Buy a Home

Understand what you can afford, what to expect, and how to move forward before you apply.

Whether this is your first home or your next one, this page will help you get oriented.

Start here

A simple way to begin if you're not sure what to do first.

Guide thumbnail How the mortgage process works

Watch

Watch a short introduction to the homebuying process.

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AI-assisted video. Guidance provided by Texas Lone Star Lending.

Estimate preview

Estimate

Use our payment calculators to estimate a comfortable monthly payment.

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Understand preview

Understand

Read a simple guide to learn what happens before and after you apply.

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Move forward preview

Move forward

Ready to take the next step? Start your application here.

Apply

Plan your payment

Before you choose a home, it helps to understand what monthly payment feels manageable.

Payment calculator

Payment calculator preview

See how you down payment and loan term affect your mortgage payment.

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Affordability calculator

Affordability calculator preview

See how payment, taxes, insurance, and down payment affect how much home you can afford.

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Buy vs. rent calculator

Rent vs. Buy calculator preview

Compare the long-term cost of renting with the potential cost and benefits of buying a home.

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Extra payment calculator

Extra payment calculator preview

See how making extra payments could reduce interest and shorten the life of your mortgage.

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Can I qualify?

Answers to common qualification questions about income, credit, and down payment.

Featured qualification topic

Can I Qualify With Student Loans?

Learn how student loans are counted when qualifying for a mortgage, including deferred loans, income-based repayment plans, and differences among conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA guidelines.

Read this topic →

More qualification topics

More ways we can help

Some loan options are designed around a specific goal or situation. If one of these fits what you're trying to do, visit the page to request details or answer a few questions.

You're eligible for a VA loan

VA loans include benefits many eligible buyers do not fully understand. Request details to learn how VA loan features may make buying a home easier or more flexible.

Request details

RE agents: You can buy
your own dream home!

Real estate agents often have income that does not fit neatly into traditional mortgage guidelines. This option may help you buy your own home without relying on tax returns to qualify.

Request details

Could a mortgage interest tax credit help you buy more home?

A mortgage interest tax credit may increase your effective qualifying income and help you explore a larger home budget. Take the quiz to see whether it may fit.

Take the quiz

Don't let gig work stop you from buying a home!

Gig income can make mortgage qualification feel complicated, but it does not have to stop your homebuying plans. This option may help you qualify without using tax returns.

Request details

Workshops

Learn live and ask questions in a low-pressure setting.

First Time Homebuyer Class

Thu, Aug 6th • 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Type: Online

A plain-English class for first-time homebuyers covering affordability, pre-approval, credit, down payment options, loan programs, and practical first steps.

Register

Helpful articles

More reading if you want to go deeper.

What clients say

“Hands down the best experience I could have ever imagined! First time home buyer in this crazy market, so I had no knowledge of the process. Steven walked me through everything, and explained in detail what everything meant. He also tried his best to get me the best deal. Will be using this company again!”
— Tyler and Kenndera R.

From the kitchen

Because life is not all mortgages. Click on a recipe card to enlarge and print it.

Sheet Pan Chicken
Salmon Bites

Ready to move forward?

When you're ready, the next step is simple.

Have a question? Use the chat icon in the bottom right - we’re here to help.

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