home equity to pay

MSN Money - The hazards of some home-equity loans MSN Home Hotmail My MSN Sign In Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Banking Home My Accounts Bill Pay Mortgages/Loans Services Credit Reports Financial Tools Track your bills Resources Decision Centers Home Buying Guide Home Financing Your Credit Rating Financial Privacy Better Banking Credit Card Smarts Bankruptcy Guide Commentary Index Related Links Manage Debt More on Budgeting Print-friendly version Send this to a friend See where rates stand Calculate your debt burden here Find a home-equity loan Find books on home buying Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site Map Don't get fooled by the "special programs" offer mentioned in advertisements. Today's homeowners have forgotten -- or never learned -- the lessons of their grandparents. Recent articles by Terry Savage: • How to limit divorce's financial sting , 1/5/2003 • 5 financial steps to help your aging parents , 1/5/2003 • Prepare for the unthinkable: long-term care , 1/5/2003 More... The Basics The hazards of some home-equity loans advertisement What looks like an easy way out of debt could one day put your family out on the street. Get the facts behind those enticing ads for 125% home-equity loans before you put your home on the line. By Terry Savage What looks like a great deal, but could turn out to be the most devastating financial decision of your life? It's when you consolidate credit-card debt by taking out home-equity loans for more than the value of your house, sometimes for up to 125% of the home's value. Unlike traditional home-equity loans that rely on the equity you've built up in your home, these loans aren't tax deductible and usually carry higher interest rates. Find a loan that's right for you at the Loan Center By television, direct mail and now by e-mail, lenders are pushing you to consolidate your credit-card debt by borrowing on your home. Here's the text of an actual e-mail I received recently: Consolidate Debt, Refinance Your Home or Put Cash In Your Pocket! We Have Special Programs with rates starting as low as 2.5% APR 7.22% Special Programs for Self-Employed Borrowers Previous Bankruptcies or Foreclosures OK!! Debt Consolidation - pay off high-interest debts and get the cash you need Second Mortgages - get 125% of your home's value. The television commercials make it look easy and enticing. A top athlete, like quarterback Dan Marino, offers you the chance to cut your monthly payments, pay off your credit cards and take out extra cash to remodel your kitchen or go on a vacation. But think twice. It's important to understand the risks, as well as the attraction, of those lower monthly payments. For some, this is the way to go For many people, a home-equity loan is indeed the smart way to borrow. The interest rate is typically lower, and the interest is tax deductible. Plus, home-equity loans are amortized over about 15 years vs. about four years for credit cards. That means the monthly payment on a home-equity loan is far lower than a minimum required credit-card payment. For example, if you owe $10,000 on your credit card at 15%, you'll probably have a monthly payment of $278. But the same amount owed at 15% on a home-equity loan that's amortized over 15 years results in a monthly payment of only $140. The more you owe, the more enticing a home-equity loan looks. At $20,000 in debt in the same scenario, the home-equity loan costs $280 a month, while the credit card and/or auto debt requires a $557 monthly payment. The trouble comes when people borrow all their home equity to pay off their debts, but they haven't learned how to manage their money well enough to avoid running up credit-card debts and auto-loan debts again. In fact, the lenders have a name for this process: It's called "reloading." Then, if the economy slows or one of the breadwinners loses a job, the next time you get into credit-card trouble, you could actually lose your house. Statistics from the Mortgage Bankers Association underscore the problem. The percentage of homes foreclosed in 1998 was 1.16%, about double the rate of the terrible recession years of the early 1980s, when 0.59% of homes were in foreclosure. The rising foreclosure rate comes even as bankruptcy rates remain high, with 1.2 million filings in 1999. But as people try to avoid bankruptcy, they're increasingly taking out home-equity loans to pay off their other bills. As a result of those home-equity loans (and new mortgage programs designed to help people buy homes with down payments of less than 5%), Americans have a lower percentage of equity in their homes than at any time in history. Essentially, an unsecured loan The real kicker comes if you borrow past the value of your home. Unlike home-equity loans, these loans usually are not considered tax deductible. The law says that all interest on a first mortgage (of up to $1 million) is deductible. And interest on up to $100,000 of a second mortgage or home-equity loan also is deductible. By law, interest on any part of a loan that exceeds 100% of the value of your home is not deductible. In addition, lenders typically charge higher rates, because you've essentially taken out an unsecured loan. An unsecured loan means there is no collateral in case you default on the loan. A mortgage for up to the value of your home is "secured" by the home itself. Many lenders charge interest rates seven or eight percentage points higher than traditional mortgages. In some cases, that's twice what you'd pay for a regular mortgage or home-equity loan. Don't get fooled by the "special programs" offer mentioned in advertisements like the one I mentioned earlier, either. They're either introductory loans, which require large "balloon payments" several years later, or adjustable rate loans in which the rates -- and the payments -- can increase every year. As long as the loan is repaid, it's very profitable. And the lenders know that paying off mortgage or home-equity loans takes a high priority in a consumer's mind, so the default rate is far lower than on unsecured credit-card lending. SMR Research, a financial industry market-research firm, reports that about 30% of all home-equity loans are sub-prime. That is, these are loans made to borrowers who are considered a poor credit risk -- the very people most likely to be caught in the crunch when the economy turns down. Bankruptcy: the only escape The greatest danger for those who fall for this pitch is the fact that they've put their home on the line. If they fail to make the payments, the lender can force the home to be sold in a foreclosure proceeding. The grantor of the original mortgage must be paid off first; then the home equity lender collects what's left from the sale price. And if there's not enough equity to repay the home equity lender, a default judgment will be entered against the borrower for the difference. The only escape is bankruptcy. The generation that went through the Great Depression of the 1930s learned the hard way not to borrow against the family home. So many people lost their homes that by 1935, banks categorized 20% of all mortgages as "real-estate owned" -- that is, foreclosed. But today's homeowners have forgotten -- or never learned -- the lessons of their grandparents. Rising home prices have tempted homeowners to count home equity as a source of ready cash. But that kind of home equity borrowing should only be done as part of an overall financial plan and a disciplined approach to money management. Otherwise, today's easy way out of debt could one day put your family out on the street. Editors' choice Don't get scammed by your mover Safeguard your Social Security number 5 ways to tap into the onshore drilling boom Your checkbook just became obsolete Turn $1 a day into $67,815 Readers' choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.30 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.24 Keep thieves out of your bank account 9.22 Credit reports now free for entire U.S. 9.19 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.17 Tax breaks for Katrina victims -- and all of us View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. 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DENVER REAL ESTATE Direct:

Denver Real Estate Agent specializing in Highlands Ranch Real Estate, Littleton Real Estate LEILA CUNNINGHAM DENVER REAL ESTATE Direct: 303.257.1001 Fax: 303.470.5722 E-Mail: leila@anewwayhome.com Welcome Property Search Buying & Selling Mortgages Community Extras Contact Me Welcome to a New Way Home in the Denver Real Estate Market! The real estate process is always more enjoyable when you fully understand each phase of the transaction. As your Denver real estate agent, I will keep you informed and up to date throughout the process. My technique is based on solid, proven methods and utilizes technology to meet new challenges in today's market. My experience offers a sophisticated approach to analyzing your needs. I am a full-time Denver real estate agent dedicated to providing the best possible service to my clients, while upholding the highest ethical standards. I believe in constant communication and protecting your best interests throughout all phases of your real estate transaction. My excellent follow-through record helps ensure ongoing satisfaction. I am proud of myself being knowledgeable and staying current with changes in the Denver real estate market and other markets that will affect the success of your transaction. I believe that a good relationship is achieved by establishing trust and mutual respect between all participants. My approach is honest and straightforward. I am committed to excellence and to providing professional, result-driven service. In the meantime, feel free to look around my site. Search for a new Denver home, gain valuable real estate buying and selling knowledge, learn about mortgages, request a free CMA or Denver relocation information, and when your ready to take that next step, give me a call. Thank you! Real Estate News November 2005 NAR Welcomes Sen. Enzi's Small Business Health Care Bill The National Association of Realtors today welcomed legislation put forth by U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) to help small businesses provide affordable health care benefits to their employee Pending Home Sales Are Close to Record A reading of 128.8 makes this month's pending home sales the the second highest level on record. October 2005 NAR Board Raises Alarms Over Tax Proposals NAR's Board of Directors formally opposes proposals being considered by President Bush's tax reform panel. REALTORS Back State, Local Remedy to Eminent Domain Cases Almost 70 percent of REALTORS said each state should have the power to make its own laws about eminent domain. Realtors to Homebuyers: Let Your Buyer's Agent Be Your Guide From the first steps of qualifying for a mortgage and deciding whats important in a home, to making a strong offer, coordinating appraisals and inspections, and getting to the settlement table, every transaction is as unique as the people and properties Features Colorado Properties Current Denver Listings Resale Denver Home Search New Denver Home Search Real Estate Services Get a Free CMA Relocating to Denver Denver Home Buying Selling a Denver House 1st Time Buyers Send Me an E-Mail School Information Colorado Recreation Denver Entertainment Related Links Denver Area Weather Financing Check Current Rates Learn Mortgage Basics Loan Types Loan Calculators Find a Denver Lender Featured Listings $199,000 Mortgage Rates Loan Type Rate Points 30 Year Fixed 6.00 0.00 15 Year Fixed 5.62 0.50 ARM 3/1, 30 Years 5.25 0.00 ARM 5/1, 30 Years 5.50 0.25 Last updated on 11/13/2005. Home | Denver Existing Home Search | Denver New Home Search | Buying | Selling | Buying Your First Home | Mortgage Basics | Loan Types | Loan Calculators | Mortgage Lenders | Schools in Colorado | Colorado Recreation | Local Denver Entertainment | Denver Weather | Map the Denver Metro Area | New Home Builders | Relocating to Denver | Frequently Asked Questions | Related Real Estate Links | Contact Leila | Estimate the Value of Your Denver Home | Colorado Real Estate

Land For Sale

LandAndFarm.com - Land for sale, Farms for sale, Rural Property for sale Advertise here Search Properties Wanted Auctions Newsletter Quick Start Register About My Properties Number of visitors online now: 232 Thursday, December 29, 2005 Ad Prices Help Contact Login Subscribe to Rural Property Bulletin Last Few Listings Most Viewed Least Viewed Recently Updated Search by USA Map Rural Property Sites Tool Box Get new properties in your email box! Newsletter Sign-up: yourname@xyz.com HTML TEXT For fun: old listings Contact Us Community Stats Seller emails: 102,892 Property emails: 110,227 Property Views: 13,028,620 Newsletter Subscribers: 14,850 Site Statistics Property 1761 Brokerage 15 Finance & Mortgages 3 Wanted 1 Businesses For Sale 7 Livestock 1 Rural Living 16 Miscellaneous 3 By Land Use: commercial land : 117 dairy farm : 22 fish - aquaculture : 15 forest - natural : 283 forest - planted : 116 historic : 41 horse farm : 380 hospitality : 61 hunting property : 610 livestock operation : 129 mobile home park : 4 oil or minerals : 7 orchard : 17 organic uses : 20 pasture : 319 permanent crops : 43 poultry farm : 33 recreational property : 677 residential land : 844 row crops : 107 undeveloped land : 377 vegetable farm : 15 vineyard : 15 waterfront : 152 By Country: United States : 1709 Canada : 39 South Africa : 34 Zambia : 5 Botswana : 5 Chile : 4 Argentina : 2 Belize : 2 Brazil : 2 Mozambique : 2 Australia : 1 Namibia : 1 Kenya : 1 By Price Per Acre: <$100: 8 $100 to $500 : 34 $500 to $2,000 : 280 $2,000 to $5,000 : 402 >$5,000 : 734 By Acres: <50 : 991 <200 : 1460 200 to 500 : 182 500 to 1,000 : 78 >1,000 : 108 By State/Province: Alabama : 24 Arizona : 11 Arkansas : 14 California : 20 Colorado : 29 Connecticut : 4 Florida : 88 Georgia : 283 Idaho : 12 Illinois : 29 Indiana : 7 Iowa : 9 Kansas : 17 Kentucky : 58 Louisiana : 13 Maine : 32 Maryland : 6 Massachusetts : 7 Michigan : 7 Minnesota : 16 Mississippi : 14 Missouri : 76 Montana : 6 Nebraska : 4 Nevada : 6 New Hampshire : 5 New Jersey : 16 New Mexico : 7 New York : 75 North Carolina : 59 North Dakota : 38 Ohio : 61 Oklahoma : 9 Oregon : 6 Pennsylvania : 6 South Carolina : 64 South Dakota : 22 Tennessee : 293 Texas : 27 Utah : 11 Vermont : 11 Virginia : 123 Washington : 11 West Virginia : 49 Wisconsin : 18 Wyoming : 6 Alberta : 1 British Columbia : 3 Buenos Aires Capital Federal : 1 IV Coquimbo : 1 Manitoba : 1 Mendoza : 1 New Brunswick : 11 Nova Scotia : 12 Ontario : 3 Para : 1 Quebec : 3 Queensland : 1 Saskatchewan : 5 VII Maule : 1 XI Aysen : 2 Not In USA or Canada : 1 Properties by: Land Use Country State/Province Acres Price Per Acre Ohio RESULTS Sort by: price size Total records: 61 Showing records: 1 to 20 Go to page : 1 2 3 4 New Search Cedarville Ohio Farm ( row crops, pasture, permanent crops) A 408 acre property. This property is for sale. Country: Other. State/Province: Ohio. County: Ross. Bob Evans Hidden Valley Ranch ( commercial land, forest - natural, horse farm) A 2,034 acre property. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Gallia. Beautiful Views ( residential land) A 121 acre property. This property is for sale. Country: Other. State/Province: Ohio. County: Muskingum. Franklin County Lots ( residential land) A 73 acre property. This property is for sale. Country: Other. State/Province: Ohio. County: Franklin. Land Live Love Play Hunt ( horse farm, hunting property, residential land) A 3.00 acre property with an asking price of $19,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Jackson. Nice House Pond 5.5 Ac. ( residential land) A 24.00 acre property. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Perry. Fire Sale ( recreational property, hunting property, residential land) A 1.50 acre property with an asking price of $3,400. This property is for sale. Country: Other. State/Province: Ohio. County: Jackson. Orchard Farm Market ( orchard, commercial land, residential land) A 42 acre property with an asking price of $569,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Lorain. Ohio Hills ( residential land) A 27 acre property with an asking price of $112,500. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Monroe. Country Home Site ( residential land, recreational property, hunting property) A 2.40 acre property with an asking price of $13,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio Wooded Homesite ( forest - natural, residential land, recreational property) A 5.00 acre property with an asking price of $11,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Pike. Touches Shawnee State Forest ( hunting property, recreational property, forest - natural) A 32 acre property with an asking price of $55,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Adams. Quiet Country Home Site ( residential land, forest - natural, pasture) A 0.97 acre property with an asking price of $7,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Gallia. Fish Canoe Camp Play ( recreational property) A 1.28 acre property with an asking price of $3,400. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Meigs. Super Year End Sale ( residential land, recreational property, hunting property) A 69 acre property with an asking price of $99,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Jackson. Save Save Save Save Save ( residential land, waterfront) A 5.00 acre property with an asking price of $39,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Gallia. Prime Hunting Land ( recreational property) A 40 acre property with an asking price of $59,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Adams. GREAT BUY CALL TODAY ( forest - natural, hunting property, recreational property) A 46 acre property with an asking price of $69,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Gallia. Farm History to 1800's ( residential land, livestock operation, horse farm) A 8.30 acre property with an asking price of $89,900. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Jackson. Recreational Paradise ( recreational property, forest - natural, hunting property) A 12.00 acre property with an asking price of $52,800. This property is for sale. Country: United States. State/Province: Ohio. County: Coshocton. Total records: 61 Showing records: 1 to 20 Go to page : 1 2 3 4 For more properties in Ohio contact the sellers below. Acreage Investments - TN Mtn. JJ Detweiler Enterprises, Inc. 2814 Edison St NW Uniontown, OHIO 44685-7210 Belmont County ad In Rpb On Internet Swiss Lands Realty 45325 State Route 78 Woodsfield, OHIO 43793-9440 affordable Country Acreage... JJ Detweiler Enterprises, Inc. 2814 Edison St NW Uniontown, OHIO 44685-7210 bruner Land Co. Bruner Land Company P.O. Box 98 Byesville, OHIO 43723-0098 These are the latest display ads from Rural Property Bulletin . Subscribe here. SPONSORED RESULTS 1. Looking For OHIO? Find Ohio and more at Lycos Search. No clutter, just answers. Lycos ? Go Get It! http://www.lycos.com 2. Find OHIO at eBay Looking for Ohio? eBay has great deals on new and used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods and more. If you can?t find it on eBay, it probably doesn?t exist. http://www.ebay.com 3. Shop for OHIO Looking for Ohio? MonsterMarketplace shopping directory has Ohio and everything else you?re looking for at one secure online location. Click to view top selling Ohio. http://www.monstermarketplace.com 4. Research OHIO at HighBeam. View free full-text articles and free premium archive previews at HighBeam Research. Find, organize and share information from 1,000s of trusted business, consumer and reference publications. http://www.highbeam.com ©1998-2005 - LandAndFarm.com - Contact Us - Privacy Notice - Disclaimer - UserAgreement - Advertise With Us

real estate investing, and

Preconstruction Real Estate Investments-Virgin Islands-Myrtle Beach Condos for Sale-Investing in Preconstruction Oceanfront Condos and Condominiums" Preconstruction Real Estate Investment Real Estate Pre-Construction Condos Myrtle Beach Condos New Construction Myrtle Beach HOME PRECONSTRUCTION PROPERTIES INVESTORS SELLERS HOME BUYERS OUR AGENTS MLS SEARCH MLS NUMBER SEARCH INVESTMENT NEWS HELPFUL RESOURCES CONTACT US Bahama Island Resort Pier Watch Villas Cherry Grove Tower Cherry Grove Villas I Cherry Grove Villas II Diamond Cay Marina BVI South Beach Villas Ocean Drive Villas Myrtle Beach Villas II Preconstruction Real Estate Investments The Resort at Cherry Grove Manor - 1, 2, 3, 4 Bedrooms Available - Floorplans and Renderings Coming Soon If you've decided to invest in preconstruction real estate in Myrtle Beach ormany other areas, you've made a wise decision indeed. Homes and condos on the beach are breaking records in sales. New construction is soaring and investors are buying before the costs of Myrtle Beach real estate increase to equal other beach resorts. Our experienced agents at Oceanfront Real Estate Company specialize in helping youto find that perfect real estate investment project, and in the sales and development of new homes and luxury vacationing condos. Pre-Sale Real Estate and Condos Browse our Featured Listings and view our choice properties. You'll find the newest Myrtle Beach Pre-Construction condo projects for real estate investment opportunites. From oceanfront real estate to water-front marina projects on the Intracoastal Waterway,and even Jost Van Dyke real estate in the British Virgin Islands, we can advise and assist you in finding the best pre-selling investment real estate with the most potential for high return. Investment Real Estate - Myrtle Beach & Other Resort Areas Real Estate Investment Property is the most highly sought and frequently misunderstood methods of increasing your net income and retirement savings. The fantastic new pre-sale opportunities that we offer will insurethat you put your money in the most innovative and potentially high income-producing oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach and other spectacular resort areas. Knowledge and experience are the keys to making wise decisions in real estate investing, and in finding the new properties as soon as they become available. For more information on the presale process, read our information onthe INVESTORS page, or call us and let us explain it to you. With a combined background of100 years of experience in real estate, our investment savvy team can help you to find your dream vacation condo, or supplement your retirement income with a vacation rental property that produces years of profit and equity. You can trust Oceanfront Real Estate Company to guide you in building your financial security! Oceanfront Real Estate Company Specializing in Preconstruction Real Estate Steve McIntosh, Broker in Charge 414 Sea Mountain Hwy Cherry Grove Section North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 Toll Free 1-866-372-6952 (843) 663-1101 EMAIL US! Resorts and Real Estate Agencies Myrtle Beach Vacations Guide! Sarasota Real Estate Sarasota Homes Los Angeles Real Estate Los Angeles Photographer The Real Estate Blog Burbank Real Estate Myrtle Beach Golf Packages Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations Las Vegas Real Estate and Homes Siesta Key Real Estate New Preconstruction Resorts Arizona Golf Vacations-Las Vegas Golf Clearwater Florida Real Estate Tucson Real Estate Real Estate Blog Myrtle Beach Condos Hawaii Real Estate Preconstruction Condos Columbus Ohio Real Estate Bay View Resort Condos Tucson Luxury Homes Vacation Home Real Estate Investments Oak Island Realty Ocean Isle Real Estate Oyster Harbour at Holden Beach River Bluff Estates at Holden Beach SeaScape at Holden Beach Shallotte Real Estate Real Estate Marketing Web Design for Realtors Henderson Real Estate New Myrtle Beach Condos Myrtle Beach Golf Packages Myrtle Beach Golf Austin Homes Canmore Real Estate-Banff Real Estate Sarasota Florida Real Estate Las Vegas Golf Homes Pasadena Real Estate South Carolina Real Estate Boca Raton FL Real Estate Florida Real Estate New Homes for Sale Costa Rica Vacation Rental Virgin Islands Vacations Real Estate St George Utah Real Estate Stuart Florida Real Estate Raleigh-Cary Real Estate Myrtle Beach Condos Hawaii Real Estate for Sale San Diego Real Estate Las Vegas High Rise Condos Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier South Myrtle Beach Real Estate Southport Real Estate St James Plantation Real Estate Sunset Beach Condos Sunset Beach Real Estate Sunset Harbor Real Estate Tampa Real Estate Orange County Real Estate - MLS - Realtor Timeshare Sales We're listed at Real Estate & Mortgage Roanoke Biz2Biz An Roanoke business to business marketplace and advertisement opportunity. Real Estate Agents & Realtors Investment Real Estate Real Estate Web Design and SEO by Myrtle Beach Web Design

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