Get to know your budget
Look beyond the listing price. Find a monthly payment that leaves room for life.
Do the math →A guide for first-time home buyers
What the listing
doesn’t tell you.
Buying your first home is a big step. Let’s make it feel smaller. Understand the process, know your numbers, and move forward with confidence.
Free to explore. No sign-ups. No pressure.
You don’t need to know it all to begin.
Just take it one step, and one number, at a time.
Less guesswork. More “I’ve got this.”
✓ Plain-language guidance
✓ Real costs, explained
✓ Your pace, your next step
The path to your first place
Big milestone. Manageable steps.
You don’t have to figure everything out today.
Here’s what the road ahead looks like.
Get mortgage-ready
Understand your credit, compare loan options, and prepare for preapproval.
Build your foundation →Find your kind of home
Choose your must-haves, explore neighborhoods, and make an informed offer.
Know what to look for →Close with confidence
From inspections to the final paperwork, know what happens before the keys.
See the home stretch →Start with your numbers
A home you love.
A payment you can live with.
Your mortgage is only part of the picture. See how taxes, insurance, and other costs add up before you start your search.
Find your comfortable budget ↗Example: the typical U.S. home$417,500
$3,337 / month
Principal and interest$2,581
Property tax$313
Home insurance$255
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)$188
Total$3,337 per month
Assumes 10% down and a 30 year fixed loan at 7.32%. Your numbers will be different. Sources below.
A little homework goes a long way
Make yourself at home with the basics.
Do you really need a 20% down payment?
4 min read Beyond the down paymentThe costs nobody puts on the listing.
3 min read
Prequalified vs. preapproved: what’s the difference?
3 min read
From preapproval to the keys: what happens next?
5 min read ↗
Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure? Meet both.
4 min read ↗
Find down payment help in your state.
4 min read ↗
Before you wire your down payment, make this call.
3 min read ↗
What are you signing—and who pays your agent?
4 min read ↗
Escrow, earnest money, points. In plain English.
Look it up ↗You’re in good company
Wondering about…
Questions are part of the process.
Here are a few good places to start.
How do I know if I’m ready to buy?
Start with stable income, manageable debt, and savings for upfront costs plus a separate emergency fund. Think about how long you expect to stay and whether you can handle repairs. Compare the full cost of owning with renting; buying doesn’t have to be your next step.
What credit score do I need?
Requirements vary by loan, underwriting method, and lender. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) minimums allow 3.5% down with a score of 580 or higher, or at least 10% down with a score from 500 to 579 (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Oct 8, 2026). Lenders can set stricter rules. Compare loan types and their requirements, then ask a lender to check your full situation.
How much should I save before buying?
Plan for your down payment; closing costs, which are often around 2% to 5% of price (Freddie Mac, reviewed Feb 26, 2026); moving; and immediate repairs. Keep an emergency cushion separate. Some loans offer low or no down payments for eligible buyers; compare the monthly costs and eligibility with a lender.
Are there programs for first-time buyers?
Yes. State and local housing agencies may offer down payment assistance, grants, or loans. Eligibility, income limits, repayment terms, and education requirements vary. Start with your state housing finance agency or a HUD-approved housing counselor at hud.gov/counseling.
Your first home starts with understanding.
You bring the questions. We’ll help with the numbers.