First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Make a list of the things that are important for you. Consider the landscape, size of the house and number of bedrooms and bathrooms, space for pets, proximity to shopping/cultural events/nature, and any other features that are important to you. Prioritize the list and separate your “must haves” from your “wished fors.”

Our mortgage loan officers are here to help you every step of the way. They are experts at determining the right kind of mortgage to meet your financial needs. They will work with you for weeks, months, even years, depending on where you are in the homebuying process. If needed, our loan officers work hand-in-hand with our financial counselors to get your credit and assets ready for homebuying.

For most people, it takes 30 years to pay off a mortgage. As you consider the cost of your home, factor in the cost of current expenses as well as future expenses. Aside from your regular utilities, will you need to pay for water or septic in your new home? Do you have future expenses coming down the line like a new car, college, or travel? How much are you putting away for retirement or a rainy day? Have you included your property tax payments in your calculations? Make sure your home fits comfortably in your budget.

There are several ways to get pre-approved—apply online, in person, or over the phone. We evaluate your credit, income, assets, and all other aspects of your loan application at this early stage to give you a true pre-approval letter, as opposed to a pre-qualification that you might get from other lenders. Pre-qualification will give you an estimate of how large a loan you’ll be able to take out, but our pre-approval letter shows that a trusted, local lender has verified your information and signals to sellers that you’re a serious shopper who’s ready to buy.

As a buyer, you will work with a “buyer’s agent.” They will help you find a suitable home, work in your best interests financially, and ensure that you don’t miss any details or deadlines. Because they will be a big part of your support system during the buying process, you want to research Realtors to find someone you’ll feel comfortable with for such a big decision. We’ll work hand-in-hand with your Realtor every step of the way.

Not sure where to start? Our mortgage loan officers can always give you a few names to reach out to.

Your attorney will conduct a title search on the property to ensure that there are no liens or restrictions on the title that will be in your name in the end. They will work with our lending team to coordinate the closing and distribute paperwork and payments.

You won’t need an attorney until later in the process, but it’s a good idea to research and find one early on. We have a list of attorneys that you can use to start your search, if you’d like.

Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to put in an offer. Your Realtor should be tuned into the local market to guide what you end up offering. They will work with the seller’s Realtor to communicate your offer to the seller, as well as help you with paperwork and negotiating terms and pricing. Your Mortgage Loan Officer and Mortgage Loan Assistant can help with any updates you need for your pre-approval letter depending on your offer.

A home inspection is something to discuss with your Realtor. They are typically two to three hours long and may help you uncover any structural, mechanical, or electrical issues in the house. You can use this report to create a list of items you’d like resolved before you purchase the home.

As your lender, we typically would not require an inspection up front, but there are certain instances where one might be a condition of the loan. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the inspection process.

We’ll order an appraisal to determine the current market value of the home and compare it to your offer. If the appraisal is one of your contingencies and your offer comes in above the appraised value, you can go back to the negotiating table and see if you can renegotiate with the seller.

Before the loan closes, you will need to secure homeowner’s insurance. We recommend getting a few quotes to compare, and our mortgage loan officers can connect you with an agent to get started.

You’ll take one last tour of your soon-to-be home before heading to the closing—the final step in the homebuying process. This part is both nerve-racking and exciting, because you’ll sign the paperwork for one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make (eek!) and also receive the keys to your new home (congrats!). Just make sure you’re on time for your closing and don’t forget your ID.