Mortgage Guide

No matter what anyone tells you, getting a home loan is a complicated process. It can be almost scary if you've never been through it before. Our Mortgage Guide tries to take some of the mystery out of the home mortgage application process. We tell you what you need to accomplish each step of the way, and try to help with the important decisions.

01. Get Organized

You really can't do anything until you make a few basic decisions and get all of your important files and records organized...

Learn how to Get Organized

02. Get Pre-Qualified

Get a general idea of how much you can borrow, so you don't waste a lot of time looking at homes that you can't afford...

Learn how to Get Pre-Qualified

03. Shop for a Loan

Compare home mortgage loan programs, rates, fees and service before you commit to any lender, broker, or loan type...

Learn how to Shop for a Loan

04. Apply for a Loan

A full home loan application also includes a current review of your credit history, plus a thorough examination of the property involved...

Learn how to Apply for a Loan

05. Close the Loan

Although it may take a week or two to complete the transaction, the actual loan closing usually takes less than an hour...

Learn how to Close the Loan

Mortgage Guide

  1. Get Organized
  2. Get Pre-Qualified
  3. Shop for a Loan
  4. Apply for a Loan
  5. Close the Loan

Loans

  1. Home Mortgages
  2. The Home Purchase Process
  3. Low Down Payment Mortgages
  4. Refinancing Your Home
  5. Second Mortgages
  6. Home Equity Line of Credit
  7. Construction Loans
  8. Buying a Condominium
  9. Manufactured Homes
  10. Reverse Mortgages
  11. Financing an Energy-Efficient Home

Credit

  1. What Creditors Want
  2. Your Credit Report
  3. Your Free Credit Report
  4. Your Credit Score
  5. Your Credit Score: FAQ
  6. Credit Repair