Web Site Resources for Consumers

Credit Union Consumer Facts,         http://www.cuna.org/data/consumer/advice/retire_home/hometoc.html

EnergyGuide.com

Provides an easy way to assess energy use and get quick tips on saving energy.

Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov
A one-stop shop for advice on testing for and mitigating pollutants, from lead paint to radon to mold.

Equifax, www.eqifax.com
A source of credit reports.

Experian (formerly TRW), www.experian.com
A source of credit reports.

Federal Citizen Information Center, http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/results.tpl?id1=17&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=17&--SECTIONSword=ww
Offers a list of consumer articles about home sales, financing, and maintenance.

Ginnie Mae, http://www.ginniemae.gov
Provides advice to buyers on affordability and homeownership, including calculators.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, http://www.hud.gov/buying/index.cfm
Offers advice to buyers on finance, fair housing, and more.

ImproveNet, www.improvenet.com
Provides links to contractors and architects for remodeling projects for buyers and repair services for sellers. For a small charge, buyers can use the site’s Estimators to determine how much renovating a property they’re considering would cost.

Moving.com
Helps buyers and sellers with packing tips and timetables, online mover links, and places to store belongings so that homes look less cluttered.

REALTOR.com
Offers consumer information for buyers and sellers as well as home listings and links to service providers.

Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), http://www.rebac.net/hbk.html
Offers a homebuyer’s kit with useful information and checklists.

Trans Union Corporation, www.transunion.com
A source of credit reports.

Reprinted from REALTOR^® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.                        www.REALTOR.org/realtormag