How we research our guides

HomeLooker explains how buying a first home in the US works, with real numbers and plain English. Money decisions this big deserve information you can check, so here is where our numbers come from, how we keep them current, and how we make money.

Where our numbers come from

We build every guide and calculator from primary sources wherever we can, and we link them at the end of each guide so you can check them yourself:

• Mortgage rates: the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (weekly)
• Loan rules: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA (HUD), the VA and the USDA
• Closing costs, Loan Estimates and your rights as a borrower: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Taxes: the IRS

When we use estimates from other publications (for example, rates by credit score), we say so and name the source and its date.

How we keep guides up to date

• The mortgage rate used in our calculators and examples is updated every week from Freddie Mac, and the date is shown next to it.
• Each guide shows the date it was last updated.
• Yearly figures, such as the standard deduction or loan limits, are reviewed every January.
• Worked examples in the text are tied to a date. If rates move a lot, we rewrite them.

How HomeLooker makes money

HomeLooker sells one product: a $47 written course for first-time buyers. The guides and calculators on this site are free. We do not take referral fees from real estate agents or lenders, we do not sell your information, and no lender or agent pays to be mentioned here. When a guide mentions the course, it is because the course covers that topic in more depth.

What we are not

HomeLooker is an education site. We are not a lender, a real estate brokerage, a law firm or a financial advisor, and nothing here is personal financial, legal or tax advice. Your own numbers can differ, so always confirm figures with a licensed lender, your real estate agent, or a tax professional. See our disclaimer for more.

Found a mistake?

If something looks wrong or out of date, email support@homelooker.net or use the contact form. We check every report, fix confirmed errors, and update the “last updated” date when we do.