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Buying a house is more than just picking out your dream home -- it's a serious financial commitment that requires many calculations before you even start house hunting. For those of us who are mathematically challenged, figuring out what we can afford and what type of mortgage is best can be daunting. FrontDoor's handy tools help you develop a homebuying strategy and simplify those tough calculations so you can spend more time finding that perfect home.

1. Rent vs. Buy Calculator
   Homeownership comes with great benefits like tax breaks and the chance to build wealth, but renting can often be a cheaper and more convenient option for many people. FrontDoor's "Rent vs. Buy Calculator" compares the costs of renting and buying and helps you determine which alternative is right for you.
   
   
2. How-To Buyers Guide
   Once you decide that buying a home is the right move, the first thing you'll need is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that you can refer to throughout the homebuying process. FrontDoor's First Time Home Buyer's Guide and Experienced Buyer's Guide offer expert tips and advice for buying your first or your umpteenth home.
   Home Buying Advice
   
   
3. Home Wish List
   Having a written vision of everything you want and need in a home will keep you enthusiastic and focused during your search. Think about your lifestyle and make sure it's compatible with your vision of home. Do you need to live close to your workplace? Are you planning a family and need extra space? Questions like these will influence what type of home you need.
   Why You Need a Vision of Home Statement
   
   
4. Home Affordability Calculator
   In general, you shouldn't spend more than 2.5 times your gross annual income on a home, and your mortgage payment should be less than 28 percent of your gross monthly income. FrontDoor's "Can I Afford It? Calculator" will estimate what you can afford by comparing your monthly income with your monthly expenses.
   Find Out How Much Home You Can Afford
   
   
5. Mortgage Calculator
   The amount of your loan, the interest rate and the term of the mortgage affect both your monthly and total mortgage payments. And don't forget about property taxes, hazard insurance and private mortgage insurance. FrontDoor's "Mortgage Calculator" shows you how much you'll wind up paying.
   
   
6. Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages Calculator
   A fixed rate mortgage offers an unchanging interest rate, while an adjustable rate mortgage has an interest rate that changes over the life of the loan. The type you choose depends on your ability and willingness to take financial risks. FrontDoor's "Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages Calculator" helps you compare the two options.
   
   
7. Mortgage Term Length Calculator
   Assess your financial situation to figure out which term length is best for you. If you can afford to make larger monthly payments, you'll save in the long run by paying less interest with a short-term mortgage. If you plan to stay in the home for several years, you can make smaller monthly payments with a longer-term mortgage. Use our "Which Term Length is Best? Calculator" to see how much you'll pay with various term lengths.
   
   
8. No-Cost Loans Calculator
   If you're short on cash and can't fork up thousands of dollars at closing, consider a no-cost loan. Lenders offer these loans for a higher interest rate, allowing them to cover your closing costs and still make a profit. To find out if a no-cost loan is a better option for you than a traditional mortgage, use FrontDoor's "No-Cost Loans Calculator."
   
   
9. Mortgage Points Calculator
   Points lower your interest rate and are tax deductible, but you'll have to pay more cash at closing. One point is equal to 1 percent of your loan. Our "Should I Pay Points? Calculator" helps you decide if paying for points now will help you save money in the long run.
   
   
10. House Tour Worksheet
    You'll look at a lot of houses during your hunt for the perfect home, and eventually they'll start to blend together. Take pictures and detailed notes about what you liked and didn't like about each home so you can differentiate them. Use your completed worksheets to narrow your search and focus on the houses you really liked.
    
    

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More on FrontDoor:

• Search Homes for Sale
• First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
• Foreclosure Buying Guide
• Home Seller's Guide
• Home Finance Guide
• Tools and Calculators