If you are in the market for a new home, or are looking to refinance your mortgage, there are an ever increasing number of lending options that exist for you as a homeowner.

When the housing market is up and sales seem to favor sellers rather than buyers, negotiation contract contingencies may seem like a lost cause.

Unfortunately, fraud and identity theft are increasing at an alarming rate every year, and mortgage fraud is one of the most important types of fraud from which you will want to protect yourself. So what constitutes mortgage fraud, and how can you prevent this from happening to you?

Once your loan is approved, you will be ready to take the final step that will lead to the door of your new home. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the closing process, but its not as complicated as you may think. In fact, finding the right home is much more difficult than closing the deal.

So you have found the home of your dreams, it has all the features you want, and it is in the right neighborhood. Even the price is right, but suddenly you find yourself in a bidding war with one or more people who also think this is the perfect home.

Purchasing a home with a low down payment is important for a number of reasons, including the buyers ability to have extra cash left over for closing costs, decorating expenses, upgrades and/or other essentials needed to turn their new house into a home.

A predator is defined as one that preys on others, which is why some lenders have fittingly earned the title as predatory mortgage lenders.

While it may be nice to have a home with five bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a four-car garage, how many of us really need this much space? The best approach is to look at a few particular aspects of your life and lifestyle to make the right choice.

Now that youve decided to purchase a new home, its important to know what to expect throughout the loan process. With the right knowledge, the road to home ownership is just ahead.

Youve gone to countless open houses, searched online for months, and have finally found the house of your dreams, but before signing your name on the dotted line there are a few key steps you should not overlook.