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.
	10 questions your GFE should answer Use your good faith estimate to make sure you're getting the loan you've been promised and avoid nasty surprises.
	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.
	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.
	FHA loans great for buying, refinancing Borrowers with iffy credit and little equity or money for a down payment can get an affordable mortgage.
	The ABCs of Obama's anti-foreclosure plan Here's how you can benefit from Washington's most ambitious effort to modify or refinance unaffordable mortgages.
	How much house can you afford? Our four simple rules will make sure you can make the monthly payments and weather the recession.

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	Most mortgages rates increase this week The average conventional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage costs 5.13%, while the average jumbo loan costs 6.01%.
	Mortgage lenders cancel more foreclosures Dec. 16--Under intense pressure to help more people stay in their homes, mortgage lenders canceled far more scheduled foreclosures in November than in the previous month, according to a report Tuesday.
	Southern California sales, home prices inch up SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Sales and prices of homes in Southern California may be showing signs of life, with an increase in sales and prices last month from the same time last year and an unexpected jump in new-home sales, a tracking firm said Tuesday.
	Home buyers need a good credit score Five years ago, if your application for a mortgage included a 20% down payment, your bank would have approved your loan by sundown and sponsored a parade in your honor.
	Report shows bank lending down again WASHINGTON - The value of loans held by the banks that received the largest amounts of government bailout support fell for the ninth consecutive month in October.
	Foreclosure filings fall 8% in November WASHINGTON - The number of homeowners on the brink of foreclosure fell in November, the fourth straight monthly decline, as mortgage companies evaluated whether borrowers were eligible for help.

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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.
	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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