Whether you need a mortgage to buy a home or are refinancing your current home loan, this new book provides insight on some of the mortgage industry's dirty little secrets. 

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner, who have written this book for the borrower's (not lender's) benefit, explain key mortgage terms and procedures in everyday English. 

For instance, the authors explain computerized loan origination, the mysterious FICO borrower rating system, and why even the biggest mortgage lenders sometimes can't deliver loan terms they promise. 

The best part of the book is the practical advice, written by authors who have obtained 12 home mortgages. For example, the Steiners recommend applying with two lenders at the same time if closing the loan on schedule is critical. 

The message "don't trust lenders" to deliver on their promises comes through loud and clear. Another bit of practical advice is to treat the loan advisor as someone working primarily for the lender, no matter how nice that person might seem. 

The book's highlight is the section on individual nationwide mortgage source sites and 800 numbers. It lists virtually all major Internet sites for home mortgage information and making online loan applications to earn discounts. The Steiners rate each mortgage Web site too. 

The appendix contains the National Money$ource Director, Loan Evaluation Checklists, Loan Amount Charts, Loan to Value Worksheets, Refinance Evaluator and Where To Get Credit Reports. 

Much of the insider information is available nowhere else. On my scale of 1 to 10, this book rates a ten.

--From Review by Robert Bruss - Chicago Tribune Syndicate 

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