FTC Articles on Home Design and Products

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06/01/2007

FTC - Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here's What to Do

The possibility of losing your home because you can't make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you are one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed rate for the first two or three years and then had an adjustable rate. Or maybe you're anticipating an adjustment, and want to know what your payments will be and whether you'll be able to make them. Or maybe you're having trouble making ends meet because of an unrelated financial crisis.

05/01/2007

FTC - Buying a Home: It’s a Big Deal

Whether you’re shopping for appliances or automobiles, groceries or gadgets, travel services or tax preparers, the Internet has changed the way most people gather information about products and services.

02/01/2007

FTC - Home Equity Credit Lines

Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. And lenders are offering these home equity credit lines in a variety of ways.

07/01/2005

FTC - Warranties for Newly Built Homes: Know Your Options

Warranties for Newly Built Homes: Know Your Options For many people, a home is the most expensive purchase they ever make. It’s no wonder, then, that buyers of newly built homes are interested in warranties, which promise to repair or replace certain elements of the home, if necessary, within a certain time. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, if you’re considering a home warranty it’s important to understand what it covers, how to make a claim, and the process for resolving disputes that may arise between you and the builder or warranty company.

06/01/2005

FTC - Reverse Mortgages: Get the Facts Before Cashing In On Your Home’s Equity

Whether seeking money to finance a home improvement, pay off a current mortgage, supplement their retirement income, or pay for healthcare expenses, many older Americans are turning to “reverse” mortgages. They allow older homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell their homes or take on additional monthly bills.

11/01/2003

FTC - Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count

When you apply for a home mortgage, you may think that the lender will hold and service your loan until you pay it off or you sell your house. That's often not the case. In today's market, loans and the rights to service them often are bought and sold.

10/01/2003

FTC - Putting Your Home on the Loan Line Is Risky Business

Are you in need of cash? Do you want to consolidate your debts? Are you receiving home equity loan or refinancing offers that seem too good to be true? Does your home need repairs that contractors tell you can be easily financed? If you are a homeowner who needs money to pay bills or for home repairs, you may think a home equity loan is the answer.

12/01/2001

FTC - Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know

If you're a landlord, you may use consumer reports to evaluate rental applications - as long as you follow the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA is designed to protect the privacy of consumer report information and to guarantee that the information supplied by consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) is as accurate as possible. The FCRA requires landlords who deny a lease based on information in the applicant's consumer report to provide the applicant with an "adverse action notice."

01/01/1999

FTC - Looking for the Best Mortgage

Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage—whether it's a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan—is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You'll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars.

04/01/1998

FTC - Home Equity Loans: Borrowers Beware!

Do you own your home? If so, it's likely to be your greatest single asset. Unfortunately, if you agree to a loan that's based on the equity you have in your home, you may be putting your most valuable asset at risk.

Energy

FTC-Buying a Washing Machine It's a Load-ed Question

FTC-Cooling Your Home Don't Sweat It

FTC-Gas-Saving Products Proceed with Caution

FTC-Good, Better, Best How to Improve Gas Mileage

FTC-Heating and Cooling Your Home

FTC-Home Insulation Basics Higher R-Values = Higher Insulating Values

FTC-How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Home Appliance

FTC-Saving Money at the Gas Pump A Bumper-to-Bumper Guide

FTC-Weathering the High Cost of Heating Your Home

Environment
 
FTC-Eco-Speak A User’s Guide to the Language of Recycling

FTC-After a Disaster: Spam May Scam

FTC-Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims