Homebuying Looking for all Freddie Mac blog posts about homebuying? You'll find them here. How Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Into Your First Home Down payment assistance programs can help you secure the funds you need to buy a home. Learn more The Essential Guide to Creating a Homebuying Budget Prepare financially to own a home by understanding the costs of buying, owning and maintaining your home and how to budget accordingly. Learn more How Much Home Can I Afford? We're breaking down the factors that help determine how much home you can afford, which is an estimate you'll need to make before you begin house hunting. Learn more 5 Steps to Prepare for Buying a Home If you are planning to buy a home, getting educated and organized before you start house hunting can help the homebuying process go more smoothly. Learn more Why Winter Is Still a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home, the winter season has its advantages. Learn more Choosing Between a Fixed-Rate and an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage In deciding between a fixed-rate and an adjustable rate mortage, carefully consider the features and benefits of each. Learn more 4 Things You Should Know Before Making an Offer on a Home By being prepared, knowing what to expect and working closely with your real estate agent, you can be confident in putting together a strong offer on a home. Learn more How to Get the Best Interest Rate for Your Mortgage Understanding how lenders determine interest rates, and how you may be able to lower your rate, can help you secure the best mortgage for you. Learn more Understanding VA Home Loans If you are a current service member or veteran, learn how VA home loans can help make buying a home more affordable and the process for buying a home using one. Learn more How Many Starter Homes Are Being Built in Your State? We compared the construction of starter homes, which is the main driver of the housing shortage, in 1980 and 2019 by state. How does your state fare? Learn more How the Secondary Mortgage Market Works The secondary mortgage market connects lenders, homebuyers and investors from around the world in a system that makes home possible for millions of families and renters. Learn more The 7 Parts of a Mortgage Payment Understanding the components that make up a mortgage payment can help you choose the mortgage option that is best for you. Learn more