Decoding the New Mortgage Market: Insider Secrets for Getting the Best Loan Without Getting Ripped Off

You don t have to join the crowd and give up on the dream of home ownership. With purchase prices staying remarkably low, it s a great time to buy a house. Yet thanks to the recent financial crisis and lingering credit crunch, it s much tougher to find and qualify for a manageable mortgage loan.

Decoding the New Mortgage Market is an invaluable insider s guide to finding the best and most realistic mortgage deals while avoiding the minefields. A respected industry expert and a veteran loan officer, David Reed tells you everything you need to know to make your dream a reality, without risking default or foreclosure. Inside, you ll learn the latest, critical information about:

Underwriting changes that affect Fannie, Freddie, and everyone shopping for a conventional loan

New rules that make it easier to qualify for FHA and VA loans . . . and the new government zero-down: USDA loans

New regulations and loan disclosure requirements for mortgage lenders and mort­gages that actually work in the borrower s favor

Choosing the best loan officer and comparing available options to find the right mortgage program

Finding down-payment money through nontraditional sources, including nonprofit agencies, bond programs, and equity transfers

Overcoming credit issues, including bankruptcy

New opportunities for saving big on closing costs and other fees

David Reed is the author of many books, including Mortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential. As a senior loan analyst, he has closed more than 2,000 mortgage loans. He is a longtime columnist for Realty Times and lives in Austin, Texas.

DAVID REED (Austin, TX) is the author of many books includingMortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential. As a senior loan officer, he has closed more than 2,000 mortgage loans. He is a columnist forRealty Times and Mortgage Originator magazine.