Whether you're relocating to Austin, Texas from out of state, or just buying a new home here, the Internet can be your best friend.
Here are 7 essential websites to help with your Austin real estate experience:
AnnualCreditReport.com
Before you look at new homes in Austin, 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. 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.
www.mortgage101.com
Interest.com
Interest.com provides news, articles tools and calculators -- all pertaining to interest rates.
www.interest.com
Google.com/alerts
With Google Alerts, you can stay on top of the Austin real estate scene with virtually no effort. Just set up alerts for key phrases relevant to your area (like "new homes in Austin" or "Austin, Texas real estate"), and you'll be notified by email whenever Google finds a new page with that phrase. Many of the notifications will come from news stories published online, so you'll stay well-informed about local 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.
www.hud.gov/buying
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
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
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