Start online at your pace
Share what matters in a short guide, then continue to Rate’s application when you’re ready to take the next step.
Purchase planning
Your homebuying plan can start with one clear step.
Get a feel for the payment, loan paths, and next steps that fit your goals. Start online, then move toward preapproval when you’re ready.
A personal plan
Your home goal.
Your next step.
Your next step.
1Tell us what matters
2Compare the trade-offs
3Choose how to proceed
A simpler way to begin
Get ready to shop with a plan.
A few focused steps can make the home search feel easier to navigate.
Begin with a soft credit check
April starts with a soft pull. It does not affect your credit score and gives her an early look before a full credit review later in the process.
Shop with a clearer picture
Compare payment comfort, purchase range, down-payment paths, and loan options before you make an offer.
Common purchase paths
Explore options you may want to compare.
VA financing
Eligible buyers may qualify for no down payment. Review lender fees, the VA funding fee, and other costs separately.
VA loan basics →FHA and conventional
Compare down payment, mortgage insurance, cash to close, and long-term payment—not just the minimum down.
Compare paths →Building a home
Plan the construction timeline, budget, and financing sequence before you sign a build contract.
New construction basics →A smart comparison
Lowest payment and highest budget are different goals.
The option that stretches purchase price can change cash needed, long-term interest, and risk. Ask April to compare the monthly payment, funds due at closing, and likely costs over the time you expect to own the home.
Good questions to bring
- How much payment fits comfortably?
- What cash do I want to keep available?
- Could a seller or builder credit support a temporary buydown?
- How long might I keep this loan?
Your next step
Ready to turn your answers into a plan?
Take the guided questions above and send them to April, or request a call and she’ll walk through your options with you.