Avoiding Predatory Lending

If you are in the market for a new loan to purchase real property or a loan to refinance an existing mortgage, the mortgage market place offers numerous types of loan products. Being knowledgeable about the loan process will help you find the most desirable loan product and avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending. About Predatory Lending The term "predatory lending" encompasses a variety of home mortgage lending practices. Predatory lenders often try to pressure consumers into signing loan agreements they cannot afford or simply are not in the consumers' best interest. Often, through the use of false promises and deceptive sales tactics, borrowers are convinced to sign a loan contract before they have had a chance to review the paperwork and do the math to determine whether they can truly afford the loan.

Predatory loans carry high up-front fees that are added to the balance, decreasing the homeowner's equity. Loan amounts are usually based on the borrower's home equity without consideration of the borrower's ability to make the scheduled payments. When borrowers have trouble repaying the debt, they are often encouraged to refinance the loan into another unaffordable, high-fee loan that rarely provides economic benefit to the consumer. This cycle of high-cost loan refinancing can ultimately deplete the homeowner's equity and result in foreclosure.

Predatory lending practices specifically prohibited by law include:

• Flipping - the frequent making of new loans to refinance existing loans,

• Packing - the selling of additional products without the borrower's informed consent, and

• Charging excessive fees.

Homeowners in certain communities, particularly the elderly and minorities, are especially likely to be targets of predatory lending but almost anyone can fall prey to abusive lending practices. You can protect yourself by knowing what you can afford; choosing a reputable, licensed broker/lender; understanding the loan application and contract; and being aware of commonlyused predatory lending tactics. Informed decision-making is your best defense!