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If You Hope to Buy or Refinance

Buying or refinancing a home is a complex and sometimes confusing process. Many lenders, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and realty professionals are reputable, but some are strictly motivated by the desire to make a loan or sale. If you’re in the market for a home or refinancing, which of these can help you avoid mortgage fraud?

  1. Ask people you trust to refer you to financial or realty professionals they know.
  2. Research what homes currently sell for in neighborhoods you’re considering.
  3. Carefully review all loan and closing documents.

ALL of these make sense. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand terms or conditions. Never make a false statement on a loan application or sign a blank document. To learn more, get pre-purchase or reverse mortgage housing counseling from a reputable nonprofit agency like Guidewell Financial Solutions. Also check out our free online homeownership courses.