The Simple Facts can also be downloaded and printed, so you can use it when you speak to bankers about which mortgage you should consider. You'll get descriptions of common types of mortgages, reasons people choose or don't choose a type of mortgage, a basic discussion of risk and a list of questions you should always ask.

Don't leave one of your biggest investment decisions up to others; educate yourself on the facts of different loan types and evaluate what is best for you. While mortgage bankers are experts in the real estate finance field, you are the one who has to live with the loan—not the real estate agent, the broker or the mortgage banker. Use The Simple Facts to research the loan that fits your budget and your future plans the best. Armed with the facts, talk with a lender about your options.