This is your one-stop guide to mortgage topics, from A to Z. There's a bewildering array of new, complex mortgage programs out there - and now there's a definitive, concise resource to help you make sense of them all. Written by nationally syndicated real estate columnist Jack Guttentag, "The Mortgage Encyclopedia" demystifies all the various mortgage terms, features, and options by offering clear, precise explanations.From A-Credit to Zero Balance, the alphabetical organization of terms makes it easy for you to quickly find information on any topic. You get not just a complete description, but also in-depth discussion of the issues that may affect you, whether you're a homeowner (or hoping to become one), a real estate agent, a loan provider, or an attorney. There's even a special section with refinance breakeven tables. So the next time you ask yourself such questions as "Is this FHA loan right for me?" or "Can I negotiate this fee?" reach for this indispensable guide and get the fast, accurate information you need!This book features definitions and explanations of common mortgage-related terms, as well as arcane mortgage terminology. It provides authoritative advice on issues such as whether to use a mortgage broker's, the benefits of paying points versus a larger down payment, and the hazards of cosigning a loan. It identifies common mortgage myths and misperceptions - and warns you of the pitfalls to avoid. It includes helpful tables on affordability, interest cost of fixed-rate versus adjustable rate mortgages, and much more.