First-Time Homebuyer Loan Rates as Low As
APR Effective 10/23/2026*
7.332
%
APR
30-Year Fixed
7.567
%
APR
FHA 30 Year Fixed
6.613
%
APR
7 Year ARM (7yr/6mo)
Adjustable after year 7
*See important information about rates, fees and other costs
Buying your first home starts here
New to home loans?1 Our experienced advisors provide clear guidance and practical tools to help you understand the process, prepare with confidence and move forward when you're ready.
The four steps to buying your first home
First-Time Homebuyer Grant
Eligible applicants can get up to $8,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance. Learn about our First-Time Homebuyer Grant programStep One
Understand your financial position and prepare for your application
Before you start shopping for a home, get a clear picture of your finances. This will help you estimate how much you can comfortably afford and prepare for the loan process.
Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a snapshot of your financial history. It reflects factors such as payment history, length of credit history, total debt, and credit usage.
Your score directly affects the loan programs and interest rates available to you.
Learn more about credit scores and how to access your credit report.
Gather Your Documents and Information
You will need:
- Your name, current address and Social Security number
- Employer names and work numbers for the past two years
- Most recent pay stubs with year-to-date income, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime
- Monthly income for you and any co-borrower
- Last two years of personal tax returns
If self-employed:
- Last two years of business tax returns
- Last two years of personal tax returns, including K-1s
If applicable:
- Written explanations and documents for late payments, bankruptcy, defaults, judgments, or liens
For closing:
- Proof of any funds you receive, including gifts or trust funds
Estimate What You Can Afford
A realistic budget helps you shop with confidence. When estimating your price range, consider:
- Your income
- Ongoing living expenses
- Monthly debt payments
- Down payment savings
Use our mortgage calculators to estimate what you can afford.
Step Two
Plan your down payment
Saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle. Start by calculating all your assets to determine how much you can put toward your home purchase. You may have more than you think. Assets can include:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks, bonds, stock options
- 401(k) balance
- 401(k) loan funds
- Gifts from family
If your savings fall short, you still have options:
- Speak with a loan representative to review your options.
- Consider loans with lower down payment requirements
- Use Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which:
- Allows a lower down payment
- Protects the lender if you default
- Is paid monthly
- Can be removed once you reach 20 percent equity
Step Three
Move from planning to action
We're here to guide you through the mortgage process with clear answers and practical support.
- Connect with a BECU mortgage specialist.
Speak with a mortgage specialist who will walk you through your options and answer your questions. - Get pre-qualified.
Answer a few simple questions to see how much you may qualify for. There's no impact to your credit score. - Find your dream home.
Search listings by zip code or location and start exploring what's possible.
Step Four
Choose the right loan option for you
Your mortgage specialist will help you compare options and choose a loan that fits your budget and long-term plans.
Predictable payments which may benefit long term homeowners. Get flexible terms and fixed rates for the duration of your loan.
You may be able to increase your buying power. Get a home loan with potential for a lower rate in the future.
Exclusive benefits for veterans and their families. Competitive rates, low fees, flexible down payment options and no PMI requirements.
Find the right FHA loan with flexible terms, low down payments and more.
All-in-one financing to build your dream home. Fixed-rate and Jumbo loan options for your new home construction.
BECU Member Perks
First-time homebuyer programs
If you're buying your first home, you may qualify for programs that help with down payments or closing costs.
Eligible first-time homebuyers may receive up to $8,000 in down payment assistance that does not need to be repaid.2
Available with conventional fixed-rate loans and 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
In partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, this program provides down payment assistance of up to 4% of your loan amount for income-eligible buyers.3
Income limits apply (up to $215,000 household income). A free homeownership class is required. This program may also be available to buyers without a traditional credit score.
We'll connect you with a certified real estate agent and guide you through your home search.
When you buy through Home Rewards, you may receive up to 20% of your agent's commission back.4
Prepare for homeownership through a live seminar or webinar. Attend a first-time homebuyer seminar and receive a $500 coupon toward closing costs on a BECU home loan.5
Buyers and sellers are usually expected to pay for different parts of the homebuying process.
What buyers should typically expect to pay:
- Credit report
- Appraisal inspection
- Title Insurance
- recording fees
- Courier fees
- Loan origination fee (BECU does not charge an origination fee on home loans)
- Discount points
- Escrow services
In some circumstances, buyers may also be expected to purchase:
- Water and sewer certification (if your new home is not on municipal and sewer facilities a certification may be ordered through your local health department to save you money)
- Building code compliance letter
- Mortgage insurance
- Survey
What sellers should typically expect to pay:
- Escrow services (seller's portion)
- Title Insurance (based on purchase price)
- Excise tax
- Recording fee
- Real estate commissions
As part of your Purchase and Sale Agreement, you can ask the seller to pay your closing costs and prepaid items. Please be aware that lenders may have limitations on the amount of seller contributions, typically 3% to 9%, depending on the loan to value.
Watch: How the Homebuying Process Works
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Boeing Employees Credit Union NMLS ID 490518.
1 Mortgage loans are subject to membership, credit approval, and other underwriting criteria; not every applicant will qualify. Certain restrictions apply. Home loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
2 In order to qualify for the grant funds, buyers must meet all the First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program criteria as well as loan eligibility and property qualifications, some of which are not listed here. BECU reserves the right to alter or change grant criteria or lending requirements. All federal, state, and local taxes imposed on the acceptance of a grant are solely the responsibility of the applicant. BECU will issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC or W-2 to an applicant where a Form 1099-MISC or W-2 is required by applicable law. Applicants should consult their own accountant(s) or tax advisor(s) to determine tax implications, if any.
3 To qualify for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA), borrower(s) must be a U.S. citizen, or non-U.S. citizen lawfully present in the United States (includes Permanent Qualified Resident Aliens). Repeat program users are allowed but may only have one outstanding WSHFC loan at a time. Loans in a Trust or closing in a trust are not permitted. Household income must not exceed $215,000. For the purchase of a primary residence in Washington state only. The Home Advantage program includes a second mortgage for 4% of the first mortgage loan amount in Down Payment Assistance. The DPA second will appear as a second lien on title and repayment is due at the time of sale, transfer, refinance, early payoff of 1st mortgage, no longer occupy as primary residence, or 30 years; whichever comes first. Minimum DPA amount is $1,000. Eligible properties include: 1-unit single family residence including approved condo, townhome, PUD; or 2-unit (duplex) single-family residence. All borrowers who will be listed on the Note and Deed of Trust must complete the Homebuyer Education Seminar registered through the Commission and provide a copy of the completion certificate before reserving funds. Program funds may be reserved using a first-come, first-served reservation system. DPA amount will not exceed actual closing costs or down payment amount, and no cash back will be given to borrower(s). Private mortgage insurance may be required. Property insurance is required, and flood insurance may be required. All federal, state, and local taxes imposed on the acceptance of a grant are solely the responsibility of the applicant. BECU may issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC or W-2 to an applicant where a Form 1099-MISC or W-2 is required by applicable law. Applicants should consult their own accountant(s) or tax advisor(s) to determine tax implications, if any. Certain restrictions apply. BECU reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time without notice.
4 Prime Alliance Real Estate Services (PARES) is an independent real estate referral service and is not affiliated with BECU. BECU may refer members to PARES; however, participation is voluntary. BECU home loans are available in WA, AZ, CA, ID, IL, KS, MO, OR, PA, and SC. Due to state law restrictions, PARES cannot offer real estate commission rebates to members in the following states KS, MO, AK, IA, MS, OK, and TN. Offers subject to change without notice. Please consult PARES for complete program details.
5 $500 coupon will only be offered for first-time homebuyers who have attended an in-person seminar. An individual is considered to be a first-time homebuyer if they have had no ownership interest (sole or joint) in a residential property during the three-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the security property. This special offer may be used by the borrower by presenting this coupon at the time of application for a new BECU home loan and will be credited toward closing costs upon their new BECU home loan's completion. This coupon may not be combined with other BECU mortgage offers, including the First-Time Homebuyer Grant program, and other restrictions may apply. Speak to your mortgage advisor for details. This coupon cannot be turned into cash or cash-like funds, and the closing cost credit cannot exceed the amount of the closing cost charges and prepaid items. Offer valid for new home loans that close within 365 days of the course completion date. Good only for purchase of a first home. Home must be the primary residence of the borrower. One coupon per loan transaction. Coupon is non-transferable. Mortgage loans are subject to membership, credit approval, and other underwriting criteria; not every applicant will qualify. Certain restrictions apply. Home loan programs, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.