With mortgage stories dominating the front-page news, people--whether they're buying a new house or refinancing--increasingly have questions about the complicated issues at stake. Arranged in an easily accessible question-and-answer format, Mortgages 101 provides readers with essential lending formulas, as well as important information on lending requirements and appli­ca­tion procedures. The book shows readers how to save money by: * understanding key terms like ARMs and hybrids, and reading what's in the fine print * improving their credit scores to increase their borrowing power * using technology to get the lowest interest rates * maximizing their return on investment, and cutting the cost of mortgage insurance This revised edition includes up-to-date material on: - new loan and government programs - changes to the law regarding tax deductions - down payment assistance - reverse mortgages - bankruptcy - negative amortization and more In short, all the answers readers need, in one must-have reference.