The Home Buying Guide
Everything a first-time buyer needs, from setting a budget to getting the keys. Start with the step-by-step walkthrough, then dig into financing, costs, and closing.
13 guides · 5 related calculators
How to Buy a House: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Buying a house in 9 steps: check your finances, save, get pre-approved, house hunt, make an offer, inspect, close. A clear roadmap for first-time buyers.
Read the guideBefore you buy
How Much House Can I Afford in 2026? Rules & Calculator
Find out how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment. Three rules of thumb, plus real-world examples for 2026 mortgage rates.
How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House? (2026)
You don't need 20% down. Conventional loans go to 3%, FHA to 3.5%, and VA/USDA to 0%. See the minimums by loan type and the trade-offs of putting less down.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House? (2026)
You can buy a house with a score as low as 500 (FHA) or 620 (conventional), but a higher score means a much lower rate. See the minimums by loan type.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy a House? (2026)
Renting vs buying comes down to how long you'll stay and the full cost of each. Learn the 5-year rule, the price-to-rent ratio, and the costs people forget.
Financing the purchase
How Does a Mortgage Work? (2026)
A mortgage is a home loan repaid with principal and interest over 15 or 30 years. Learn the PITI payment, amortization, and fixed vs adjustable rates.
Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification (2026)
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate; pre-approval verifies your finances and carries weight with sellers. Here's the difference and which you need.
What Is PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? (2026)
PMI is insurance you pay when you put less than 20% down on a conventional loan. It protects the lender, not you. Learn the cost and how to get rid of it.
Costs and closing
How Much Are Closing Costs? (2026)
Buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the home price in closing costs; sellers pay more. See what's included, who pays what, and how to lower them.
What Is Earnest Money? (2026)
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit (usually 1% to 3%) you put down with an offer to show you're serious. Learn how it works and when you can lose it.
What Is Escrow? Real Estate & Mortgage Escrow Explained
Escrow holds money or documents during a transaction. Real estate escrow protects buyers and sellers; mortgage escrow handles property tax and insurance.
After you own
Is Mortgage Interest Tax Deductible? (2026)
Yes, mortgage interest is deductible if you itemize, on up to $750,000 of home loan debt. Learn who actually benefits in 2026 and why most filers no longer do.
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest? (2026)
Compare your mortgage rate to your expected investment return, but get the employer match and emergency fund first. Here's the full framework to decide.