Your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate are items that are necessary to find out how much home you can afford. The Mortgage Calculator to the right provides an approximate payment amount for the price range home you are considering.  ►

Ginnie May Worksheet on for estimating home affordability
Great Worksheet on understanding Buying vs. Renting

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

Talk to lenders, compare costs and interest rates, negotiate to get the
best rates. Obtain pre-approval for a loan before you start looking. 

Looking for the best mortgage

• FHA loan programs offer lower down payments = great option for 1st time homebuyers.

• HUD offers special home buying programs

• Good Neighbor Next Door Program - for police officers, teachers, firefighters & emergency medical technicians

• Homeownership for public housing residents

• Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

• Choose a real estate agent

• Wish list – what features do you want?

• Home-shopping checklist – take this list with you when comparing homes

• Fixers-upper - home purchase and repair programs

• Manufactured (mobile) homes

• Build a home

Discuss the offer amount & process of making the offer with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.

Making an offer

Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

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

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around.

Homeowners insurance
12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs

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

Settlement Costs and Helpful Information

Allen Real Estate in the Texas Hill Country of Central Texas south of Austin, TX
ranches, land, residential homes & commercial properties - sales & leasing
Site updated and maintained by Sapphire Sky Design
© Copyright 2007, site development by myNet BIZ