Buy a Home

First-Time Homebuyer
Buying a home is a big deal, especially the first time around. Use these resources to know what to expect before, during, and after the home buying process.Your Home Loan Toolkit
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s entire reason for existing is to protect the finances of consumers, so yeah, we trust them.
They’ve put together a home loan toolkit that goes into great detail to help you understand the ins and outs of loans, how closing works and how you can choose the best loan for your situation and goals. All in clear, understandable language.
Understanding Mortgage Documents
Mortgages and paperwork go hand-in-hand. But it’s important to know what you’re getting and what you’re signing.
Loan Estimate
The must be sent within three business days after the loan application date. Included in the Loan Estimate:
- Interest rate
- Fees for both lender and third-party services
- Estimated closing costs
- Terms and costs for the life of the loan
- Lists prepayment penalties or future expected changes in interest rates
Closing Disclosure
The must be delivered three business days prior to closing. Included in the Closing Disclosure:
- Final figures for closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, payments, fees, and mortgage terms
- Costs paid by buyer and seller
- What is paid to each real estate company involved
Both the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure are standardized forms that every lender must use. This makes it easier to compare loan offers between lenders.
Closing Documents
In addition to the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure, there are you will sign at your closing.
Promissory Note
The Promissory Note is the document you will sign indicating your promise to repay your mortgage. Included in the Promissory Note:
- Details of your loan including amount you owe, the interest rate, payment due date, length of time for repayment, and the place to send payments
- Consequences of being late on your payment
Mortgage/Security Instrument
The Mortgage/Security Instrument restates the information of the Promissory Note and explains your responsibilities and rights as a borrower. Upon signing this document, you give the lender the right to take your property by foreclosure if you fail to repay your mortgage as agreed.
Initial Escrow Disclosure
The Initial Escrow Disclosure indicates how much you will pay into escrow each month as part of the mortgage agreement. It also shows how your escrow payments will be used to pay taxes and insurance.
Documentation Checklist
Buying a home is a big step and with A+, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re ready to buy now or just interested in seeing how much home you can afford, submit the loan application and an A+FCU mortgage expert will reach out to answer questions and discuss options.
Expedite your mortgage process by gathering your paperwork ahead of time. Here is a list of supporting documents you may need to provide with your A+FCU mortgage application. Additional documents may be requested later in the process.
Personal
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Income Verification
If you’re a W-2 employee:
- Pay stubs for last 30 days
- Two most recent W2s
If you’re self-employed:
- Two most recent signed personal tax returns
- Two most recent signed business tax returns (if applicable)
- Profit and loss sheet (if applicable)
- Balance sheet (if applicable)
If you have other income sources:
- Award letters from Social Security or pension
- Two most recent 1099s
Asset Verification
- Last two months of statements from all asset accounts being considered (checking, saving, investments)
Purchase Documents
- Home purchase contract signed by you and the seller
- Most recent mortgage statement
- Most recent homeowner’s insurance policy
Helpful Tips
- Double check the dates on all documents to make sure they meet the required timeframes
- Make sure ALL pages are included for each document
- If you filed your tax returns electronically, look for a copy from your tax software, or ask your tax preparer for a copy