This site is for anyone who is contemplating buying a home or who is new to home ownership. Having worked with first time home buyers I realize that there are lots of questions they have about buying, owning, and maintaining a home. I have tried to "keep it simple" and provide information that is easily understood and links that help you to learn about the "basics".
Home ownership is very rewarding since everything you do around a home, you do for yourself and for your future. Have fun and enjoy your new home!
Main Glossary Index Or, choose the first letter of the term you are looking for
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What determines the price of a house?
Should you use a Realtor® when buying a home?
How To Choose A Real Estate Agent - National Association of Mortgage Planners (Will open in a new browser window)
Appraisal Institute - The Recognized Authority in Real Estate Appraisal (Will open in a new browser window)
BHIF Corporate Site + price your property (Will open in a new browser window)
HousePlans.com - Search and view over 13,000 exceptional house plans by North American architects and designers. Easy, fast search. All inquiries answered by design professionals. (Will open in a new browser window)
Consumer World Consumer Resources House and Home (Will open in a new browser window)
HUD RESPA Statute - Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (Will open in a new browser window)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI.ORG) (Will open in a new browser window)
Subterranean Termites (Will open in a new browser window)
Directory of State Real Estate Commission and Boards
Financing a Home
Debt Analyzer, Debt Reduction Software, Home Page (Will open in a new browser window)Homebuyers' Fair Mortgage Loan Qualification Calculator (Will open in a new browser window)
Loan Directory Calculators, Home, Mortgage, Business, Student, Auto (Will open in a new browser window)
Mortgage Prequalification Rates - Mortgage 101 (Will open in a new browser window)
Mortgage rates, CD rates, auto loans, credit cards, mortgage news and more (Will open in a new browser window)
NAMP - National Association of Mortgage Planners (Will open in a new browser window)
Questions to ask a Mortgage Broker (Will open in a new browser window)
Home Inspections and Inspectors
Having the home you plan to buy inspected by a professional Real Estate Inspector may save you a lot of money later on.
An Inspector will check the structural, mechanical, electrical, heating and air conditioning, and other items you specify for proper construction and/or operation.
InspectAmerica This is the best inspection site I have found on the Internet. This link will take you to a "tour" that explains the whole process. (Will open in a new browser window)
Home Inspection Checklist Look for the small "Next Page" link at the bottom of each page. There are several pages to the report. You can print the report out and take it with you when looking at houses. (Will open in a new browser window)
American Society of Home Inspectors Some good FAQ's and a list of ASHI members. (Will open in a new browser window)
Home Inspections Lots of good information available on this site. (Will open in a new browser window)
Lead Based Paint
EPA and HUD Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule - Questions and Answers (Will open in a new browser window)
Asbestos in Your Home (Will open in a new browser window)
Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health (Will open in a new browser window)
Aluminium Wiring (Will open in a new browser window)