The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds housing counseling agencies throughout the country. These organizations can give you advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages. To contact the agency nearest you, call 1-800-569-4287 or visit http://www.hud.gov. Homeowners with problems that could result in default of their mortgage or foreclosure on their property are encouraged to contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency immediately.

If, in your housing search, you believe you are being discriminated against on the basis of your race, color, nationality, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing.

Buying a home is one of the most complex financial decisions you'll ever make.

• Real estate agents represent the seller not the buyer. Consider hiring an agent who works for you, not the seller.


• Get prices on other homes. Knowing the price of other homes in a neighborhood will help you avoid paying too much.


• Have the property inspected. Use a licensed home inspector to carefully inspect the property before agreeing to buy it.