Recognizing misleading advertising

How to Spot Misleading Mortgage Advertising Before You Get Burned

9 days ago – A mortgage ad has one job: to get you to call, click, or fill out a form. Some ads do that honestly. Others use tricks that make a bad deal look like...

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The Teaser Rate Trap: How to Spot Misleading Mortgage Advertising

17 days ago – Mortgage ads are built to get your attention, not give you the full story. You see a big number and a friendly face, and it is easy to think you...

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The “No Closing Cost” Mortgage Ad: What It Really Means

21 days ago – Mortgage ads that shout “no closing costs” can feel like a gift. Closing costs often run thousands, so skipping them sounds free. They are not...

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The “No Closing Costs” Mortgage Offer That Costs You More

1 month ago – Every week, your mailbox and inbox fill with promises that sound like a gift: “Refinance with no closing costs!“ or “Zero fees, zero closing, zero...

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Why “No Closing Cost” Mortgage Ads Are a Trap

2 months ago – You see it on billboards, in your mailbox, and all over the internet. Big, happy letters screaming that you can refinance your home or buy a new one...

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Teaser Rates: The Sweet-Sounding Deal That Turns Sour

3 months ago – You’re driving down the road, listening to the radio, and there it is: a mortgage lender promising a rate of 2.99 percent. That sounds incredible...

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Why ’Guaranteed Approval’ Mortgage Ads Are a Trap You Must Avoid

4 months ago – You’ve seen the banner ads and the late-night TV spots. “Guaranteed approval! Bad credit? No problem!” They promise a mortgage in minutes, no...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

Lower Interest Rate: Mortgage interest rates are typically much lower than credit card or personal loan rates, saving you money.
Simplified Finances: You combine multiple payments into one single, predictable monthly payment.
Potential Tax Benefits: The interest you pay on a mortgage used for home acquisition (which can include a second mortgage used to consolidate debt in some cases) may be tax-deductible (consult a tax advisor).
Fixed Payments: With a Home Equity Loan, you get a fixed interest rate and payment, making budgeting easier.

Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are an upfront fee you pay to your lender at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate on your home loan. One point typically costs 1% of your total loan amount.

Common expenses that are typically not included in your DTI calculation are:
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
Cable, internet, and phone bills
Insurance premiums (health, life, auto)
Groceries and entertainment
401(k) or other retirement contributions

Use negative reviews to form specific, direct questions. For example:
“I saw some reviews mentioning closing delays. What is your average time to close, and what is your process for ensuring deadlines are met?“
“Some customers reported unexpected fees. Can you walk me through all the costs on your Loan Estimate and guarantee no hidden fees at closing?“

VA Loans: Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans are for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. They often require no down payment and have no mortgage insurance premium.
USDA Loans: Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these loans are for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers in designated rural and suburban areas. They also offer 100% financing (no down payment).
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