Ready, set, home: Expert tips from our team on the housing market

You don’t have to be a mortgage expert to get a home loan, but there are some things you should know first. 

While there’s plenty of information online to assist you in your research, sometimes it helps to have someone who can cut through the noise. Our mortgage loan officers are always happy to deliver a crash course in homebuying basics and help you create a clear list of next steps. 

To give you a head start, we’ve asked our mortgage team to share their expert homebuying tips. Here’s what they said: 

No two mortgages are the same 

Every homebuyer is different, and every financial situation is unique. Your mortgage lender should never treat your home loan as a one-size-fits-all product. You deserve a loan officer who understands your specific needs and circumstances and can help you find your own path to homeownership. 

“One of the things I enjoy most about mortgage isis that no two scenarios are the same and it can be a puzzle to find the best solution. Tailoring a ‘to-do’ list specific to a borrower’s scenario and goals is something that helps a borrower focus on a few attainable items to get to the desired result.” 

 — Jason Woodke, OCCU Mortgage Team 

It's never too early to start — even if you’re not mortgage-ready 

First-time homebuyers often underestimate their ability to take on a mortgage. Even if you’re not quite there yet, you may be closer to homeownership than you think. In any case, you have nothing to lose by talking to a loan officer, no matter how unprepared you feel. We can help you accurately assess your financial situation and formulate a plan to get you where you need to be. 

It matters who services your loan 

When you take out a mortgage, it doesn’t typically stay with the same lender. Most mortgages are sold to another financial institution, which becomes the new loan servicer. 

With OCCU, that’s not the case. Even if we sell your mortgage, we continue to provide the servicing, so your experience remains seamless throughout the life of your loan. That way, you know your mortgage will always remain in the hands you can trust. 

Keep an open mind about refinancing 

Taking on a 30-year mortgage doesn’t mean you have to be locked into the same loan terms forever. A lot can happen in three decades — or even just a few years. Interest rates fall, home values rise, and a new job or promotion might boost your income. Under the right circumstances, refinancing your home can net you significant savings. 

“In 2020, we had a huge influx of refinances,” says Hernandez-Waters. “Being able to help so many people in such a short span is huge. We saved them thousands of dollars by refinancing.” 

— Hernandez-Waters, OCCU mortgage team member 

Imagine yourself home 

No matter where you are on your homebuying journey — whether you’re just starting out, planning to buy, or just looking for some facts — OCCU will meet you where you’re at and help build your confidence in today’s housing market. Connect with our team of mortgage lending officers today to find yourself home. We’ll help get you there.