Considere ser propietario a medida que se acerca el verano

El verano es un momento popular para comprar una casa, y por una buena razón. Además de que aumenta la oferta, el clima cálido y los días más largos le facilitan a usted, como comprador de vivienda, explorar vecindarios, asistir a jornadas de puertas abiertas y mudarse.

While exciting, the homebuying process can feel complex and daunting, especially for the first-time homebuyers. From searching for the right property to navigating financing options and legal procedures, there are numerous factors to consider and steps to take along the way. Fortunately, there are laws and regulations in place to protect prospective homebuyers and ensure fair and transparent real estate transactions. These measures guard homebuyers against fraudulent practices, discrimination, and unfair lending.

Here are some of the laws that safeguard homebuyers:

• Fair Housing Act :This federal law prohibits discrimination in all aspects of “residential real-estate related transactions”. It's important to note that under this law, discrimination based on sex, including sexual orientation or gender identity, race or color, national origin, religion, disability, or family status is illegal.
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) :This law ensures all buyers are treated fairly, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or receipt of income from public assistance programs.  
• Ley de Veracidad en los Préstamos (TILA): esta ley exige que los prestamistas divulguen los términos y costos clave de una hipoteca, incluida la tasa porcentual anual (APR), el cargo financiero total y el monto total por reembolsar durante la vigencia del préstamo, lo que permite a los compradores tomar decisiones informadas y evitar prácticas crediticias abusivas.

Additionally, both the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act extend protection against appraisal bias. Appraisal bias occurs when an appraiser considers factors such as the race or ethnicity of a homeowner or the racial or ethnic composition of a neighborhood when determining a home’s value. Appraisal bias in home valuations leads to inequity in housing values and adversely impacts opportunities for minority communities to build wealth through homeownership.

Understanding these laws and regulations can prove to be essential for homebuyers trying to protect their rights and make well-considered decisions throughout the homebuying process. If you're considering purchasing a home or simply want a better understanding of the homebuying process, you can reach out to HUD certified housing counselors for independent, expert advice customized to your housing needs. Also, your credit union may have a housing counselor who can provide education and answer your homebuying questions.

A medida que avance en el proceso de comprar una vivienda, asegúrese de usar los recursos educativos de la NCUA. Y si ha tenido problemas con un préstamo hipotecario de su cooperativa de ahorro y crédito, presente una queja ante el Centro de Asistencia al Consumidor de la NCUA.