Credit & LoansMortgages/Real Estate
Featured Publications
- Buying a Home: It's a Big Deal
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains the differences between real estate brokers and agents and how sales commissions work. Also provides questions to ask when interviewing real estate professionals. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out [PDF] [en español]
Learn how to recognize mortgage offers that may be less than complete. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do
[PDF]
[en español]
For consumers who may be having trouble paying their mortgage. Explains options to help save their homes, and how to recognize and avoid foreclosure scams. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Real Estate Marketplace Glossary: How to Talk the Talk [PDF]
- Selling Your Home? Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Professional
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains the differences between real estate brokers and agents, and exclusive right-to-sell and exclusive agency listing contracts. Also provides questions to ask when interviewing real estate professionals.
This glossary defines a host of terms consumers may encounter when they apply for a mortgage and go through the process of buying a home. 8.5 x 11, 18 pages, color.
Facts for Consumers
- Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Another Potential Stress for Homeowners in Distress [PDF][en español]
Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.
- High-Rate, High-Fee Loans (HOEPA/Section 32 Mortgages)
[PDF]
Explains The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, what loans are covered, what disclosures are required, and what practices are prohibited.
- Home Equity Credit Lines
[PDF]
Lenders offer home equity credit lines in a variety of ways. The questions and answers listed may help you decide if a home equity line of credit is right for you.
- Home Equity Loans: Borrowers Beware!
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains common abusive lending practices and how to avoid becoming a victim, and possibly losing your home.
- How to Manage Your Mortgage If Your Lender Closes or Files for Bankruptcy [PDF] [en español]
Publication to help consumers evaluate what to expect in today's mortgage market.
- Looking for the Best Mortgage? Shop, Compare, Negotiate.
[PDF]
[en español]
Use these three steps to save money on a mortgage or home loan. Includes a mortgage shopping worksheet.
- Mortgage Discrimination
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains your rights under Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and what to do if your loan is rejected.
- Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains mortgage servicers’ responsibilities, in particular under the RESPA enforced by HUD; urges consumers to keep records of their payments, insurance coverage, and other information; explains how consumers can file disputes with their loan servicer; and includes sample letters that consumers may use when filing a dispute with their lender/servicer or with a credit bureau.
- Need a Loan? Think Twice About Using Your Home As Collateral
[PDF]
[en español]
Includes terms, tips, a checklist, and information to help you find a plan that meet your needs, and protect your interests.
- Putting Your Home on the Loan Line Can Be Risky Business
[PDF]
[en español]
Alerts consumers to potential borrowing pitfalls and provides tips for getting the best financing deal possible. Warns consumers that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for home repair, bill consolidation, or some other purpose, it’s important to shop around.
- Protect Your Move
[PDF]
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminitration Provides consumers with the knowledge and resources to plan a successful move.
- Reverse Mortgages: Get the Facts Before Cashing In On Your Home's Equity
[PDF]
Explains how reverse mortgages (RMs) can help older homeowners who are “house-rich but cash-poor” remain in their homes and still meet their financial obligations. Explains how the three types of RMs work: single-purpose, federally-insured, and proprietary; and how to get a good deal, and where to complain.
- Time and Time Again: Buying and Selling Timeshares and Vacation Plans [PDF] [en español]
Consumer Alerts
- Avoiding Home Equity Scams [PDF]
- Cancellation of Private Mortgage Insurance: Federal Law May Save you Hundreds of Dollars Each Year
[PDF]
The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 establishes rules for automatic termination and borrower cancellation of Private Mortgage Insurance on home mortgages. Find out if you qualify.
- Home Equity Loans: The Three Day Cancellation Rule [PDF]
- Reverse Mortgages — Cashing In On Home Ownership [PDF]
- Shopping For a Mortgage? Your Application May Trigger Competing Offers [PDF]
Articles You can reprint these articles in your newsletter, magazine or website.
- Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Leave Out [PDF]
Learn how to recognize mortgage offers that may be less than complete.
- How to Recognize a Foreclosure Rescue Scam [PDF]
Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.
- Mortgage Servicing: Making Your Payments Count [PDF]
The Federal Trade Commission wants you to know what a mortgage servicer does and what your rights are.
