Straightforward answers to the questions that actually cost you money — affordability, loan types, taxes and saving interest. Every guide links back to a calculator so you can run your own numbers.
Learn the 28% rule, debt-to-income ratio and other methods to find how much home you can truly afford.
FundamentalsPITI is the four-part true cost of a mortgage. Learn what each component means and why lenders care.
AffordabilityWhat is the 28% rule, where did it come from, and should you actually follow it when buying a home?
Saving MoneyPaying your mortgage bi-weekly makes 13 full payments a year. See exactly how much interest it saves.
Loan TypesFHA loans allow lower credit and down payments; conventional loans drop PMI sooner. Compare the two.
Loan TypesFixed-rate mortgages lock your rate for 30 years; ARMs start lower but can rise. Learn the trade-off.
Saving MoneyRefinance, extend the term, shop insurance, remove PMI and more. Seven concrete ways to cut your PITI.
TaxesWhat the mortgage interest deduction is, who qualifies, and how much it is actually worth to you.
BuyingA step-by-step guide for first-time buyers, from budgeting to closing, with the numbers that matter.
Saving MoneyA little extra toward principal each month can save tens of thousands and years off your loan. See the math.
Loan TypesA 15-year mortgage saves a fortune in interest but locks up cash flow. Compare both on real numbers.
FundamentalsPrivate mortgage insurance protects the lender, not you. Learn what PMI costs and how to get rid of it.
RefinancingRefinancing makes sense when you can recoup closing costs and come out ahead. Here is the rule of thumb.
TaxesProperty tax can be 1% of your payment or 25%. See why it matters and how it varies by state.
InsuranceHome insurance averages $1,000 to over $4,000 a year depending on the state. See the factors and the range.
AffordabilityYour DTI ratio determines whether you get approved. Learn how to calculate it and what number to aim for.
Saving MoneyYour mortgage rate depends on credit, down payment, shopping and timing. Eight ways to lock a lower rate.