News & Advice

Below you'll find comprehensive help on a variety of topics on mortgages, credit issues, consumer finance, and other topics. We're regularly adding new resources, so check back frequently!

Mortgage Basics

• Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgage
• Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-ins
• Benefits of Interest Only Loans
• Good Faith Estimates
• Understanding Mortgage Servicing
• What Moves Mortgage Rates?
• All About Low Doc and No Doc Loans

Mortgage Refinancing

• Deciding When to Refinance
• Reasons to Refinance

Purchasing a Home

• Prequalified Borrowers Have an Edge
• Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
• Piggyback Mortgages
• Buying a Home After Bankruptcy

Credit Reports & Credit Scoring

• What is a Credit Score and Why is it Important?
• The Scoring Game: FICO and Vantage Scores Explained
• Too Much Debt is Bad for Your Credit
• How to Shop for a Mortgage with Bad Credit
• How Bad Credit Affects You

First Time Home Buyer Programs

• Mortgage Basics for the First Time Home Buyer

Hard Money Loan Programs

• Hard Money Lending: A Valuable Financing Option

Foreclosure Loan Programs

• Stopping Foreclosure: Understanding Your Options

Construction Loan Programs

• What is a Construction Loan?
• How to Obtain a Construction Loan