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If you can't find the answer to your question below, please email us at help@redrate.com.

Do your rate tables apply to refinancing an existing mortgage?
A recent survey of some of the largest national lenders found that, in general, the rates were the same for new purchase of a completed home and a refinance.

How can I become a homeowner if I have bad credit?
All lenders make a judgment about character (your willingness to repay), capacity (your ability to pay) and collateral (the value of what you are buying) when deciding to grant you a loan. There are several tools that aid lenders in making this judgment, including automated credit or risk scores. As a result, separate lenders can look at the same loan and view the same credit risk differently. For more information, fill out the mortgage rate form.

What's an FHA mortgage?
Federal Housing Administration mortgages let you borrow up to 95 percent of the cost of a house if the price plus closing costs are within their guidelines. Your income is not a factor, but in many parts of the country few houses qualify because of the high cost of houses. You can get information from lenders or directly from FHA.

What is a home equity line of credit (HELOC)?
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a cross between a second mortgage and a credit card. You borrow against the accumulated value in your home -- above what you owe on your first mortgage. That represents your equity in the home. You withdraw the money and repay it in the same fashion you carry a credit card balance.

How do I find a credit card with which I can consolidate $20,000 worth of credit card debt?
You can find a list of companies that will allow you to transfer balances by clicking here.

The interest rate on my credit card just went up without warning. Is that legal?
First, read the fine print in your credit card contract to find out if there is a cap on the percentage rate. If there is, has the rate risen beyond that? Check the disclosure statement to see if the issuer is allowed to raise the rate at will. Then try calling your credit card company and  asking for a lower rate. But first read Consumers can renegotiate credit card rates and fees -- but it's not easy.

When is the best time to buy a car?
"The best day of the year to shop for a car is New Year's Eve," said W. James Bragg, author of Car Buye's and Leaser's Negotiating Bible. "Walk into a dealer with a cashier's check in your hand." Although there is not much rebate activity in the month of December, car lots are usually empty and salesmen are more than willing to offer a good deal. For those that don't want to wait until the end of the year, generally toward the end of every month is a good time to shop. Salesmen need to meet a quota. Catch them a few hours before closing, keep them there late, they'll be antsy to close the deal.

Who can I talk to about re-establishing credit?
You could call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a nonprofit organization that helps people in debt re-establish credit. Their toll-free number is 1-800-388-2227.

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