The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR):
For information on NAR’s Housing Opportunity Program, go to www.REALTOR.org/HousingOpportunity.
The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL):
For information about predatory mortgage lending practices, including “The Seven Signs of Predatory Lending,” go to www.ResponsibleLending.org.
Other brochures to help consumers shop for the best
mortgage:
• NAR and CRL have issued two other brochures:
• “Specialty (Non-Traditional) Mortgages: What Are the Risks and Advantages?”
• “Traditional Mortgages: Understanding Your Options”
• NAR and the Federal Housing Administration of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have issued a brochure on “FHA Insured Mortgages.” FHA mortgages provide a safe and affordable option for homebuyers. You may view, download, and order these brochures. Go to: http://www.realtor.org/housopp.nsf/pages/mortgages?
Fannie Mae: “For Home Buyers & Homeowners”
Freddie Mac: “Buying and Owning a Home”
Ginnie Mae:
For a simple calculator to help homebuyers estimate how much they can afford to spend, read “How Much Home
Can You Afford?” at www.GinnieMae.gov.
HUD Housing Counselors:
For a list of counseling agencies, by state, approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm.
Credit-reporting agencies:
• Equifax 800.685.1111 www.equifax.com.
• Experian 888.397.3742 www.experian.com.
• TransUnion 800.916.8800 www.transunion.com.
Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to ask for a free copy of your credit report, once a year, or call 877.322.8228.
See also, www.FTC.gov.
“Looking for the Best Mortgage” is a brochure on how to shop, compare, and negotiate the best deal on a home loan. The brochure is a joint effort of 11 federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve Board, HUD, and the Department of Justice. www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/mortgage/mortb_1.htm.
Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages
(the CHARM booklet) issued by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS).
http://www.FederalReserve.gov. At the FRB site, click on “publications and education resources” and then on “consumer information brochures.”
Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com
