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In a sea of advice, trusted sources make all the difference for homebuyers

By Andrea Bolyard

April 2026

Buying a home can be an important goal for many reasons. A home purchase can provide stability for a growing family, or function as a long-term investment, or serve as a source of pride for achieving such a big milestone in life.

While homeownership is a life goal for many, when it comes to actually purchasing a home, people often don’t know where to start or what information is accurate. In a 2024 study conducted by U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI), people reported down payment requirements as an aspect of the homebuying process with which they are most familiar. In that same study, however, only one-third of respondents said they were aware they could qualify for financing with just a 3- or 5-percent down payment.1

Additionally, 47% of future homebuyers surveyed report that mortgage information is confusing or that they’re unsure which sources to trust.1 

Where should you turn for accurate information about buying a home?

Many people turn to friends and family when it comes to advice on buying a home. While friends and family can be great resources – especially if they’ve recently purchased a home – there are more information sources available than people realize. As each person’s financial situation is unique, the types of loans that you may qualify for or the available housing programs in your area may differ.

The internet is full of resources that can help borrowers learn what questions to ask and find initial answers. However, it’s good to verify information you find online – whether it’s from an influencer, an AI search prompt, or a traditional web search. You can easily find tips on social media, but it’s important to consider the sources of such information. If you’re seeing homebuying tips or “hacks” that sound too good to be true, they might be. And AI may summarize available information, which could be inaccurate or not apply to your unique situation.

Start your search with friends, family and internet resources to help you think about questions you may have – but then turn to qualified, experienced mortgage professionals to get a deeper understanding and verified information. 

Trusted resources

Government and city entities offer resources, training and referrals that can help you find trusted support during your homebuying journey. Here are a few places to start:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselors. HUD’s trained counseling agencies can help direct homebuyers to tools that support informed decision-making. Use the HCA locator tool to find a housing counselor agency in your area.

City-specific online housing resource hubs. Cities may have websites dedicated to local housing information and resources. Find out if your city has a centralized directory of information or experts they’ve vetted. You can also contact your alderperson for guidance.

Online homeownership education. Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac® have free online homeownership education courses. Fannie Mae offers HomeView® to give you an understanding of the homebuying process, and Freddie Mac offers CreditSmart® Homebuyer U to dive into the homebuying process and information about homebuyer credit. These programs, along with paid courses like the one offered by MGIC’s partner Finally Home!®, are often intended to meet loan requirements around homebuyer education, but they can also be a valuable source of information for those seeking information earlier in the process.

Local real estate and mortgage professionals 

When it’s time to buy, turn to real estate and mortgage professionals (including lenders) in your area. They can help you review your personal situation and customize your homebuying journey! 

1USMI 2024 National Homeownership Market Survey. October 2024.

Finally Home® is a registered trademark. Fannie Mae® is a registered trademark of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). Freddie Mac® is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC). HomeView® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. CreditSmart® is a registered trademark of Freddie Mac.

 

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Andrea

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Andrea Bolyard is a writer who joined MGIC in 2025. Before landing here, she built her career shaping clear, thoughtful messaging across corporate communications and brand storytelling. When she’s not writing, she’s running, gardening or being a devoted dog mom to her own dogs and a rotating cast of fosters. Little-known fact: her longest run is 58 miles – on purpose.
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