Buying a Home First-time homebuyers: We won't tell you that you're about to make the biggest financial decision of your life, because chances are you've heard that one before. We don't want to pile on. So we'll just suggest that if ever there was a time to do your homework, this is it. Repeat buyers: Whether it's a move-up or a down-sizing, you come to it armed with some experience. In other words, you know exactly what you don't want. We'll help you get more clarity on what you do want. Homeownership Calculators: Three calculators to help determine if you should buy or rent, how much home you can afford, and how much a loan will cost. Also check out our Affordability Calculator. 100 Questions and Answers about Buying a Home: This HUD guide can help you through the financial decisions that lay ahead. Local Homebuying Programs: All of your local and statewide homebuying programs for lower and middle class families are listed on this HUD website. Energy Efficient Mortgage Program: HUD explains how it is possible for you to pay less money every month for a better, more energy-efficient house. Selecting a Real Estate Agent: This article explains how to select a real estate agent that is best for you, including 10 Questions to Ask a Realtor. Settlement Costs and Information: This HUD website provides information on what to expect when closing on a house. When you're ready, find out what to look for in a house, and use this home buying checklist to evaluate the homes that you visit.

Building a Home Congratulations on your decision to build a new home! It's time to build your dreamhouse. We're here to help. We'd like to propose a few guiding principles for your odyssey in homebuilding that will help you get the best house your money can buy. Then we'll show you how to get it built. Getting More Home for Less Money: Sound too good to be true? It's not. 21st Century Quality: Green Building. Energy Efficiency. Healthy Air. Durability. Building 101: The basics of home building. Lingo, construction timetable, and more. Finding the Best Builder: Be sure you get what you deserve for you and your family. From the Ground Up: Best practices for the foundation, walls, roof and plumbing. Room by Room: Make your kitchen and basement comfortable and efficient. Worth a Visit: Sites Off-PATH: We're not (always) the last word.

Content updated on 2/27/2007