Buying A Home – Tips From HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information on every step in the home buying process, including HUD's special home buying programs.

Buying, Selling, Renting, Maintaining Basics
Check this website for the basic information on the place that you call or will call home.

Protecting Your Move
Check out the information from the website of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before you choose a mover. Along with tips and guidelines, you can search their database on movers and their complaint history.

Tips About Home Inspections
Before you buy a home, it is suggested that it be professionally inspected. Tips from the Better Business Bureau on selecting a home inspector can begin the process.

Buying A Home – Advice From The FTC
Learn about real estate brokers, agents, and sales commissions via this Federal Trade Commission link. Also available in Spanish.

Know Your Protection When Purchasing A Home
You are protected from lenders who try to violate the law. Learn how you are protected from them and their practices and how action can be taken against such a lender. Also available in Spanish.

Using Your Home For A Loan
Are you thinking of using your home as collateral for a loan? Check out information from the Federal Trade Commission before taking any steps. A handy worksheet for comparison of lenders accompanies it. Also available in Spanish.

New Home Warranties
Know your options on warranties available for your newly-built home.

Homebuyer's Calculator
Ginnie Mae's website provides three calculators to be used in making decisions on home ownership: Buy vs. Rent Calculator, Affordability Calculator, and Loan Estimator Calculator.

GINNIE MAE Homeownership Center
Learn about all phases of the home buying process from first steps to closing. Included are the following: Homeownership 101, Finding a Home, Applying for a Loan, Making the Purchase, and Credit Counseling.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency – First-Time Homeowner Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, formerly a division of the Ohio Department of Development, is now an independent state agency whose mission is to better serve the “long term affordable housing needs of Ohioans”.  Low and moderate income Ohioans can purchase homes through this program.  Check this website for details on qualifications, loan features and types, application procedures, and more.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency – Ohio Heroes Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, formerly a division of the Ohio Department of Development, is now an independent state agency whose mission is to better serve the “long term affordable housing needs of Ohioans”. Eight career categories qualify for special mortgage rates through the agency: Active Military, Emergency Medical Technicians, Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, Military Veterans, Paramedics, Police Officers, and Teachers. Check the website for details.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency – Target Area Loan Program
A target area is an economically distressed area designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). OHFA’s Target Area Loan Program helps revitalize Ohio target areas through their first-time homebuyer loan products and competitive interest rates available to “ANY qualifying buyer purchasing a home in these areas.”  Check this website for details, including target area maps for your Ohio county.
 

This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association. The PLYMC has formed  local partnerships with the following community agencies to promote financial literacy initiatives especially to young families: Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, Mahoning County  Financial Stability Partnership, Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP), Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Inc., Mahoning County Coalition for Community Reinvestment, Child Care Connection, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, Youngstown Economic Development Office, WFMJ-TV 21, WKBN-TV-27, and WYTV-TV -33.