Loans  -  Predatory Lending

Loans

Consumer Action Website: Federal Citizen Information Center - Credit - Loans

The Federal Citizen Information Center is provided by the U.S. General Services Administration and provides information about consumer problems and government services. This web page deals specifically with loans.

FDIC: Looking for the Best Mortgage

This site from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation offers a clear explanation of how to shop for the best mortgage option. The information is also available in Spanish.

Money Management International

Money Management International, a nonprofit community service organization located in Houston, Texas, provides "professional financial guidance, counseling, community-wide educational programs, and debt management assistance."

The Motley Fool: Home Center

The Motley Fool, a multimedia financial education company, offers a comprehensive overview of the home buying process including reviewing current interest rates, finding the right home, choosing a mortgage, and closing the deal. Particularly helpful is the full range of calculators and the clear explanation of mortgages.

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Shopping for a Loan

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development explains the different types of lenders and different types of loans available for obtaining financing to purchase a home.

Yahoo Finance: Learn the Basics about Loans

Yahoo Finance offers basic and frequently asked information on the topic of loans, credit basics, auto loans and mortgages at this website.

Your Path to Homeownership

This government site covers all aspects of the home buying process. Especially helpful are the calculators for buying vs. renting, for estimating affordability, and for selecting the best loan option.

Predatory Lending

AARP

This article from the AARP provides advice to seniors on how to avoid unfair lending practices.

Avoiding Predatory Lending Scams 

This site from the American Bankers Association Education Foundation offers tales of predatory lending and useful information on how to avoid being a victim. Also available in Spanish.

Center for Responsible Lending

The Center for Responsible Lending is a nonprofit advocacy group out of Durham, North Carolina, which provides extensive research on predatory lending, state and federal policy and legislation, and the latest news on efforts to combat predatory lenders.

Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud

This resource from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides a definition of predatory lending, tactics used by predatory lenders, and tips on buying and financing a home.

HUD Predatory Lending 

Housing and Urban Development presents this resource guide on predatory lending, which includes research and reports, as well as resources for citizens with an FHA loan and a list of contacts for consumers with a non-FHA loan.

Memphis Area Association of Realtors 

Predatory lending is explained on this site. Warning signs and information on protecting yourself are included, as well as directions to a list of resources.

Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions

The Department of Financial Institutions is responsible for the regulation of banks, loan services, and mortgage companies. This site provides a list of registered entities in the state of Tennessee as well as information on where to file a complaint.