Real estate and mortgage guides
A home is usually the biggest purchase you'll make, so the small stuff is big money. These guides cover mortgage costs, what you can afford and investing in property. Buying your first? How to become a homeowner is the first read, then the best mortgage lenders.
Start with your situation
Pick the one that sounds like you.
- I'm buying my first homeHow to become a homeowner.
- I want to see a paymentWhat a $300,000 mortgage costs, with other sizes below.
- I'm not sure what I can affordWhat house you can afford on $50K a year.
- I want to invest in propertyInvest in real estate with $50k.
- I want to pay my mortgage off11 ways to live mortgage free.
- I'd rather use an appThe best real estate investing apps.
Start here
The guides to read first.
Savvy move
Before you get a mortgage
Three quick checks that keep more money in your pocket.
- 1Get quotes from more than one lender.Rates and fees vary, and comparing several offers is one of the easiest ways to save. Every lender gives you a Loan Estimate in the same format, so they're easy to line up.
- 2Budget for the whole cost, not just the down payment.Closing costs, property taxes, insurance and repairs all come on top.
- 3Compare APR, not just the rate.APR includes many of the fees, so it shows the fuller cost.
All Real Estate guides
21 guides, newest first.
How to Live Mortgage Free in 2026: 11 Ways to Pay Off Your HomeEleven ways to live mortgage free in 2026, from extra principal payments to downsizing, plus current NAR home price and Freddie Mac mortgage rate...Updated Aug 25, 2026
How to Become a HomeownerUpdated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $550,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouUpdated Mar 20, 2026
Best Mortgage Lenders of 2026Before buying a home or refinancing a mortgage, shop around to find the best mortgage lender for your circumstances.Updated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $250,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 250k mortgage is $1,685. You can buy a $275k house with a $25k down payment and a $250k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $200,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 200k mortgage is $1,348. You can buy a $220k house with a $20k down payment and a $200k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $500,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 500k mortgage is $3,539. You can buy a $556k house with a $56k down payment and a $500k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $350,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 350k mortgage is $2,245.95. You can buy a $385k house with a $35k down payment and a $350k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026- How Much a $300,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on 300k mortgage is $1,880 You can buy a $330k house with a $30k down payment and a $300k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
- How Much a $400,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 400k mortgage is $2,413. You can buy a $440k house with a $44k down payment and a $400k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
How Much a $450,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 450k mortgage is $2,806.70. You can buy a $495,000 house with a $45k down payment and a $450k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026- How Much a $600,000 Mortgage Will Cost YouThe monthly payment on a 600k mortgage is $3,477. You can buy a $667k house with a $67k down payment and a $600k mortgage.Updated Mar 20, 2026
Quick answers
How much house can I afford?
It depends on your income, your monthly debts, your down payment and the rate you get. Lenders look closely at how your monthly debts compare with your income, so start by adding yours up.
Should I get quotes from several mortgage lenders?
Yes. Rates and fees differ between lenders, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends shopping around. Ask each one for a Loan Estimate and compare them side by side.