Get Help

If the prospect of buying a home seems as daunting as climbing K2, rest assured there is a lot of help out there.

General Resources

Workshops and Classes In addition to local, state-funded workshops on the strategies of home buying, there are Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counseling classes that must be attended by anyone applying for a federal loan program. Check your local newspaper or its Web site for class schedules.

Online Resources

Free online credit report:Obtain your free credit report annually.

Obtain your FICO score: This site charges a fee, but it might be worth it to have all your ducks in a row.

HUD's Web site provides information on housing basics, first-time buyer grants as well as links to state and local offices near you.

Professional Resources

Real estate agents: Agents are happy to sit down for an information session and share their knowledge of:

• The market and current trends
• New development plans in the area
• School and services information • Traffic patterns — particularly helpful for commuters in busy urban areas looking for alternate routes

Mortgage brokers: Brokers are a great source for buyers, because they will educate you on loan types and work with you to see what you can afford.