How to land the best loan Our plan will help you find the cheapest possible mortgage and walk you through the application process.
	Refinancing in a recession Our 6 smart moves will help you clear all the hurdles, take advantage of record low mortgage rates and cut your monthly payments.
	10 smart moves for buying a foreclosure You'll save 10% to 20% -- even after repairs -- if you get a good deal and avoid the costly pitfalls.
	PMI is tougher to get, costs more Be prepared to be scrutinized very closely if you need to borrow more than 80% of a home's market value.
	VA loans: The best mortgages around If you've served in the military, you can qualify for a good rate even with bad credit and no money for a down payment.
	How much house can you afford? Our four simple rules will make sure you can make the monthly payments and weather the recession.
	Be prepared with the right down payment Most home buyers will need 3.5% to 20% of the purchase price to qualify for a mortgage. A few will need more. A few less.

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	Owners left in lurch after refi checks bounce Nov. 8--In early April, Jeff Franson refinanced his mortgage, switching it from Chase to SecurityNational Mortgage Co.
	Fannie Mae seeks $15 billion more in aid WASHINGTON - Fannie Mae is asking for an additional $15 billion in government aid after posting another big loss in the third quarter as the taxpayer bill from the housing market bust keeps rising.
	Mortgage rates unchanged in weekly survey The average conventional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage costs 5.35%, while the average jumbo loan costs 6.50%.
	Fannie Mae offers option to foreclosure WASHINGTON - Can't pay the mortgage?
	Fed pledges to keep rates at record lows WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve pledged Wednesday to keep a key interest rate at a record low for an "extended period," in a sign that the economy is growing but remains deeply dependent on government help.
	More walk away from homes, mortgages When Sharon Sakson was laid off recently from her job as a television writer and producer, she burned through her savings to pay the $2,400 monthly mortgage on her home.

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	The dirty little secrets of home inspections Here's why a licensed general contractor will give you the best assessment of a home's condition.
	How to avoid foreclosure It's not always easy to find, but help is available -- if you know where to look for it.
	Buy foreclosures through agents, not auctions That way, you won't be up against professional investors who are expert bidders.
	Refinance if you can save a point of interest For every point you shave off your loan, you'll pocket $65 a month for every $100,000 you borrow.
	Condos can require big down payments Lenders are asking for up to 50% down in markets where a glut of unsold units is depressing prices.
	Shop around for the best deal Get three to five quotes and pick one with the lowest rate and fees of $1,500 or less.

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