Every First is a Big Deal
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or are still searching, we've got your back. We're here to help with everything from home ownership education, experienced loan professionals, and first-time home loan options with attractive rates and terms.
10 Tips for Buying Your First Home
- Decide if buying is right for you
- Save for a down payment
- Figure out what you can afford
- Learn about the different types of mortgages
- Find a buyer's real estate agent you can trust
- Go to open houses and check out the neighborhoods
- Compare loans and rates
- Get pre-approved
- Find the perfect home
- Make an offer
Explore more about buying your first home
Learning about the financial benefits of home ownership may help the process seem less intimidating, more rewarding.
WHY BUY A HOME
A home is more than a house — it's an investment in your future. Learn about the benefits of home ownership, from property value appreciation to major tax deductions.
ASSESS YOUR FINANCES
There's more to buying a home than just good credit and saving for a down payment. Learn how your financial past, present, and future should all factor into your plans.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Download our Financial Education App to get the tools you need to buy or refinance your home.
Home Loan Calculators:
Home Buying Articles
Before You Buy
Buying a home is an exciting time and a huge achievement. Before you buy that welcome mat, here are 11 things you should know and do.
What Not to Do
A lot of first-time home buyers make the same mistakes. So, before you buy that welcome mat, here are 7 things to avoid when buying your first home.
How Long Does it Take?
Tired of renting? Learn about the steps to buying a house in the Bay Area, how long it takes, and how to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions For Buying Your First Home
-
What can you expect when you apply for a mortgage?
-
What is an adjustable rate mortgage?
-
Can I apply for a loan before I find a property to purchase?
-
Are we right for you?
-
Should I choose a 15 or 30-year loan?
SF Fire Credit Union lending practices
We are a Bay Area-based organization that always puts our members, and the community, first. Which is why we choose not to make sub-prime loans. A sub-prime loan is a loan that does not meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines. They are much riskier for both lenders and borrowers. Examples of sub-prime loans include Alt-A, Stated Income, and NegAm.
We have always followed strict underwriting criteria that meet the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This policy helps us to protect the financial well-being of our members, the Bay Area, and the broader community.
Equal Housing Lender
SF Fire Credit Union is an equal housing lender. We act in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Find out more here.
Meet Our Team
Our home loan experts have decades of experience, understand the local market, and can give you attractive rates and packages that meet your needs.
We treat you like a person, not a number, and support you through a simple and transparent loan process.
Discover More
How it works
Learn all about the home buying process, from getting pre-approved to closing on a house.
Learn MoreChoose the mortgage that's right for you
We take the stress out of home loans, and our loan officers can help you decide which loan best meets your needs.
Learn MoreLet's Talk
As a local credit union, we measure our success one member at a time. We want to get to know you and help you achieve your goals. Come into a branch or call us today. Our people are happy to serve you.
Stop by a branch
Branch hours
Mon – Fri 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Please consult a tax advisor about mortgage interest rates and property tax deductibility.