Tips & Articles

Your Mortgage

Whom to Contact (Home Loan Options)

Where do I get information on lease options?

Contact your real estate agent (some even specialize in such transactions) or read up on lease options at the public library. If you have a real estate attorney, ask if he or she has any prepared information you can review. Most bookstores have a fairly hefty real estate book section these days. Many current real estate books have at least a section on lease options. If you are considering a lease option, be sure you do your homework first. And have an attorney or financial advisor on hand to review any paperwork before you sign.

Where do I get information on finding the best loan?

For information on how to find the best home loan for you, check out this booklet:

• "How to Shop for a Mortgage," by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, 1125 15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005; call (202) 861-6500.

Where do I get information on mortgages?

For information on mortgages, check out the following sources for information:

• American Bankers Association; (202) 663-5000.
• Mortgage Bankers Association of America, 1125 15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005; (202) 861-6500.

Where do I get information on correcting loan payments?

The following auditing services can do a thorough review of residential mortgages for lender calculation errors:

• Mortgage Monitor; 1372 Summer Street, Samford, 06905; (800) AUDIT-USA.
• Loantech, (301) 762-7700.

But keep in mind that these services come with a fee, and your lender should be able to work with you to make your own accurate calculation.

Where can I get a list of mortgage brokers?

For information on mortgage brokers, contact the National Association of Mortgage Brokers at (703) 610-9009

Where do I get information on PMI?

Look for tips in "A Mortgage Insurance Guidebook," or "How to Buy a Home with a Low Down Payment," published by the Mortgage Insurance Companies of America, 805 15th St., N.W., Suite 1110, Washington, DC 20005; call (202) 393-5566 to order.

How do I monitor my ARM loan?

Consumer Loan Advocates publishes a book with form letters and worksheets to help people who want to check mortgage payments or adjustments on their own. It costs $19.95 plus $4 shipping and handling. For a copy, write or call Consumer Loan Advocates, 655 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044; (847) 615-0024.