Book excerpt: Did you know that over 50% of mortgages don't close? Do you know how much home you can buy? Do you know how much paperwork in involved? Most people don't know how much home purchasing power they have, how much to expect for closing costs (varies by state), or how much paperwork is involved when applying for a home loan. Most people have no idea the difference between loan programs from bank to bank, lender to lender, or broker to broker- or what the differences are between the main types of residential mortgage providers. Most people have no criteria for choosing a lender, the type of loan to seek, or how much down payment is best for them. For example, are there differences between the types of property that may affect down payment? The mortgage industry is packed with nuance, which can lead to confusion for the consumer. While trying to buy a home, you may have people from many different professions telling you what you should do and how to make decisions-who should you listen to in which situations? Your most personal financial information is critical to the mortgage process and yet do you know who you are sending it to? What about mortgage insurance? Why is it required and when? The two questions I most often hear are: "What's the payment?" and, "What's the interest rate?" While these questions are important, there are several other questions that are just as critical: what is the right loan type for me; is there an up-front funding fee for this loan; what are the differences in available mortgage insurance; how will property type restrictions affect my loan; what are the pros and cons of this loan; what is the down payment requirement with this loan choice over another; what are the closing costs associated with each loan type; and, who is allowed to pay the closing costs? Successfully navigating the maze of questions, regulations, and requirements ultimately leads to a mortgage closing. Through over ten years of experience, thousands of clients, hundreds of Realtor and builder transactions (time line constraint purchases), and, as a licensed loan originator in 9 states and the District of Columbia, I have developed a wealth of knowledge about regulations and requirements. My commitment to client service and caring about their home buying experience has driven my passion for the individual personal experience in the mortgage industry and how the regulations and requirements affect real people in real time. With this book I'm privileged and excited to share my knowledge and experience with you. After reading this book, you will have an understanding of the big corporations that loan money to homebuyers, what other options you have and how to navigate government regulations and requirements to your advantage. I feel that an educated consumer is my best customer and I am happy to share these mortgage tools and tips with you in the hopes that you educate yourself and find the best mortgage and the mortgage professional that is right for you. In addition, I want you to know what to expect, what to ask, and, who to ask to get the answers you want and to understand what those answers really mean. With each chapter I will guide you through the mortgage process, from choosing between different loan types, to understanding the difference between a Good Faith Estimate and an Itemized Fee Worksheet, to the necessity of submitting certain documents in a particular method, and finally how to enter Closing Day stress-free and knowing that you have gotten the mortgage that makes the most financial sense for your future. The goal is to help you get the best mortgage possible for your individual needs and get to closing on time, stress free!