Your first home starts with knowing your number
No jargon. No pressure. Just a clear picture of what you can afford — and a licensed broker ready when you are. No down payment? Below average credit? FHA and other programs may help.
Find out what I can afford- No credit impact
- NMLS-licensed lenders
- Free, no obligation
Your home-buying journey
Step 1 — Find Your Budget
How much home can you afford?
Enter your gross monthly income and debts. We'll estimate the home price a lender would likely approve.
Your numbers
Estimates principal and interest only; property taxes and insurance are not included.
31% front-end · 43% back-end
Auto, student loans, credit cards, etc.
Enter your gross monthly income to see what a lender may approve.
Step 2 — Streamlined Loan Programs
Streamlined government-backed loans for first-time buyers
FHA, VA, and USDA loans are delivered through independent licensed brokers — the same ones you’ll connect with in step 3. These programs often mean lower down payments and easier qualification than conventional loans. Knowing which ones you may qualify for shapes both your budget and your property search.
FHA Loan
Most accessible for first-time buyers
3.5% down payment
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Credit scores as low as 580 qualify at 3.5% down. Independent brokers can often find better terms than big banks.
VA Loan
For veterans, active duty & surviving spouses
0% down, no PMI
Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. No private mortgage insurance and typically lower interest rates than conventional loans.
USDA Loan
Rural & suburban areas
0% down payment
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eligible rural and suburban areas. No down payment required and competitive rates.
Not sure which program fits? Tell the broker in step 3 — they can match you to the right program based on your income, credit, location, and service history.
Step 3 — Get Officially Qualified
Get officially qualified
A licensed broker can show you what you officially qualify for — in minutes, no credit impact.
NMLS-licensed lendersSecure & confidentialNo credit checkMost approvals in 24 hours
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First time buyer guides
Understand the process before you commit to anything.
Checklist
First-Time Homebuyer: 30-Day Pre-Approval Checklist
Read guide →Guide
5 Smart Money Moves Before Buying a Home
Read guide →Process
Home Buying Process
Read guide →Loan Types
Mortgage Comparison Tool
Read guide →Costs
Mortgage Closing Costs Explained
Read guide →Credit
The 90-Day Credit Boost
Read guide →Down Payment
Mortgage Down Payment Strategies
Read guide →DTI
Debt-to-Income Ratio Guide
Read guide →Roadmap
One-Year Guide to Saving For and Buying a Home
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step toward your first home?
Talk with a licensed broker about your situation. No down payment? Below average credit? FHA loans can help—get pre-approved for 3.5% down. No credit impact, most approvals in 24 hours.
Connect with a brokerNMLS-licensed lenders Fast approval No credit impact
Powered by Mortgage Research Center, NMLS #1907 — Trusted since 2002
