First Time Home Buyer

First-Time Homebuyers

Learn about first-time homebuyer programs that may help get you into your first home.

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First-Time Homebuyers Loan Rates as Low As

APR Effective 4/26/2024*

7.262
%
APR

30-Year Fixed

7.398
%
APR

FHA 30 Year Fixed

7.686
%
APR

5 Year ARM (5yr/6mo)

Adjusts every 6 months, after initial five year period.

*See important information about rates, fees and other costs

If you're a new to the world of home loans, we have experienced home loan advisors and resources to help you on your first home buying journey.

BECU first-time homebuyers can apply for up to $8,000 in down-payment assistance.

First-Time Homebuyer Features & Benefits

First-time homebuyers can receive up to $8,000 in a down-payment grant that doesn't have to be paid back. Instead of scrambling to cover 3% of a home's down-payment cost (depending on your loan program), eligible BECU members need only come up with 1% – BECU pays the rest of the down payment. To offer an example, if you secured a home loan worth $300,000, your down payment would only be $3,000 instead of $9,000.

Home loans available under this program include conventional, fixed and a 5/5 ARM (adjustable rate mortgage). Learn more about the First-time Homebuyer Grant Program.

Origination fees are fees charged by a lender to cover the cost of processing the loan, typically 1% of the lean amount (e.g., pay $4,500 on a $450,000 loan). At BECU, we  know how hard it is to save for your home, and offer all our members no origination fees* on fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage loans.

What do I need to get pre-qualified?

To help get you started with pre-qualifying, gather all of the materials on the Purchase Checklist.

A simple way to determine what you may qualify for (without having to submit all your personal information) is to use our mortgage calculators. This is a great option for members who aren't quite ready to begin the loan process, or those who just want to know what they can afford. Select the loan type and terms you're interested in and provide minimal information related to income, monthly debts and down payment. We'll run the numbers and let you know if you're pre-qualified.

Please note: A pre-qualification through the Mortgage Calculator is not a guarantee your loan will be approved, nor is it a commitment to lend. All information used to determine your pre-qualification must be verified by BECU.

BECU Home Rewards 

If you're just starting your search for your first home, Home Rewards** can help you navigate the process. This service connects you with a member advocate who then matches you with a knowledgeable agent in your area. They will help you find the perfect home for you, while the member advocate ensures you're getting everything you need during your search. Learn more about BECU Home Rewards.

BECU offers educational seminars for first-time homebuyers that will help prepare you for home ownership. When you attend a first-time homebuying self-paced course, live seminar, or two-part webinar, we'll reward you with a $250 coupon*** that can be applied to your closing costs on a BECU home loan.

Learn more about BECU's Home Ownership Seminars

Homebuying Calculators

Video: How the Homebuying Process Works

Resources to Get You Started

Need more information? Come see us.

If you've done all your research but aren't ready to apply just yet, make an appointment, or give us a call at 800-233-2328. We're happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have.

1In order to qualify for the grant funds, buyers must meet all the First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program criteria as well as loan eligibility and property qualifications, some of which is not listed here. BECU reserves the right to alter or change grant criteria or lending requirements.

3Offer applies to purchase and refinance transactions. Loans are subject to credit approval and other underwriting criteria, and not everybody will qualify. Certain restrictions apply. Home loan programs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notification. BECU reserves the right to terminate this offer at any time without notice.

4Home Rewards is a program provided by Prime Alliance Real Estate Services, LLC and is not affiliated with BECU. Certain restrictions apply. Offers subject to change without notice. Please contact your assigned member advocate for additional information regarding these buyer/seller benefits. Real Estate services provided by carefully selected local real estate agent.

5$250 coupon will only be offered for first time homebuyers who have attended a Live Seminar, Two Part Webinar, or a First Time Homebuying Self-Paced Course. Limit one coupon per loan. Loans are subject to credit approval and other underwriting criteria. Certain restrictions apply. Home Loan program rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. This special offer may be used only by the primary borrower and will be credited toward closing costs upon the completion of your new BECU home loan. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. This offer cannot be used in connection with any loan modification. Offer valid for new home loans that close within 120 days of course completion date. Good only for purchase of a first home. Home must be the primary residence of the borrower. Closing cost credit cannot exceed the amount of the closing costs charged. 

All federal, state and local taxes imposed on the acceptance of a grant are solely the responsibility of the applicant. BECU will issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC or W-2 to an applicant where a Form 1099-MISC or W-2 is required by applicable law. Applicants should consult their own accountant(s) or tax advisor(s) to determine tax implications, if any.