Home buying guides
Clear, up-to-date answers to the questions buyers ask most — from credit scores to closing day.
New Construction
Construction-to-Permanent Loans Explained (One-Time vs Two-Time Close)
How construction-to-permanent loans work: draws, interest-only payments during the build, one-time vs two-time close, and FHA, VA, USDA and conventional options.
Updated October 24, 2026
New Construction
Builder Rate Buydowns Explained: 2-1 vs Permanent Buydowns
How builder-paid mortgage rate buydowns work, what a 2-1 buydown saves, how permanent buydowns use discount points, and the seller-contribution limits.
Updated October 24, 2026
New Construction
Should I Use the Builder's Preferred Lender?
Builder incentives vs. shopping your own mortgage: what RESPA says, how to compare Loan Estimates, and when the builder's lender is worth it.
Updated October 24, 2026
New Construction
VA New Construction Loans: Buying or Building With 0% Down
How to use a VA loan for a newly built home: 0% down, VA builder ID, one-year warranty, funding fee, and VA construction-to-permanent loans.
Updated October 24, 2026
New Construction
Can You Use an FHA Loan for New Construction?
Yes — FHA loans work for newly built homes with 3.5% down. Here are HUD's builder documentation rules, the 90% LTV limit, and FHA one-time close loans.
Updated October 24, 2026
Pre-Approval
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (Step by Step)
The exact steps to get a mortgage pre-approval: check credit, gather documents, compare lenders and get your letter — usually in 1–3 days.
Updated October 23, 2026
Affordability
How Much House Can I Afford on My Salary?
See how much house you can afford on a $50k, $75k, $100k or $150k salary using the 28/36 rule and today's typical costs.
Updated October 23, 2026
Credit
What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?
Minimum credit scores by loan type — FHA 580, conventional 620, VA and USDA lender-set — and how your score affects your rate.
Updated October 23, 2026
Down Payment
How Much Down Payment Do I Need for a House?
You don't need 20% down. See minimum down payments by loan type and how down payment size affects your monthly payment and PMI.
Updated October 23, 2026
Loan Types
FHA vs Conventional Loan: Which Is Better?
Compare FHA and conventional loans on down payment, credit score, mortgage insurance and long-term cost to pick the right one.
Updated October 23, 2026
First-Time Buyers
First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Federal, State & Local
A plain-English guide to first-time home buyer programs — FHA, HomeReady, Home Possible, VA, USDA, state HFA assistance and more.
Updated October 23, 2026
Costs
Closing Costs Explained: What Buyers Pay and How to Lower Them
Closing costs typically run 2%–5% of the loan amount. Here's what's included, who pays, and how to reduce them.
Updated October 23, 2026
Pre-Approval
Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: Documents You'll Need
A complete checklist of documents for mortgage pre-approval — income, assets, debts and ID — plus extras for self-employed buyers.
Updated October 23, 2026
Pre-Approval
How Long Does Mortgage Pre-Approval Take?
Most mortgage pre-approvals take 1–3 business days once your documents are in. Here's what speeds it up or slows it down.
Updated October 23, 2026
Credit
Can I Buy a House With Bad Credit?
Yes — FHA allows scores down to 500 with 10% down. Learn your options, waiting periods after bankruptcy, and how to improve approval odds.
Updated October 23, 2026
Costs
PMI Explained: What Private Mortgage Insurance Costs and How to Remove It
PMI typically costs 0.3%–1.5% of the loan per year. Learn how it's priced, how FHA MIP differs, and how to get rid of it.
Updated October 23, 2026
Buying
Earnest Money: How Much to Put Down and How It Works
Earnest money is usually 1%–3% of the price. Learn when it's due, where it's held, and how to protect it with contingencies.
Updated October 23, 2026
Down Payment
How to Buy a House With No Down Payment
Zero-down options include VA and USDA loans and down payment assistance. Here's who qualifies and what it costs.
Updated October 23, 2026
Rates
Mortgage Rates Explained: What Determines Your Rate
How mortgage rates are set, what moves them, APR vs rate, points, and how to get the lowest rate you qualify for.
Updated October 23, 2026
Buying
Steps to Buying a House: A 10-Step Guide
The home buying process from budget to keys: credit, pre-approval, agent, house hunting, offer, inspection, appraisal and closing.
Updated October 23, 2026
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.