The developer of a new local Web site boasts that it's the place to get the real facts about the housing market here in Lancaster County.

The Building Industry Association of Lancaster County (BIA) Monday launched LancasterHousingFacts.com, a public and consumer-oriented Web site that it says "reveals the truth about the housing market."

Richard W. Brown Sr., BIA executive vice president, said the inspiration to develop the site arrived a few months ago when a local home builder approached the BIA with a frustration to vent.

"So many people coming through his homes had one common apprehension about buying them: they didn't think any financing was available, and this simply wasn't true," Brown said.

"The BIA decided to address this head on by designing a Web site not full of fluff but full of facts."

LancasterHousingFacts.com offers various information including frequently asked questions that customers repeatedly pose to builders and Realtors.

There is also an area where consumers can submit their own questions for an expert to answer. the 'In the News' page offers links to news both good and the not-so-good about the local housing market, Brown said.

"But as visitors will see, the recent news is more good than not, which means consumer confidence is picking up," he said.

Another Web page provides resources for consumers to learn more about everything from Fannie Mae to VA Loans, as well as about home lending programs specific to Pennsylvania.

"Our goal was to design an easy-to-navigate Web site where consumers can get the facts about buying a home right here in Lancaster County," said Brown.

The site offers a bonus to visitors in the form of a free downloadable coupon book that offers thousands of dollars in savings from BIA members.

E-mail: pburns@lnpnews.com