Homebuying can be an exciting but intimidating process. State and federal regulators provide several resources to help you learn about the homebuying process and make more informed decisions in your journey to homeownership.

Learn About Your Mortgage Loan Originator

• Podcast - What is a License - What does it mean when you work with a financial service provider that is licensed? How is this different from seeking a home loan from a bank?  
• Video - What is a Nonbank? - While banks provide a variety of mortgage products, many mortgages are provided by nonbanks. Learn what a nonbank is and how state regulators supervise nonbanks.
• Protecting Homebuyers with NMLS and Consumer Access - Learn how homebuyers can use NMLS Consumer Access to look up and find licensed mortage loan originators.
• Blog - NMLS Consumer Access: Consumer Protection for Homebuying

Learn About the Homebuying Process

• CFPB Home Loan Toolkit - This Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) booklet provides a step-by-step guide through the homebuying process, helping you know the most important steps to take to get the best mortgage for your situation; understand your closing costs and what it takes to buy a home; and understand how to be a successful homeowner.
• HUD Buying a Home Website - The U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides tools to help you know how much you can afford, know your rights, shop for a loan, and find homebuying programs in your state.

Explore State and Federal Assistance

• USA.gov Homebuying Assistance - Explore federal resources for government-backed home loans, mortgage assistance, vouchers for first-time homebuyers and land for sale by the government.
• HUD State Information - Explore your state's HUD site to find state counseling and financial resources available to homebuyers.