Home purchase readiness
Buying a home involves more than a big enough paycheck. This tool scores the same factors a lender checks, credit, down payment, emergency savings, and debt, and tells you exactly which one to work on first.
Aiming for $350,000, $20,000 saved toward it
A score in this range usually means you are closer than it feels.
- •Most people here already qualify for something, often through an FHA loan needing as little as 3.5% down, even if not yet at your exact target price or rate.
- •It is worth talking to a real lender now rather than waiting, an actual application often finds more room than a self reported estimate does.
- •The "Where to focus first" section on this page names the exact two things to close first, in order.
A real pre approval gives you your actual number instead of an estimate, and makes any offer you make stronger.
Your credit band affects the rate you get more than almost anything else. Paying down card balances and fixing any reporting errors before you apply can lift you into a better band.
A free account keeps your numbers ready across every calculator, no re entering them each time.
How this calculator works
- Step 1Answer a few questions
Your target home price, savings, income, debts, and credit band.
- Step 2Get a readiness score
A single score out of 100, built from the same factors underwriters weigh.
- Step 3See what to fix first
A ranked list of the one or two things holding your score back.
Frequently asked questions
What goes into the home readiness score?
Six factors: down payment saved against your target price, emergency fund size, debt to income ratio, credit score band, income stability, and whether you have a pre approval. Each is scored, then combined into one overall number.
What counts as a good readiness score?
Above 75 generally means you are in strong shape to start seriously shopping. 50 to 75 means you are close, usually with one clear gap to close first. Below 50 means there is real work to do before a lender will feel comfortable, and this tool shows you exactly where.
Why does my emergency fund matter for buying a home?
A home adds new costs on top of the mortgage, repairs, maintenance, and unexpected bills. Lenders and financial advisors both want to see reserves left over after closing, not a down payment that empties your entire savings.
How is debt to income calculated here?
Your total monthly debt payments, credit cards, car loans, student loans, divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders want this under 36 to 43 percent including the new mortgage payment, and a lower ratio strengthens your application and your rate.
Do I need a real pre approval before I check this score?
No, this tool works from your own numbers so you can see where you stand before ever talking to a lender. Once your score looks solid, a real pre approval turns that estimate into a number sellers will actually trust.
More home buying calculators
Your estimated monthly payment, broken into principal, interest, tax, and insurance.
A realistic home price based on your income, debts, and down payment.
Your estimated payment on an FHA loan, mortgage insurance included.
Every number on this page is a planning estimate, for informational and educational purposes only, not professional advice.
Before you act on any major decisions, consult a qualified accountant, tax advisor, or financial advisor who knows your full picture.