Purchase the place you can call "home."

Committing to buying and owning a home is a major financial decision. Make sure you think through all aspects fully before taking the leap.
Apply for a Mortgage Pre-Approval

From choosing a real estate agent to managing closing costs, American Heritage offers everything you need for a smooth homebuying experience.

 

Determine how much house you can afford.

Evaluate your savings and income to determine how much you can designate for a down payment and what monthly mortgage payment you can realistically afford. It is also worthwhile to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house shopping. This will help you narrow down the price range you should be looking at.

What fits your budget?

Interest rates and terms of your mortgage will greatly affect your monthly payment. Our free calculator below can help you get a sense of what fits within your budget before getting pre-approved.

 

*These calculators are made available to you as informational and educational tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide financial or investment advice. These calculators are not offers, representations or warranties and do not describe any particular products or services. Results depend on many factors, including the information you provide and we do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances.

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Choosing the right real-estate agent.

Wondering how to hire a real estate agent? Turn to American Heritage. Along with a great selection of competitive mortgages, our members have access to our full-service real estate firm, My CU Home Connection, and an experienced, dedicated team of local real estate agents.  

Let us guide you through the homebuying process, from helping you find the right home to placing an offer and settling quickly. Contact us today to learn more.

Know what you will be responsible for paying during the buying process.

As you move closer to your closing date, be prepared for the additional expenses that will pop up along the way. Oftentimes, some of these expenses are wrapped up in closing costs.

  • Appraisal fee
  • Survey fee
  • Underwriting and origination fees
  • Document prep fee
  • Discount points
  • Credit report fee
  • Title insurance
  • Recording fees

Down payment and loan options.

Saving for a down payment is a crucial part of buying a home. Many loan programs require as little as 3% down, and some first-time buyer programs offer even more flexible options to help you get into your new home sooner. Exploring different mortgage types can help you find one that fits your financial situation and long-term goals.

Home inspections.

A home inspection is an important step to ensure the property is in good condition before you finalize the purchase. A professional inspector will identify potential issues with the structure, systems, and appliances, giving you peace of mind and the chance to negotiate repairs if needed.

Escrow and Earnest Money.

When you make an offer on a home, you’ll typically provide earnest money—a deposit that shows you’re serious about buying. This money is held in escrow until closing and is applied toward your down payment or closing costs, helping secure the property while the sale is finalized.

Consider the costs of property taxes and homeowners insurance.

In addition to your monthly mortgage payment, you will be responsible for paying for taxes and insurance. And, if your home is part of a homeowner’s association, you will need to budget for those added monthly fees.

Estimate utility bills.

Take a look at what the average costs are for heating, cooling, and powering the home you intend to buy. You will also want to consider the age of the furnace, hot water heater, and HVAC system. It may be beneficial to upgrade older systems to more energy-efficient systems so that you can save more in the long run.

Consider the costs of commuting.

Will you be moving closer to or further away from your work? Depending on your answer, you will need to factor in how this change will impact your transportation expenses.

Prepare for anticipated repairs and replacements.

While the lifespan of home features and appliances may vary, you will want to consider how soon you may need to be prepared to pay for upgrades.

  • Roof: 20-30 years (depending on material)
  • Carpets: 8-10 years
  • Decks: 20 years
  • Oil furnace: 20 years
  • Gas furnace: 18 years
  • Electric furnace: 15 years
  • Central air conditioner: 15 years
  • Gas range: 15 years
  • Electric range: 13 years
  • Refrigerator: 13 years
  • Dryer: 13 years
  • Freezer: 11 years
  • Washing machine: 10 years
  • Dishwasher: 9 years

 

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Mortgage Pre-Approvals

Get a head start on your homebuying journey with a mortgage pre-approval.

Know exactly how much you can afford and show sellers you're a serious buyer.

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Buying your first home? Our First-Time Homebuyer Programs offer expert guidance, lower down payment options, and resources to help you every step of the way.

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Sign Up for Rate Alerts

Join our rate alerts email list to stay up-to-date on the latest mortgage rates delivered straight to your inbox and lock in the best rate when the time is right. 

Helpful Articles for (Aspiring) Homeowners

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Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Refinancing: What's Best for Me?

By: Holly Benedetto
09.09.21
For the seasoned homeowner, researching how to fund your next big project or life event can bring up a variety of complicated terms. Many of these terms are presented together, but they often work very differently from one another. In this article, we compare a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to refinancing your existing mortgage. To learn how each option works and when you would want to choose one over another, continue reading.
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First Time Buying a Home? Avoid These 7 Mistakes

By: American Heritage
08.26.21
Buying a house is a great investment in your future. But the process can be a bit confusing when you’re first starting out. If you’re not careful, or let your emotions get the better of you, it’s possible to make mistakes that can derail the homebuying process or lead you to a home that isn’t the best fit for you (or your finances). Be sure to avoid these common homebuying mistakes from the beginning.
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Participate in National Give Something Away Day with These Tips

By: Holly Benedetto
07.15.21
Sometimes we find ourselves no longer in need of the things we keep around the house. Gently used or good condition items can find life in a new home — a much more environmentally friendly solution than ending up in the trash. Before you reach for the online marketplace, consider the value of giving the item away for free. This simple action can create a large positive impact on interpersonal relationships and your surrounding community.
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Blog 5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home Curb Appeal

6 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

By: American Heritage
06.17.21
As a homeowner, you know that taking care of your house is the best way to maintain its value. But even a house that’s in good working order can look drab or uninviting from the outside. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, that could affect your home’s selling price. That’s why many real estate agents put a big emphasis on curb appeal.
Read Blog Post
Boxes sitting unattended on a front porch

4 Tips to Protect Your Mail (for Travel and Every Day!)

By: Holly Benedetto
05.13.21
Mail theft is an issue that can leave you feeling blindsided, especially if the stolen mail contains sensitive information that puts your identity at risk. On top of that, stolen bills or statements can cause late payments or other financial headaches. Many people don’t think about protecting their mail until it’s too late, so take these proactive steps today!
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Simplify Buying or Selling Your Home

Looking to buy or sell a home? My CU Home Connection links you with trusted real estate professionals, exclusive member savings, and expert guidance every step of the way.
Buy or Sell a Home with My CU Home Connection

Ready for your New Home?

American Heritage is a full service mortgage lender and offers expert services such as our own real-estate company, American Heritage Realty. Together, we can get you into your dream home.
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