The Human Relations Division and Human Predatory

Relations Commission If you have questions about is a civil rights enforcement your rights or responsibilities under fair housing laws, contact agency. the specialists in the Human Relations Division for a consultation.

It investigates complaints They can also provide you with copies of Chapter X, Article 1 of from persons alleging they the Code of the City of Lawrence, have been discriminated Kansas, the Kansas Residential against in housing Landlord and Tenant Act, the because of race, sex, Mobile Home Parks Landlord and religion, color, national Tenant Act, as well as informational brochures and origin, age, ancestry, posters. sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, in Lending addition to familial status

in housing.

Chapter X, Article 1 of the City of Lawrence, Kansas Code of the City of City Attorney’s Office Lawrence, Kansas as Human Relations Division amended, authorizes the and agency to receive, Human Relations Commission

investigate, decide, and 1006 New Hampshire attempt to conciliate a P.O. Box 708 complaint or complaints Lawrence, Kansas 66044

alleging discrimination, Phone: 785-832-3310 segregation, or separation Fax: 785-832-3315 in housing inside the city Email: [email protected] limits and to hold public City of Lawrence, Kansas hearings. City Attorney’s Office Human Relations Division and Human Relations Commission City of Lawrence Human Relations Commission and Human Relations Division 1006 New Hampshire Lawrence, Kansas 66044 (785) 832-3310

Say NO to "easy money." Beware if someone Failure to Disclose True Terms tells you "your credit problems won't affect your Inadequate disclosure of the true costs and interest rate." risks of the transaction that misleads the

borrower into believing that it is more favorable Make sure documents are correct. Be cautious of to the borrower than it is. someone that offers to falsify income information

so you can qualify for a loan. Do not falsify The Hard Sell information or sign documents that you know to Aggressive marketing tactics that mount to be false. deceptive or coercive conduct. Unfair and Most mortgage lenders and brokers have their Deceptive Trade Practices. Practices that are customers' best interests in mind but there are Make sure documents are complete. Don't sign fraudulent, coercive, unfair or deceptive, or some who may try to take advantage of documents that have incorrect dates or blank otherwise illegal. consumers by using "abusive" or "predatory" fields. Be wary of promises that a lender will "fix it lending practices. This usually involves practices later" or "fill it in later." A loan product or lending practice may not that strip equity away from a homeowner. seem predatory until you compare it to similar Predatory or abusive lending practices can Ask about additional fees. Question any items loan products offered by other lenders. The include: you didn't ask for. Beware if you are told that situation you are in may not seem abusive until single premium credit insurance is required get a you get to the closing table. If any fees or Asset-Based Lending loan, or that purchasing it will help loan approval. charges differ from what was previously Loans made in reliance on the value of the Review every fee and compare different lenders' disclosed, delay the closing until you borrower's home, without a proper evaluation of fees to ensure the most competitive loan terms. understand all terms of the loan. the borrower's ability to repay without resort to foreclosure on the collateral, with the possible or Work with credit counselors. Get all the facts Avoiding borrowing pitfalls: even intended result of foreclosure or the need to before you decide to combine your credit card or Shop around. Talk to several lenders to find the refinance under duress. other debts into a home loan. Talk to a consumer best loan for which you qualify. Understand the credit counseling agency or nonprofit housing best loan terms available in the marketplace Price Gouging counselor before signing the loan documents. and compare the APR (annual percentage rate) Pricing terms that far exceed the lender's true of loans from different lenders. The APR takes risks, costs and reasonable return on the loan. Protect your home equity. If you are taking equity into account both the interest rate and the out of your property, take out the minimum points and fees of the loan. Packing amount that you need. The equity in your home

"Packing" into the loan unearned, or otherwise is a source of wealth, which builds up slowly over Understand the loan terms. Compare loan unwarranted fees or services which can include time. terms from different lenders. If you're confused, prepaid single premium credit life insurance when ask a nonprofit housing counselor or a lawyer the consumer does not receive a net tangible If you're not sure, don't sign. Talk to a consumer to review the information with you. benefit. credit counseling agency or nonprofit housing

counselor. Find out about Prepayment Penalties. Know if Targeting the loan you are offered has a prepayment Targeting persons that are less financially penalty. Prepayment penalty should be a sophisticated or otherwise vulnerable, or believed choice, not a requirement. For more information to be vulnerable, to abusive practices, or who on prepayment penalty mortgages see our fact have less access to mainstream lenders, such as sheet. the elderly and minorities, persons living in low or moderate-income areas.