Fintech startup Further has launched a platform designed to simplify the financial complexities of home buying, particularly for first-time buyers. The platform, which went live on Friday, provides users with a comprehensive calculator that shows what they can afford, their monthly mortgage payments, and closing costs, all based on real-time interest rates.

What sets Further apart from other mortgage calculators is its ability to provide users with personalized guidance on finding a loan based on their financial status, whether they should wait to buy, and which types of loans are best suited to their financial profile. The platform is currently free to use, with plans to monetize through additional product developments in the future.

Founder Kevin Bennett, who previously co-founded auto loan refinancing startup Caribou, was inspired to create Further after identifying a gap in the market for a more transparent and user-friendly home buying experience. The company has raised $4.1 million in pre-seed funding from investors including Link Ventures, Vesta Ventures, and Fidi Ventures, among others.

While Further is not the only company operating at the intersection of fintech and proptech, Bennett believes the platform's unique approach will help it stand out in a crowded market. With plans to release additional features and capabilities in Q1, Further is poised to make a significant impact on the home buying process.