HOME BUYING GUIDE

The first step to homeownership is financial preparation. From understanding your credit to calculating how much home you can afford, the topics here help you prepare to buy a home.

• Steps to Buying a Home

The home purchase process is easier if you break it dow, step by step. We’ll help walk you throug the things you’ll need to know.

• Understanding Your Credit

At the heart of the home process is the biggest financial transaction you’ll ever make. Understand your credit and how to qualify for the loan you’ll need

1. insuring against the risk until your equity reaches 20% using some form of mortgage insurance (MI) or
2. by charging a higher interest rate for a second mortgage on the loan portion over 80% (combo loans)

• Buyer's Rights

Know what to look for--and what to avoid. This easy primer will show you what to look out for in the home finance process, and how to protect your interests.

• Glossary of Terms

Finally -- a straightforward definition to all those homebuying terms!