Mortgages are fun said no one ever. Between confusing terms, inconsistent advice, and enough paperwork to choke a printer, most people would rather schedule a root canal than shop for a home loan. That’s where mortgage brokers come in.

If you’re in the market for a home loan, you’ve probably realized that mortgage options are a lot like coffee orders—overwhelming, filled with jargon, and somehow everyone has a strong opinion. But don’t worry, I’ll keep this simple. Here’s a breakdown of four major loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA—so you can pick the one that actually makes sense for you.

So, you want to own a home? Congrats on embracing adulthood—or at least pretending to. But before you start picking out paint swatches and Pinteresting DIY projects, let’s talk about the unglamorous (but essential) part: budgeting.