"Predatory" lenders engage in illegal and unethical practices that put people's homes at risk. Here are a few of the practices that borrowers should look out for, according to the government:

Deliberately lending more money than a borrower can afford to repay, often by encouraging borrowers to lie about their income, expenses or cash available for a down payment.

Pressuring borrowers to accept higher-risk loans such as those with interest-only payments and steep prepayment penalties.

Selling properties for much more than they are worth using false appraisals. Be wary if the house you are buying costs a lot more than other homes in the neighborhood, but isn't any bigger or better.

Charging for unnecessary or nonexistent products and services.

Using high-pressure tactics to sell home improvements and then financing them at high interest rates.

Charging high interest rates to borrowers based on their race or national origin and not on their credit history.

Stripping homeowners' equity from their homes by persuading them to repeatedly refinance when there is no benefit to the borrower.

SOURCE: Federal Housing Administration