How can I start the homebuying process

Start the homebuying process today by meeting with one of our loan officers and beginning your mortgage application.

The homebuying process can be intimidating to many potential buyers. Our tools and resources can help you better understand your mortgage options and navigate the homebuying process.

Connect with our experts to learn about affordable plans for you and your financial situation.

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Homebuying options and pricing tools

Take advantage of our homebuying options and pricing tools that can help you get into your dream home.

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Loan Options

Check out the loan options available to find the best one for you.

Discover available loan options, learn the benefits and requirements, see which option is best for your financial situation and start the application process.

Explore loan options

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Calculator

Mortgage calculators

Find out the details of mortgage options with our mortgage calculator.

By typing in your desired home price, down payment amount, loan term and interest rate, you can see a breakdown of your monthly payments. Adjust details in the calculator to find a mortgage that fits your needs, and connect with a loan officer.

Open the calculator

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Today's mortgage rates

See the current national average mortgage rates.

Discover where the mortgage rates are and where they have been in the past two years. You can compare rates among 30-year, 15-year, FHA 30-year and VA 30-year fixed rates over the past two years.

See today’s rate

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Working with a lender

How can a lender help me buy a house?

A lender can show you which loans you qualify for and how much house you can afford, allowing you to start planning your financial future before even looking for a home.

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Knowing the loans you qualify for can help you decide on the best option for your financial needs. Lenders can show you what your monthly payments, interest rates and loan type will be.

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Lenders can show you the home loan amount you could qualify for, giving you a range of prices for homes you should look at. Try our home affordability calculator to get started.

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Homebuying FAQs

Reach out to Rate loan experts who can answer even more questions and help you reach your homeownership goals.

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Buying a home could offer you a long-term investment while giving you a space to build memories.

Any money you put toward your home (down payment and monthly payments) helps build the equity you have in your home, which you could get access to if needed. Many access their funds for home improvements, which can increase a property’s value and help build the equity you have in your home. While you are building equity in your home, you will build memories while experiencing many firsts as a new homeowner. 

Buying a home is a huge financial decision, so you will want to make sure you are in the right place before you make that decision.

You can determine if you are in the right place to buy a home by making sure you are able to make your monthly payments and have enough saved for a down payment and closing costs. Lenders can give you an idea of what your monthly and down payments may be, allowing you a better understanding of whether this decision is right for you.

When looking at the homebuying process, steps you can expect to take are:

  • Review your finances to make sure buying a home is the right choice for you.
  • Find a lender and learn what your mortgage will look like with a mortgage pre-approval.
  • Start looking for a home by yourself or with the help of a real estate agent.
  • Make an offer on your dream home.
  • Finalize your mortgage and close the deal on your home.

The first thing anyone should do when saving for a home purchase is cut expenses where possible. Look at your monthly bank statements and see where you are spending the most. Some of these expenses are unavoidable, but switching to generic brands or making coffee and lunch at home could slowly add to your savings.

Paying off any debts you may have can also help you build savings every month and reduce your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which could get you more favorable loan terms.

Many potential homeowners look for additional work or a side gig to help make a little bit of money.

If you aren’t able to save for a 20% down payment, talk to a loan officer to see if you qualify for lower down payment options.

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Ready to start?

Start the homebuying process today by meeting with one of our loan officers and beginning your mortgage application.

 

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Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.

Rate is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. No compensation can be received for advising or assisting another person with a matter relating to veterans' benefits except as authorized under Title 38 of the United States Code.