A home is often the most expensive purchase a person makes in his or her lifetime. Whether it's a single-family house or a unit in a condominium or co-op building, the total price is usually far more than what most people can pay at once. Many people cover the cost by borrowing money from a bank or lender through a mortgage loan. This detailed and informative resource clearly describes the process of taking out a mortgage, the various components of such a loan, the responsibilities of the borrower, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of borrowing.