Make an offer you can back up.
Calculators and plain-English guides that show you exactly what a home will cost, before you fall in love with one.
Enter a price, down payment and rate to see your estimate.
Where are you in the process?
Pick your step and we’ll pull up the tools for it.
Thinking: Is buying the right move, and what will it really cost here?
Saving: How much cash you’ll need, and how soon you’ll have it.
Budgeting: Your price range, your real monthly payment and your loan options.
Offering: Compete in a hot market with an offer you can stand behind.
Closing: The last stretch, from accepted offer to keys in hand.
Are you a real estate agent?
Put your name in front of buyers in the ZIP codes you choose, from $7/month per ZIP.
The questions every buyer asks.
Short, plain-English answers, each with a tool or guide that goes deeper.
Browse all guides →How much do I need for a down payment?
Often less than 20%. Some conventional loans allow 3% down, FHA loans 3.5% with qualifying credit, and VA and USDA loans can allow 0% for eligible buyers. Putting less than 20% down on a conventional loan usually means paying mortgage insurance (PMI).
How much should I put down? →What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender. Pre-approval means the lender has checked your credit and verified your income and assets, so sellers and listing agents take it much more seriously.
Read the guide →How much house can I afford?
Lenders look closely at your debt-to-income ratio: your monthly debts, including the new house payment, divided by your gross monthly income. Many aim for about 36% or less, though some loans allow more. Your comfort level matters as much as the lender’s limit.
Run your numbers →What are closing costs, and how much are they?
Closing costs are the fees and prepaid items due when you sign: lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. They commonly run about 2% to 5% of the loan amount.
Closing cost estimator →What is PMI, and when does it go away?
Private mortgage insurance protects the lender on conventional loans with less than 20% down. You can ask to cancel it once you reach 20% equity based on the original value, and it generally ends automatically at 22% equity if your payments are current.
PMI calculator →Should I choose a 15-year or 30-year mortgage?
A 15-year loan has a higher monthly payment but usually a lower rate and far less total interest. A 30-year loan keeps the payment lower and gives you more flexibility. Try both in the calculator above to see the difference.
Compare loan terms →What is an offer round?
Some listings collect offers in a transparent round: buyers can see the current highest offer and submit a stronger one before the deadline. Knowing your ceiling ahead of time is what lets you act quickly and confidently.
How offer rounds work →