Resources
Independent, non-commercial sources worth bookmarking, plus the vocabulary that shows up in nearly every home purchase.
Trusted external resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Buying a HouseGovernment guides, mortgage comparison tools, and the official Loan Estimate explainer.HUD-approved housing counselingFree or low-cost counseling from agencies approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.AnnualCreditReport.comThe only federally authorized site for free copies of your credit reports.FHA loan basicsHow FHA-insured mortgages work, including down payment and mortgage insurance rules.USDA Rural Development loansZero-down loan programs for eligible rural and suburban areas.VA home loan benefitsEligibility and benefits for service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Quick glossary
- Pre-approval
- A lender's conditional commitment stating how much they'll likely lend you.
- PMI
- Private mortgage insurance, usually required with less than 20% down on a conventional loan.
- Escrow
- A neutral third-party account that holds funds or documents until conditions are met.
- Contingency
- A condition in your contract that lets you exit without losing your deposit.
- Earnest money
- A good-faith deposit that shows a seller you're serious about your offer.
- Appraisal
- A lender-ordered opinion of the home's market value.
- Closing costs
- Fees due at closing, typically 2–5% of the purchase price.
- Underwriting
- The lender's final review of your finances and the property before funding.
Course modules
- 1. Getting Ready to Buy
- 2. Credit & Financial Preparation
- 3. Saving for Your Home
- 4. Understanding Mortgages
- 5. First-Time Buyer Programs
- 6. Building Your Home Buying Team
- 7. Finding the Right Home
- 8. Making an Offer
- 9. Inspection, Appraisal & Underwriting
- 10. Closing & Becoming a Homeowner
External links are provided for education only and do not imply endorsement. How to buy a house course does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice.