Good resources, no matter your lender.

Confirm licensing, look up government programs, and understand your rights.

• NMLS Consumer Access

  Confirm that any mortgage company or loan officer is authorized to do business in your state.

  nmlsconsumeraccess.org →

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  HUD's homepage — programs, counseling resources, and consumer guides.

  hud.gov →

Pull your credit report directly from the three major bureaus — or freeze it.

• Equifax

  Personal credit report and identity-protection services.

  equifax.com →

• Experian

  Free credit report, score monitoring, and dispute tools.

  experian.com →

• TransUnion

  Annual credit report request, freeze, and fraud-alert tools.

  transunion.com →

Find out who owns your loan — useful for refinance and loss-mitigation options.

• Fannie Mae Loan Lookup

  Check whether Fannie Mae owns your loan. Required for some refinance and modification programs.

  knowyouroptions.com →

• Freddie Mac Loan Lookup

  Check whether Freddie Mac owns your loan.

  freddiemac.com →

Plain-English guides from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Home Loan Toolkit (CFPB)

  Step-by-step guide for first-time buyers — what to expect, how to shop, how to close.

  consumerfinance.gov · PDF →

• Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (CHARM)

  Required-by-law guide explaining how ARMs work, what to watch for, and how rate adjustments are calculated.

  consumerfinance.gov · PDF →

Browse foreclosed and bank-owned homes.

• HomePath.com (Fannie Mae)

  Search Fannie Mae-owned homes for sale, including special financing for owner-occupied buyers.

  homepath.com →