Buying a home

Buying a home is big step in your life. Before you start looking for that perfect place for you, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure your piece of the world doesn't get away from you. This guide will help make sure you get the right house at the right price.

How much you can afford?

What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate.

• How much home can you afford?
• Home Economics
• Homebuying programs in your state

Know your rights!

Learning your rights and the protections you are guaranteed can help ensure you don't fall victim to predatory practices. The real estate professionsals at Fusion Realtors can help you navigate these rules when you are ready.

• Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All
• Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
• Borrower's rights
• Predatory lending

Shop for a loan.

Finding a loan can be more complicated than walking to the neighborhood bank. The links below will help you shop for the best loan for your situation.

• Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate
• Let FHA help you
• Learn about interest only loans
• Avoid Predatory Lenders

Learn about homebuying programs.

There are more programs than ever to help you get into that perfect home. Look into the opportunities below that may apply to you.

• Homebuying programs in your state
• http://www.hud.gov/buying/loans.cfm(FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers!)
• Good Neighbor Next Door(formerly known as Teacher/Officer/Firefighter Next Door)
• Hurricane Evacuees discounted sales
• Homeownership for public housing residents
• Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program(Section 184)

Shop for a home.

• Choose a real estate agent It's time to call that agent! They will be impressed with the homework you have done up to this point.
• 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

Make an offer.

• Making an offer

Get a home inspection.

• For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection
• 10 Questions to ask a home inspector

Shop for homeowners insurance.

• Homeowners insurance
• 12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs

Sign papers.

You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!

• Settlement Costs and Helpful Information

Introduction

STEP 1:

How much you can afford?

STEP 2:

Know your rights!

STEP 3:

Shop for a loan.

STEP 4:

Learn about homebuying programs.

STEP 5:

Shop for a home.

STEP 6:

Make an offer.

STEP 7:

Get a home inspection.

STEP 8:

Shop for homeowners insurance.

STEP 9:

Sign papers.