Homeownership, explained simply.
Free lessons, calculators and Bay Area guides that help Californians understand buying, owning and selling a home. No signup. No sales pitch.
Which door are you standing at?
Pick the one that sounds like you. Each opens a short, ordered set of lessons and tools.
Questions people ask first
What a home really costs each monthThe loan payment is only part of what a home costs each month. Here is every line, with two worked Bay Area examples.
Preapproval and credit: what is actually checked?A letter can help you shop, but its value depends on the review behind it.
Down payment, closing costs, and cash to closeKeep the purchase contribution, transaction costs, and remaining savings separate.
Escrow and title: two different jobsLearn how money is held and how ownership claims are reviewed.
From sale price to seller net proceedsThe amount you receive depends on payoffs, negotiated costs, credits, and adjustments.
Equity, HELOCs, and home equity loansEquity is value minus debt. Accessing it can create new costs and obligations.Built to be shared
This is a community resource. Agents, brokers and lenders are welcome to send clients here. Local, owner-operated home service businesses can apply for a free listing in the directory.
Written by people who do this every day
David Pham and Kevin Castillo are licensed California REALTORS® serving the Peninsula, South Bay and East Bay. The lessons are free whether or not you ever work with them.