First Time Home Buyer Home Loans

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Application Process Click here to see our homeownership roadmap.
New to Homeownership? See our blogs to learn more about purchasing and homeownership.

First Time Home Buyer Loan Calculator

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  • Payments quoted do not include taxes & insurance, so actual payments may be higher.
  • Subject to credit approval.
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is based on loan amount and interest rate.
  • Adjustable loans feature an introductory rate during initial term (3, 5 or 7 years), after which the interest rate may adjust annually each year based on the current index and applicable margin. Payment may increase.
  • Rates for owner occupied homes only.
  • Ask us about additional available loan programs.
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The benefits of working with WaFd Bank

We keep your loan and don't sell it to Wall Street or Fannie Mae.

Our experts are standing by to help you with every step.

We are not paid on commission, so your needs come first.

Get more answers from your neighborhood loan officer.

Mortgage Basics

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9 Major Steps of Buying a Home
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How much should you put down on a house?
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Mortgage process roadmap

  • Credit Approval
    Meet with your neighborhood home loan officer to review your options and complete our home loan application.
  • Purchase Agreement
    When you and the seller have reached agreement on the purchase price for your dream home, you and your lender will work together to finish processing your application and complete the financing of your new home. 
  • Underwriting
    Your lender will submit your final documentation to the underwriter for final approval. The underwriter follows the 3 C’s:
    • Credit
      • Credit history
    • Capacity
      • Cash flow/income
      • Cash & liquid assets
    • Collateral
      • Type of property & occupancy
      • Loan to value
  • Closing
    Complete the final walkthrough of your new home and receive the final approval for the financing of your new home from your mortgage lender.

Today’s Rates:

30-Year Fixed Purchase

3.375%/3.484%APR

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Mortgage process roadmap

  • Underwriting
    Your lender will submit your final documentation to the underwriter for final approval. The underwriter follows the 3 C’s:
    Credit
      -Credit history
    Capacity
      -Cash flow/income
      -Cash & liquid assets
    Collateral
      -Type of property & occupancy
      -Loan to value

Frequently asked questions

When it's time to get a loan, what counts?
Here are the factors that count the most.

Income: Generally, lenders look for two years of stable income based off of your gross monthly income (pay before taxes).

Debts: Installment debt (car payments, credit card payments, personal lines of credit, etc.) are added together with your proposed mortgage payment to determine your ability to qualify for the loan.

Employment History: “Stability” is the key word here. In this case, they want to make sure you’re able to make your loan payment every month for years to come.

Credit History: Numerous late payments on debt, or a credit report that indicates a lack of ability to use credit wisely are red flags for a lender.

Property: In this case, the lender wants to make sure that the value of the property would more than cover the loan amount if it had to be sold following foreclosure. Note that the appraised value and the purchase price may not always match.
What do you need when applying for a home loan?
To apply for a home loan, you'll likely need:
  • Paycheck stubs
  • W-2s
  • Copy of the purchase and sale agreement
  • Proof of other income
  • Outstanding loans
  • Rental or landlord information
  • Employer's name and address
  • Past bank and brokerage statements
  • Your past home address
How much should you put down on a house?

Putting 20% down is often ideal for more financially established buyers or those with a larger cash or savings reserve.

Benefits of a larger down payment includes:

  • A smaller monthly mortgage payment
  • More equity in case you need to move and sell
  • No private mortgage insurance
  • Less risk when selling


For those who would like to put less than 20%, many lenders offer loans that require a smaller down payment. Here are some benefits to putting less than 20% down:

  • More cash on reserve for emergencies
  • Likely to become a homeowner faster, since you won't have to save as much cash
  • Greater financial cushion for your lifestyle
We are here to help.
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Connect with your local Loan Officer directly for more information.