Resources for Sustainable Homeownership

NeighborWorks America is celebrating National Homeownership Month (June 2009) by providing potential and existing homeowners with the resources they need for sustainable homeownership. For those considering purchasing a home, now may be a good time to enter the market. Interest rates are low, properties are more affordable than in recent years and the government is providing strong incentives to buy. Existing homeowners should take stock of how to keep and ensure the best value for their homes in these uneven times.

For First Time Homebuyers – Be Informed

• Buy a home the right way! View video on the importance of homeownership education and counseling.
  
  
• Make informed, sound decisions as you go through the home buying process. See NeighborWorks resources for first time homebuyers
  
  
• NeighborWorks Homeownership Centers, available in more than 100 locations nationwide, are a great resource. Find if there is one near you.
  
  
• As part of President Obama's stimulus package of 2009, the homebuyer tax credit has been extended and changed.
  • See NeighborWorks Quick Reference Guide to this $8,000 tax credit
  • Read an important announcement from HUD on using it as a downpayment.
  • View NAHB's answers on using the tax credit to pay up front costs.

If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure:

• Call 1-888-995-HOPE, find a foreclosure counselor near you, or contact your mortgage company directly.
  
  
• Beware of foreclosure help scams (Como evitar el fraude).
  
  
• Learn about your options under President Obama's Making Home Affordable Plan.
  
  
• Get more foreclosure help and learn more about foreclosure rescue scams at NeighborWorks consumer information site.

Financial Fitness for Life – Keep Your Home

• Take the quiz
  
  
• Get financial fitness tips
  
  
• Budget and money management tips
  
  
• Download a monthly savings plan
  
  
• Get more money management tips

Go Green! – In Today’s Environment You Can’t Afford Not To

• View Video: See how NeighborWorks has partnered with Make it Right to bring green, sustainable homeownership to Gulf Coast residents.
  
  
• View NeighborWorks’ energy saving tips.
  
  
• See more green resources for consumers at nw.org/green and nwconsumer.org.

Protect Your Investment – Home Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness Information

• Home improvement and maintenance that pays
  
  
• See more home maintenance tips.
  
  
• See NeighborWorks disaster preparedness information for consumers