The more you understand about buying, financing, and protecting a home, the more confident you'll feel at every step. Here's a plain-English guide to get you started.
Buying your first home is a big step — but it doesn't have to be a scary one. The more you know about the process, the more confident you'll feel making the decisions that shape your future.
From application to closing, financing a home follows a clear set of steps. Our online application guides you through each one and figures out the right path for you — most members finish the application in under 20 minutes.
Before you start, it helps to understand what you can comfortably afford and how buying compares to renting. Our calculators let you play with the numbers — estimated payment, how much you might borrow, and more.
A good way to start your search for the right mortgage is by reviewing your credit profile. Your credit picture is one of the biggest factors in the rate and programs you'll qualify for, so it's worth checking early.
Maybe you've outgrown your current place, you're in a stronger financial position, or a new job is taking you to a new town. Whatever the reason, what matters is how you go about buying — and we've streamlined the mortgage process to make it faster and simpler.
Start by getting a quick quote to see your rate, or run the calculators to find out if you're ready to buy and how much you can afford. When you're ready, the online application takes it from there.
Where you live shapes your daily life for years to come, so take the time to choose wisely. As you begin your search, think about commute and location, the neighborhood and schools, space for how you live now and later, and the total cost of owning — not just the purchase price.
Beyond having a place to call your own, owning a home can help you build equity over time and may offer tax advantages that support your family's long-term financial security. (Everyone's situation is different — talk with a tax advisor about what applies to you.)
Why refinance? If your home's value has risen, it may make sense to refinance for a better rate, to consolidate debt, or to fund a home-improvement project. If values in your area have stayed flat or declined, it may not be the right move — so it's worth running the numbers first.
Refinancing uses the same simple online application as a purchase. Check today's numbers with a quick quote, run the refinance scenarios in the calculators, or jump straight in and apply.
As you move through the homebuying process, the question of insurance will come up. Here are the basic types you should know about. Keep in mind that most policies contain standard exclusions and exceptions.
Homeowner's insurance covers fire, theft, certain natural disasters, and personal liability if someone is injured on your property. It also protects the lender against loss of the property securing your mortgage, so you'll need to prove you have adequate coverage as a condition of getting the loan.
Title insurance comes into play behind the scenes: a title search confirms the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and checks for liens or restrictions on the property. Lender's title insurance is required and protects the credit union; owner's title insurance is optional but strongly suggested and protects you. It guards against a "defect" in the title surfacing later, such as:
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) applies when you get a mortgage — purchase or refinance — with less than a 20% down payment. It helps protect the lender if you can't make your payments, and it's what makes buying possible for people with smaller down payments.
Flood insurance is not covered by a standard homeowner's policy. We'll determine whether it's required and let you know; most homes in our area don't need it. Where there's flood potential, you'll need a policy covering the structure and your belongings, available through insurers under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), part of FEMA.
This is general information, not insurance advice. Coverage, requirements, and availability vary — talk with a licensed insurance professional about your specific situation.
Get a no-obligation quote or start your application online — it takes about 15–20 minutes, and you can save and return anytime.