Mortgage Borrowers' Rights

A home mortgage most likely will be the largest and most important loan you get during your lifetime, one you will probably be paying off for 30 years or so. So it pays to take your time when going through the process, making sure you understand what you are signing. Part of this due diligence is getting to know your rights with respect to mortgages. 

For related articles and resources, see FindLaw's Borrower's Rights and  Qualifying for a Mortgage sections.

The following is a list of borrower's rights: 

 

• You have the RIGHT to shop for the best loan for you and compare the charges of different mortgage brokers and lenders.

 

• You have the RIGHT to be informed about the total cost of your loan including the interest rate, points and other fees.

 

• You have the RIGHT to ask for a Good Faith Estimate of all loan and settlement charges before you agree to the loan and pay any fees.

 

• You have the RIGHT to know what fees are not refundable if you decide to cancel the loan agreement.

 

• You have the RIGHT to ask your mortgage broker to explain exactly what the mortgage broker will do for you.

 

• You have the RIGHT to know how much the mortgage broker is getting paid by you and the lender for your loan.

 

• You have the RIGHT to ask questions about charges and loan terms that you do not understand.

 

• You have the RIGHT to a credit decision that is not based on your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or whether any income is from public assistance.

 

• You have the RIGHT to know the reason if your loan was turned down.

 

• You have the RIGHT to ask for the HUD settlement costs booklet "Shopping for Your Home Loan" (revised 6 Jan. 2010)

If you have additional questions about your rights as a borrower, contact a real estate attorney in your area.