How to buy your first house in South Bend

“Why You Should Get a Mortgage Through a Credit Union or Local Bank”

Figuring out your mortgage is a big step toward home ownership. One of my main decisions was whether to get a mortgage through a bank or a local credit union, and this article from the personal finance publication Money Under 30 helped me decide which to choose. In my case, I went with Notre Dame Federal Credit Union.

Zillow Mortgage Calculator

Zillow is a widely used website for buying and selling homes. It has lots of info on properties for sale, including their tax history and the download on nearby schools. But what I used the most was Zillow’s mortgage calculator, which helps to estimate your monthly payments.

Hurry Home

If you’re buying a home that’s worth less than $80K, you’ll most likely run into some trouble getting a mortgage. Hurry Home is a local startup that’s looking to help bridge that gap and provide an alternative to a traditional mortgage.

Mint

Mint is a budgeting tool that I've been using since high school. It gives you easily digestible budget breakdowns and can help you save up for a down payment or home repair.

Motley Fool Answers

My dad listens to a lot—and I mean a lot!—of personal finance podcasts. One of his favorites, which I also listen to from time to time, is Motley Fool Answers. It helps you puzzle through all sorts of questions about planning, saving and spending your money.

City of South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Green Spaces

I looked for a house close to a park because I like to take my dog for long walks, and parks also make for good scenery when I’m jogging. This interactive map shows the different greenspaces in our city.

Starting or Transferring Utility Service

Once you buy a house, one of the first things to do is set up your utilities. Generally, the city will handle your trash and water, the county will be in charge of recycling, you’ll get your gas through Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), and your electricity will come from American Electric Power (AEP). Here’s a great guide to getting all hooked up.