First-time Homebuyers Information

Go from planning to closing with the complete home buying checklist—most of which can now be completed online with the help of Better.

Online mortgage calculators may not be as reliable as you think. Find out how to get a Better idea of how much house you can really afford.

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender might ask for your tax returns. Here's why they’re requested and how they can affect your mortgage application.

When financing looks questionable, mortgage contingencies come into play. Find out how Better can provide assurances with funding.

When you’re trying to determine whether it’s a smarter choice for you to rent or buy your home, you need to consider what is involved with renting vs. buying.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll want to start preparing to take out a mortgage well before you apply. Here’s a guide to getting yourself ready.

Getting ready to apply for your first mortgage? Make sure you know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the entire mortgage process from start to finish.

Learn what mortgage lenders are looking for when evaluating a loan application — and what first-time homebuyers can do to meet their requirements.

What’s the difference between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages? What are points and credits? How will your down payment affect your interest rate? We have your answers.

A new joint report compiled by Compass and Better.com reveals that over the last year, women are increasingly leaning into homeownership.

This home affordability calculator can help you understand how much house you can afford before you start the shopping process.

In his latest post, Better Mortgage Chief Economist explains why falling house prices can be a good thing for homebuyers — and why the rent-price ratio (aka rental yield) is...

Buying a house is overwhelming, especially for a first-time homebuyer. But with the right preparation, you can take control and avoid the most common homebuying hurdles. We’ll show you how.

PMI, or private mortgage insurance, is required for low down payment mortgage loans. Learn about how it can affect the final cost of your mortgage.

Here’s how you can put down roots and buy a house without having to give up your dreams of traveling the world.

Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter from an online lender can be one of the fastest and most accurate ways to calculate how much you can actually afford.

Don’t let these common first-time homebuyer myths and misconceptions scare you away from buying your dream home.

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important (and difficult) parts of buying a house. Here are some tips to help you make that decision.

These days, bidding wars and homes that just fly off the market are increasingly common. Here’s how to make a competitive offer so you can win your dream home.

You may have gotten pre-approved to buy a home, but the property itself can impact what house you can afford.