Foundations
How buying works before you shop.
Homebuyer Head Start provides free mortgage education for first-time homebuyers who want to understand the home buying process before buying their first home. Learn how mortgages work, compare loan options, understand down payments, improve your credit readiness, prepare for closing costs, and make informed homebuying decisions with confidence.
Short video lessons
Guided modules
Watch anytime, in any order
No commitment to begin
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never gone through the mortgage process before. Our free Mortgage Education Center was created to help first-time homebuyers understand how home financing works before making important decisions. Instead of confusing terminology or sales pressure, you’ll find clear, practical lessons that explain every stage of the home buying journey.
From understanding mortgage basics and improving your credit readiness to comparing loan programs, down payments, closing costs, and the steps involved in buying a home, each lesson is designed to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Learn at your own pace and revisit any topic whenever you need it.
How buying works before you shop.
What affects payment and readiness.
Conventional, FHA, VA, non-QM and more.
Where you stand without starting an application.
How strong preparation helps your offer.
A clear path buyers can follow before they apply, tour homes, or feel pressured to make a decision.
Watch in order or jump to what you need. Each lesson is short and focused, building toward genuine confidence, so you decide what happens next, and when.
Short, clear video lessons you can follow on any device, at your own pace.
Mark lessons as you go and see how far you've come, no rush, no deadlines.
When you feel prepared, the no-pressure Pre-Qualification Check is one click away.
Each module is designed to help you become a more prepared, more confident buyer before you feel pressure from a listing, a deadline, or an offer situation.
Start where you are. Begin with Foundations or jump to the module that answers your biggest question.
Move at your pace. No pressure, no homework, and no sales pitch.
Use it with your team. Better education helps you ask better questions and recognize stronger guidance.
How homebuying really works, start to finish.
The numbers behind a purchase, made clear.
Your options, explained without the pitch.
Prepare and understand the Pre-Qualification Check.
Move forward with confidence, on your timeline.
Browse the complete series, filter by module, and mark lessons as previewed as you move through the program. The goal is not to rush. The goal is to understand the process well enough to make decisions that feel right to you.
Build the core understanding first - the full journey, the language, and what to expect before you ever look at a listing.
01
Watch
How to use the center and get the most value from the lessons.
02
7:48
A clear starting point before you begin shopping for homes.
03
6:30
How to think about the trade-offs for your own situation.
04
4:45
How to think about guidance, advice, and who is helping you make decisions.
05
6:05
The choices that can create stress before the loan process even starts.
06
5:58
How to separate useful guidance from information that can send you in the wrong direction.
07
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How the type of home you choose can affect your financing and your plan.
Understand the numbers behind a home purchase in clear terms so the math stops feeling intimidating.
08
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How the loan size can affect payment, pricing, and buying power.
09
7:15
How credit can affect your mortgage options and monthly payment.
10
6:22
How your down payment can shape rate, payment, and loan structure.
11
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How upfront mortgage costs can affect the loan options you compare.
12
5:48
The costs beyond the payment that buyers need to plan for.
13
5:30
How to prepare for the money needed before and after closing.
14
7:02
How lenders compare income and debt when reviewing readiness.
15
4:58
How family help can work and what needs to be documented.
A guided tour of the main loan options and first-time buyer programs - educational, never a sales pitch.
16
6:18
How rate structure can affect stability, flexibility, and long-term planning.
17
5:44
How loan term can affect payment, flexibility, and total cost over time.
18
6:02
A broad comparison of common loan options and how they may fit different buyers.
19
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How property use can affect financing, options, and loan strategy.
20
6:50
Programs and benefits that may help eligible first-time buyers.
21
7:28
Why employment history and stability matter during mortgage review.
22
6:40
How rates and monthly payments work together when comparing options.
23
4:52
How LTV, down payment, and mortgage insurance connect.
Prepare with confidence and understand the no-pressure Pre-Qualification Check - not a loan application.
Why some letters are not the same as a true preapproval.
What each term means and why the difference matters.
26
5:40
Why moving funds at the wrong time can create problems before closing.
27
4:30
How to protect yourself from advice that may not fit your situation.
28
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Why the right move depends on your full mortgage strategy.
When you are genuinely ready, walk into the search, offer, and closing stages prepared - on your timeline.
29
Watch
How location can affect financing strategy and long-term fit.
30
6:46
How market conditions can change offer strategy and expectations.
31
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Why major purchases can create problems before the loan closes.
Each lesson builds on the last. When you’ve worked through Foundations and Money, you’ll have the confidence to explore your real options, calmly and on your terms.
There isn’t a single minimum credit score that applies to every mortgage. Different loan programs have different requirements, and your credit score is only one part of the approval process. This course explains how credit affects your mortgage options and what you can do to improve your readiness.
The amount depends on the home price, loan program, down payment, closing costs, and your financial situation. Many first-time homebuyers are surprised to learn they may need less money upfront than they expected.
Mortgage pre-qualification provides an estimate of what you may qualify for, while pre-approval involves a more detailed review of your finances. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect before you begin shopping for a home.
Common mortgage options include Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and various first-time homebuyer assistance programs. The right loan depends on your financial goals, eligibility, and long-term plans.
The best time is before you begin looking at homes. Learning about the mortgage process early helps you understand your budget, prepare your finances, and avoid surprises later.
Yes. Many mortgage programs allow qualified buyers to purchase a home with a lower down payment than they expect. The right option depends on your financial situation and the loan program you choose.
Every home purchase is different, but from preparing your finances to closing on your home, the process often takes several weeks. Understanding each stage before you begin can help reduce stress and make better decisions throughout the journey.
Yes. Every lesson is available online, so you can learn whenever it’s convenient. You can watch the videos in order or revisit specific topics whenever you need a refresher.
It’s a no-pressure snapshot of where you stand, not a loan application. We’ll never ask for your Social Security Number, driver’s license, credit authorization, or private documents just to begin. Learn first; this is simply your optional next step.