COUNTRYWIDE OFFERS NEW ZERO-DOWN HOME LOAN.

CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA--BASED Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., has announced a new home loan specifically for homebuyers with good credit who may not have enough money saved for a down payment and associated loan costs. Countrywide's Zero Down Plus loan allows buyers to apply for a loan up to 103 percent of their property's purchase price (103 percent of the lesser of the sales price or appraised value may be financed). This means a buyer can purchase a home with no down payment and finance other loan fees-such as closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums and prepaid items-into the loan. The Zero Down Plus loan is not available in Alaska or Hawaii; in Kansas and Massachusetts, a maximum 100 percent of the property's value may be borrowed.