Several years ago the U.S. Congress tried to protect consumers from a few unscrupulous lenders by requiring all lenders to calculate and disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay on your mortgage loan. But most homebuyers will learn more by directing their attention to the Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs (GFE). Although Congress meant well, in practice the APR is not helpful and may be confusing.

If you are looking for a good way to understand your costs of borrowing and/or to compare one lender's costs to another, the GFE is your best bet. Get your lender(s) to provide a written GFE before you commit your mortgage business. When reviewing a GFE, keep in mind that the lender actually controls only a certain portion of the disclosed costs. Other parties typically control costs of appraisal, settlement, title insurance, recording fees and taxes, survey, and the "prepaid" expenses of homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, real estate taxes, etc. Review these origination fees, discount points, etc. and you will have the ability to understand the full costs of your proposed mortgage loan.

	See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

The Jeanne Walters Team
Jeanne Walters Real Estate
107 E 6th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
Tel: (812) 331-8951
Fax: (812) 331-7532
Toll Free : (866) 877-6677
Email: info@JeanneWalters.com

I truly love my work and consider myself extremely fortunate to be associated with fine colleagues. I enjoy my clients as well and value the opportunity to play a part in important times of their lives. Since 1982 I have completed designations for GRI, CRS, ABR and many fascinating real estate classes.