Credit & Scores5 min read
What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?
Spoiler: it's probably lower than you think. Here's the honest breakdown by loan type — FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA.
Read guideLearning Center
Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Free guides, videos, and clear guidance — written by Dan for first-time buyers just like you.
9 free guides
3 videos
Start Here
The First-Time Buyer Crash Course
New to all of this? This 12-minute video covers everything you need to know before you start the mortgage process — from credit scores to closing costs.
Coming Soon
The First-Time Buyer Crash Course
12 min
12 min
Free Guides
Browse All Topics
Down Payments4 min read
Down Payment Myths — Busted
You don't need 20% down. Learn about programs that let you buy with as little as 3% — and which ones you might qualify for.
Read guide
The Process7 min read
The Mortgage Process, Step by Step
From pre-approval to closing day — here's exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and what you need to do at each stage.
Read guide
Rates & Costs6 min read
What Are Closing Costs — and How Much Will I Pay?
Closing costs catch a lot of first-time buyers off guard. Here's what they are, what's negotiable, and how to plan for them.
Read guide
Loan Programs5 min read
FHA vs. Conventional: Which Loan Is Right for You?
Both are popular with first-time buyers — but they work very differently. Here's how to figure out which one fits your situation.
Read guide
Credit & Scores4 min read
How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying
Even a 20-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Here are the fastest, most effective moves.
Read guide
The Process5 min read
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?
These two terms get mixed up all the time — and the difference matters a lot when you're making an offer on a home.
Read guide
Rates & Costs6 min read
Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages: A Plain-English Guide
Which is safer? Which saves more money? The answer depends on your situation — and I'll walk you through both.
Read guide
Loan Programs4 min read
First-Time Buyer Programs You Might Not Know About
Down payment assistance, grants, and special loan programs exist in almost every state. Here's how to find what's available to you.
Read guideVideo Series
Watch & Learn
Short, friendly videos that explain the confusing parts of buying a home. New ones every week.
8 min
What Nobody Tells First-Time Buyers
The 5 things most lenders won't tell you before you apply.
Coming Soon
How Mortgage Rates Actually Work
6 min
6 min
How Mortgage Rates Actually Work
Why rates change daily — and how to lock in at the right time.
Coming Soon
Understanding Your Loan Estimate
9 min
9 min
Understanding Your Loan Estimate
Every line on that 3-page document, explained in plain English.
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Start With These Three
1
Credit & Scores5 min read
What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?
Spoiler: it's probably lower than you think. Here's the honest breakdown by loan type — FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA.
Read guide2
Down Payments4 min read
Down Payment Myths — Busted
You don't need 20% down. Learn about programs that let you buy with as little as 3% — and which ones you might qualify for.
Read guide3
The Process7 min read
The Mortgage Process, Step by Step
From pre-approval to closing day — here's exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and what you need to do at each stage.
Read guide4
Rates & Costs6 min read
What Are Closing Costs — and How Much Will I Pay?
Closing costs catch a lot of first-time buyers off guard. Here's what they are, what's negotiable, and how to plan for them.
Read guide5
Loan Programs5 min read
FHA vs. Conventional: Which Loan Is Right for You?
Both are popular with first-time buyers — but they work very differently. Here's how to figure out which one fits your situation.
Read guide6
Credit & Scores4 min read
How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying
Even a 20-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Here are the fastest, most effective moves.
Read guide7
The Process5 min read
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?
These two terms get mixed up all the time — and the difference matters a lot when you're making an offer on a home.
Read guide8
Rates & Costs6 min read
Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages: A Plain-English Guide
Which is safer? Which saves more money? The answer depends on your situation — and I'll walk you through both.
Read guide9
Loan Programs4 min read
First-Time Buyer Programs You Might Not Know About
Down payment assistance, grants, and special loan programs exist in almost every state. Here's how to find what's available to you.
Read guideHave a question Dan hasn't covered yet?
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