home loan equity

Do you own your home? If so, it’s likely to be your greatest single asset. Unfortunately, if you agree to a loan that’s based on the equity you have in your home, you may be putting your most valuable asset at risk.
Homeowners — particularly elderly, minority, and those with low incomes or poor credit — should be careful when borrowing money based on their home equity. Why? Certain abusive or exploitative lenders target these borrowers, who unwittingly may be putting their home on the line.
Abusive lending practices range from equity stripping and loan flipping to hiding loan terms and packing a loan with extra charges. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urges you to be aware of these loan practices to avoid losing your home.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea11.pdf