Mortgage & Lending Tools
Mortgage Tools • Choose the right mortgage • Qualifying for a home loan • Finding the best mortgage • Reverse mortgages • Negative amortization mortgages • Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) • Mortgage lock-ins • Setting the mortgage terms • Discount points • How to choose the right loan • Home appraisals • Second mortgages/Piggy back loans • Checklist: Documentation for your lender • The effect of baby boomers on the housing market • Refinancing? Shop around! • Adjustable rate mortgage? It's not too late to "fix" the problem. • Interest rates are rising? Should you refinance now?
Credit Tools • Why should I check my credit report regularly? • What to look for on your credit report • Rebuilding your credit • Improving your credit score • Ask an expert: Running a credit card balance • FAQs about credit scores • Your credit and the Fair Credit Reporting Act • Correcting your credit report • Bankruptcy • Tips for using credit cards • Credit and divorce • 5 tips to protect your credit score • Make yourself more attractive to a lender • A credit score primer
Home Equity • A guide to home equity loans and lines of credit • Using a HELOC to supplement your income • Using your equity to buy a second home • Is a home equity loan for you? • Move or renovate? • Home equity lines of credit • Home equity loans vs. lines • Good tips for using a home equity loan or line of credit • Financing higher education • Something really scary? Rising construction costs. • Remodeling? We have a few tips to get you started.
New Buyers • Putting together a down payment • Checklist: Finding a community you'll like • Bridge financing basics • 10 reasons to buy a home • Anxiety-free home buyer • Needs vs. Wants • Negotiating the best price • Checklist: Making an offer • Inspections and certificates • The final walk-through • Your rights as a consumer • Checklist: Home buyer documents • Rates are rising: Is it time for a fix? • The pros and cons of interest only loans • Predatory Lending - What to watch for and how to avoid abusive loan practices • Using a good faith estimate to find the loan that's right for you.
