Do you have a mortgage question and are you looking for mortgage advice but you are not sure where to turn for unbiased answers.  Look no further because the ultimate mortgage book is here.  Mortgages: What You Need to Know, Strategies to Take Control of Your Financial Future answers most of your mortgage questions.  This book covers:

• The different types of mortgages
• Understanding adjustable rate mortgages
• How an amortization schedule works for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, and
• It provides mortgage questions you need to ask yourself in order to determine which mortgage is right for you? 

The last chapter covers how to find a good mortgage planner in your neighborhood and what questions you should ask this person to ensure they have your best interests at heart.

Financial literacy is a big issue and this book will provide you with everything you need to know about mortgages so you can make smarter decisions for your future.  The main theme of this mortgage book is to Educate and Empower the individual:

• To take control of their financial future buy slowing down to understand the mortgage process
• How a mortgage affects short term cash flow while being mindful of long term retirement goals. 

After all, the type of mortgage you choose will directly impact your ability to save for retirement. 

Q. Should I use an internet mortgage company or a local person? Does it really matter?

A. In today’s do it yourself society many people try and obtain their mortgage online. Unfortunately that process opens up issues of having your information sold to multiple companies which results in repeated phone calls from people you do not know. In addition, by completing a self analysis of what you think you need the wrong mortgage program is chosen. Lastly, often mistakenly inaccurate information is entered and then once you finally speak to someone the program and fees turn out to be much different than you thought. My recommendation is to work with a local mortgage broker and meet with them in their office. This will provide you with the chance to meet the person you are working with to build a rapport and trust. Second, they will take the time to understand your overall picture both financially and emotionally and then collectively choose the right mortgage program for your short and long term financial objectives. Navigating the mortgage crisis today is more important than ever and by working with a local person you will be better off.

Q. Is the dream of owning a home dead and should we still be encouraging people to buy homes as the politicians are encouraging? A. Yes homeownership is down but is that a bad thing? The mantra has been that every American should be able to live the dream and buy a home. But as we found out, not everyone that wanted to should have been permitted to. Our government has focused its efforts on affordability and access to money through legislation but the effort should have been (and should be going forward) one of financial literacy. Had thousands of Americans that are now in financial trouble understood the consequences of their decisions many of them would not have made the same choices that they made and therefore not be in a compromising position today? By taking a position of education, empowerment and taking the time to slow down, Americans will be better off in the choices they make not only with their housing but in all financial aspects of their life.