8 smart moves to get the best deal Finding the right loan -- with the lowest possible interest rate, fees and closing costs --can save you thousands of dollars.
	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.
	FHA loans great for buying, refinancing Borrowers with iffy credit and little equity or money for a down payment can get an affordable mortgage.
	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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	Washington demands more lender help WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will crack down on mortgage companies that are failing to do enough to help borrowers at risk of foreclosure, as part of a broad effort to boost participation in its mortgage assistance program.
	Fannie Mae to tighten lending standards Fannie Mae, the giant mortgage finance company that helps shape lending guidelines, plans more crackdowns next month to further tighten lending practices.
	Fed's withdrawal threatens housing growth Nov. 30--The housing market has shown some encouraging signs of strength in recent months, but analysts caution that the market is mostly responding to powerful government stimulus measures and is not healthy enough to keep growing on its own after the withdrawal of federal aid.
	Most mortgage rates fall again The average conventional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage costs 5.00%, while the average jumbo loan costs 6.04%.
	October sales gains lift hopes for housing WASHINGTON - First-time buyers seized on an expiring tax credit, low mortgage rates and falling prices to boost home sales in October to their highest level in 2 1/2 years.
	Fannie Mae gives owner-occupants dibs Nov. 25--Fannie Mae has some encouragement for would-be homeowners tired of being beaten to the punch by investors.

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	Pay a reasonable loan origination fee Check your good faith estimate carefully to be sure you're being charged an acceptable amount.
	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.

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