Your first home, one step at a time.

How the process works

1. Talk through your goals. We review income, savings, debts and credit, and estimate a comfortable budget.
2. Get pre-approved. You share documents through a secure application and receive a pre-approval to shop with.
3. Make an offer. Once you’re under contract, we lock in the program and move your file forward.
4. Appraisal and underwriting. The lender reviews your file and the property. We keep you posted on any requests.
5. Close and get your keys. You review and sign final documents with title or escrow.

Programs first-time buyers often compare

Conventional loans are common for buyers with established credit. Some conventional programs are designed for lower down payments; income limits and other rules may apply.

FHA loans offer more flexible credit guidelines and a lower down payment option, with mortgage insurance as the tradeoff. They aren’t only for first-time buyers.

VA loans are available to eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses.

Costs to plan for

• Down payment, which depends on the program and your situation
• Closing costs, such as lender, title and escrow fees
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Savings reserves, which some programs require

After you apply, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate that itemizes expected costs, so you can compare and plan.