For More Information

Here are agency outlets for finding out more information into the home-buying process.

· "Shopping for a Mortgage: Do Your Homework First." This is a brochure about "specialty mortgage products" from the National Association of Realtors and the Center for Responsible Lending. Web site: http://www.responsiblelending.org/ .

· "The Seven Signs of Predatory Lending": A warning from the Center for Responsible Lending on abusive lending practices. Web site: http://www.responsiblelending.org/ .

· "Looking for the Best Mortgage": A basic brochure prepared by 11 federal agencies. At http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/mortgage/mortb_1.htm .

· For tips on home buying in English and Spanish and a list of counseling agencies, by state, approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Department. Web site: www.hud.gov/buying/index.cfm.

· "How Much Home Can You Afford?" A brochure from Ginnie Mae that also has a simple calculator for estimating. Web site http://:%20www.GinnieMae.gov/ under Homeownership.

· Fannie Mae ( http://www.fanniemae.com/ ) and Freddie Mac ( http://www.freddiemac.com/ ) offer information in English and Spanish on home buying and homeownership.

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· District residents can check the D.C. Housing Finance Agency Web site ( http://www.dchfa.org/ ) for information on Walk-in Wednesday and Brown Bag Friday workshops for potential buyers. A "Su Casa Propia" workshop is held the third Thursday of each month.

· Maryland residents can check http://www.morehome4less.com/ for information on the state's 35-year and 40-year mortgages and down payment and closing cost assistance. For current loan details, see the Community Development Administration's Maryland Mortgage Program Fact Sheet. Borrowers can call 800-638-7781 for a homeownership kit.

· Virginia residents can check the Virginia Housing Development Authority Web site ( http://www.vhda.com/ ) for information on state loans and down payment assistance for eligible buyers, including first-time buyers.