What closing costs and prepaid items should you expect at the closing table? Read More about What to Expect: Closing Costs and Prepaid Items
In the Market
Shopping for a new home can be fun — from your first apartment to your retirement nest. The more you know before you get started, the better decisions you'll make along the way.
Have a Plan
It is one of those life changing moments, choosing the right home. Start with some basic questions. Are you ready for the commitment of time, resources and money? Do you have an established credit record? Have you created a budget? Have you saved enough for a down payment?
Visit Our Home Buyers Center®Match Investment to Life Stage
Choose a home that makes it possible to meet your other financial goals. Remember that living in a home for at least five years helps you build equity, and as you get close to retirement you’ll want to have minimal mortgage debt.
Find a Mortgage Loan OfficerStick to a Budget
Know your budget before you start looking for houses, and then stick with it because chances are, you're going to find that 'perfect' house that strains what you can afford. Also, make sure you plan for closing costs, moving expenses and ongoing maintenance.
Run the Numbers with Mortgage CalculatorsRelated Insights
-
Podcast: Buying a Vacation Home or Rental PropertyContent Type: Podcast
-
Podcast: Buying a Home WarrantyContent Type: Podcast
-
What to Expect When Buying a Home PodcastContent Type: Podcast
-
Buying Your First Home PodcastContent Type: Podcast
-
Home Inspection Checklist PodcastContent Type: Podcast
-
Your First Home: How Much Can You Afford?Content Type: Article
-
Renting vs. Buying a Home: What’s Best for You?Content Type: Article
four-and-half-star
-
What to Check Before Closing the DealContent Type: Video
four-star
Related Calculators
-
Label: Home Equity
How Long Will It Take to Pay Off a Home Equity Loan?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated three-and-half-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Home Equity
Difference Between Home Equity Loan and Line of CreditContent Type: Calculator
This article is rated three-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Home Equity
How Much Equity Do I Have in My Home?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated three-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Home Equity
Should I Use Home Equity for a Major Purchase?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated three-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Home Equity
Should I Use a Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated three-and-half-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Mortgage
Should I Refinance My Mortgage?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated five-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Mortgage
How Do I Compare Mortgage Rates?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated two-star out of 5 stars
-
Label: Mortgage
How Much Home Can I Afford?Content Type: Calculator
This article is rated one-and-half-star out of 5 stars

Looking for More?
You are here:
- Home
- Insights
- Personal Insights
- Home
- Finding Your Home