You've decided to do some needed remodeling on your current home, so a bit of "spam" email or a broadcast fax or a call from a telemarketer catches your interest when it tells you it will find you the dream loan for your purposes. All you have to do is to pay an up-front finder's fee.

This dream is almost inevitably a nightmare.

For starters, it's illegal to collect fees for a loan (other than obvious costs, like the cost of an appraisal or a credit report) before the deal is closed. That should give you some idea of the quality and integrity you're dealing with when you work with a faceless lender you didn't even call in the first place.

And if you hear nonsense like "If you've had prior problems obtaining credit, that's no problem here," it's time to run. Prior problems getting credit are ALWAYS a problem with reputable lenders. That's one of many reasons why reputable lenders stay in business. They aren't loan sharks. If they are, get out of the pool...fast!

Find a lender you trust. Study the different loan programs that are now available. If there are any blemishes on your credit record, work on them with your loan officer. You may find a way either to remove them or to work around them, given the flexibility of today's financing. We're talking lots of money here, so you deserve the best assistance possible when borrowing it! So you deserve the best assistance possible when borrowing it! So call Beth at 425-450-5208 and visit her website at www.bethbillington.com.

Beth Billington is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Bain in Bellevue, WA.