Free Homebuying Tools & Calculators

Thinking about buying your first home? These free tools walk you through everything step by step — no financial background needed.

Mortgage rates updated weekly (from the Federal Reserve)Tax rates by state (from the Tax Foundation)Insurance rules (from federal law)

Start Here

3 tools

Not sure where to begin? These 3 tools answer the questions every first-time buyer asks: Am I ready? How much can I spend? How much do I need saved?

Understand the Real Costs

9 tools

Buying a home costs more than the mortgage payment. These tools show you what lenders, agents, and websites usually leave out.

What Will I Actually Pay Each Month?

1 min

The number nobody tells you — what homeownership actually costs per month

What Will Insurance Cost in My State?

1 min

Your state's real insurance cost — and what it does to your rent vs buy verdict

Should I Buy Now or Wait?

2 min

Both futures month by month: buy today, or wait for a lower rate.

Would a Bank Approve Me?

1 min

Check if you'd pass the bank's test — without actually going to a bank

Should I Wait to Save 20%?

2 min

Buy now and pay PMI, or wait for 20% — which one leaves you richer.

Rate Buydown Calculator

2 min

The math builders hope you won't run

Should I Refinance?

1 min

Your break-even month, before a loan officer gives you one

Assumable Mortgage Checker

2 min

Find out if you can inherit a seller's 3% rate — with honest math on the catch

When Can I Actually Buy?

2 min

"You'll be ready by [month] [year]" — a date you can plan around

Get Ready to Apply

5 tools

When you're close to buying, these tools help you choose the right loan, prepare your documents, and walk into the lender's office with confidence.

The Big Question

Should you rent or buy?

Once you know your numbers from these tools, run a full rent vs. buy analysis. DwellQ simulates both paths month by month and shows you which one builds more wealth over time.

Try the Free Calculator →

Want even deeper analysis? DwellQ+ ($29 one-time) adds tax savings modeling, adjustable-rate mortgage scenarios, and refinancing analysis.

Research library

City-by-city market reports and strategy papers behind the numbers these tools use.

All tools are free to start. No signup required. Every calculation uses real data from the same sources lenders use.