How to land the best loan Our plan will help you find the cheapest possible mortgage and walk you through the application process.
	Refinancing in a recession Our 6 smart moves will help you clear all the hurdles, take advantage of record low mortgage rates and cut your monthly payments.
	10 smart moves for buying a foreclosure You'll save 10% to 20% -- even after repairs -- if you get a good deal and avoid the costly pitfalls.
	PMI is tougher to get, costs more Be prepared to be scrutinized very closely if you need to borrow more than 80% of a home's market value.
	VA loans: The best mortgages around If you've served in the military, you can qualify for a good rate even with bad credit and no money for a down payment.
	How much house can you afford? Our four simple rules will make sure you can make the monthly payments and weather the recession.
	Be prepared with the right down payment Most home buyers will need 3.5% to 20% of the purchase price to qualify for a mortgage. A few will need more. A few less.

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	More borrowers with good credit defaulting WASHINGTON - The foreclosure crisis likely will persist well into next year as high unemployment pushes more people out of homes, pulls down housing prices and raises concerns about the broader economic recovery.
	Next wave of foreclosures looms A second wave of foreclosures is poised to hit the market, potentially undermining housing recovery efforts as more homes add to the glut of inventory and drive down prices.
	Cost of fixed-rate mortgages declines sharply The average conventional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage costs 5.06%, while the average jumbo loan costs 5.95%.
	Home appraisals turn into a hazard Nov. 15--When Steve and Kristina Solloway decided to refinance their North Raleigh home this year, they assumed the process would be fairly straightforward.
	FHA not in danger of collapse SAN DIEGO - Federal Housing Administration Commissioner David Stevens said Saturday that concerns the agency is headed for the same financial trouble that snared Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the subprime sector are unwarranted.
	Obama foreclosure aid makes progress Lenders in the government's Making Home Affordable program have extended mortgage modifications to more than 650,000 delinquent borrowers since April -- a fifth of those eligible, the government reported Tuesday.

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	Take full advantage of the tax credits U.S. extends and broadens the deal for home buyers, and it's particularly valuable because it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.
	The dirty little secrets of home inspections Here's why a licensed general contractor will give you the best assessment of a home's condition.
	How to avoid foreclosure It's not always easy to find, but help is available -- if you know where to look for it.
	Buy foreclosures through agents, not auctions That way, you won't be up against professional investors who are expert bidders.
	Refinance if you can save a point of interest For every point you shave off your loan, you'll pocket $65 a month for every $100,000 you borrow.
	Condos can require big down payments Lenders are asking for up to 50% down in markets where a glut of unsold units is depressing prices.

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