Information about shopping for mortgages and avoiding predatory lending: 

• HUD’s Website—a wealth of information about homebuying.http://www.hud.gov/buying/index.cfm  

• Freddie Mac’s Credit Smart Program—helps consumers understand, build, and maintain better credit. http://www.freddiemac.com/creditsmart 

• FDIC’s Money Smart Program—“a training program to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships.” http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/overview.html

• The Fannie Mae Foundation offers free homebuying guides: “Knowing and Understanding Your Credit,” “Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own,” and “Choosing the Mortgage that’s Right for You.” http://www.homebuyingguide.com 

• Berkshire Affiliate Lenders-  Our Mortgage Professionals joined our association to work with our local REALTORS in securing the best financing for each buyer.  They all offer different products with different mortgage rates and many provide one-on-one counseling for prospective buyers looking to purchase a home or investment property. http://www.BerkshireRealtors.net/member-center/membership-contact-lists/affiliate-mortgage-lenders/