A starting place for first-time homebuyers
A clearer path to homeownership.
Free calculators and a plain-language guide to help you understand what you can afford, what to save, and how buying a home works.
Just exploring? You’re in the right place.
- Free to use
- No account needed
01 / Start with your budget
What home price could fit my life?
Get an estimated price based on your income, debts, and down payment. Set a monthly limit that feels comfortable for you.
You can adjust them as you go.
A planning estimate, not a loan approval.
Your calculator inputs stay in your browser. How your numbers are handled
Build on your budget
Then, fill in the picture.
Already have a home price in mind? You can jump straight to either tool.
What would I pay each month?
Look beyond the mortgage. See how taxes, insurance, and other housing costs add up.
Estimate my monthly paymentHow much cash should I have ready?
Plan for your down payment, closing costs, moving, and a cushion for what comes next.
Estimate my savings targetYour working numbers carry between these three planning tools as you explore in the same tab.
Check the rest of your monthly life
Would this housing payment fit my household budget?
Compare take-home pay with housing, debts, everyday spending, savings, and the costs you want room for.
A free lesson for the money questions
Already paid. Still due.
What’s left afterward.
Buying a home means keeping track of money at different moments. Start with the distinction, then explore your own plan.
- Already paid
- Your earnest-money deposit and other costs paid earlier. Check where they are accounted for before subtracting anything again.
- Still due at closing
- The amount left to pay after applicable prior payments, credits, and adjustments. Confirm it with your lender or settlement professional.
- Savings to keep afterward
- The cushion you want to retain after buying. Keep this separate from the official cash-to-close amount.
No account, email signup, or purchase required.
Ready to plan? Estimate your savings target or map payment timing and what could remain.
A focused free tool
Have two Loan Estimates?
Understand two mortgage offers side by side, from monthly payments to upfront costs. Bring the figures from your Loan Estimates to see the tradeoffs and questions to ask each lender.
Compare two Loan EstimatesPlan beyond closing day
What if the first year brings a surprise?
Explore how selected monthly costs and unexpected expenses could affect the savings you have left after buying. Compare two simple 12-month scenarios.
Try the First-Year Homeowner Shock TestUnderstand the steps, too
Your first home.
Fewer unknowns.
Prefer to learn before running the numbers? Walk through the homebuying process, from your first budget to getting the keys. No background knowledge needed.
- 01
Before you start looking
Get familiar with your budget and preapproval.
- 02
When you find a home
Understand offers, inspections, and loan estimates.
- 03
As closing day gets closer
Know what to review and what to have ready.
About HomeBuyersPath
Here to help you understand.
HomeBuyersPath is an educational project. Our tools help you explore your numbers; they don’t offer loans or decide what you should buy.
Get to know our approachAssumptions you can see
Review and change the sample costs behind your estimates.