Mortgage Help   Mortgage Rates Real Estate Credit Foreclosure Tax Mortgage Rates 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 Summary   Buying a house takes a lot of paperwork. It can sometimes be a little confusing. The lender will need you to provide documentation of your employment, income, debts, savings and down payment money. You may need to submit your tax returns, paycheck stubs, checking and savings account statements, investment records and a copy of the home purchase contract. After applying for a mortgage, the lender is required to provide you with certain disclosures. The most important document is the good faith estimate of closing costs. The law says that the lender must send it or hand it to you within three days of receiving your mortgage application. The good faith estimate lists the fees that will be charged in connection with the mortgage and the real estate transaction. The lender and various third parties have a lot more to do after providing you with the disclosures. There are many still many steps to be completed in securing your mortgage.