Home Ownership


 

This website provides information that may be helpful to consumers, financial institutions, and the community groups working with them on foreclosure-related issues.


Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Find detailed information about the Home Affordable Refinance and Modification programs along with self-assessment tools and calculators to empower borrowers with the resources they need to determine whether they might be eligible for a modification or a refinance under the Administration's program. Through this website, borrowers can connect with free counseling resources; locate homeowner events in their communities; find a handy checklist of key documents and materials to have ready when making that important call to their servicer.


Agency: Department of the Treasury


Here you can find links to instructional materials and tools that can increase your understanding of the Federal Reserve, economics and financial education. All of the Fed web sites, curriculum, newsletters, booklets and other resources are free.

Audience: 
Teachers, Financial Literacy Educators

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Gives you key points to help you choose the mortgage that is best for you. Provides tips on determining your budget, understanding pricing and fees, comparing loan options and gathering information from trusted resources.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Suggests do's and don'ts to manage your credit card account and help maintain a high credit score.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Explains consumers' rights and lenders' responsibilities when credit lines are reduced and provides information for those seeking to have a credit line reinstated.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


LIHEAP is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.  LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction).  The federal government does not provide energy assistance directly to the public. Instead, LIHEAP operates in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and the U.S. territories. This website provides additional information. 

Audience: 
low-income,

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services


This brochure explains how mortgage modification programs can help those at risk of foreclosure save their home.

Audience: 
Homeowners

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


This brochure provides information on common foreclosure prevention scams, tips for detecting fraudulent deals, and resources for reporting criminal activity.

Audience: 
Homeowners

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


The 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 mortgages.

Audience: 
General Audience, Bank Customers

Agency: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


Common types of foreclosure rescue scams, how they work, and what you can do if you are facing foreclosure.


Agency: Office of Thrift Supervision


The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Consumer Advisory provides advice to help prevent borrowers from becoming victims of mortgage modification and foreclosure rescue scams.  It outlines what people should watch out for to avoid mortgage modification and foreclosure rescue scams.  The advisory provides a list of resources people can use to find qualified sources for help and is also published in Spanish.

Audience: 
General Audience, Homeowners

Agency: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


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. “Putting Your Home on the Loan Line is Risky Business” is a brochure prepared by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the federal bank, thrift, and credit union regulatory agencies.  The publication warns that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for a home repair, or some other purpose, it is important to shop around.

Audience: 
General Audience, Bank Customers, Homeowners

Agency: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


This web page provides quick access to several resources to help homeowners, community stakeholders, and the banking industry help prevent unnecessary foreclosures and stop foreclosure “rescue” scams that promise false hope to consumers at risk of losing their homes. For Additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

Audience: 
General Public, Homeowners, Educators, Housing Counselors

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Financial Education: FDIC's Money Smart financial education program. The Money Smart program can help you take charge of your finances and create a better financial future.  Available on-line or by mail free of charge; it may also be taught in a classroom setting or downloaded into a portable audio (MP3) format.  For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

Audience: 
Consumers, Adults, Young Adults, Educators, Low and Moderate Income Individuals

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Explains mortgage servicers' responsibilities, in particular under the RESPA enforced by HUD; urges consumers to keep records of their payments, insurance coverage, and other information; explains how consumers can file disputes with their loan servicer; and includes sample letters that consumers may use when filing a dispute with their lender/servicer or with a credit bureau.


Agency: Federal Trade Commission


Explains your rights under Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and what to do if your loan is rejected.


Agency: Federal Trade Commission


Helps consumers evaluate what to expect in today's mortgage market.


Agency: Federal Trade Commission


Whether you are buying a house or refinancing your mortgage, this information can help you decide if an interest-only mortgage payment (an I-O mortgage)--or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with the option to make a minimum payment (a payment-option ARM)--is right for you.


Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Find out about the risks and advantages of an adjustable rate mortgage. Use the Mortgage Checklist to help with your decision. Handbook is designed to help consumers understand an important and complex mortgage option available to homebuyers.


Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System