Keep your homebuying journey on course

Buying a home is an exciting endeavor. Buyer demand has cooled off and as a result, buyers who are still actively looking for a home are finding more options from which to choose. If you are in the market for a new home, below are just a few tips from our local team of home loan experts to keep your home search on track while you are considering your opportunities.

1. Get pre-qualified or pre-approved

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage will give you a better understanding of what you can afford and a sense of what your monthly payment will be. To start, get in touch with a lender like GECU. If you are at a point where you are ready to start making offers, it is beneficial to get pre-approved. During this process, you’ll be asked for documentation such as: an employment verification, recent pay stubs, and bank statements in order to help provide a more specific estimate of what you could borrow. In addition, getting pre-approved shows both agents and sellers you’re a serious homebuyer and that you can secure a mortgage – making it more likely that you’ll complete the purchase of the home.

2. Connect with an agent

A trusted agent will help you navigate the buying process from start to finish. They make it their business to keep up with the ever-changing market and can offer advice related to how those conditions may impact your homebuying journey.

As well, they have access to internal resources with a list of homes that may not even be on the market yet. This could help you find a home you love faster before there are other interested buyers. And when you are ready to put in an offer, your agent will handle the negotiations for you.

3. Don't settle

Homebuying can be an endurance sport. You may experience hiccups, like losing out on a property you really loved, but it’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid compromising on non-negotiable needs or wants. It’s all about leaning on your agent and the right timing!

If you’re ready to dive into the homebuying market, enlist the help and local expertise of GECU as your qualified lender. We’ll explain all your financing options, such as fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, and offer expert friendly advice on getting the best loan for your home. We also offer construction loans so you can build your dream home from the ground up. No matter your need, you’ll have the dedicated support of our local loan experts who will be with you every step of the way.