​

 

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

• What is homeowners insurance and why is it important?

​

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