Buyer Information & Education

 Thinking about buying a home? We have information that can help! Got questions? Talk to one of our housing counselors!

1. Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate.

• Home Economics
• Homebuying programs in your state
• Talk to a HUD-approved housing counseling agency

2. Know your rights

• Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All - brochure
• Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
• Borrower's rights
• Predatory lending

3. Shop for a loan

• Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate - brochure
• Let FHA help you
• Learn about interest only loans

4. Learn about homebuying programs

• Homebuying programs in your state
• Let FHA help you (FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers!)
• HUD's special homebuying programs
  • Good Neighbor Next Door (formerly known as Teacher/Officer/Firefighter Next Door)
  • Homeownership for public housing residents
  • Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184)

5. Shop for a home

• Wish list - what features do you want?
• Home-shopping checklist? take this list with you when comparing homes
• Homes for sale (including HUD homes)
• "Fixer-Uppers - home purchase and repair programs
• Manufactured (mobile) homes
• Shopping for a Home FAQ’s

6. Make an offer

• Making an offer

7. Get a home inspection

• For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection

8. Shop for homeowners insurance

• Homeowners insurance
• 12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs

9. Sign papers
You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!

• Getting ready to close