We re-do older homes and most often buy them through auction sites on the internet. If he is looking to buy in the Spring he needs to go to a bank or loan office and get prequalified. Then he needs to find a good Realtor. Shop ahead of time and learn your own market, they are all different.
We have a house for sale that qualifies to go with any loan program....however, we must have a buyer who qualifies to buy. Restrictions have changed.