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Thinking of Buying Your First Home Soon?

Use these tips to help you get started.

Going through the home loan process for the first time can be a daunting task. It doesn't have to be with a few tips and help from the home loan specialists at UW Credit Union.

• Save for a down payment and other home-related costs. Make saving a regular habit. The earlier you start, the more cash you will have for a home.
• Build your credit score. If you have had credit problems in the past, making ongoing on-time bill payments, lowering your balances and paying off collection accounts can boost your score and make it easier to get a home loan.
• Get preapproved. While you can apply for a mortgage after you make an offer on a house, consider getting preapproved beforehand. It helps you determine what you can afford before you start looking. It's easy—you can get preapproved online at uwcu.org.
• Do some research. Our online tools let you check rates, access calculators and a glossary of terms, get preapproved, apply online and check your loan status. You will also want to get a feel for what your property tax, closing costs and homeowners insurance will be.
  
  Sign up for our Mortgage Rate Advisor to have rates emailed to you daily or when the rate reaches a specific target. You can always contact our home loan specialists for any assistance and advice you need by calling us at 800-533-6773, ext. 2810.