Finance companies will also give mortgages, but you may be looking at higher interest rates as well as companies which may not have the same stability as a bank.

How will you know if the finance company is stable? You can check with rating companies. Six major credit agencies will give you information about financial strength. You can do this online:

• A.M. Best Co. - www.ambest.com
• Duff & Phelps Inc. - www.duffllc.com
• Fitch, Inc. - www.fitchratings.com
• Moody's Investors Services - www.moodys.com
• Standard & Poor's Corp. - www.standardandpoors.com
• Weiss Ratings, Inc - www.weissratings.com

These rating companies look at a broad range of factors concerning the financial performance of an organization. Note: a high financial rating is not the same as a high consumer satisfaction rating. Just because your finance company mortgage lender is very stable doesn't mean you will like doing business with them.