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Purchasing a New Home

Finding the Right Home Loan for You

Here's how it works

Count on the CEFCU team to help you through the entire home buying process. You’ll get personal service — on your schedule — from the application through your last payment.

Starting Steps

Get preapproved. It’s free, and sellers know you’re ready to buy. Plus, you’ll want to lock your rate while you shop for and buy a home.

Be open about your history — it’s just between us — even if your credit isn’t great.

Continue to make payments on time — including your rent/mortgage, credit card, utility bills, and subscription services payments.

Try not to make any big life changes, like quitting/starting a job or heading off to star in a reality TV show.

Know your down payment plan and how much you will have available.

Put on hold any major purchases, like a new car or major appliance, or financing the next Hollywood blockbuster.

Let us know if you need to be out of your current home by a certain date.

Keep important papers handy. Find what you need at cefcu.com/forms in the Home Loan Application Checklist and Lost Document Source List.

Submit required documentation as quick as possible. When they don’t get their paperwork, underwriters can get cranky.

Tell us who will be on the title and the people who are working with you.

After Finding Your Home

Work with your real estate agent to provide us with:

  • Title search/insurance
  • Proof of homeowner’s insurance (Declarations Page)
  • Pest inspection, if required
  • Well & septic inspection, if applicable
  • A funny story about the house

CEFCU will:

  • Have the home appraised, comparing it to other, similar, recently sold homes. Don’t worry, the one you picked is the best… and the best deal.
  • Order a credit report to verify how you and any coborrowers have paid past and current debt.
  • Verify your income by analyzing your paystubs, W2s, Social Security Award Letter, pension statements, or other documentation as applicable.
  • Contact your employer(s) to verify your continued employment. We already told you not to quit, so this should not be a problem… right?
  • Check how much you owe on current loans.
  • Verify the assets you’re using for the down payment using your two most recent official statements. Guesses, hand written notes, or poorly formatted spreadsheets are insufficient proof.
  • Require a Gift Form if you’re receiving funds for your down payment from a relative.

A Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) company will also approve your loan if you have a low down payment option.

A CEFCU Underwriter will authorize a final loan approval.

Closing Disclosures

Your Closing Coordinator will send you a Closing Disclosure detailing the final figures before the Closing.

Important: You will need to acknowledge receipt of this disclosure three days before the closing.

Don't:

Make large deposits or transfers.

Open or close a credit card.

Change financial institutions.

Co-sign for anyone.

Miss any payments or make them late.

We're Here To Help…

Questions about the home buying process? Please contact your Mortgage Originator or email MortgageOriginators @cefcu.com.

We hope you find the home and loan of your dreams!

Final Step: The Loan Closing

The Loan Closing, where you’ll sign the final documents, will be scheduled.

  • Let us know who will be attending the closing.
  • Prepare a certified check or bank wire to cover the closing costs and down payment. Please no large containers of loose change… who wants to lug that around?
  • Your Closing Coordinator can let you know what documents you’ll need and can help make arrangements for your bank wire.

Home Loan Payments

Choose the way to pay that works for you.

  • Use CEFCU On-Line® & Mobile Banking or CEFCU ATMs.
  • Set up monthly payments from a CEFCU Savings or Checking account.
  • Make a payment at any CEFCU Member Center or by mail.

Let’s find the right Home Loan for you.

Fixed-Rate Loan

Fixed-rate loans offer terms from 10 to 30 years. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your principal and interest won't change until you sell or refinance.

Adjustable-Rate Loan

If the question is, "What's the lowest 30-year rate I can get?", then an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) is the answer. Consider an ARM if you expect to refinance or move within the next few years.

Bridge Loans

Found a new home but haven't sold your current home yet? A Bridge Loan is a great option for affordable interim financing.

Construction Loans

When you're building a home, CEFCU has loan options so you can lock your rate and pay just one set of closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Because homes come in all sizes, so do CEFCU Home Loans. Jumbo Loans:

  • Are designed for loans greater than $806,500 in most areas or $1,209,750 in select high-cost areas.
  • Offer flexible loan terms, including 30-Year Fixed.
  • Are available up to 90% financing.

Let one of our experienced CEFCU Home Loan Representatives help you secure a great deal on your Mortgage!

Apply Now Check Rates

While You Shop!

Smart Lock lets you lock your rate for 90 days even before you find a home.

See Special Offers

Low-Down-Payment Options

Buying a home can be easier on your budget. See if you qualify for any of these options.

USDA Rural Housing Guarantee Loan Program

You could buy a home with no down payment. All you have to do is meet income limits and geographic requirements. Even if interest rates rise, you make the same payment.

USDA Eligibility

Flex 97/Flex 100

Homebuyers can enjoy a low 3 percent down payment or even zero down payment and mortgage insurance rates lower than FHA loans. What does that mean for you? You can purchase a home with less cash up-front, a lower monthly payment, and more buying power! With lower mortgage insurance rates, you can afford more house for your money. Plus, you can work with an experienced CEFCU Home Loan Representative who will expertly guide you through the Mortgage process. We are here for you — contact us today!

Contact Us

Other Programs

Depending on where you live (or, where you want to buy), you may be eligible for low-down-payment programs or grants. Email us to find out what's available.

Contact Us

CEFCU NMLS ID #407798

Closing Costs

CEFCU may help pay your closing costs — find out more.

See Special Offers

Resources

Links

Find home buying resources.

Credit Score

Know what your score is and how to improve it.

Homeowners Insurance

Insure your home now.

FAQs

Get answers to your questions.

Escrow

Learn what escrow is.

Private Mortgage Insurance

Learn what it is and how to request cancellation.