Neighborhood Link has compiled articles to help you with buyng a home, mortgage programs, home loans, and foreclosure.

Home Buying

Tips On Buying a Home

Helpful tips and links on buying a home.

A Guide for First Time Homebuyers

Describes the 6 step process for the first-time homebuyer.

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

Reasonable planning to successfully afford a suburban house, urban condo, or rural ranch.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Looking to own a property for just a few years? An ARM can save you money.

Interest Only Mortgage

Lower your monthly mortgage payments by paying only interest - at least for a little while.

Jumbo Loans for Jumbo Mortgages

For a home priced over $417,000, you are in jumbo loan territory - where the loans are large and the interest rates are high.

Balloon Mortgage Versus an Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Balloon mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are comparable, but with important differences.

First Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance

A description of the unique financing opportunities only available to first time home buyers.

$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Details of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers from the 2009 stimulus package

Rural Single Family Home Loans

Section 502 loans can help low-income families purchase homes in rural areas.

USDA Rural Housing Repair and Rehab Loans

Loans and grants available for low income families to repair or rehabilitate their homes.

Mutual Self-Help Housing Loan Program (Section 502)

Self-help loan program to help low-income people afford and build a home.

 

Home Loan and Mortgage Programs

Obama Loan Modification Plan Explained

Details of the loan modification plan that reduces your mortgage payments and allows you stay in your home.

The 2009 Mortgage Bailout Executive Summary

Homeowners with mortgages up to $729,750 may qualify for this program.

The 2009 Mortgage Bailout

The administration is launching what it calls the “Making Home Affordable” initiative.

Obama Mortgage Rescue Plan FAQ

Details on the Obama Mortgage Refinance and Loan Modifcation Plan-Who qualifies and how to get it.

Loan Modification: Is it Right For You?

What is loan modification? How is it different than refinancing a mortgage and what does it take to qualify.

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP)

Two groups of people would benefit directly from the President’s plan.

$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Details of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers from the 2009 stimulus package.

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows you to convert some of the equity in your home into cash.

Features of Reverse Mortgage Loans

Unlike the typical home loan, the amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time.

 

FHA Loans and HUD Homes

FHA Home for Sale - How to Buy a HUD Home

Almost anyone can buy a FHA foreclosed home, offered by HUD, and usually get a good bargain.

Lower Your FHA Loan Payments

If you have an FHA loan, a new loan modification program can help you lower your monthly payments.

Do You Qualify for an FHA Loan?

What is an FHA loan, and who qualifies for one?

What are the FHA Loan Requirements?

Details on the FHA Loan Requirements. Including requirements for individuals and the types of homes that qualify.

FHA Mortgage Insurance

Buying a home with an FHA Loan? Putting less than twenty percent down? You'll need FHA mortgage insurance.

FHA Streamline Refinance

The FHA streamline refiance program makes it easy and quick to refinance your home and lower your monthly mortgage payments.

FHA Cash Out Refinance Loan

If the value of your home has significantly increased, you could benefit from cash out refinancing for expenses or investments.

Energy Efficient FHA Mortgages

Describes the Energy Efficient Mortgage Program established by FHA.

FAQs About Buying HUD Homes

Answers to common questions about buying HUD homes.

HUD Manufactured Home Fact Sheet

Manufactured Homes Owner Information from HUD.

How Can I Afford A Fixer-Upper?

Using a HUD 203 (k) loan to purchase a house needing repairs.

 

Foreclosure

What is Foreclosure?

If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, there are two important questions that you need to ask yourself.

How To Avoid Foreclosure

HUD Guide on how to avoid foreclosure.

What Is A Deed-In-Lieu?

If you are at the point of being willing to give up your home, but want to avoid foreclosure read this article.

Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams

These fraudulent foreclosure rescue companies offer vague promises, but will actually lie and cheat to get your business.