Resources

When Is Your Check Not a Check? Electronic Check Conversion

A guide to inform consumers about their rights and responsibilities regarding electronic check conversions is available online from the Federal Reserve Board. The guide describes what an electronic check conversion is and what to do if there are problems with it. The information, which can be accessed at www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/checkconv/, includes a checklist of what to do before and after an electronic check conversion transaction.

Innovative Designs for Nontraditional Households in Rural Areas

Housing developers in rural areas are devising creative, affordable housing solutions for nontraditional households, according to the Housing Assistance Council. A recent report by the council focuses on elderly people, people with disabilities, unaccompanied farmworkers and single working mothers. The report is available free of charge online at www.ruralhome.org/pubs/index.htm or can be ordered for $4, including shipping and handling, by calling (202) 842-8600.

SBA Loan Prequalification Program

The new brochure outlines eligibility requirements for business loan programs. The brochure is the Small Business Administration's most recent effort to reach rural business owners who are minorities, women or veterans. The free brochure is available at SBA district offices. For information, contact the SBA at 1-800-827-5722 or visit its web site, www.sba.gov.

Reaching the Immigrant Market: Creating Homeownership Opportunities for New Americans

Based on research from 20 financial institutions, the new handbook provides case studies of strategies that have been effective in tapping immigrant markets. Published by the Fannie Mae Foundation and Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration, it is available for downloading at www.fanniemae.com/portal/index.html.

Before You Make The Loan

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis has compiled a list of questions to ask lenders before taking out a real estate loan. The list, which is designed to help people understand the terms of proposed loans, is available online at www.bamsl.org/.