Credit & LoansMortgages/Real Estate
Featured Publications
- For Homeowners
[PDF] [en español]
Flyer with tips to homeowners on how to avoid scammers targeting people having trouble paying their mortgage. Homeowners can call 1-888-995-HOPE for free personalized advice from HUD-certified housing counseling agencies. 8.5"x11", 2 pages, color.
- A note to Homeowners Bookmark [PDF] [en español]
Bookmark with tips to homeowners on how to avoid scammers targeting people having trouble paying their mortgage. Homeowners can call 1-888-995-HOPE for free personalized advice from HUD-certified housing counseling agencies. 2.5"x8.5", 2 pages, color.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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]
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.
Microsites
Facts for Consumers
- 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.
- Defaulting on Your Mortgage Has Costly Consequences [PDF]
[en español]
Explains the costly consequences of default. Stresses that if you’re having trouble making your mortgage payments, you should contact your loan servicer to discuss your options as soon as you can. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- 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.
- Knock, Knock. Who's There? Want to Buy a Home Security System? Beware of home alarm sales scams.
[PDF]
Cautions consumers about home security companies that hire traveling sales agents to go door-to-door, making unsolicited "cold calls" on homeowners. Explains how to recognize a security system scam, and offers tips if you're thinking about buying a system.
- 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: A Guide to Understanding Your Rights & Taking Action
[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 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.
- Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count
[PDF]
[en español]
Explains mortgage servicers’ responsibilities; urges consumers to keep records of their payments, insurance coverage, and other information; explains how consumers can file disputes with their loan servicer. 8.5"x11", 6 pages.
- 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
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]
- Defective Imported Drywall: Don't Get Nailed by Bogus Tests and Treatments [PDF]
- Forensic Mortgage Loan Audit Scams: A New Twist on Foreclosure Rescue Fraud [PDF] [en español]
- Home Equity Loans: The Three Day Cancellation Rule [PDF]
- Mass Joinder Lawsuits: A New Twist on Foreclosure Rescue Scams [PDF]
- Rental Listings May Be Red Herrings [PDF]
- Selling a Timeshare Through a Reseller: Contract Caveats [PDF] [en español]
- 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.
- 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.
- Recognizing Foreclosure Rescue Scams [PDF]
Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.