The first-time homebuyer's 90-day plan
A practical timeline for getting from browsing listings to a realistic offer.
David KrugHead of ContentDavid KrugHead of ContentHome & Living
The biggest purchase most of us make deserves better math and a clearer plan.
Top picks for 2026Independently ranked
01
BetterRate shopping
10.002
GFiberMost households
10.003
Ziply FiberExtreme speeds
10.0See all 45 rankings Editor's take
By David Krug, Head of ContentThe short answer on home & living.
The biggest purchase most of us make deserves better math and a clearer plan. We compared 590 options on value, features, ease of use, support and reputation. Better leads the 2026 ranking for rate shopping. GFiber is the strongest alternative for most households.
Start with the ranking, then read the full review of the provider that fits your priorities. Every score is weighted, dated and reviewed before publication.
Where are you in the home decision?
Choose the path that matches your decision. We will take you to the shortlist, the review or the guide that answers it.
01
Buy or refinance
Browse home finance · 12 02Compare the total loan cost, not just the advertised rate.
Protect the home
Browse protection · 14 03Security, warranty and pest control are separate decisions.
Improve the home
Browse improvements · 8 04Solar and internet change the monthly cost of staying.
Move
Browse moving · 11 Compare movers and the things you need on day one.
Browse every ranking
Grouped by the decision, so you can go straight to the right shortlist.
Buying & financing
12 rankings
17 Best Home Equity Loans of 2026
Better: Rate shopping
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Mortgage Lenders of 2026
Citibank: Relationship pricing and low-down-payment options
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of 2026
AimLoan.com: Low-cost online refinancing
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Equity Loans for Debt Consolidation in 2026
Better: Rate shopping
10.0Rave score
Read the rankingShow all 12 in buying & financing
12 Best Home Equity Loans for Renovations in 2026
Better: Rate shopping
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Equity Loans for Seniors in 2026
Better: Rate shopping
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mortgage Lenders for Bad Credit in 2026
loanDepot: Fast closings and low credit scores
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers in 2026
Wells Fargo: Existing customers and government loans
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mortgage Lenders for Veterans in 2026
Veterans United: VA loans for military households
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders for Cash-Out in 2026
AimLoan.com: Low-cost online refinancing
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders for Investment Properties in 2026
AimLoan.com: Low-cost online refinancing
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders for Rate-and-Term in 2026
AimLoan.com: Low-cost online refinancing
10.0Rave score
Read the rankingProtecting the home
14 rankings
17 Best Home Security Systems of 2026
Eufy: No-fee local storage
9.4Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Home Warranty Companies of 2026
Old Republic Home Protection: Customer satisfaction
8.6Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Pest Control Companies of 2026
Orkin: Overall pest control
9.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Security Systems for Apartments in 2026
Eufy: No-fee local storage
9.4Rave score
Read the rankingShow all 14 in protecting the home
12 Best Home Security Systems for DIY in 2026
Brinks Home: Professional installation
9.4Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Home Security Systems for Large Homes in 2026
Abode: Apple Home and smart homes
9.4Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Home Security Systems for No Subscription in 2026
SimpliSafe: Most households
7.8Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2026
Eufy: No-fee local storage
9.4Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Home Warranty Companies for Appliances in 2026
American Home Shield: Systems and appliance coverage
8.6Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Warranty Companies for First-Time Buyers in 2026
Old Republic Home Protection: Customer satisfaction
8.6Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors in 2026
Old Republic Home Protection: Customer satisfaction
8.6Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Pest Control Companies for Bed Bugs in 2026
Orkin: Overall pest control
9.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Pest Control Companies for Rodents in 2026
Critter Control: Wildlife removal
9.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Pest Control Companies for Termites in 2026
Orkin: Overall pest control
9.0Rave score
Read the rankingImproving & connecting
8 rankings
17 Best Internet Service Providers of 2026
GFiber: Most households
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Solar Companies of 2026
Blue Raven Solar: Value-focused ownership
7.5Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Internet Service Providers for Families in 2026
GFiber: Most households
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Internet Service Providers for Gaming in 2026
Ziply Fiber: Extreme speeds
10.0Rave score
Read the rankingShow all 8 in improving & connecting
12 Best Internet Service Providers for Rural Areas in 2026
GFiber: Most households
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Solar Companies for Battery Backup in 2026
Sunrun: National lease and PPA coverage
7.5Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Solar Companies for Cold Climates in 2026
Blue Raven Solar: Value-focused ownership
7.5Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Solar Companies for Small Homes in 2026
Trinity Solar: Solar plus roofing
7.5Rave score
Read the rankingMoving & living
11 rankings
17 Best Mattresses of 2026
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Most sleepers
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
17 Best Moving Companies of 2026
Piece of Cake Moving: Pricing and transparency
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mattresses for Back Pain in 2026
Bear Elite Hybrid: Back pain and firm support
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mattresses for Budget in 2026
Sealy Posturepedic Spring: Budget shoppers who want coils
10.0Rave score
Read the rankingShow all 11 in moving & living
12 Best Mattresses for Cooling in 2026
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Hot sleepers
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mattresses for Couples in 2026
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud: Motion isolation for couples
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2026
Nolah Evolution: Side sleepers
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Moving Companies for Local Moves in 2026
Budget Truck Rental: Local DIY truck rental
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Moving Companies for Long Distance in 2026
United Van Lines: Interstate and international
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking12 Best Moving Companies for Seniors in 2026
Piece of Cake Moving: Pricing and transparency
10.0Rave score
Read the ranking
12 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves in 2026
Mayflower: Customer experience
10.0Rave score
Read the rankingFrom shortlist to sign-up, in four steps.
01
Build the shortlist
Start with Home Equity Loans and the top three picks.
Open the ranking 02Compare the trade-offs
Use the comparison table to weigh price, terms and the features you will actually use.
Compare the options 03Read the full review
Read the full Better review before you rely on the score alone.
Read a review 04Check the fine print
Confirm the current price, contract, cancellation terms and eligibility at the source.
See the methodReviews
Full reviews of the providers we track in this section.
Guides
Practical advice for the decisions in this section.
David KrugHead of Content