Websites by Topic - Consumer Resouces

Library Resources

• The Library's collection of licensed databases may include information on this topic; these are commercial, copyrighted materials that PGCMLS licenses for the reference and research needs of its customers; often this material comes directly from printed books. Most of these databases may be accessed remotely, while a few are available only to users on PC's in our Branches.

Web Resources
Automobile Resources | Financial Resources | Insurance Resources | Real Estate Resources | Shop and Save Resources

General Consumer Sources

• Consumer Search
  This site looks for the best reviews, both on and off the Internet, and then rank them according to how well they identify the category's best products.
• Consumer World: Everything Consumer
  A comprehensive public service site offering lots of consumer information and links.

• AutoSite
  Price and compare new and used vehicles, find repair information, read auto industry news, and find deals on insurance, financing, etc.
• AutoTrader
  An online source for buying and selling used vehicles.
• Car and Driver
  Offers many ways to research new and used vehicles.
• Cars.com
  Cars.com is a comprehensive online resource for buying, selling and owning a vehicle.
• Edmunds Car Buying Guide
  For new and used cars and trucks, view prices, reviews, safety information, and discussion lists.
• How to Buy a Car
  This guide, by the Maryland State Library Resource Center, provides instruction on how to research 10 important aspects of buying a new or used vehicle.
  

• Free Annual Credit Report
  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Visit this site for information about credit reporting, imposter sites and how to order your free credit reports.
• Government May Owe You Money
  Check unclaimed property, credit unions, mortgage refunds and more.
• NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators)
  Search any state for unclaimed funds; for some states, you may be linked to multiple agencies.

• Automobile Insurance Reviews
  Find unbiased consumer reviews, read insurance company claims, share your own past experience, and more.
• Insure.com
  Instant insurance quotes from over 200 companies, including all sorts of insurance. Lots of help and advice articles, shopping tools, plus contact information for unbiased counselors.

Real Estate Resources

• Apartments.com
  Nationwide rental locator. Find millions of apartments and houses for rent, see floor plans and view rental property photos.
• HUD Homes
  HUD sells properties at reduced prices that you might want to buy.
• Maryland Real Property Data Search
  This database allows the user to search the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property database and display property records.
• Real Estate for Sale, Government Surplus and Foreclosures
  Search for commercial buildings, investment properties, land, multi-family and single family homes, condominiums, mobile homes, farms, ranches, etc.
• Realtor.com
  Search over 3 million new, existing and rental properties listed by realtors.

• All Things Frugal
  Home of The Pennypincher and The Tightwad Tidbits e-zines; full of money-saving, frugal-living, thrifty information.
• The Dollar Stretcher
  How to live better for less.