Buying a home is a major financial decision. A good first step is checking your credit report. Verify the accuracy of the information, clear up any errors, and get access to the credit scores relevant to purchasing a home.

Homebuying Checklist (Click here for additional info)
As you go through the process of buying a home, our handy checklist will help you monitor your progress.

Getting Started
Congratulations on taking the first steps toward homeownership. These helpful tips and strategies will guide you through the beginning of the process, so you can enter the real estate market with confidence.

• Are you really ready to buy?  Figure out if your timing is right and how much you can afford. (Click here for our Mortgage Calculator)
• What do lenders look for?  Find out details about what to take into consideration.
• Make sure you consider factors, expenses and obstacles that may come later.
• Your down payment is the core of your mortgage.
• Make yourself a checklist to organize all your information.

Calculating What You Need
How much cash do you need to buy a home? Maybe not as much as you thought. Learn helpful strategies for home seekers with little cash and — for those who don't have enough saved yet — how to invest for the down payment and closing costs.  Click here to use our Mortgage Calculator.

• Explore all the different payment options so you have a choice.
• Short on cash for a down payment? Find out about loan options and also come up with investment strategies that could help you accumulate cash.
• Vacation home or investment property?  Tap into you home equity and make it happen.
• An important part of determining how much cash you'll need to buy a home includes estimating your closing costs.

Finding a Home
From house tours to building your own home, these helpful ideas can help you find your dream home.

• What's the right home for you?  It's all in the planning.
• Assess your home improvement skill and possibly by a "fixer-upper".
• Through careful planning, you can take the necessary steps to build your own home
• Find out what services to expect from a  good real estate agent
• Make sure you find out what the house is worth (list price) before making an offer. 

Making an Offer
You've located the house you'd like to buy, now what? Learn all about the process of making an offer and negotiating the deal.

• Having a pre-approved mortgage allows you to shop with confidence.
• Make sure all negotiations are handled in writing.
• Conduct inspections to provide yourself with an overview of the home's condition and any info on repairs needed.

Finding a Loan
Getting the right loan is important — learn about the loan options available, and which ones might suit your situation.

• Which loan is right for you?  Call us and we'll find you the perfect loan.
• Explore all your financing choices.
• Find out about points and interest rates.

Final Steps
You're almost a homeowner! Learn about insurance, the closing process, and what to do immediately after your loan closing. We even have tips on managing your money and handling your home equity.

• Estimate your closing costs and find out what paperwork to expect.
• There are various types of insurance policies designed to protect you and your home.
• Get title insurance.
• Preparing for home ownership means preparing for financial obligation.  Managing your finances is extremely important.
• Increase the value of your home to build equity.
• Move In!