Resources

  • The Housing Development Fund, Inc. Way.

    Thinking about buying a home of your own can be as confusing and stressful as it is exciting. What if there was someone who would be your partner from start to finish – an expert with your best interests at heart – working to make sure you have everything you need to make smart home buying decisions?

    Housing Development Fund, Inc., a NeighborWorks organization, is all that and more. As a nonprofit, one-stop shop for homebuyers, our mission is to find you the best possible options for the home that's right for you.  Housing Development Fund, Inc. gives you the confidence that comes with knowing you have someone in your corner until the day you get the keys to your own home. And we'll be there with you for years to come, building great communities, one dream home at a time.

  • Buying a Home

    • What is the home buying process?

    • How long does it take to purchase a home?

    Is Homeownership Right For Me?

    • Should I rent or buy?

    • How will owning a home change my life?

    • How much home can I afford?

    • How do I know if I’m ready to purchase a home?

    Buying a Home: Fees and Costs

    Purchasing a home will require that you pay a variety of fees and costs though these can vary based on the market. The costs listed below include the typical costs most homebuyers will encounter during the homebuying process.

    • Purchase Costs

    • Transaction Costs

    • Closing Costs

    • Real Estate Commission

    • Attorney Fees

    • Moving & Post Purchase Costs

  • Who's Important in the Home Buying Process?

    Most importantly, YOU! One of the most important steps in the home buying process is for you to build the team of professionals who will work with you. You can ask family, friends and coworkers or work with your  Housing Development Fund, Inc. homeownership advisor for a referral. Your homeownership advisor may also be able to provide you with a list of industry professionals for your review.

    • Appraiser

    • Attorney

    • Homeownership Advisor

    • Home Inspector

    • Mortgage Broker

    • Primary Lender

    • Real Estate Agent

    • Secondary Lender

    • Seller

  • Budgeting

    • What is a budget?

    • Why do I need a budget?

    • How do I create a budget?

    • How should I budget for buying a home?

  • Credit Readiness

    • What's a credit report?

    • Where can I find my credit report?

    • What is a credit score?

    • How is my credit score calculated?

    • How good does my score need to be so I can buy a home?

    • How do I improve my credit report and score?

    • How does my debt impact my ability to buy a home?

    • What type of debt is included in my debt-to-income ratio?

    • How can I improve my debt ratio?

  • LendingLending

    • How do I find the right loan for me?

    • What are the benefits and risks of having a co-buyer?

    • What documents do I need in order to apply for a mortgage loan?

    • Which loan is right for me?

    • What kinds of loans are there?

    • How does a lender calculate a mortgage payment?

    • How do I qualify for a mortgage?

    • What is a predatory loan?

    • Questions to Ask your Lender

  • Realty

    • What’s the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?

    • Where do I find a real estate agent?

    • Why should I work with a real estate agent when buying a home?

    • How long does it take to purchase a home?

    • How are real estate agents paid?

    • How do I hire a real estate agent?

    • Can I terminate my real estate agent?

    • What is a broker?

    • What is broker commission?

    • Am I required to conduct a property inspection?

  • Insurance

    • Why do I need insurance?

    • What are the different types of insurance I need to know about as a homeowner?

    • How can I save money on insurance?

  • Owning a Home

    Owning your own home brings not only the personal satisfaction of reaching your goal of a place of your own, but also presents new obligations and financial advantages. Luckily, you are not on your own!  Housing Development Fund, Inc. is your partner in homeownership.

    Owning a home takes time and hard work, and is perhaps the greatest financial investment you will make, so it is essential that you protect your new asset through home safety precautions, sound household budgeting and regular home maintenance. As you pay down your mortgage over time, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are building equity for the future.

    • How do I budget?

    • How do I maintain my home?

    • General Guidelines

    • Maintaining the interior of your home

    • Maintaining the exterior of your home

    • Foreclosure

    • Refinancing