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Homebuyer Bootcamp: Preparing to Buy

Doormat with "Welcome Home" written on it, lying on the front porch of a new house.

Buying a home is a big step, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why People Driven Credit Union’s Homebuyer Bootcamp kicked off with our first session: Preparing to Buy—a must-watch for anyone looking to begin their homeownership journey with confidence.

Watch the recorded session below for free and download key resources to help you take steps toward homeownership.

Homebuyer Bootcamp Session 1: Preparing to Buy Highlights

1. Why Homeownership Matters

Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s an investment in your future. Owning a home can help:

  • Build long-term wealth through equity
  • Provide financial stability and security
  • Offer tax benefits and potential appreciation
  • Personalize and control your living space

2. Understanding Credit & How It Affects Your Buying Power

Your credit score significantly affects your ability to get a mortgage and the interest rate you’ll qualify for. In this session, we discuss:

  • What lenders look for when reviewing credit scores
  • How your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio impacts loan approval
  • Practical ways to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage

3. Budgeting for Homeownership

Knowing how much home you can afford is key to avoiding financial stress. We cover:

  • The 28/36 rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing and 36% on total debt)
  • How to track income and expenses to build a realistic homebuying budget
  • The costs of homeownership beyond the mortgage, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance

4. Mortgage Pre-Approval & Why It’s Important

A mortgage pre-approval is one of the most important steps in the homebuying process. This session explains:

  • The benefits of getting pre-approved before house hunting
  • What documents you need to gather for a smooth pre-approval process
  • How pre-approval gives you a competitive edge when making an offer

Watch the Full Webinar Recording

Watch the complete Homebuyer Bootcamp: Preparing to Buy webinar here:

Download Your Free Resources

1. Pre-Approval Checklist

Use this checklist to gather the required documents and get pre-approved for a mortgage faster.

Download the Pre-Approval Checklist

2. Homebuyer Bootcamp: Preparing to Buy Presentation

Get the full slide deck from the session, covering everything we discussed in detail.

Download the HBBC: Preparing to Buy Presentation

Join Us for the Next Session

Our next Homebuyer Bootcamp session, House Hunting Like a Pro, takes place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT. You’ll learn how to:

  • Find the right home and avoid red flags
  • Tour homes like a pro and evaluate property values
  • Make a competitive offer that stands out

Register Now for Homebuyer Bootcamp: House Hunting Like a Pro

Don’t miss out—this series is your ultimate guide to becoming a confident homebuyer.



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