Lew Sichelman answers reader questions about realty brokers and refinancing a home.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program, which aims to allow millions of borrowers to refinance their mortgages, has hit road blocks and frustrated borrowers watch rates rise.

You have a second chance to refinance, but the window is a short one.

As nonprofit housing counseling services and paid "mortgage fixers" get backed up with troubled homeowners, private mortgage insurance companies step up to help borrowers out.

Reverse mortgages, which allow senior citizens to take money out of their homes, remains popular especially with the federal government's support.

It's no secret that appraisers are critical to the home buying and selling process. During boom times, lenders pressured them to inflate home values to push higher prices, but now, they are being called to be more conservative.

Hopefully, you haven't waited too long to take advantage of the low interest rates on mortgages and refinances because the deals won't last too much longer.

Mortgage rates are very enticing these days but many homeowners are finding it difficult to take advantage and refinance due to the credit crunch. Here is key information to help you access the opportunity to refinance your home.

The House has passed a bill that would help fund the program, Hope for Homeowners, which helps homeowners refinance.  

In this Realty Q&A, Lew Sichelman walks through options on makinghomeaffordable.gov and reverse mortgages.