First-Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home? We offer the guidance you need to get started.
Your hometown mortgage experts!
Most people find that mortgage financing is complicated and confusing. We help you buy your dream home by simplifying the mortgage financing process with personalized loan options that save you time and money.
Mortgage Walkthrough Guide
Get educated! Learn exactly what occurs in every step throughout the mortgage process.
Get started by using one of our Free tools!
Elementary Lending
Licensed In : Michigan, Indiana and Ohio | NMLS #1321438
Your Mortgage, Made Elementary
Elementary Lending is a trusted mortgage brokerage serving Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We simplify home financing with fast, digital quotes, a smooth online process, and closings in 25 days or less.
From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we offer personalized loan solutions—FHA, VA, jumbo, reverse, commercial, and more.
We’re more than lenders—we’re advocates. With honest guidance, competitive rates, and expert support, we help you finance, refinance, build, or renovate with confidence.
“We don’t just process loans — we personalize them. With tailored solutions, low fees, and real guidance every step of the way, we’re here to put you first.”
Why work with us?
We truly care about what is best for you! From pre-approval to closing, our goal is to provide you with the best service while saving you money. We provide a completely customized experience, and will find the right loan program and best terms for you.
The most important part of our success is our clients and real estate agents who trust us every day to educate and advocate for them in the mortgage process. We have multiple loan products, giving our clients more options, competitive rates, and low fees. We are passionate about providing great customer service.
How the process works
Are you trying to figure out if renting or buying a home is better for you? Try using our Rent vs Buy Calculator to see what makes sense for you…
Our mortgage calculators are for demonstration purposes only and may not reflect actual numbers for your specific mortgage. Contact us and we will walk you through the best possible mortgage scenario for your specific needs!
Buying is cheaper than renting after
If you buy a house, after 3 years it will cost you $58 more per month and $5000 more in total than if you had rented.
But you will own in equity of your home with an appreciated value of .
If you buy a house, after 3 years you will have saved $58 per month and $5000 in total than if you had rented.
You will also own in equity of your home with an appreciated value of .
Buying will never be cheaper than renting
Home equity after
1 year
years
TOTAL COST
YEARS
Costs over
Monthly Cost (after )
Yearly Cost (after )
Total Cost (after )
Rent
Buy
Difference
$0
$0
$0
Rent
Buy
Difference
$3,019
$92,453
$89,434
Rent
Buy
Difference
$3,019
$92,453
$89,434
Estimated Costs
These costs are estimated based on the information under the advanced section. You may adjust these values to suit your particular situation in order to get a more accurate estimate.
Monthly mortgage payments
$
Homeowner's insurance
$
Private Mortgage Insurance
$
HOA dues
$
Property tax
$
Home repairs
$
Renovations
$
Closing costs
$
Yearly rent increase
%
Rental insurance
$
How We Calculate the Costs
Calculating the Cost of Renting
The cost of renting is relatively straightforward to calculate. It primarily includes your monthly rent payments and a few additional expenses:
- Monthly rent payments
- Security deposit (typically equal to one month's rent)
- Renters insurance (annual premium)
- Down payment
- Closing costs (typically 2-5% of the home's value)
- Monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest)
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if applicable
- HOA fees (if applicable)
- Maintenance and repairs
- Home improvements and renovations
- Annual home appreciation rate: %
- Annual rent increase: %
- Renters insurance: $ per year
- Home maintenance and repairs: % of home value per year
- Home improvements and renovations: % of home value per year
- Selling costs when you sell the home: % of home value
Check out our other mortgage calculators
Access our top-rated mortgage calculators to expertly assess your financing options, compare various loan types, and make informed decisions for your home buying journey.
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