Run the numbers.
Before you make the move.
Free tools to compare homes, understand real monthly costs,
and find a home that fits your life.
First-Time Home Buyer Tools
Three homes. One real-life decision.
Compare the homes you’re considering with your money and your time. Start with two homes. Add a third if you like.
What changes in your life?
Monthly home cost includes principal, interest, estimated tax, assessments, insurance, HOA, PMI when applicable, and an upkeep reserve. Real monthly life cost adds your entered driving estimate and other recurring costs. Add utilities, parking and tolls yourself; costs left at zero are not included. Cash estimate includes the down payment, closing-cost allowance and your initial repairs/moving budget; extra reserves may be needed. Commute estimates use your entered round-trip time and days per week, with 52 weeks per year.
My saved home comparisons
Rent vs. buy + real life
The monthly payment is only part of the picture.
Fine-tune the assumptions ＋
Illustrative planning estimates, not a quote or financial advice. Adjust the assumptions to match the property.
New price? Different neighborhood? New plan?
Your next decision doesn’t have to start from zero.
What you NITU know before your next move.
Latest knowledge,
made practical.
A New Way to Learn About U.S. Real Estate
Home Owner
2026 Design Trends That Actually Fit California Homes
All-white minimalism is losing ground in 2026. Here are the five trends replacing it, warm wood, deep color, curves, vintage layering, and true indoor-outdoor rooms, and why California housing stock is already built for them.
Home Owner
Should You Renovate Before Moving In? What to Do Now vs. What Can Wait
You've already stretched for the down payment and the furniture. Here's how to tell which renovations are actually worth doing before you move in, and which are better decided after you've lived there.
Home Owner
Washer and Dryer Buying Guide for New Homeowners in California
The previous owner may or may not leave the washer and dryer behind. Here's how to find out for sure, and what to actually buy if the laundry closet is empty on moving day.