Guides
In-depth, plain-English guides to go with our calculators. No jargon, no product pitches, no paywalls.
How Much House Can You Actually Afford?
The amount you're approved for isn't what you can afford. The 28/36 rule, the full PITI payment, and the ownership costs lenders ignore.
How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need?
You don't always need 20% down, but less means PMI and a bigger loan. What changes at each level, and why not to drain your safety net.
How Mortgage Amortization Works (and Why Early Payments Matter)
Early mortgage payments are almost all interest. How amortization works, why the curve flips over time, and why extra principal early saves the most.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Everything You Need to Know
A complete guide for first-time homebuyers: down payments, pre-approval, closing costs, PMI, inspections, and the step-by-step process of buying your first home.
Mortgage Refinancing Guide: When It Makes Sense to Refinance
A complete guide to mortgage refinancing: break-even analysis, rate-and-term vs cash-out, closing costs, when to refinance, and when to stay with your current loan.
Rent vs Buy: A Complete Financial Analysis
A thorough analysis of renting vs buying a home: price-to-rent ratio, opportunity cost of a down payment, hidden costs of ownership, and when renting actually wins financially.