HOUSING RESOURCE GUIDE:
Compiled and published by the
Working Group on Housing of the
Mon Valley Providers Council
1999
Introduction
Home Ownership
Personal Home Ownership Stories
Pros and Cons of Ownership
Parties Involved in the Purchase of a Home
Determining Needs and Wants
Determining Financial Feasibility
Types of Lenders and What They Have to Offer
Defining What You Want
SEARCHING FOR A HOUSE
Real Estate Agents
House Hunting
Comparing Homes
Home evaluation worksheet
Evaluating the Neighborhood
For Sale By Owner Homes (FSBO’s)
THE OFFER
Hand Money
How Much to Offer
What Happens Next
Seller’s Disclosure
THE SALES AGREEMENT
Elements of a Sales Agreement
Terms of sale
Guidelines for taking possession
Contingencies
FINANCING A HOME
Mortgages
Conventional loans
Government loans
Special loan programs
Mortgage Insurance
How to Get a Loan
Monthly Mortgage Payments
Foreclosure
THE CLOSING
Specific Closing Costs
HUD-1 settlement statement
Closing Documents
HOME OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Protecting Your Home
Maintaining Your Home
GLOSSARY
LOCAL HOME BUYING/HOME OWNERSHIP RESOURCES
OTHER HELPFUL HOME BUYING/HOME OWNERSHIP RESOURCE
