Useful links:

Arizona Association of Realtors Sales Stats – View the monthly homes sales reports for Maricopa and Pinal Counties.  You can also view the National Association of Realtors Economic and Market Watch reports.  These are great reports that show the overall housing market locally and nationally.

United States Postal Service Official Movers Guide – What happens after you complete the purchase process? This U.S. Postal Service site provides all kinds of tools and tips to help make the moving process easier.

Check School Rankings – Find out how the schools rank in your new neighborhood.

Homebuyer Education by Freddie Mac – Freddie Mac is a publicly held corporation chartered by Congress to increase the supply of funds that mortgage lenders, such as commercial banks, mortgage bankers, savings institutions and credit unions, can make available to homebuyers and multifamily investors. This Freddie Mac site offers a step-by-step tutorial on the home buying decision process and the mortgage application process.

Federal Reserve Board Consumer Information -The Federal Reserve Board maintains a web page with consumer information, including a section on home mortgages. The section covers topics such as finding the best mortgage and understanding ARMs.

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Buying a Home – U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website provides extensive information about buying a home including affordability, borrower’s rights, tips and tricks for shopping for a loan, and details about different home buying programs including FHA loan programs and other special programs.

Fannie Mae – Home Buying Process – Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) chartered by Congress with a mission to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the U.S. housing and mortgage markets. Home Buying Process guide on their website offers valuable information about buying a home. This website also provides important information for home owners.

FreddieMac – Use this tool to look up down payment assistance programs in your area.