"The mortgage industry, through its individual efforts and through the efforts of HOPE NOW, is working tirelessly to keep homeownership available to as many Americans who want it.  This means preserving homeownership opportunities across the nation by constantly aiding troubled borrowers while also providing proactive and tangible financial literacy resources for future homebuyers. 

"From credit information to loan type to how much a homebuyer can afford, understanding the entire process before buying a home is crucial.  I encourage homeowners and homebuyers across the nation to utilize MBA's consumer education resource, HomeLoanLearningCenter.com, at www.homeloanlearningcenter.com." 

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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 370,000 people in virtually every community in the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,400 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's Web site:  www.mortgagebankers.org.