Free Quiz

First-Time Buyer Readiness Score

Find out if you're truly ready to buy your first home across finances, life stability, and knowledge.

Step 1 of 4 25%

💰 Financial Foundation

Let's check your money basics savings, debt, and emergency cushion.

Do you have an emergency fund?

Yes: 6+ months of expenses saved

Yes: 3 to 6 months of expenses

Some savings: 1 to 3 months

Little to no emergency savings

How much have you saved for a down payment?

20% or more of my target home price

10% to 19%

3% to 9% (FHA territory)

Less than 3% saved

How much non-mortgage debt do you carry?

No debt at all

Manageable: under 15% of monthly income

Moderate: 15% to 30% of income

Heavy debt load: over 30%

📊 Credit & Income Stability

Lenders care about reliability: let's see how you stack up.

What's your current credit score?

740 or higher (excellent)

680 to 739 (good)

620 to 679 (fair)

Below 620 (needs work)

I don't know my credit score

How stable is your employment situation?

Same job/field for 2+ years, no concerns

Steady job for 1-2 years

New job (under 1 year) but same field

Self-employed or commission-based (irregular)

Job uncertainty or recent gap

How does your income compare to home prices in your area?

Comfortable: I could afford a home with room to spare

Manageable: I could afford a starter home

Stretched: I'd need to budget tightly

Income may not be enough yet

🏡 Life Stability

A home is a long commitment. Are you ready to settle in?

How long do you plan to stay in this area?

7+ years: I'm planted here

5 to 7 years

3 to 5 years

Less than 3 years or unsure

Are major life changes likely in the next 2 years?

No: life is stable

Possible but not planned

Likely: career change, marriage, kids, etc.

Definitely: major change coming

How do you feel about home maintenance responsibility?

Excited: I'm handy and ready

Comfortable: I can hire help when needed

Nervous: but willing to learn

Overwhelmed by the idea

📚 Knowledge & Preparation

The more you know, the smoother the process.

How well do you understand the home buying process?

Very well: I've studied the process

Pretty well: I know the basics

Somewhat: I have lots of questions

Not at all: I'm just starting to learn

Do you know about closing costs (typically 2-5% of home price)?

Yes: and I have money set aside for them

Yes: but haven't budgeted for them yet

I've heard of them but don't know specifics

This is news to me

Are you familiar with first-time buyer programs (FHA, VA, USDA, state programs)?

Yes: I know which programs I qualify for

Somewhat: heard of FHA but need to research

Vaguely aware they exist

I didn't know there were special programs

Your Readiness Score

0 / 100

Calculating...

Score Breakdown by Category

💰 Financial Foundation 0 / 30

📊 Credit & Income 0 / 30

🏡 Life Stability 0 / 30

📚 Knowledge & Prep 0 / 30

Your Personalized Action Plan

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your readiness score is strong, the next move is checking your mortgage pre-approval readiness. Find out exactly where you stand with lenders.

Check Pre-Approval Readiness

Disclaimer: This score is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee mortgage approval or homebuying success. Consult with a licensed real estate agent and mortgage lender before making any home buying decisions.