FEMA flood maps and insurance
Flood zone determinations affect insurance requirements and cost. The Listing Analyzer surfaces flood risk links for any address you enter.
Learn
Learn: Reference Library for Homebuyers
Source data and technical references behind our guides and tools, organized by topic. For step-by-step playbooks, see the full Guides section.
FHA MIP rules
1.75% upfront plus roughly 0.45%-1.05% annual, depending on LTV and term. See the full FHA vs. conventional guide.
PMI cancellation rules
Automatic at 78% LTV, borrower-requested at 80%. Full steps in How to Remove PMI.
Closing cost categories
What's shoppable, what isn't, and where junk fees hide. See Closing Costs Explained.
DTI calculation rules
What counts as debt, and 2026 thresholds by loan type. See Debt-to-Income Ratio Explained.
Down payment assistance
Grants, forgivable loans, and deferred loans explained. See First-Time Buyer Assistance Programs.
Run your own numbers with the Affordability Calculator, or read the full Guides library.