Countrywide offers Spanish-language mortgage tool.

Countrywide Financial Corporation, Calabasas, California, announced it has launched a Spanish-language version of its Home Ownership Mortgage Education program (H.O.M.E.), www.homebycountrywide.com.

At www.mihogarcountrywide.com, Spanish-speaking consumers have a comprehensive online reference tool, providing them with information on all aspects of homeownership--from basic personal financial services to living as a homeowner, explained Countrywide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Angelo R. Mozilo, CMB.

"For many, a primary barrier remains a lack of understanding of the mortgage process and life as a homeowner. This barrier can be particularly strong for individuals whose primary language is not English," said Mozilo. "We are very proud to offer consumers who prefer Spanish-language resources this valuable tool that addresses specific questions and helps people fully prepare themselves as they begin the home-buying process."

Providing a no-cost, no-obligation experience, the Spanish-language H.O.M.E. Web site offers an interactive learning center that includes comprehensive coverage of five topics: basic finance, how credit affects you, preparing for homeownership, steps for buying a home and life as a homeowner.

All of the H.O.M.E. Web site features available in English have been reproduced in the Spanish version at www.mihogarcountrywide.com, including:

* Extensive tools and resources, including downloadable checklists, worksheets and quizzes that assist homebuyers and new homeowners; and

* A comprehensive glossary that provides easy-to-understand definitions of hundreds of terms commonly used in the home loan and home-buying process.

"Countrywide has long been a champion of measures intended to close the homeownership gap experienced by low- to moderate-income households, members of minority population segments and residents in communities traditionally underserved by the financial services industries," said Mozilo. "The MiHogar program serves as a valuable component in the company's ongoing efforts to address both consumer education as well as the homeownership gap."