Credit Reporting Agencies

• Experian (formerly TRW)
• Trans-Union
• Equifax

Government-Backed Loans

• VA Loan
• FHA Loan

First time home buyer programs and a variety of other home loan assistance programs in California

• the California Housing Finance Agency
• the California Department of Housing and Community Development

The home purchase, loan process, and Community Homebuyer Program loans

• Freddie Mac
• Fannie Mae

For information about the home purchase, loan process

• FHA Loans
• U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

For information on home loan assistance available to eligible veterans

• the California Department of Veterans Affairs
• the Department of Veterans Affairs Loans 

Web Site Resources for Consumers

• Credit Union Consumer Facts,

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

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

• Federal Citizen Information Center Offers a list of consumer articles about home sales, financing, and maintenance.

• Ginnie Mae Provides advice to buyers on affordability and homeownership, including calculators.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs Offers advice to buyers on finance, fair housing, and more.

• ImproveNet 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.

• Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) Offers a homebuyer’s kit with useful information and checklists.