HUD has programs in every state about homebuying. I wonder how many of these people who are in trouble now, attended?

http://www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm

There are a hundred other non-profit organizations offering similar classes. If this is your first time buying a home, you should count on spending 3-6 months learning before you even contact a realtor. When you get a contract, you should take it to an attorney, or to perhaps a HUD field office and get someone to explain it to you who has no vested interest in whether or not you say yes or no to it.