Is now the right time to buy a home?
Buying a home is a big decision. Here are a few things to consider as you weigh your options:
Still weighing your options? Talk through them with a local advisor.
Tips for first-time homebuyers
Buying your first home can feel like a lot. But don't worry, we've got your back. Our Home Buying 101 Guide walks you through the basics, like:
Homebuying steps
From pre-approval to move-in day
Saving for a home
Tips to build your down payment
What to expect
Insights to keep you confident
EXPLORE OUR HOME BUYING GUIDE
How much home can you afford?
Figuring out your homebuying budget can feel tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Our home loan calculator makes it simple to estimate your monthly mortgage.
The calculator looks at key factors like:
- Your down payment
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Long term and interest rate
Want help walking through the numbers? Our Home Loan Center team is happy to chat about what's realistic for your lifestyle.
MEET THE TEAM
How much do you need for a down payment?
Heard you need 20% down to buy a home? That's one of the biggest homebuying myths. A 20% down payment can help you avoid mortgage insurance, but you may qualify for loans as little as 3% or even 0% down. In fact, nearly 75% of first-time buyers put down less than 20%.
The bottom line? A smaller down payment doesn't have to be a dealbreaker.
Numerica offers a range of home loans to help you get the house you want without waiting forever to save up.
EXPLORE YOUR LOAN OPTIONS
What does it cost to buy a home?
The down payment gets a lot of attention, but it's not the only cost to plan for.
Don't forget these other homebuying costs:
- Closing costs (2-5% of the purchase price)
- Property taxes and homeowners' insurance
- Moving and setup expenses
- Home maintenance and repairs
Need help saving? Numerica offers resources to help you get closer to your goal:
How your credit affects buying a home
Your credit plays a big role in getting approved for a home loan and in the interest rate you'll receive. Generally, a higher credit score can mean a lower rate.
But don't stress if your credit isn't perfect.
There are simple steps you can take to improve your score before closing, like:
- Pay bills on time
- Keep credit balances low
- Avoid new credit applications
And remember, Numerica looks at your full financial picture, not just your score.
Not sure where to start? Talk with a home loan expert about your options.
What mortgage options are available?
Every homebuyer’s path is a little different.
That’s why Numerica offers a variety of home loans designed to fit your budget, credit, and goals:
- Conventional loans: Ideal for buyers with strong credit and a solid down payment
- First-time homebuyer loans: Flexible options for new buyers
- FHA loans: Great for buyers with lower credit scores and limited savings
- VA loans: Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members
- USDA loans: For qualified buyers in rural communities
- Construction loans: For building your dream home
Explore your options and find the loan that fits your journey.
Steps to buying a home of Numerica
You’ve crunched the numbers and picked your loan. Here’s how to go from “let’s do this” to “welcome home” in 5 big steps:
Shop
Tour homes and make an offer with your agent
Appraise + underwrite
We check your finances and the home’s value
Clear to close
Loan approved! Time to
prep for move-in
Sign + move in
Sign the papers, get
the keys, and celebrate!
Need the full breakdown? Check out our step-by-step Home Buying 101 guide.
How to know if a home is the right fit
There’s more to choosing a home than square footage and price tags. The right fit depends on how you live, what you value, and what feels right for your next chapter:
- Do you need more space or less?
- Is this your forever home or a stepping stone?
- Will you use the yard, the shop, the guest room?
- Is it walkable, commutable, or tucked away?
When touring homes, consider:
- Neighborhood and schools.
- Commute times.
- Condition and age of the home.
- Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
Shopping in Spokane, North Idaho, Tri-Cities, or Wenatchee? Our local team knows the market and can help you make a smart move.
How to make your house feel like home
Congrats! You’re officially a homeowner. As you settle in, here are a few smart ways to make the most of this next chapter:
Need a hand building your budget? Explore our budgeting tools or connect with GreenPath Financial Wellness for personalized support.
Ready to take the next step?
Start your application online. Or connect with your local advisor for answers, tools, and encouragement every step of the way.
Updated January 2026
Reviewed by Numerica’s lending team
