The recent slowdown in the residential housing market has provided new buying opportunities through more affordable prices, especially for first-time homebuyers. Before embarking on a real estate hunt however, pick up a few insights on buying a first home. A variety of Web sites offer a wide range of advice for anyone looking to purchase:

• bankrate.com

www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/BuyerGuide2004/fthb-tips.asp

Has nine-step approach to buying a home for the first time.

• Home Loan Learning Center

www.homebuyinginstitute.com/assessment.phpl

Explores making a self-assessment before setting out to buy a home.

• National Association of Realtors

www.realtor.org/library/library/fg209

Offers an array of links to various first-time home-buying topics.

• Realestateabc.com

www.realestateabc.com/insights/first-time-home-buyers.htm

Discusses key considerations for first time home buyers.

• U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development

www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/buying/buyhm.cfm

100 questions and answers related to buying a new home.