Before taking the plunge and buying a home, find out what responsibilities you are taking on and what pitfalls to avoid.  Learn how fair housing laws protect you and how to steer clear of scams targeted at the unwary.  Finally, know how much house you can afford, and consider low-cost options.

The homebuying process can seem complicated. In this section information is provided to assist you in the homebuying process. If you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home!

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The mission of Fair Housing is to create equal housing opportunities for all persons living in America by administering laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of race,color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.

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In addition to the principal and interest portion of your mortgage payment, you will have to pay property taxes and insurance to protect the property in the event of disaster such as a fire or flood.  Based on your down payment, you may also have to pay mortgage insurance.  Your lender may require an escrow or impound account to pay these items with your monthly mortgage payment.  If an escrow account is not required, you are responsible for making these payments.

Homeowners know saving energy means saving money without sacrificing comfort. There are many things you can do to save energy in your  home. Whether you choose no/low cost improvements or invest in long-term energy saving strategies, the following sites can help you choose what is best for your energy picture.

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Buying or refinancing your home may be one of the most important and complex financial decisions you'll ever make. Many lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals stand ready to help you get a nice home and a great loan. However, you need to understand the home buying process to be a smart consumer. Every year, misinformed homebuyers, often first-time purchasers or seniors, become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud.

Use the following resources to understand the financial differences between renting and homeownership. Learn about the potential tax savings with homeownership, research how much house works within your budget and learn how much money you might be able to borrow.

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