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Just getting started?Expand

Just getting started?

You probably have questions about buying your first home. We have answers.

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Where do I begin?

Start with this advice for first-time homebuyers - from pre­ approval all the way through closing!

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How should I prepare?

Here are some first-time homebuyer tips to help you successfully navigate the homebuying process.

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How long will it take?

Discover how long it takes to buy a home - and what you can do to speed up the process.

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How much can I afford

Find out fast with our affordability calculator below!

Affordability Calculator
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What's next?

Get the full story about buying your first home with our free eBook: "The 7 Steps to Homeownership."

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Find answers to more first-time homebuyer questions. We're here to help!

Call 877-558-7437

Home buyer callout

Ready to shop for a home? We can help!

Looking for your first home? Here are some easy ways to get an edge.

Enjoy Benefits

Here are two simple ways to set yourself apart form other homebuyers in today's competitive real estate market:

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Full up-front loan approval.1 Unlike a regular pre­ qualification, this includes a full underwriting review and credit check. Sellers will know you're a highly qualified buyer, and you'll know how much home you can afford.

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Rate lock while you shop.2 Many lenders only let you lock in after you find a home. With PenFed, you can secure your rate for up to 60 days while you shop for and close on your home.

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How much home can you afford?

It's fast and easy with our affordability calculator.

Questions? Call 877-558-7437

Affordability calculator

Estimated Home Price

$211,314

$1250/mo

The calculator above is for educational purposes only. Your actual rate, payment, and costs could be higher. Get an official Loan Estimate before choosing a loan.

Already found a home? Congrats!

Now that you've found the right home, we can help you find the right home loan.

Your home buying benefits:

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Low and no down payment options. As a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to put as little as 3% down3 (or even 0% with a VA Loan4).

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Fixed- and adjustable-rate loans. Our home loan experts can review all your options and help you decide which is right for you.

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Faster closing.5 You can close on your home up to a week sooner if you qualify.

Begin online6 or call 877-558-7437

Save with a suite of homeowner services!6

Househappy. save with a personal home concierge for repairs. maintenance, and more.

lncenter Tax Solutions. Take advantage of a free professional review of your property taxes.

To learn more, call 877-558-7437

"The Homeowner Services Program products are optional. These are not PenFed products and PenFed does not make any representations, warranties or guarantees regarding these products. Homeowner Services products are not insured or guaranteed by the NCUA. Any purchases made through these service providers are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. PenFed will not pay for or reimburse any payments related to any services purchased through the Homeowner Services Program or their third-party service providers."

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Need Help

Need help?

Have questions or ready to start an application? Our home loan experts are here and ready to help: 877-558-7437.

Disclosures

1Power Buyer Certification is contingent on a full underwriting review and approval of loan documentation and other creditworthiness conditions. Offering is subject to change at any time; some loan programs may be excluded. Talk to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.

2Power Buyer Lock While You Shop is applicable to first mortgage pre-approval home purchases that have received approve/eligible finding. Not applicable on HELOC or refinance transactions. To ensure timely closing within the rate lock period, the borrower must provide an executed sales contract and full property address to PenFed within the initial 30 days of the lock period. Extending a rate lock is subject to applicable rate extension fees to be paid at closing. Offering is subject to change at any time; some loan programs may be excluded. Talk to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.

3Member must meet HomeReady or first-time homebuyer (FTHB) program eligibility requirements. Talk to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.

4Qualified veterans with their full entitlement can borrow up to the county limit with no down payment. Veterans who have one or more active VA loans or who defaulted on a previous VA loan may be required to make a down payment.

5Borrower must provide eConsent, agree to participate in the Fast Pass program, and provide required documentation within 5 business days of application. Participation does not guarantee approval. Talk to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.

6The Homeowner Services Program products are optional. These are not PenFed products and PenFed does not make any representations, warranties or guarantees regarding these products. Homeowner Services products are not insured or guaranteed by the NCUA. Any purchases made through these service providers are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. PenFed will not pay for or reimburse any payments related to any services purchased through the Homeowner Services Program or their third-party service providers.

Points are the responsibility of the borrower and not covered in promotions.

To receive the advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed Credit Union, which is federally insured by the NCUA.

We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of April 2026 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate