Free tools. A more confident homebuyer.
Your Home Buyer Toolkit.
Plan your payment. Organize your documents. Walk into your next home tour knowing what to look for.
I’m Mike Baker, a mortgage loan originator serving Kansas and Missouri. These practical tools are yours to keep—completely free, with no name, email or signup required.
Complete toolkit: PDFs + Excel calculator (ZIP).
Printable packet: all five guides and worksheets, 10 pages.
Take what you need
Six tools. One clearer path home.
Download the whole kit, or choose the resource that helps with your next step.
Excel · Editable
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Compare Conventional, FHA and VA on separate tabs, with taxes, insurance, HOA dues, credit-score-based PMI and estimated APR. Starting rates are refreshed weekly; download a fresh copy for the latest snapshot.
Download the Excel calculator ↓PDF · 2 pages
Loan Documents Checklist
Gather the income, bank and personal records commonly needed for pre-approval—with clear notes on what applies to you and how to send them securely.
Download the document checklist ↓PDF · 2 pages
Home-Shopping Checklist
Compare must-haves, the home’s condition, neighborhood details and the full cost of ownership. Print one for each property you tour.
Download the home-shopping checklist ↓PDF · 1 page
Monthly Budget Tracker
Turn take-home pay and everyday expenses into a housing budget that leaves room for savings, repairs and life outside your mortgage.
Download the budget tracker ↓PDF · 1 page
Credit Score Cheat Sheet
Understand what affects your credit, where to check your reports and how to address errors before you apply for a mortgage.
Download the credit guide ↓PDF · 4 pages
Plain-English Mortgage Glossary
From pre-approval and cash to close to escrow, seller credits and recasting: get straightforward answers to the words you hear along the way.
Download the mortgage glossary ↓Not sure where to start?
Use the budget tracker and calculator to find a payment that fits your life.
Review your credit and gather the documents that apply to your situation.
Bring your home-shopping checklist to tours, then talk through the numbers with Mike before making your next move.
A few quick answers.
Do I need to share my email to get the toolkit?
No. Every download on this page is free and available immediately. There is no signup and no obligation to work with The Rate Shop.
Can I use these tools on my phone?
You can open and save the PDFs on a phone, tablet or computer. For the editable calculator, use a spreadsheet app that supports Excel files—or use our mobile-friendly online mortgage calculator.
Does the calculator tell me how much I qualify for?
It estimates a payment from the numbers you enter. Pre-approval is the next step for understanding your actual loan options. Mike can review your income, credit and purchase goals with you.
Will I need every document on the checklist?
Not necessarily. Your work, income and loan type determine the exact list. Gather what applies, then ask Mike what else is needed.
Your questions are welcome
Turn your numbers into a plan.
You do not have to figure it all out yourself. Let’s talk about your budget, your timing and the loan options that could fit your next home.