Mortgage Help   Mortgage Rates Real Estate Credit Foreclosure Tax Mortgage Rates Should You Buy or Rent Mortgage Basics Chapter 1: How much house can you afford? Homeownership Should You Buy or Rent Summary   Chapter 2: Adjustable-rate mortgages ARM and a fixed-rate mortgage Fixed-rate mortgages Understanding the key elements Which type of lender is right for you? Other types of mortgages Subprime Summary   Chapter 3: Your credit score Down Payment How lenders set rates Low down payments Mortgage insurance Your mortgage payment Mortgage Points Summary   Chapter 4: The good faith estimate Inspection and Insurance Necessary paperwork for a buyer Other lender paperwork Paperwork and fees Prequalification and preapproval Special circumstances Summary   Chapter 5: Ten questions to ask Turned down for a mortgage Underwriting What lenders ask Summary   Chapter 6:  Understanding the closing process Escrow Summary   Chapter 7: When your mortgage is sold Avoiding foreclosure Paying ahead Payment changes Refinancing Removing mortgage insurance Summary Owning your own home is promoted by many as part of the American dream. Many Americans struggle with the decision to buy or continue renting. Which is best? There is no set answer. It depends on you and your family. There are many factors to consider when looking at whether or not to buy a home. You have to look at your family, your job, your finances and your future. Are you ready to embark on the journey toward the American Dream? Before you jump in, let us help you decide whether or not you should continue to rent. Once you've decided that it is time to buy, we'll help you sort out all of the information that you need to know.