Mortgage Insider Information

Whether you need a mortgage to buy a home or are refinancing your current home loan, this new book provides insight on some of the mortgage industry's dirty little secrets.

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner, who have written this book for the borrower's (not lender's) benefit, explain key mortgage terms and procedures in everyday English.

For instance, the authors explain computerized loan origination, the mysterious FICO borrower rating system, and why even the biggest mortgage lenders sometimes can't deliver loan terms they promise.

The best part of the book is the practical advice, written by authors who have obtained 12 home mortgages. For example, the Steiners recommend applying with two lenders at the same time if closing the loan on schedule is critical.

The message "don't trust lenders" to deliver on their promises comes through loud and clear. Another bit of practical advice is to treat the loan advisor as someone working primarily for the lender, no matter how nice that person might seem.

The book's highlight is the section on individual nationwide mortgage source sites and 800 numbers. It lists virtually all major Internet sites for home mortgage information and making online loan applications to earn discounts. The Steiners rate each mortgage Web site too.

The appendix contains the National Money$ource Director, Loan Evaluation Checklists, Loan Amount Charts, Loan to Value Worksheets, Refinance Evaluator and Where To Get Credit Reports.

Much of the insider information is available nowhere else.

--From Review by Robert Bruss - Chicago Tribune Syndicate

The book covers almost all topics of moving in a thorough way that really conveys a lot of information in a short space. I planned to move from NJ to Florida & it really prepared me for the moving process. Although I didn't make the move, I did hire movers within NJ and I felt much more prepared having read this book. I've heard horror stories of people's goods being held hostage for more money, broken items, missing items, the book covered it all and told what to do in case that happens. It gives you enough information, however, to avoid such disreputable movers in the first place.

One area where it falls short (unfortunately) is the internet. There are many, many resoucrs on the net and the book doesn't cover enough of them IMHO. This book was written in 1999 though, and can sort of be excused I guess. I think that they would be well advised to do an update in a year or two with more coverage of resources for moving on the net. That'd be worth five stars then...

This is the most complete book on moving that I have ever read. It delivers the promised information in a very readable and entertaining text. Some of its best features include the great worksheets, charts, sample forms, lists and timelines which will assist anyone in planning and accomplishing a successful move. I have made 9 or 10 moves in the past 25 years and can say, unequivocably, that although I have read (and used) many nice "moving" books...this is absolutely the BEST!!!

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner have completed 19 residential moves in five countries so they are well-qualified to write this unique and very complete book. Virtually nothing involving a household move is left out. The authors discuss reasons for moving, employment considerations, income tax aspects, home sales and purchases, renting and virtually everything to consider when changing residences. Strong emphasis is placed on how moves affect children and how to minimize problems. For example, the authors recommend moving during the school year, rather than in summer, so children will quickly make friends at their new school. This well-researched book has something for virtually every reader. If a topic doesn't interest you skip it because there are many more subjects which will be of interest. My favorite was how to handle and negotiate with moving companies. Although the authors discuss do-it-yourself moves they realize that isn't practical for most families so they explain the mover pitfalls to anticipate. They even rate moving companies. Review by Robert Bruss