FirstKeysGuide

Buy your first home with confidence — one step at a time.

Plain-English guides, calculators, and checklists that take you from pre-approval to closing day without the stress or jargon.

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Step-by-step playbooks

Know what to do & when

Free calculators

Affordability, payment, PMI & more

Updated weekly

Fresh tips & rate context

Pre-Approval Mortgages & Rates Down Payment Closing Costs Credit & Readiness

Start with a path

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Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved fast

Docs checklist, DTI basics, and how lenders verify income.

Mortgages & Rates

Pick the right loan

Fixed vs ARM, points, APR vs rate, and rate-lock timing.

Down Payment

Save smarter

3% vs 5% vs 20%, gifts, assistance programs, and reserves.

Learn options →

Closing Costs

Know the fees

Lender, title, escrow, and prepaid items — plus how to lower them.

Understand costs →

Credit & Readiness

Boost approval odds

Score factors, rapid-rescore, and debt moves before applying.

Tune your credit →

Tools & Checklists

Your home-buying hub

One-page checklists for showings, offers, and move-in day.

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Popular calculators

All calculators

Mortgage Payment

Estimate principal & interest with taxes/insurance/PMI.

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Home Affordability

Figure out a realistic price range from income, debts, and rate.

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Compare total 5-year costs including closing, taxes, and equity.

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Closing Cost Estimator

Break down lender, title, and prepaid items by price & state.

Estimate →

Latest from the blog

How mortgage pre-approval actually works

What lenders verify, how long it lasts, and common pitfalls.

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Assets & reserves: what counts for lenders

Bank statements, retirement funds, gifts, and required reserves—what underwriters accept.

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Rate-lock timing: when to lock and how long

Lock periods, extensions, and aligning your lock with contract and closing dates.

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Note: FirstKeysGuide provides educational content, not financial or legal advice. Loan products vary by lender and state. Read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.