Start at step 1All 12 steps1. Finances and credit4. Get preapprovedSee all: StepsCompare loan typesBuyer program finderBuyer programs by stateSee all: LoansMortgage calculatorAffordabilityClosing costsSee all: CalculatorsHow much can I afford?NAR settlementClosing costsSee all: Guides

Home Buying Guides: Affordability, Closing Costs, PMI, NAR Rules

Plain-English guides for home buyers: how much house you can afford, the NAR settlement, 2026 loan limits, closing costs, PMI, fixed vs ARM, wire fraud and a glossary.

How much house can I afford?How lenders work out what you can borrow, the 28/36 guideline, what to include in your monthly cost and why your comfortable budget may be …The NAR settlementSince August 17, 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and agent pay offers no longer appear on the …Conforming loan limits for 2026The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most of the US, up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas. What the limits mean…Closing costs explainedWhat closing costs are, typical costs of about 2% to 5% of the loan, the main fees, prepaid items, and how to shop for services and negotia…PMI explainedWhat private mortgage insurance is, when you pay it, roughly what it costs, and how and when you can get rid of it on a conventional loan.Fixed vs adjustable-rate mortgageHow fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages work, what 5/6 and 7/6 ARMs mean, rate caps, and who each one suits.How to avoid wire fraud when buying a homeCriminals target home buyers with fake wiring instructions for down payments and closing funds. Five steps to protect your money.Home buying glossaryPlain-English definitions of home buying terms: preapproval, earnest money, contingency, escrow, PMI, points, Loan Estimate, Closing Disclo…