of the property if the borrower fails to pay off on the loan. Overages are the difference between the lowest available price and any higher price that the home buyer agrees to pay for the loan. Loan officers and brokers are often allowed to keep some or all of this difference as extra compensation. Points are fees paid to the lender for the loan. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount. Points are usually paid in cash at closing. In some cases, the money needed to pay points can be borrowed, but doing so will increase the loan amount and the total costs. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects the lender against a loss if a borrower defaults on the loan. It is usually required for loans in which the down payment is less than 20 percent of the sales price or, in a refinancing, when the amount financed is greater than 80 percent of the appraised value. Thrift institution is a general term for savings banks and savings and loan associations. Transaction, settlement, or closing costs may include application fees; title examination, abstract of title, title insurance, and property survey fees; fees for preparing deeds, mortgages, and settlement documents; attorneys' fees; recording fees; and notary, appraisal, and credit report fees. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the borrower receives a good faith estimate of closing costs at the time of application or within three days of application. The good faith estimate lists each expected cost either as an amount or a range. This brochure was prepared by the following agencies: Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of Justice Department of the Treasury 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 These agencies (except the Department of the Treasury) enforce compliance with laws that prohibit discrimination in lending. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in the home financing process, you may want to contact one of the agencies listed above about your rights under these laws. For more information on home lending issues , visit www.consumer.gov , write to the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009 or visit the Center's Web site . The following brochures are available from the center: A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-lns A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancing Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs and Helpful Information Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance Home Buyer's Vocabulary Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process and Your Rights to Fair Lending How to Buy a Home with a Low Down Payment How to Dispute Credit Report Errors The HUD Home Buying Guide When Your Home Is on the Line Mortgage Shopping Worksheet Lender 1 Lender 2 Name of Lender Name of Contact Date of Contact Mortgage Amount Basic Information on the Loans Mortgage 1 Mortgage 2 Mortgage 1 Mortgage 2 Type of Mortgage: Fixed rate, adjustable rate, conventional, FHA, other? If adjustable, see below. Minimum down payment required Loan term (length of loan) Contract interest rate Annual percentage rate (APR) Points (may be called loan discount points) Monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums How long must you keep PMI? Estimated monthly escrow for taxes and hazard insurance Estimated monthly payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, PMI) Fees Different institutions may have different names for some fees and may charge different fees. We have listed some typical fees you may see on loan documents. Application fee or Loan processing fee Origination fee or Underwriting fee Lender fee or Funding fee Appraisal fee Attorney fees Document preparation and recording fees Broker fees (may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on) Credit report fee Other fees Other Costs at Closing/Settlement Title search/Title Insurance For lender For you Estimate prepaid amounts for interest, taxes, hazard insurance, payments to escrow State and local taxes, stamp taxes, transfer taxes Flood determination Prepaid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Surveys and home inspections Total Fees and Other Closing/Settlement Cost Estimates Mortgage Shopping Worksheet - continued Lender 1 Lender 2 Name of Lender Other Questions and Considerations about the Loan Mortgage 1 Mortgage 2 Mortgage 1 Mortgage 2 Are any of the fees or costs waivable? Prepayment penalties Is there a prepayment penalty? If so, how much is it? How long does the penalty period last? (for example, 3 years? 5 years?) Are extra principal payments allowed? Lock-ins Is the lock-in agreement in writing? Is there a fee to lock-in? When does the lock-in occur -0 at application, approval or another time? How long will the lock-in last? If the rate drops before closing, can you lock-in at a lower rate? If the loan is an adjustable rate mortgage: What is the initial rate? What is the maximum the rate could be next year? What are the rate and payment caps each year and over the life of the loan? What is the frequency of rate change and of any changes to the monthly payment? What is the index that the lender will use? What margin will the lender add to the index? Credit life insurance Does the monthly amount quoted to you include a charge for credit life insurance? If so, does the lender required credit life insurance as a condition of the loan? How much does the credit life insurance cost? How much lower would your monthly payment be without the credit life insurance? If the lender does not require credit life insurance, and you still want to buy it, what rates can you get from other insurance providers? The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues , visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. January 1999