Mortgages
Real People, Real Stories Video
This FTC video highlights the compelling and true stories of three families taken in by foreclosure rescue scams. The video features tips from the FTC on how to spot, avoid and report these scams.
Avoid Mortgage Modification Scams and Foreclosure Rescue Scams
This Consumer Advisory from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides advice to help prevent borrowers from becoming victims of mortgage modification and foreclosure rescue scams. It outlines what people should watch out for and provides a list of resources people can use to find help from qualified sources. Listen to a radio PSA about mortgage foreclosure scams.
Ftc.gov/YourHome
Foreclosure rescue scams are on the rise. The FTC created this site to empower consumers facing foreclosure to avoid scammers who would steal their last dime.
Mortgage Foreclosure Resources
This website provides mortgages foreclosure resources from the Federal Reserve and other government agencies.
Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Know the signs of a mortgage foreclosure scam and get help. Homeowners facing foreclosure can call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) for loan modification guidance from a HUD-approved counseling agency or to report a scam, or visit www.LoanScamAlert.org.
To help educate others and learn more yourself, you can:
1. Send an e-card to family and friends to alert them about loan modification scams.
2. Download the partner toolkit to see how to educate homeowners in your community.
3. Listen to the radio PSAs in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean or Vietnamese.
Making Home Affordable
MakingHomeAffordable.gov provides homeowners with detailed information about mortgage refinance and modification programs along with self-assessment tools and calculators to help them determine if they may be eligible for these programs. The website also allows borrowers to connect with free counseling resources to help answer questions, locate homeowner events in their communities, develop a handy checklist of key documents and materials to have ready when calling their servicer, and much more.
Reverse Mortgages: Are They for You?
This Consumer Advisory, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is designed to help you better understand reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages are complex loans, and are secured by your home. It is important to understand their terms, risks, and costs before you sign a reverse mortgage contract. It is also important to consider alternatives to reverse mortgage. Listen to the OCC’s radio PSA about reverse mortgages.
Interest-Only Payments and Payment-Option ARMS: Are They for You?
Owning a home is part of the American dream, but exotic mortgages carry risks that consumers should understand. This brochure helps explain Interest-Only and Payment-Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
Borrowing Against the Equity in Your Home
Borrowing from an unscrupulous lender, especially one that offers a high-cost loan using the home as security, could result in the loss of the borrower’s home and their money. This brochure warns that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for a home repair, bill consolidation or some other purpose, it is important to shop around.
Is Foreclosure Knocking at Your Door?
Learn about the mortgage modification programs that can help those at risk of foreclosure save their homes. The FDIC’s Foreclosure Prevention Homepage also includes information on HUD-approved homeownership and other foreclosure prevention resources.
Beware of Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams
The FDIC offers this warning to consumers to be wary of foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams.
Loans and Mortgages
The FDIC offers these tips for picking a mortgage or loan that is right for you.
Consumer Home Improvement and Living Tips
The BBB has tons of great advice for homeowners including how make your house more energy efficient and tips for finding a contractor you can trust.