Before you start house hunting, it’s essential to understand what you can realistically afford.
Use:
Why it matters: Buying within your comfort zone helps prevent financial stress and keeps your other goals on track.
Your credit score plays a major role in:
In 2026, first-time buyers should take advantage of:
Even a small credit score increase can significantly lower your mortgage payment over time.
Many new buyers don’t realize how many mortgage options are available. Common first-time homebuyer programs include:
These programs may offer:
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time buyers. Helpful resources include:
Understanding closing costs—often 2–5% of the purchase price—is just as important as saving for the down payment.
A mortgage pre-approval helps you:
In addition to pre-approval, first-time buyers benefit from:
Pre- approval is not the same as pre-qualification—knowing the difference matters.
Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that education courses can:
Topics often include:
Some programs may even lower interest rates or fees.
Homeownership comes with new responsibilities beyond the mortgage:
Understanding these early helps prevent unexpected costs after move-in.
Buying the home is just the beginning. Smart first-time buyers plan for:
Financial wellness tools help you balance homeownership with other goals.
Buying your first home in 2026 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right first-time homebuyer resources, a clear financial plan, and expert guidance from your credit union, homeownership can be an achievable and rewarding goal.
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, we’re here to help you prepare—every step of the way.
