WealthChecker

First Time Home Buyer Guide 2026 — Everything You Need to Know By  WealthChecker Team   |  Real Estate  |  9 min read Buying your first home is the largest financial decision most people make. With median home prices around $400,000 nationally, preparation is everything! Are You Ready? 5 Checkpoints 1. Credit Score:  Minimum 620 for conventional, 580 for FHA. Best rates start at 740+. 2. Debt-to-Income:  All monthly debts divided by gross income should be under 43%. 3. Down Payment:  20% avoids PMI. FHA allows 3.5% with 580+ score. 4. Emergency Fund:  Keep 3-6 months AFTER closing. Homeownership has surprise costs! 5. Job Stability:  Most lenders want 2+ years of employment history. Loan Types Compared Loan Min Down Min Credit Best For Conventional 3-20% 620 Strong credit buyers FHA 3.5% 580 First timers, lower credit VA 0% No min Veterans and military USDA 0% 640 Rural area buyers Down Payment Assistance:  Most states offer fi...

Ghar Kharidna Chahiye Ya Rent Par Rehna? By wealthchecker Team | Real Estate | 8 min read Yeh India ka sabse bada financial debate hai. "Apna ghar hona chahiye" — family pressure, society pressure sab hai. Par financially kya sahi hai? Real Calculation — Mumbai Example ₹1 Crore ka flat. ₹20 lakh down payment. ₹80 lakh ka home loan at 8.5% for 20 years. Factor Amount Monthly EMI ~₹69,500 Total interest paid ~₹87 lakh Total amount paid ~₹1.87 crore Market rent same area ~₹25,000-35,000/month Opportunity Cost:  ₹20 lakh down payment ko 12% return par invest karo + EMI aur rent ka difference invest karo — 20 saal mein kaafi zyada banta hai. Kab Kharidna Sahi Hai? Kharidna better hai jab: Ek jagah 5-7+ saal rehna pakka ho, down payment 20-30% ho, EMI income ke 35% se kam ho, aur emotional/family reasons strong hon. Kab Rent Better Hai? Rent better hai jab: Job ki wajah se city change ho sakta ho, good investment alternatives available hon, ya property prices overvalued lagte hon. ...