Homeowning dreams really do come true
There’s no place like home, and we can help take you there. Talk to a Home Loan Officer who will guide you every step of the way.
Homeowning dreams do come true
There’s no place like home, and we can help take you there. Talk to a Home Loan Officer who will guide you every step of the way.
Counseling sets you up for success
The more you know, the more possibilities you’ll find. Homeownership counseling can help you learn more about the homebuying process, financially prepare you and determine your readiness to make a purchase. Schedule an appointment with a reliable partner who can put you on the path to your first home purchase.
Path to homeownership
- 1
Meet your Home Loan Officer
Take the first step and meet with a Home Loan Officer who’ll be your collaborator throughout the homebuying process.
- 2
Explore grants and assistance programs
There are many ways to make homebuying more affordable, especially for first-time buyers. Your Home Loan Officer can talk you through the options.
- 3
Get preapproved
Being preapproved means you’ll have all your financial paperwork when you’re ready to make your offer. This shows the seller you’re prepared and mean business.
- 4
Buy your home
Start shopping. And remember, your preapproval is good for 90 days. You have some time to find the right place.
Renting vs. Buying
Thinking about transitioning from renting to buying your first home feels big, and it helps to consider both financial numbers and feelings. If you’d love to put homeownership in your future, let’s talk about how to make that happen.
Here are a few basic scenarios to help you begin thinking about the best timing to buy a home.
When to buy:
- You’re ready for a long-term commitment.
- You imagine a sense of pride that comes with caring for your home.
- You’ve worked hard to establish credit.
- You are ready to build generational wealth. Every monthly payment creates equity and builds wealth.
When to rent:
- You prefer flexibility with the option to move at a moment’s notice.
- Leak repairs and roof maintenance? No thanks.
- With some planning, you can improve your credit and buy later.
- Property taxes? Homeowners insurance? Ugh.
When using the calculator, please remember the dollar amounts displayed aren't guaranteed, and what you actually save may be different. The estimates you receive are for illustrative and educational purposes only. The results of any savings calculator are not intended to be and should not be considered a guarantee of the amount for which you may save.
Home loan options
There are many loan options available for first-time homebuyers. Below are just a few. Your Home Loan Officer can help you choose the best option.
FHA loans
FHA loans
Federal Housing Administration loans with minimum down payment and less restrictive debt-to-income guidelines.
Zero Down Home Loan
Zero Down Home Loan
100% financing on first home purchase for qualifying members with high credit scores.
VA loans
VA loans
For qualified military borrowers, including active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their surviving spouses.
* To qualify for grant funds, buyers must meet all the WSECU Welcome Home Grant Program criteria as well as loan eligibility and property qualifications, some of which may not be listed here. WSECU reserves the right to alter or change grant criteria or lending requirements. Must be a WSECU member to participate prior to loan funding. Not everyone will qualify for membership. The home loan must fund with WSECU. Grant may only be applied once to an eligible mortgage/property, regardless of number of applicants. All federal, state, and local taxes imposed on the acceptance of a grant are solely the responsibility of the applicant. WSECU will issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC or W-2 to an applicant where a Form 1099-MISC or W-2 is required by applicable law. Applicants should consult their own accountant(s) or tax advisor(s) to determine tax implications, if any. Down payment assistance programs may not be available in your area. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
† To qualify for down payment assistance, buyers must meet all WSECU program criteria, including loan eligibility and property requirements, some of which may not be fully listed here. WSECU reserves the right to change program criteria or lending requirements at any time. Membership is required prior to loan funding and is subject to eligibility; not all applicants will qualify. The home loan must be funded with WSECU. Down payment assistance may only be applied once per eligible mortgage or property, regardless of the number of applicants. Down payment assistance programs may not be available in all areas. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Down payment assistance programs may not be available in your area.