With mortgage stories dominating the front-page news, people—whether they’re buying a new house or refinancing—increasingly have questions about the complicated issues at stake. Arranged in an easily accessible question-and-answer format, Mortgages 101 provides readers with essential lending formulas, as well as important information on lending requirements and application procedures. The book shows readers how to save money by: • understanding key terms like ARMs and hybrids—and reading what’s in the fine print • improving their credit scores to increase their borrowing power • using technology to get the lowest interest rates • maximizing their return on investment, and cutting the cost of mortgage insurance This revised edition includes up-to-date material on new loan and government programs, as well as changes to the law regarding tax deductions, down payment assistance, reverse mortgages, bankruptcy, negative amortization and more—in short, all the answers readers need, in one must-have reference.