Predatory Lending

Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and you have an interest in maintaining ownership, protecting your equity and preserving your credit rating. This manual describes how you can better protect yourself from scams and deceptive business practices aimed at homeowners. Mortgage fraud, foreclosure rescue schemes and other deceptive practices have invaded our state, offering empty promises and stealing the dream of home ownership. Both Idaho and federal law offer some protections against mortgage fraud. Some of these laws are discussed in this manual.

Idaho Department of Finance Frequesntly Asked Questions (FAQ) about Consumer Finance.

Reverse mortgages are becoming popular in America. HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) created one of the first. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is FHA's reverse mortgage program which enables you to withdraw some of the equity in your home. The HECM is a safe plan that can give older Americans greater financial security. Many seniors use it to supplement social security, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements and more. You can receive free information about reverse mortgages in general by calling AARP toll free at (800) 209-8085.

A predatory mortgage is a needlessly expensive home loan that provides no financial benefit to the gorrower in return fo the extra costs. In many cases, homeowners are deceived about the loan's true costs and terms or are pressured into signing loans they cannot afford. Many of these homeowners lose their homes to foreclosure.

Buying or refinancing your home may be one of the most important and complex financial decisions you'll ever make. Many lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals stand ready to help you get a nice home and a great loan. However, you need to understand the home buying process to be a smart consumer. Every year, misinformed homebuyers, often first-time purchasers or seniors, become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud.