The Internet can help home buyers find the information they need to make smart financial decisions. But finding the right websites can take hours. The following list of essential websites will save you time and energy.
AnnualCreditReport.com
Long before you start looking at houses, you need to look at your credit. Mortgage lenders will analyze your credit, so you should do the same. You can start by requesting copies of your credit report from all three credit-reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to one free credit report per year. To request your credit report from all three companies at once, visit the website listed below. www.annualcreditreport.com
Mortgage101.com
If you need to brush up on your mortgage knowledge or use an accurate mortgage calculator, this is the website for you. Mortgage101.com is loaded with helpful tools, information and advice. Here's how the owners describe the site: "Mortgage101.com is a leader in educating online consumers about the mortgage process ... Developed in 1996, the website is visited by over 750,000 consumers monthly, connecting them to an online network of over 700 mortgage companies." www.mortgage101.com
Interest.com
Interest.com provides news, articles tools and calculators -- all pertaining to interest rates. Here's how the owners describe the site: "Interest.com is a trusted resource where you can learn about all aspects of personal financial products, and comparison shop financial products that best meet your personal needs." www.interest.com
Google.com/alerts
Keeping abreast of local real estate conditions will help you make smarter home-buying decisions. With Google Alerts, you can stay on top of your local real estate scene with virtually no effort. Just set up alerts for key phrases relevant to your area (like "buying a home in Chicago" or "Tallahassee real estate"), and you'll be notified via email whenever Google finds a new page with that phrase. Many of the notifications will come from news stories published online, which makes this an easy way to stay informed about local real estate developments. www.google.com/alerts
HUD.gov
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) -- which is part of HUD -- has been helping people become homeowners since 1934. Their website offers home buying advice, links to related resources and (most importantly) an explanation of your legal rights as a home buyer. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a veteran, you'll benefit from a visit to HUD's information-packed website. www.hud.gov/buying
NAHI.org
Home inspections are one of the best investments you can make during the home buying process. You'll only pay $300 to $500 for the inspection, but the peace of mind you get in return is priceless. To find a certified home inspector in your area, the best place to start is the official website of the National Association of Home Inspectors. www.nahi.org
HomeBuyingInstitute.com
If you're a first-time home buyer, you'll want to research the entire home buying process so you can have an idea of what to expect. There's one website that offers a good overview on every part of the home buying process, and that's the Home Buying Institute. www.homebuyinginstitute.com
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