1. Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate.

• Home Economics

2. Know your rights

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

3. Shop for a loan

• Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate- brochure
• Let FHA help you
• Learn about interest only loans

4. Learn about homebuying programs

• Let FHA help you (FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers!)
• HUD's special homebuying programs
  • Good Neighbor Next Door(formerly known as Teacher/Officer/Firefighter Next Door)
  • Homeownership for public housing residents
  • Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184)

5. Shop for a home

• Wish list- what features do you want?
• Home-shopping checklist - take this list with you when comparing homes
• Homes for sale (including HUD homes)
• "Fixer-Uppers" - home purchase and repair programs
• Manufactured (mobile) homes
• Shopping for a Home FAQ's

6. Make an offer

• Making an offer

• For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection

8. Shop for homeowners insurance

• Homeowners insurance
• 12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs

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

• Getting ready to close