Lace up your sneakers, you’re buying your first home!

Good credit, low debt, and a steady income could get you low interest rates and terms.

With interest rates at record lows, you may be thinking about refinancing your existing mortgage into a new one. As a homeowner, there are good reasons to consider this option: to get a lower interest rate, to drop private mortgage insurance, or to pull cash from your home’s equity to consolidate debt or make home improvements. The short answer, of course, is to have more money each month for groceries, car payments and the orthodontic’s bill.

While no one has ever said buying a home is a simple process, wouldn’t it be nice to reach out and press the “easy” button when it comes time to qualify for your mortgage. If you’re an active member of the military -  or a veteran - qualifying for a VA home loan might be the next best thing.

Wanting to buy a home but afraid you won’t qualify for a mortgage because of student loan debt, poor credit or a dismal savings account?

With the U.S. homeownership rate around 65 percent, statistics show that owning one’s own home is still an important milestone and a part of the American dream.* Whether it’s a cottage on the lake, a sprawling home in the suburbs, or a condo in the city, owning a home continues to be an enduring symbol of family, security and prosperity.