Knowing and Understanding Your Credit
Several steps will bring you closer to your dream of homeownership. The first is to establish good credit, particularly if you have had credit problems in the past. Second, it is equally important to keep your good credit once you have it. Although these steps can take time and determination, they can be accomplished. Let us show you how. In this guide, learn about credit reports, improving your credit, creating a nontraditional credit history, and using a budget, checking account, and savings account to take control of your credit.

Download or order this guidebook in English, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese..

Or call 1-800-599-5300.

Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own
The home-buying process can be confusing. Homeownership is a big responsibility, one that will affect you for many years to come. This easy-to-read guide takes you through the steps a mortgage lending institution uses to decide if you qualify for a mortgage loan. Also included is a worksheet and questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you are ready and qualified to buy.

Download or order this guidebook in English, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

Or call 1-800-611-9566.

Borrowing Basics: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Almost everyone needs to borrow money to buy a home, repair it, or make major purchases. Understanding the facts about loans can be difficult. Choose the wrong loan and you may ruin your credit, lose your cash savings, car, home furnishings, or even your home. Learn how to choose the best loan for your situation and how to avoid making a bad loan choice that could end your dream of homeownership.

Download or order this guidebook in English, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

Or call 1-800-605-7100.

Choosing the Mortgage That's Right for You
This guide is written for people ready for the next step in buying a home. How big of a loan can you get? How will the type of mortgage you get determine how much house you can afford? Which mortgage is best for your budget? First, learn what a mortgage is and how to calculate your buying power. Second, understand the different types of mortgages available. And third, discover where to shop for a mortgage and how to compare mortgage terms.

Download or order this guidebook in English or Spanish.

Or call 1-800-611-9566 to order in the above languages or in Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, or Vietnamese.

Directory of Home-Buyer Resources
Produced for 20 cities, Directory of Home-buyer Resources booklets list programs designed to help first-time home buyers with down payment assistance, housing counseling, and other programs offered by nonprofit organizations and by the city, state, and federal governments. The directories are easy-to-read and contain a glossary to explain some of the technical terms used by the real estate and mortgage industries.