Commercials and door-to-door representatives can make it sound so simple and more and more Americans are borrowing money in order to buy homes, finance home improvements, pay medical expenses, or cover other personal needs.

But what you don’t know can cost you thousands of dollars or even your home. Many consumers may unknowingly become victims of unfair or "predatory" lending practices.

But you can protect yourself and your home by knowing the facts and doing your homework. This brochure describes the process of taking out a home loan and provides tips to help you make the lending choice that is right for you.