Buying a Home

Buying a home can often times seem like an overwhelming and confusing process with no clear starting point, we have created this resource page for potential home buyers to learn more about the real estate process and necessary steps to complete. Buying a home can be an excellent investment for your future and provides you with immediate housing benefits.

Credit
The first step in the home buying process, is to have a better understanding of your credit report. It is important to know your credit score and check from time to time for inaccurate or unauthorized entries. To obtain copies of your credit reports from the three major credit reporting bureaus, visit the following links:
Experian http://www.experian.com/
Equifax http://www.equifax.com/home/en_us
Trans Union http://www.transunion.com/
Fico http://www.myfico.com/Default.aspx

Free Credit Report
Once every 12 months, you may request a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureau’s. For more information on how to request your copy, visit:
Annual Credit Report https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Repairing Your Credit
There are steps you can take to begin repairing your less than ideal credit score. If there are errors within your credit report, take the necessary steps to have these entries removed. The following is a link to a sample letter you can use to write to credit reporting agencies: http://new2uhomes.com/pdf/creditors-sample-letter.pdf

Paying Off Judgments
If you discover there are judgments against you, it is important to pay these off.

Realtor
Not all realtors are created equal, discover why at:
http://www.realtor.com/basics/allabout/realtors/why.asp?source=web

Buy vs Rent
Many first time home buyers address the age old question, should I buy or rent? The following articles provide insight about the buy vs rent debate.
Why It Is Smart to Buy: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/Homebuyingguide/P72655.asp

Buying vs. Renting: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/business/buy-rent-calculator.html

Buyers Agent
Information on how buyers agents work.
How Buying A House Works: http://home.howstuffworks.com/real-estate/house-buying11.htm
Definition of a Buyers Agent: http://homebuying.about.com/library/glossary/bldef5.htm

Sellers Agent
Information on the sellers agent.
Fiduciary Responsibilities: http://www.lajuett.com/buyers/fiduciaryresp.htm

Resources for Soon-to-Be Homeowners

The Housing Council
Homeownership 101
Avoid Predatory Lending
Veteran’s Assistance
Mortgage Lenders
HSBC
M&T
Citizens
ESL
Lending Tree
Inspections
Insurance
Amica
AllState
State Farm
Liberty Mutual
GEICO

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by HUD