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The Homebuyer's Knowledge Base

Everything you need to know before buying a home — organized around the questions real buyers ask every day.

Choose your goal

Tell us where you are, and we'll put the right topics first.

Where are you in the journey?

Buying a home is six stages, not one decision. Jump in wherever you are.

  1. 1Stage 1Thinking About ItCan I even do this?
  2. 2Stage 2Getting ReadyCredit, savings, and the plan.
  3. 3Stage 3Getting the LoanPrograms and pre-approval.
  4. 4Stage 4House ShoppingOffers and negotiation.
  5. 5Stage 5ClosingContract to keys.
  6. 6Stage 6HomeownershipProtecting the asset.

Popular questions

People don't search for products. They search for problems.

How much house can I afford?What credit score do I need to buy a house?How much do I need for a down payment?Is FHA or conventional better for me?What are closing costs, really?Can I buy a home while self-employed?How long does buying a home take?Should I keep renting or buy?

Guided Learning Paths

Finishable curricula, not folders. Each one has a beginning and an end.

🏠Buying Your First HomeThe full sequence, in order, from curiosity to keys.167-minute learning path24 pages★★★★★ Most Popular💵Can I Afford It?The real number — payment, DTI, reserves, and the rest.131-minute learning path20 pages📋Loan Programs ExplainedFHA, conventional, VA, USDA — which one fits you.102-minute learning path17 pages🛠️Improving Your CreditWhat actually moves a score before an application.96-minute learning path15 pages🔑Closing on a HomeContract to keys, with no surprises at the table.76-minute learning path12 pages

Start a path based on who you are

Pick who you are right now. We'll put the pages in the right order — and remember where you left off.

🌱First-Time Buyer

Start at zero and end with a pre-approval.

35 min
5 steps0%
  1. 1The complete first-time guide
  2. 2What you can afford
  3. 3Down payment options
  4. 4Pre-approval checklist
  5. 5Your readiness score

🛠️Improve My Credit

Fix the one thing standing between you and approval.

33 min
5 steps0%
  1. 1Minimum scores by program
  2. 2Raise your score fast
  3. 3Collections and late payments
  4. 4Understand DTI
  5. 5Re-check your readiness

💰Save for My Down Payment

Figure out the number, then shorten the timeline.

34 min
5 steps0%
  1. 1How much down payment
  2. 23% vs 5% vs 20%
  3. 3Down payment assistance
  4. 4Gift funds
  5. 5Saving plan

🏠I'm Ready to Buy

You have a pre-approval. Don't blow the contract.

30 min
5 steps0%
  1. 1Writing an offer
  2. 2Earnest money
  3. 3Appraisal and inspection
  4. 4What not to do before closing
  5. 5Clear to close

Explore Every Homebuying Topic

Every page on ReadinessIQ belongs to one of these hubs. Nothing floats.

🏠Buying Your First HomeThe whole sequence — from “can I even do this?” to keys in hand.24 pages167-minute curriculumTopic progress0%💰AffordabilityWhat you can actually buy — on your income, with your debts.20 pages131-minute curriculumTopic progress0%📈Credit & ReadinessScore minimums, collections, bankruptcy, and how to fix them fast.15 pages96-minute curriculumTopic progress0%🏦Loan ProgramsFHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, Construction — matched to your situation.17 pages102-minute curriculumTopic progress0%📄The Buying ProcessEvery milestone from pre-approval to accepted offer.17 pages103-minute curriculumTopic progress0%💼Life SituationsSelf-employed, 1099, retired, military, divorced, newly married, and more.14 pages105-minute curriculumTopic progress0%🔑Closing & EscrowThe final 30 days: conditions, disclosures, funding, and keys.12 pages76-minute curriculumTopic progress0%🏡HomeownershipYou have the keys. Now protect the asset.11 pages75-minute curriculumTopic progress0%🗺️State GuidesLoan limits, taxes, assistance programs, and market reality by state.8 pages48-minute curriculumTopic progress0%⚖️ComparePrograms, terms, tools, and platforms — side by side, no spin.19 pages114-minute curriculumTopic progress0%📖GlossaryEvery mortgage term, in language a human uses.11 pages66-minute curriculumTopic progress0%

New this month

The most recent additions to the Knowledge Base.

Buying Your First HomeFirst-Time Homebuyer Cluster30+ pages, newly organizedState GuidesState Guides — AZ, CA, TX, NVLocal limits and programsLife SituationsBuying While Self-Employed1099 and business incomeNext StepsReadinessIQ Trusted PartnersHow introductions workAffordabilityDTI ExplainedRewritten and expandedGlossaryMortgage GlossaryA–Z terms in plain English

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