Even before you begin looking for a home, the homebuying process requires diligent preparation. Buyers who have been preapproved for a home loan often have their offers taken more seriously by sellers. With advance preparation, you can tackle the process of acquiring the financing you need with more confidence. To help you on the path to homeownership, the Fannie Mae Foundation offers free step-by-step guides that can help you get closer to achieving your dream:

* Knowing and Understanding Your Credit
* Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own
* Choosing the Mortgage that's Right for You
* Borrowing Basics: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

These authoritative home-buying guides (in PDF format) are available in nine languages, including English, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Simply call (800-921-2430) or email (steve@stevelevitt.com) me and I will gladly provide you with the requested guide/s within 24 hours.

HOW, WHERE, AND WHAT TO BUY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS