How much do I need for a down payment?

Conventional loans often allow as little as 3-5% down, though 20% avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI). FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down for qualified buyers.

What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on self-reported numbers. Pre-approval involves a lender verifying your income, credit, and assets, and carries far more weight with sellers.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Conventional loans typically require a minimum score around 620, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Higher scores generally unlock better interest rates.

What other costs are there besides the mortgage payment?

Expect closing costs of roughly 2-5% of the purchase price, plus moving costs, a home inspection, and ongoing maintenance.

How long does it take to close on a home?

Most closings take 30-45 days from an accepted offer, though cash purchases can close faster.

Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?

Waiting for a lower rate means competing with more buyers if rates do fall, which can offset the savings through higher prices. Many buyers choose to buy when it fits their life and finances, then refinance later if rates improve.

Davis Brode, Realtor - Huntington Beach, California

Everything you need to buy your next home with confidence

Estimate your payment, understand the process, and get answers to the questions every buyer asks — all in one place.

Serving Buyers Across Coastal Orange County

Davis Brode works with buyers throughout the coastal communities of Orange County, including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Seal Beach, Dana Point, and Long Beach. Whether you're looking for a beachside starter home or a move-up property near the harbor, we bring the same local market knowledge and hands-on guidance to every neighborhood we serve.

See what you can afford in seconds

Adjust the price, down payment, and rate below to get a real-time estimate of your monthly payment.

How much home can you actually afford?

What's a good rule of thumb for affordability?

Most lenders want your total monthly housing cost — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA — to stay under 28% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt payments, including the mortgage, should generally stay under 36%.

What counts toward my monthly payment besides the loan itself?

Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues (if any), and PMI if your down payment is under 20%. The calculator above includes all of these so your estimate is realistic, not just principal and interest.

Does my credit score affect my rate?

Yes — buyers with higher credit scores typically qualify for lower rates, which can meaningfully change your monthly payment. Use the rate slider above to see how a half-point difference changes your numbers.

Home Buying Process

Find A Realtor

I am here to guide you through using my experience to overcome obstacles and answer questions that may arise during the process. Most transactions the cost of my expertise is covered by the seller so Contact me today to start your home buying journey.
Pre-Approval

Meet with a lender to determine the max loan amount you are approved for.
Find A Home

Lets discuss what is important to you, so that I can show you homes that fit your current needs
Make An Offer

I will negotiate on your behalf to get your offer accepted.
Open Escrow

Your lender will work on getting your loan approved, while I take care of the rest. Prepare to read & sign many documents
Inspection

Home inspection will be conducted by a professional home inspector.
You will receive a list of repairs that may or may not need to be addressed.
Appraisal

Professional home appraiser will determine the value of the home.
This is important, as it can potentially affect your loan.
Request for Repairs

Inspection may reveal repairs that incur more costs. You will have an opportunity to request that the seller either makes these repairs or covers the cost.
Contingency Removal

All contingencies for this sale will be removed. Loan approval will be one of these contingencies, confirming that you are ready to close.
Final Walk-Through

Walk through the property with me to ensure that It is in the same condition and repairs have been made
Close of Escrow

You are officially a NEW homeowner!