Where to Find Home Buying Information
A Home Buying Article Contributed by Cindy Mcnatt
What is the Best Source of Home Buying Information?
"I don't know where to look" and "who do I trust" are two comments frequently made by first time home purchasers looking for home buying information. In the rapidly changing marketplace, there is a vast array of information available to the home buyer. Finding the information you need can be as simple as a mouse click or a trip to the local area. Determine what type of home buying information applies to your specific needs, and then follow these tips for finding it.
Where to Look for Home Buying Information
If you are interested in general information of a non-specific nature, the internet has a wealth of information on home buying, buying your first home, financing a home, and general topics.
Check out your local library or bookstore for books written for first time home buyers. Local newspaper may have a real estate guide in their weekend edition. Beware of books and publications that are outdated as the real estate market can change rapidly. Suppose you want more specific information or information from an "informed" source?
Find More Home Buying Information
The US Government has many publications for first time home buyers. Agencies such as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FHA that can provide information regarding loans, home buying checklists, and qualification requirements.
The National Association of Realtors provides concise, up to date articles regarding home purchases and home sales. Local or State Realty Associations can also be beneficial. If applicable, check potential sources through the Better Business Bureau and determine whether the person or group is in good standing.
If you know what location you are interested, seek out local realtors. Word of mouth referrals may be useful in determining which realtor "works" for their clients and which ones merely "list" houses for sale. A realtor familiar with the chosen area is a wealth of home buying information. Most realtor groups have access to the multi listing service of properties so you will be able to see many types of property in the area.
A good realtor will also know which areas "sell" and which are harder to sell, school zoning for property you may be interested in, and can find out what the property sold for in the past. Don't discount your local county offices for information pertaining to property taxes and zoning ordinances.
Banks, mortgage companies and other lending institutions are reliable sources of information. Many work with home builders and realtors and can offer recommendations to you. Attorneys who perform real estate title work are often overlooked sources of information for title searches and a real estate closings.
There are many sources of home buying information and the technique I have found for sorting through it all is to start with the "big" picture and then work my way forward to the specific information I am seeking. Ask questions regarding any item you do not understand, keep a journal of where you found information for easy reference later. This method provides a good start to your home buying or selling experience.
