What will happen to mortgage rates if we go over the fiscal cliff?  What about if we don't go over the fiscal cliff?  Why are mortgage rates higher today?  The common mistake that prevents you from buying a home.

NAMB National in Las Vegas was a huge success.  Record breaking number of mortgage professionals attended the conference.  If you are a mortgage professional, you are encouraged to join The Association of Mortgage Professionals. House Speaker John Boehner accused President Barack Obama of dragging his feet in "fiscal cliff" negotiations.  Small business optimism tanks as business owners lose hope.  Wall Street worries Washington will wreck economy.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said the Administration is "absolutely ready to go over the fiscal cliff".  Mortgage interest deduction at risk.  Nobody wants to see it go away, but few people actually claim it.  Bargain home deals on eBay.

One in three Americans would consider obtaining a mortgage from a mega-chain.  Foreclosure rates still high, but there is a housing shortage; how can this be?  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are suspending foreclosure activity through the Holidays.

Senator Harry Reid says Democrats have a proposal on the table and are waiting for Republicans to do the same.  Is a credit check necessary to obtain a good faith estimate?  Rates are mixed.  Conforming loan limits remain unchanged.

A new study from Fannie Mae suggests that consumers could save money and find a more financially sustainable mortgage if they shopped more effectively.

More on the fiscal cliff.  Mortgage Debt Relief Act is set to expire the end of this year.  Will you no longer be able to receive a tax deduction for mortgage interest?  If you are refinancing or buying a home, Freddie Mac says it will take about 54 days.  Weakness in stocks is helping mortgages rates again.

What is the fiscal cliff and is it bad?  Housing recovery is leaving behind first-time home buyers.  Should I add my escrow into my mortgage payment?

This episode is provided to all who are comparison shopping and need to read and understand the Good Faith Estimate.

The IRS announced it will now allow digital signatures on the form 4506-T.  Forty-six percent of first-time homebuyers use FHA lending.  Warren Buffett bets on a housing turnaround.  Signed an Intent to Proceed, am I obligated to close with my lender?