Your Guide to Buying a Home
- with helpful links -
1. Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down-payment and the interest rate.
Home Economics
Home-buying programs in your state
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
Avoid Predatory Lenders
4. Learn about home-buying programs
Home-buying programs in your state
Let FHA help you (FHA loan programs offer lower down-payments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers!)
HUD's special home-buying 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
"Fixer-Uppers" - home purchase and repair programs
Build a Home
6. Make an offer
Making an offer
7. Get a home inspection
For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection
10 Questions to ask a home inspector
8. Shop for homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance
12 ways to lower your home-owners insurance costs
9. Sign papers
You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!
Settlement Costs and Helpful Information
