Home Loans
Buy a Home
A plain-English overview of the homebuying journey, from saving for a down payment to getting the keys.
Get your finances in shape
- Build savings for down payment, closing costs, and reserves
- Review your credit reports and address errors
- Reduce high-interest debt to improve DTI
- Document steady income and employment
Understand loan options
Common programs include conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Each has different down payment requirements, mortgage insurance rules, and qualification criteria. The right fit depends on your credit, income, military service, and the property location.
Get prequalified or preapproved
- Prequalification: a quick estimate of what you might borrow
- Preapproval: a more thorough review with documentation
- A preapproval letter strengthens your offers in many markets
Shop and make an offer
Set a price ceiling using your affordability range, not just the maximum a lender quotes. Factor in property taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance, and any commute or lifestyle changes.
From contract to closing
- Inspection and appraisal
- Loan underwriting and conditions
- Homeowners insurance and title
- Closing disclosure review (3-day window)
- Final walkthrough and signing
Explore home loan options tailored to your criteria
Based on your home price, location, income, credit range, down payment, and goals, Finance Choices can help you compare mortgage, refinance, home equity, FHA, VA, and other home loan options from relevant partners.
Disclosure: Finance Choices may be compensated by advertisers or partners featured on this page. This may influence placement, but it does not guarantee approval, rates, savings, or results. Submitting your information authorizes Finance Choices and its partners to match you with relevant providers. Finance Choices is not a lender, insurer, debt relief provider, credit repair company, or financial advisor.