By Kristie Lewis

Buying that first home is a huge undertaking, fraught with soul-searching, staunch analysis of personal finances, aesthetic and social concerns, and dozens of other anxieties both major and minor. Whether building a new or purchasing an pre-existing house, condo, or mobile home, the following blog posts offer great tips on every aspect of homeownership. They cover every step of the way, from deciding whether or not buying is a wise idea to settling in with decorations and repairs. 1. “Bait and Switch Mortgages” at New Home Buying Blog :Almost everything on New Home Buying Blog serves as a valuable resource for first-time home buyers. This post helps new and veteran home owners alike avoid mortgage scams. 2. “HUD Homes” at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development : HUD is one of the American government’s best websites regarding homeownership, and this article outlines what constitutes a HUD Home and how to go about purchasing one. 3. “7 Beginner Real Estate Mistakes to Avoid” at the Bigger Pockets Blog : Some of the advice here also applies to those selling a home as well, which new homeowners will still need to keep in mind for the future. 4. “The Canonical List of Real Estate Apps” at 1000Watt Consulting : Smartphone users can conveniently carry their search with them at all times if they download these handy applications. 5. “Creative Home Financing” at Tallahassee Real Estate : This comprehensive guide outlines the myriad ways first-time homeowners can pay for their new living space in a way that meets their needs when more traditional methods come up fruitless. 6. “[Community Reinvestment Act Reconsidered] Quantity Before Quality at Matrix : Jonathan J. Miller weighs in on the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act and a 2008 New York Times article regarding what housing mistakes the country cannot afford to suffer. 7. “A Simple Rule of Thumb could Save You Thousands On Your Mortgage” at The Phoenix Real Estate Guy : This quick resource from a mortgage broker can help first-time home buyers avoid shelling out unnecessary money when paying for their house or condo. 8. “Should You Buy a Short Sale Property?” at Rain City Guide : Those purchasing a home for the first time and considering a short sale property as an option ought to review the possible downsides. 9. “Mortgage Modifications That Focus on Principal More Successful” at The Real Estate Bloggers : First-time homebuyers and their more experienced contemporaries can look into the research behind what mortgage modifiers garner the most success prior to making any solid commitments. 10. “Buying Fixer Uppers Are a Low-Cost Way to Buy That First Home” at About.com: Home Buying/Selling : This extremely valuable resource by About.com Home Buying/Selling guide Elizabeth Weintraub offers up some suggestions on one possible route towards first-time home ownership. 11. “First Time Home Buyer Questions To Ask When Buying a New Home in A New Development” at ThinkGlink : Anyone looking to purchase their first home in a newer housing development would do well to pass over this quick Q&A on what to keep in mind when considering this possibility. 12. “10 Tips for Decorating on a Budget” at Interior Design Blog : Think of creative ways to fill a brand new space with these easy interior design tips for beauty on a budget. 13. “First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes” at MintLife Blog : So many blogs tell people what they should do that they often forget to explicitly make note of what to avoid. These practical tips save time, money, and migraines down the line. 14. “Bubbles & Banks & Zero Lending Standard Loans” at The Big Picture : Barry Ritholtz delivers a commentary regarding a New York Times article on changes in lending and loans that may come to affect homeowners in the future. 15. “FAQ answered about the 1st time home buyers tax credit and the up to $6500 repeat buyer tax credit” at Chat about Macomb County MI : Keller Williams realtor Kris Wales shares a very useful link regarding the tax credit afforded to first-time home buyers in the United States. 16. “Checklist and Tips for a Successful Move” at active rain : Starting at 10 weeks and budgeting time right up until moving day, this excellent checklist details everything new homeowners need to keep in mind as they make their transition. 17. “Do You Qualify For The Home Buyer Tax Credit?” at Icon Real Estate : Unsurprisingly, the home buyer tax credit carries with it a number of stipulations. Exploring this clear, comprehensive resource helps first-time homeowners figure out whether or not they can claim it. 18. “Starter Kit For Your First Home” at Lisa Mishak’s Blog : Turn a brand new house into a cozy new home using these cornerstones of everyday living and pleasing aesthetics. 19. “Getting schooled as a first-time home buyer” at 52 Lee Street : HUD offers classes for first-time homebuyers to make the best possible choices, and realtor Sharon Walker provides information for anyone curious about attending them in their area. 20. “Building Economically Healthy Communities” at Land Use Prof Blog : Home ownership does not exist within a vacuum – it influences and is influenced by the people and places surrounding it. Learn what many communities can do to ensure a more stabilized financial outlook for everyone involved. 21. “Advice for First-time Homebuyers” at The Coyle Group : Though simultaneously a shameless shill for the company’s services, some of the simple, sound advice holds true for those purchasing their first homes. 22. “Greening My House” at Greenversatic : Individuals, couples, or families concerned about the environment would do well to learn how to apply green initiatives to new and used homes alike. 23. “Good Advice For First Time Home Buyers” at Phoenix Real Estate : Though based in Phoenix, every one of the tips and tricks offered here can apply to first-time homeowners around the world. 24. “Should You Buy It? A Flowchart for Evaluating Potential Purchases” at Get Rich Slowly : This extremely intelligent, easy-to use flowchart and accompanying explanation is a must-have resource for anyone hoping to buy a home at the best possible price. 25. “What Advice Can You Offer to Distressed Property Buyers” at Bucks Blog : Bucks Blog with the The New York Times weighs in on the advantages and disadvantages of buying foreclosed homes, short sales, and other troubled homes. 26. “Advice to first-time home buyers: Look before you leap” at Walletpop : Amy Pyle discusses the merits of practicality and responsibility when it comes to purchasing a home, encouraging the silencing of impulse and other behavioral hazards. 27. “Tips on Buying or Remodeling A Home” at Tonia Mosteller’s Blog : Buying a house or condo in need of restoration is one budget-conscious option for new homeowners to consider, and these helpful ideas get them started on the right path. 28. “Junk mortgage story just gets worse” at CNNMoney.com : Read up on the history and negative repercussions of junk mortgages and how they come to negatively impact homeowners and their futures. 29. “A Search for Professionalism” at The “Journey Home” : When taking the realtor route, it is integral to the buyer to know exactly what constitutes a valuable, genuine professional truly concerned with giving them the best deal. 30. “New Home Tips To Protect Your Investment” at Centerline Homes : New and experienced homeowners alike would do well to read and understand a few frequently overlooked ideas to keep their living spaces more attractive when it comes time to sell. 31. “Is lease-to-own home a good idea?” at Expert Financial Advice Blog : While lease-to-own options seem rather attractive, they do come saddled with a few downsides as well. Get tips on what one CPA thinks about the negatives before making a decision. 32. “Home Insurance – Where to Start” at The Real Estate Blog : The Real Estate Blog posts handy tips for residents of the United States and United Kingdom alike regarding how to start the somewhat frustrating search for the right home insurance policy. 33. “Advice from LA First-Time Home Buyers: ‘Keep Hope Alive!’” at Redfin : Hear some positive, encouraging words about buying a home during a recession from a couple who purchased a home in Los Angeles in 2009. 34. “Mortgage Advice for New Home Buyers” at Associated Content : This detailed resource outlines everything the new homeowner should keep in mind when it comes to applying and paying for a mortgage. 35. “Advice for hopeful home buyers” at Irvine Homes : Blogger Erika Chavez interviews “Real Estate Intervention” host Mike Aubrey on the fundamentals that every first-time home buyer needs to consider. 36. “Short Sales Are ‘Fake Listings.’ Only 5% Close!” at Frankly Realty : Although the information in this blog post concerns itself with real estate in Virginia, many of the tips, advice, and things to look out for can be applied to almost every shady short sale. 37. “Stumbling Blocks to Your Home Purchase” at Jeff’s Carlsbad Blog for First Time Home Buyers : No matter if a home is a first purchase or fiftieth, the act of actually purchasing one comes fraught with obstacles and challenges. All future homeowners need to understand some the problems they will likely face when their time comes. 38. “How Many Square Feet Should Our Home Have” at My Money Blog : Fully understanding and applying spatial needs does nothing but help those buying their first home make wise, well-informed purchases that save money and headaches. 39. “ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS: 15 Tools That Every Homeowner Should Own!” at Home Gain : Anyone looking at buying a home and interested in not wasting their time ought to keep these 15 indispensable products around in case of emergencies or repairs. 40. “You didn’t buy your dream home, but there are many ways in transforming that handyman special into one” at Staten Island Real Estate News, Advice & Information : Renovating an older home may serve as a budget-friendly option for first-time homeowners. Gisel Licciardello provides readers with a few tips on where to start for information and inspiration. 41. “Important Things To Consider When Hiring Construction Contractors” at UK DIY Blog : Even though the contractor links involve contractors in the United Kingdom, all of the advice on what constitutes a trustworthy professional remains constant everywhere. 42. “All Homebuyers Need to Check Their Credit Scores” at Nolo’s Real Estate Tips for Home Buyers & Sellers : Most moneylenders worth their salt will not consider handing over loans to individuals or families with inadequate credit. Check out a few links to some expert advice detailing what is and is not considered fiscally desirable in a potential homeowner. 43. “Real Estate for Virgins. Helpful Glossary for First Timers and Those Who Have Not Participated in a Real Estate Transaction Recently” at Susan Hopper : As with anyone new to a field, first-time home buyers can find themselves lost in the technical jargon of real estate – putting them at a higher risk of falling victim to scams that prey on their naïveté. This blog post links to an amazingly comprehensive text on every term they will need to know. 44. “It’s All a Matter of Trust” at The New Lending System : All Americans deserve to know their rights regarding fair lending, credit scoring, and the laws that govern it. 45. “Lending Practices You Should Avoid When Financing an Aventura Real Estate Home” at Marky’s Depot : Individuals and families hoping to purchase a home – it does not have to be from Aventura Real Estate, of course – should review what constitutes a poisonous home loan that will result in negative repercussions in the future. 46. “Feds warning on Foreclosure Rescue Scams” at Out of the Jungle : First-time home buyers need to purchase responsibly, but those concerned about possible unfortunate circumstances beyond their control should remain aware of what services to avoid in the event of a foreclosure. 47. “FDIC Proposes Mortgage Forbearance for Jobless & Part-Timers” at KTEH : New and old homeowners alike wringing their hands over an inability to afford mortgage payments due to un- or underemployment would do well to see what measures the federal government is considering to protect them. 48. “Ten Warning Signs of a Mortgage Modification Scam” at FIT Academy : This excellent resource helps consumers better protect themselves from financial predators by teaching them how to remain wary of scammers and their machinations. 49. “New Home Guide: Top snagging tips” at Bloor Homes : All of the quick bits and bytes of information available here assist new homeowners in making wise choices when it comes to settling any issues that crop up along the way. 50. “Questions to ask when buying a condo” at City-data.com : Condos offer one possible route towards homeownership, and this quick recap of questions regarding complexes helps ease the process of making a decision. 51. “GreenBuild Blog 3: How LEED Certified Homes Impact Homeowners” at bobvila.com Green : Environmentally-conscious future and current homeowners may want to look into what LEED Certified houses have to offer them. 52. “Advice For First Time Home Buyers” at Property Blog : Read some straight, solid tops on buying a home for the first time in a way that saves money, time, and stress down the line. 53. “Help for homeowners” at The White House Blog : Hear directly from President Obama’s blogging staff on their recommendations for gratifying and financially responsible home purchases. 54. “Explaining the Making Home Affordable Program” at The Wells Fargo-Wachovia Blog : The Wells Fargo-Wachovia team gives an overview on the new Making Home Affordable program offered through the American government. 55. “House Square Feet Per Person: Surprisingly Little Needed” at Inexpensive Home Building : First-time home buyers opting to build a house would do well to see how much space they truly need. However, this information may also be of use to those looking to buy a pre-existing one as well. 56. “Home Buying 101 for First Time Home Buyers” at First Time Home Buyer Education Blog : Many of the links featured on here go to organizations and businesses in California, but the advice and national websites stick to other states as well. 57. “New FHA Guidelines Could Change the Condo Market Forever” at Mortgages Unzipped : Anyone looking at purchasing a condo ought to look over the federal government’s requirements for financing. 58. “WBUR/NPR Debate: Do buyer agents really help consumers save money?” at Counter Intelligence: The Real Estate Café Weblog : All first-time homeowners ought to weigh the benefits and downsides of working with a buying agent. 59. “Taking Advantage of the Home Buyer’s Tax Credit” at TurboTax : Popular personal finance software TurboTax explains everything consumers need to know about applying the tax credit for new homeowners created with the stimulus package. 60. “Short Sales Require Caution – Are Short Sales The Right Choice?” at Foreclosure and REO Properties Expert Advice : Read a quick overview on why consumers need to approach short sales with prudence and a keen eye before making any commitments. 61. “Looking For an Old House” at old house web : Get advice on finding an older home, which may very well prove far more affordable and offer a few renovation projects that some homeowners may greatly enjoy. 62. “Who owns my home loan” at Loanbark! Mortgage Blog : All future and homeowners should learn exactly how their mortgages and loans work in order to avoid or lessen potential hassle down the line. 63. “Is A Home Equity Loan Right For You?” at Loan.com : Research all the ins and outs of home equity loans to see whether or not they suit all the needs and wants of a first-time buyer. 64. “Advice for the new homeowner about contractors” at Boston Real Estate Now : Some buyers may need to consult contractors for assistance – most especially if a remodeling project or brand new home is involved. Read about some quick tips for finding a true professional. 65. “Loan Modification – Important Information to Get You Started” at ForeclosureFish.com : This detailed and informative resource is a must-read for any home buyers concerned about their finances and ability to pay for their living spaces. 66. “New Mortgage Rules to Help Borrowers at Closing” at LoanWorkout.org : Moe Bedard offers up a link to an article that helps consumers understand their mortgages before they commit to a particular home. 67. “To Rent or Buy?” at Nothnagle Blog : Before making any commitment to buying, it is always a wise idea to even make sure such a move is affordable. In some cases, renting may prove a better option. 68. “Moving into a mobile home: Part I” at The Movers.com Blog : Mobile homes are always one option for first-time homebuyers to consider, and The Movers.com Blog Offers information on the purchasing and moving experience by dispelling many of the myths about them. Part II and Part III carry on this post’s content. 69. “The Public Option for Property Insurance?” at The American Consumer Institute : Keep abreast of possible changes in property insurance using this descriptive post as a starting point for finding out where to look for more informative and current information. 70. “So, You Want to Buy a HUD Home…” at The Trump Blog : Say what you will about the man’s hair or his reality television “career,” but Donald Trump and his staff seem to know a thing or two about real estate. Here are their tips on buying homes through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 71. “Home Improvement Tool Gift Suggestions” at Home Construction & Improvement : In spite of the title, this listing of the basic tools serves as a great primer on all the home improvement and repair equipment needed to keep around the home. 72. “ALL Feng Shui: Your Bed and Bedroom” at About.com: Feng Shui : Anyone interested in applying Feng Shui principles to their new home would do well to see what to do with one of the most-used rooms. 73. “Untitled” at Equity Home Loan Reviews : Get detailed background information on what home equity is and how it works in this comprehensive post. 74. “Should You Buy A House Outright?” at Watson Inc : Review this post before buying a house to make sure the purchase ultimately proves worthwhile. 75. “Cost to Build” at Build or Remodel Your Own House : Any future homeowner considering building a new home or renovating an older project ought to read what one contractor has to say about the possible price tag. 76. “Ask Key Questions When Choosing a Real Estate Agent” at Kentwood Blog : Whether buying or selling, it pays to know how to find an honest, professional real estate agent who will score the best possible deal. 77. “Choosing a House Color Scheme” at 5 Acres & A Dream : First-time home buyers opting to build a new house or restore an older one need to consider aesthetics both inside and out. 78. “Tax Advantages of Home Ownership” at Bridle Bit Custom Homes : Review all the financial advantages and incentives of buying a home as opposed to renting with this informative blog post. 79. “Short Video Guide about House Buying” at Fizber : This short blog post features a minute and a half-long embedded video discussing everything that first-time home buyers need to keep in mind. 80. “20 Steps in the Home Buying Process” at Shannon Register Realtor : Well-organized individuals and families looking to purchase their first home will particularly appreciate this excellent list that painstakingly outlines everything they can expect during the process. 81. “Asbestos in the Home: Home Improvement Safety and Tips” at Home Improvement Advisors : While not a concern for first-time home buyers opting to constructing their own house or purchasing one built after the 1989 asbestos ban, those renovating a building with it must read over this blog as a means of keeping themselves and their families (if they have one healthy. 82. “First-Time Home Buying Tips” at Har.com : Get more lightning-quick, easily digestible bits of advice from Houston-area realtor Samantha Mitchell. 83. “The Basics of Buying a Home” at Adele Langdon Real Estate : Future homeowners can use this easy-to-understand guide as a checklist while going through the process of buying a home. 84. “Top 135+ Personal Finance Posts for 2009 (That can be used 2010 and beyond” at Good Financial ¢ents : Buying a home – regardless of whether or not it is a maiden voyage – hinges on wise fiscal decisions. This exhaustive resource compiles the best advice on keeping finances in order from around the web. 85. “Tools Everyone Should Have at Home – Part 1” at MyTravelingHome.net : Part 2 and Part 3 are also available through this blog, and all of them detail everything new and veteran homeowners alike should keep on hand in case of last-minute repair or inspiration. 86. “Working with an Interior Design Budget” at AbbeyK : Abbey Koplovitz shares an informative Architectural Digest post asking celebrated architects and interior designers to discuss their opinions and advice on keeping within a strict budget without compromising quality. 87. “6 Tips to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs” at My Life ROI : Even experienced home buyers may find something new with these detailed instructions on possible methods of cutting back on homeowners insurance. Some dispute #1 in the comments section, however. 88. “Mortgage Calculations Anyone Can Do: Home Equity” at LendingTree : Math-challenged potential homeowners have one quick, simple formula to work through when trying to figure out their equity. 89. “First Time Home Buyer Disaster- Don’t Let This Happen to You!” at Sandi Bauman’s Chico CA Blog : Sandi Bauman understandably tailors this post to her potential clients in Chico, however the sage advice can be applied to buyers everywhere. 90. “More tips for buying your first home” at Finding a Home in Perth : These sound tips from Perth underscore the universality of much home-buying advice. 91. “Beyond Mortgage Payments, The True Cost of Home Ownership” at The Digirati Life : One common novice mistake of homeownership involves not taking additional costs into consideration. Houses involve more than just mortgage notes, and this informative post helps readers keep a healthier, happier budget. 92. “On the Value in Housing” at EconomPic Data : Check out all the painstakingly detailed charts, graphs, and research regarding the value of homes in the United States before making the decision to buy a home in a shaky economy. 93. “5 Critical Things to Remember When Buying Your First Home” at Money Under 30 : David Weliver outlines the 5 most important factors to consider for first-time home buyers hoping to spend their money wisely and without waste. 94. “Home Buying for Veterans – Understanding the VA Loan Program” at FOUST Team Real Estate Blog : Veterans hoping to take advantage of the VA Loan Program through the federal government ought to look over a few the basic tenets here. 95. “Choosing the Right School and Your Dream Home at the Same Time” at NewHomeSource.com : Any first-time homeowner with children and a desire to send them to the best schools they can should read over this valuable advice on securing a safe, reasonably-priced house adjacent to great educational opportunities. 96. “Penalised for not saving” at Our Home Sweet Home Blog : Readers outside the United Kingdom may not be able to take advantage of some of the offers mentioned, but the great advice regarding the value of saving and prevention of later hassles can apply to any country. 97. “Two verities of real estate investment” at Richard’s Real Estate and Urban Economics Blog : This extremely short post sums up two real estate investment tips based on University of Southern California professor Richard K. Green’s trip to San Francisco. 98. “Home Buyer Basics” at Gwbankowned’s Blog : All of the information on this blog post comes straight from the National Association of Realtors, which outlines some of the recent tax credits for home buyers. 99. “Mortgage Payment Calculator” at Home Refinancing Calculator : Learn about how mortgage payment calculators work, where to find them, and ways to get started on doing the math at home with this handy blog post. 100. “Common Maintenance Issues for First Time Homeowners” at Repairs Tips Blog : All homeowners regardless of their level of experience ought to review the very fundamental, near-universal issues that crop up in the home, how to prevent them, and what to do when they occur. Researching all there is to know about homeownership remains the best way first-time buyers can reduce their headaches and the risk of financial tribulations down the line. These blog posts offer an excellent start to the journey – supplementing one another, subverting scams, and pulling from data and experience to help smooth the path to purchasing a home.