CONSUMER MORTGAGE RISK

Timebomb' alert as lenders hike mortgage rates Experts are warning that lenders could hike their standard variable rate (SVR) at any time.

Real Estate: Communities to get first shot at foreclosed homes WASHINGTON - Major mortgage lenders will now give state and local governments the right to buy foreclosed properties before they go on the market, giving them "a leg up" on speculators who have often thwarted local redevelopment efforts, Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan announced Wednesday.

Should you take the fixed rate mortgage bait? It pays to do the maths before switching from a variable rate mortgage.