Tips & Articles

Your Mortgage

Whom to Contact (Other Mortgage Considerations)

Where do I get information on who regulates lenders?

The following regulatory bodies oversee lenders:

• Comptroller of the Currency, Compliance Division, Washington, D.C., (800) 613-6743.
• Office of Thrift Supervision, Consumer Affairs, Washington, D.C., (202) 906-6237.
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Consumer Affairs, Washington, D.C., (800) 934-3342.

Your state departments of real estate or commerce also may regulate the lenders in your area.

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 lock-ins?

For information on lock-in mortgage rates, check out this brochure:

• "Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins" from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 94120; or call (415) 974-2163 to order.

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 refinancing?

For information on refinancing, the following booklet may be helpful:

• "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancings;" Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 94120; call (415) 974-2163 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.