First-time Homebuyers Information

Amortization Calculator

Try this interactive amortization calculator to find the amortization schedule for any fixed-rate mortgage.

Home affordability calculator – how much house can I afford?

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

What’s up with house prices and why rental yields matter

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

How to Successfully Close on a New Home

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.

What is PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance?

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.

How first-time homebuyers put down roots without giving up their travel goals

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

What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

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.

6 first-time homebuyer myths

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

How to choose the right neighborhood when buying a house

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.

Making a Competitive Offer

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.

How your property affects how much you can afford

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

How to Pick a Real Estate Agent

If the real estate agent you pick could make the difference between landing your dream home in a few weeks or losing bids, why wouldn’t you shop around?

Assembling your Homebuying Team

Your homebuying team is crucial in helping you make a winning offer on your dream home. Here's how to assemble the right homebuying team.

Getting your Docs in a Row

Before you can get a mortgage, your lender will need information about your finances. This post is all about getting your application materials in order.

Q&A: How a first-time homebuyer beat the competition with less than 20% down

What do you do when there are multiple offers on your dream home? We asked a first-time homebuyer in Seattle who beat the competition with just 12.5% down.

What do mortgage lenders look for on your tax returns?

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will ask for your tax returns. Here's exactly how those tax returns will affect your mortgage application.

Getting a mortgage with student loans

Can you still buy a home if you have student loan debt? Turns out you have some options. Here’s what you should know about getting a mortgage.

Breaking Down Mortgage Rates and Costs

Chances are you want to get a good deal on your mortgage. This post is all about breaking down mortgage rates and costs, so you can be a savvy shopper.