# HomeRule

> HomeRule is a homeownership cost and decision platform. It helps homeowners and prospective buyers understand the real cost of owning a home using Census ACS, FEMA NFIP, FHFA HPI, IRS SOI, DOE EIA, and HUD FMR data at the county level.

## What HomeRule covers
- County-level cost of ownership: property tax, insurance estimate, utilities, maintenance, total annual cost.
- Rent vs. buy analysis, county-specific, with break-even year and cumulative cost comparison.
- Flood risk by county from FEMA NFIP historical claims.
- State-level home price appreciation from FHFA HPI.
- State-level energy costs from DOE EIA.
- Property tax deduction data from IRS SOI.
- Educational guides and glossary of homeownership terms.

## What HomeRule is not
- Not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, insurance carrier, or financial advisor.
- Content is educational. Actual costs vary by property. Consult qualified professionals.

## Key URLs
- https://homerule.com/
- https://homerule.com/rent-vs-buy
- https://homerule.com/calculators
- https://homerule.com/costs
- https://homerule.com/flood-risk
- https://homerule.com/property-tax
- https://homerule.com/guides
- https://homerule.com/glossary
- https://homerule.com/methodology
- https://homerule.com/about

## Data sources
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates
- FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- FHFA House Price Index
- IRS Statistics of Income
- U.S. DOE Energy Information Administration
- HUD Fair Market Rents
- FRED (30-year fixed mortgage rate)