The following information is the third in a series of Buyer Tips to provide tips for both the first-time home buyer and the most experienced home buyer.   The goal is to help the consumer to become better educated about purchasing real estate in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.  This article includes tips #7 – 9

For a FREE  Buyer’s Guide, Email KTorline@msn.com

Home Buying Resources on the Internet

As I started to put together this article, I originally was going to write it about the wonderful resources that HUD provides on the Internet, but as usual, my blog article evolved into something much more.   The Internet provides all of us an amazing opportunity for education, and home buying is no exception.   Remember, knowledge is power.

Tip #7:   My favorite site for Home Buyers:  HUD web site.   In fact, when you google “buying a home”, the first site that comes up is HUD’s site.    The site provides an easy way to find out about all of the loan products offered through HUD/FHA, but equally important it offers perspective  buyers great advice on all types of things.   One of my personal favorites is the quick easy list they have on the 9 steps to buying a home:

Nine steps to buying a home

1. Figure out how much you can afford
2. Know your rights
3. Shop for a loan
4. Learn about homebuying programs
5. Shop for a home
6. Make an offer
7. Get a home inspection
8. Shop for homeowners insurance
9. Sign papers

I’m constantly surprised by how many people start shopping for a home without figuring out how much they can afford, and I found it interesting that HUD put this as their #1 step, and the #3 step is shop for a loan.

Tip #8:   My second favorite web site:   FreddieMac  It includes all types of information about mortgages, calculators and a glossary.

Tip #9:  My third favorite web site  for buyers in Colorado Springs:   Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.     CHFA offers free online courses, a First Time Home Buyer course and a Money Management course, all through CHFA University.   CHFA offers down payment and closing cost assistance.

Remember, knowledge is power!

Must Read Posts:

• It’s against the law Research who you are working with
• Colorado Springs Home — Is a Condo or a Townhome right for you?
• Joint Tenants or Tenants-In-Common, the choice is yours when purchasing a home
• How to choose a Buyer’s Agent
• What are closing costs in real estate?
• Who is Representing YOU? - Tip #1
• Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house - Tips #2 – 6

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com