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Financing Resources

Educational resources to help you understand your mortgage options and make informed decisions.

First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Everything you need to know about buying your first home — from saving for a down payment to closing day.

•Down payment options
•Understanding pre-approval
•The home buying timeline
•Closing costs explained

Understanding Loan Types

Compare different mortgage programs and find the right fit for your situation.

•Conventional — Standard 20% down, competitive rates for strong credit
•FHA — As low as 3.5% down, more flexible credit requirements
•VA — Zero down payment for eligible veterans and service members
•USDA — Zero down for eligible rural properties
•Jumbo — For loan amounts exceeding conforming limits

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Use the 28/36 rule to estimate your comfortable price range.

•28% Rule: Housing costs should not exceed 28% of gross income
•36% Rule: Total debt payments should not exceed 36% of gross income
•Consider: property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance
•Get pre-approved for a realistic budget

Free Tools & Resources

Independent resources from government agencies and financial education organizations.

CFPB Home Loan Toolkit

Free guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CFPB Mortgage Shopping Worksheet

Compare loan offers side by side

HUD Housing Counseling

Free HUD-approved housing counselors in your area

Bankrate Mortgage Rates

Compare current national average mortgage rates

NerdWallet Mortgage Calculator

Independent mortgage payment estimator

Ready to Get Started?

Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your payments, or get pre-approved to know your budget.

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