Mortgage Encyclopedia: An Authoritative Guide to Mortgage Programs, Practices, Prices and Pitfalls is an extraordinary piece of work that provides valuable information for mortgage professionals as well as homeowners who are interested in making sure that they know all about what kinds of mortgages are available and what mortgages they are getting into. If you already have a 'bad' mortgage and you are in foreclosure, this book will tell you what other types of mortgages are and what you need to avoid if you were to refinance or modify your loan.

No mortgage professional should be without this book. There is value on every single page. You'll keep turning the pages and you'll be amazed at how much you learn.

A one-stop reference for in-depth explanations of mortgage topics

With the creation of so many new, complex mortgage programs, it's difficult for consumers --not to mention real estate agents, attorneys, closing agents, and mortgage brokers--to keep track of them all. Written by nationally syndicated real estate columnist Jack Guttentag, The Mortgage Encyclopedia helps readers understand the various mortgage terms, features, and options by offering clear, precise explanations. The alphabetical organization of terms makes it easy to quickly find information on any topic, from FHA, Investor, and No-PMI Loans to Origination Fee and Rate Float. Each entry includes not just a description of the term, but also relevant advice for consumers, such as answers to the questions "Is this loan right for me?" and "Can I negotiate this fee?"

• Guides readers through the bewildering array of new mortgage programs
• Features definitions and explanations of common mortgage, escrow, and closing fees and arcane mortgage terminology

From the Back Cover

Your one-stop guide to mortgage topics, from A to Z

There's a bewildering array of new, complex mortgage programs out there--and now there's a definitive, concise resource to help you make sense of them all. Written by nationally syndicated real estate columnist Jack Guttentag, The Mortgage Encyclopedia demystifies all the various mortgage terms, features, and options by offering clear, precise explanations.

From A-Credit to Zero Balance, the alphabetical organization of terms makes it easy for you to quickly find information on any topic. You get not just a complete description, but also in-depth discussion of the issues that may affect you, whether you're a homeowner (or hoping to become one), a real estate agent, a loan provider, or an attorney. There's even a special section with refinance breakeven tables. So the next time you ask yourself such questions as "Is this FHA loan right for me?" or "Can I negotiate this fee?" reach for this indispensable guide and get the fast, accurate information you need!

• Features definitions and explanations of common mortgage-related terms, as well as arcane mortgage terminology
• Provides authoritative advice on issues such as whether to use a mortgage brokers, the benefits of paying points versus a larger down payment, and the hazards of cosigning a loan
• Identifies common mortgage myths and misperceptions--and warns you of the pitfalls to avoid
• Includes helpful tables on affordability, interest cost of fixed-rate versus adjustable rate mortgages, and much more.