Released August 10, 2009
RENO, Nev. -- A home is often the largest investment, and sometimes the only investment, that some people make. And with home prices at their lowest level in years, many are wondering if now is the right time to buy.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) is teaming up with other land-grant universities to help you better understand the process of buying a home. As part of eXtension (http://www.extension.org), UNCE is able to harness the knowledge of financial experts across the country and help make the process of buying a home less intimidating.
“Through eXtension, we’re able to pull together trusted information from all over the country to help Nevadans plan their financial future,” said Cooperative Extension Dean Karen Hilton, chairman of the eXtension Governing Committee.
The Web site, Financial Security: Home Ownership, http://www.extension.org/wiki/Financial_Security:_Home_Ownership, serves as a portal to information to help you decide if you’re ready to buy. A Home Buyers Resource Guide on the site will help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home, based on your personal needs. There is also a buying guide to help you decide what type of home to buy, and information and worksheets to help you figure out how much you can afford.
“Real estate can appreciate or depreciate in value over time, so there is some risk involved,” said Professor Jeanne Hilton, a UNCE state specialist and a certified family life educator at the University who contributed to the home ownership portal on eXtension. “But knowing these risks and planning ahead can help you to make the housing decisions that are right for you and your family.”
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