Spring Clean Your Homebuying Plan:

Spring is one of the busiest homebuying seasons, and it's also the perfect time to get your financial house in order. To help make things easier, we sat down with Andrew White, our Vice President of Real Estate Lending, to talk through practical steps members can take before they start shopping for a home.

Whether you plan to buy this spring or later in the year, a little preparation now can make the whole process smoother.

Andrew:
"Start with your credit. It doesn't have to be perfect, but knowing where you stand gives you a solid foundation. Review your credit report, look for errors and avoid making big credit changes before applying. Don't let a high car payment or small collection accounts keep you from buying your dream home. A quick check now helps prevent surprises later."

Andrew:
"It can. Overtime and specialty pay can strengthen your income picture. Consistency is the key. Our team works with firefighters every day, so we know how to calculate overtime so that it supports your application, while ensuring true affordability."

Andrew:
"Waiting too long to talk to a lender. You don't need everything figured out before you reach out. A quick conversation helps you understand your range and what steps, if any, you need to take. Many members are closer to qualifying than they realize."

He adds:
"We've built products and tools to support first-time buyers and members early in their homebuying journey, because we know the process can feel overwhelming. We offer FHA loans and a no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) loan option for members purchasing their first home as well as a home buying service to get you started."

Andrew:
"Pay stubs, W2s and bank statements. That's usually enough for us to get started. Anything that shows income patterns is helpful, especially if you rely on overtime or a second job. Having these ready can speed up the process."

Andrew:
"Earlier than you think. Ideally, a few months before you plan to buy, but even if you're only thinking about buying later this year, start now. A precheck gives you time to prepare, understand your budget and move quickly when the right home comes along."

Andrew:
"It gives you a realistic price range and helps you understand what fits your monthly comfort zone. It's not just about what you can qualify for, but what works for your lifestyle. For firefighters, variable overtime can make it tough to estimate that on your own, so this step brings clarity."

Andrew:
"Take it step by step and start early. Getting ready to buy a home should feel achievable, not stressful. You don't have to do it alone either. Our Real Estate Lending team is here to guide you through every part of the process."

Ready to take the next step? Explore our mortgage options and connect with a lending team that understands firefighters