First-Time Homebuyer Resources

Future homeowners researching first time homebuyer credit scores and tips for first time homebuyers

First-Time Homebuyer Process

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. We’re here to make your home loan as easy, enjoyable, and exciting as possible – because it’s more than a mortgage, it’s the keys to your future.
 
Where do you start? Right here!
 

1

Step One – Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval shows you’ve spoken to a lender and are ready to move forward. This can give you an advantage over other home shoppers. You’ll also know how much you can afford to spend and won’t set your heart on a home that’s out of your range.
 

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Step Two – Find a Home

Meet with your agent to determine your wants and needs. Start looking for your new home 3-6 months before you intend to buy. Your agent can help you understand the real estate market and focus on the neighborhoods you like.
 

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Step Three – Make an Offer

Once you’ve found your dream home, work with your agent to make a competitive offer and schedule a home inspection.

  • Your agent will know what comparable homes are selling for and will negotiate a fair price.
  • The inspection will identify any problems with the home.
  • Pro tip: Make sure the contract includes items you want that are not part of the structure, such as appliances or lighting fixtures.

4

Step Four – Apply For a Mortgage

Your application will provide us with any remaining financial information we’ll need. At this stage you can lock your interest rate until the closing date.
 

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Step Five – Underwriting and Appraisal

We’ll verify your application, assess your credit and collateral, and order an appraisal to ensure you’re not overpaying.

  • An underwriter will complete an initial review within 48 hours.
  • If any conditions (missing or additional items or information) are required, we’ll work with you to clear them within 2 days.
  • Your loan will return to an underwriter for final review and a clear to close (CTC).
  • The processor will inform all parties of the CTC and verify the closing date and time.

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Step Six – Closing

Be prepared:

  • Review the final documents to confirm the rate and loan amount.
  • Bring a cashier’s check or arrange a wire transfer to cover the closing costs and down payment.
  • Bring your photo ID (and possibly a Social Security card) to confirm your identity. 
Time to celebrate! After the paperwork is signed and your loan is funded, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!
 

Mortgage Calculators

Is it better to rent or buy?

It takes more than a review of monthly payments to answer this question, but this tool allows you to compare the cost of renting with the cost of buying to help you make the best decision. To use this calculator, complete the Rental Assumptions, Purchase Assumptions and Other Assumptions information below.

How much will my mortgage payment be?

When you’re budgeting for a home purchase, it’s important to have an estimate of your monthly mortgage payment. To use this calculator, complete the Home Information and Loan Information below.

How much can I borrow?

Before you look for a home, you need to know what you can afford. You can look at this information in two ways: The income you need based on a home’s purchase price, and the loan amount you can qualify for based on your income. To use this calculator, complete the Buyer Information, Loan Information, and Lending Ratios below.

Mortgage Checklist

The following information is usually required during the loan process. Additional documentation may be needed.
 

  • Your government-issued photo ID
  • Federal tax returns for the most recent two years
  • W-2s for the most recent two years
  • Pay stubs for the past 30 days
  • Bank statements for the most recent two months
  • The purchase contract for your new home
  • Most recent copies of asset/retirement account statements
  • The declarations page of your homeowners insurance

Find a Loan

I want to make a low down payment.

CrossCountry Mortgage offers many loan programs with low down payments. One option is an FHA home loan, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, with down payments starting at 3.5%. FHA loans can benefit first-time homebuyers who may need a co-signer on the loan or have less than perfect credit.
 
Other low down payment options include USDA and VA home loans, offering 0% down payments for qualified borrowers, and conventional loans with down payments starting at 3%.
 

I want stable monthly payments.

If you’re looking for a monthly loan payment that won’t change over the life of your loan, a fixed-rate mortgage might be for you. You’ll have the security of knowing that your principal and interest payment will be the same every month.
 

I want a home that needs renovation.

Whether your dream home is a major fixer-upper or needs minor improvements, a CrossCountry Mortgage renovation loan combines a home purchase and qualified improvement costs in one mortgage.
 

I am a military veteran.

If you’re a veteran or other qualified borrower, a VA home loan, insured by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, can provide up to 100% financing with no mortgage insurance. You don’t need to be a first-time homebuyer, and you can reuse your benefit.
 

I want to live in a rural area.

Through a USDA rural home loan, purchasing a home in a designated rural area provides 100% financing, flexible credit requirements, and the security of a fixed rate.
 

I want a luxury or higher-priced property.

More expensive homes often require loans that exceed conventional home loan limits. A CrossCountry Mortgage jumbo loan can provide up to $3 million in financing for your home purchase.
 

I only plan to live in the house for a few years.

If you don’t plan on living in your home long-term, and you’d like a rate that may be lower initially than a fixed-rate mortgage, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) might be right for you.
 

A homebuyers guide to learn more about how to buy a house and the steps to the home mortgage process

Your Homebuyer Guide

Our free guide provides the information you need to understand home financing, the loan options available to you, and the benefits of owning a home.
 

DOWNLOAD THE BUYING GUIDE