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The home buying process can feel daunting, but we’re here to break down the process to help you find and afford a home of your own.
First things first. Get pre-qualified.
Before you begin your house hunt, it’s important to understand if you’re financially ready to be a homeowner. It’s ideal to get pre-qualified early on so you’re aware of what you’ll need during the home buying process like:
Need help with a down payment?
Homebuyers with steady income and good credit may be eligible for up to $10,000 to use toward their down payment and closing costs through the Downpayment Plus® Program*.
Homebuyers must meet income eligibility requirements and:
Ask your lender to find out if you qualify for the Downpayment Plus Program.
First-time home buyer? We’ve got your back.
Buying your first home is an incredible accomplishment that we’re honored to be a part of. Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions below to help you prepare for an exciting home buying journey.
You might have a general idea of what you can afford to spend on a payment if it’s similar to what you pay in rent, but some things you also take into consideration are what you’ll need for a down payment, the possibility of mortgage insurance, property taxes, home owner’s insurance and general upkeep and maintenance.
Credit lets you obtain something now for little or no money out of pocket, and pay for it over a specified period of time. Your credit score or credit rating is what a lender uses to determine your ability to manage your finances. When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will check your credit score to determine if your loan can be approved and what interest rate you’ll be charged.
A 20% down payment is ideal, but you can put down as little as 5% of the loan amount with the addition of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
A Bridge Loan can help “bridge the gap” between buying a new home and selling your old one. These are short-term loans secured by your current home. Terms and rates can vary based on the equity you have in your home, the timeframe you’re working in and your financial situation.
We only require you to escrow for taxes and insurance if your loan includes PMI or if your property requires flood insurance. In any other circumstance, you are welcome to escrow, but not required to.
Closing costs can vary depending on the loan product you choose. Once you submit an application, we will provide a Loan Estimate which includes an estimation of closing costs and monthly payment.
Closing on a home typically takes 30-45 days, but it can vary depending on the timelines of the buyers and seller and the complexity of the transaction.
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Bill Kedinger
VICE PRESIDENT – LENDING OFFICER
Karen Duch
Vice President -
Lending Officer
Jenni Badtke
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT – MORTGAGE LENDING
Eric Hopfensperger
Assistant Vice President - Mortgage Lending
* Downpayment Plus is a program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Restrictions apply. Please see the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s website at www.fhlbc. com for complete requirements. “Downpayment Plus” is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
