One-Price Mortgage/Closing Combos

The complexity of mortgage financing and refinancing has long been something of a national joke, good fodder for late-night television and humor columnists. But some lenders are now moving toward a simple system of mortgage pricing, something that may interest borrowers.

With one-price financing the lender offers a loan with a single interest rate, say six percent. There are no points, no origination fee, no transaction fees at closing and no increased loan amounts. The lender pays the transaction costs and the borrower pays a somewhat higher interest rate to cover the lender's expenses. Borrowers also pay prepaid items at closing, costs such as money set aside for taxes and property insurance.

To compare one-price mortgages/closing packages, look at such factors as the annual percentage rate (APR), closing costs (different costs may be covered or not covered under different programs) and the total amount borrowed. Get a good faith estimate of closing costs from each lender and look at lock-in agreements with care: Do they include the loan rate, points, origination fee and list the closing expenses to be paid by the lender? For details, speak with lenders to see how offers compare.

Mobile Homes Up 2,700 Percent Since 1950

If it seems as though mobile homes have become more common, it's not an illusion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, "the number of mobile homes in the country increased strikingly since 1950, going from just over 300,000 to nearly 8.8 million in 2000 -- an increase of about 2,700 percent."

The report, "Structural and Occupancy Characteristics of Housing: 2000," said South Carolina and New Mexico had the highest proportion of mobile homes, about one-in-five. Florida was the numerical leader with more than 800,000, followed by Texas at more than 700,000.

Other highlights from the report:

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