Articles
Knowledge Is Power
We’re here to advise.
Preparing for life’s changes and challenges is no easy task. We’re here to help you make smart financial decisions that push you to the next level of prosperity, and education is your best path to success.
Rely on us for honest, practical advice that can help you manage your money, invest and save, build good credit, buy a car or a home, and more. Whatever you’re striving toward, we’re here to help you get there.
Buy & Own a Home
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It’s a Great Year to Buy a House
You might be surprised at how affordable mortgage payments can be at current rates—they may even be comparable to the rent you’re paying now. -
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Get Homegrown Wisdom Before Buying Your First Home
You know those moments—the ones when you realize that your parents were right? Make them work in your favor when you’re considering buying your first home. -
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Ten Tools for First-Time Home Buyers
Do you have a list of projects you want to tackle in your new home? Here are the basic tools you’ll need to get the job done. -
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Home Ownership — The American Dream Lives On
While the housing crisis did impact the desire to own a home, it did not have a long-term effect. The American dream of owning a home lives on. -
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Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Four Ways to Know
It’s not always obvious for first-time home buyers when the time is right to make that big purchase. If home ownership is something you’re working toward, here are four ways to know if you’re really ready. -
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Making Home Ownership a Reality
UFCU staff and referral partners worked together to help 2,993 Members buy or refinance a home in 2016. Learn why the Austin Business Journal has named UFCU Mortgage Services the largest mortgage lender in Austin for two consecutive years now. -
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Why First-Time Home Buyers Need an Agent
Hiring a real estate agent is a very wise decision for first-time home buyers. Consider these five reasons why. -
Understanding Appraisals
Before investing in an appraisal, you'll want to use your option period to complete all property inspections to your satisfaction. Then, your real estate agent will give us the go-ahead to order an appraisal. -
Home Equity Loan Basics
Determining whether it’s best to refinance or to obtain a home equity loan is very complicated and depends on many factors. Let us guide you through what to consider and why. -
Handling ARM Rate Increases
If you, like many others, are struggling with monthly payments on an Adjustable Rate Mortgage that has re-set to a higher rate, there are options you can take to alleviate the pain. -
What is Mortgage Insurance?
Many homebuyers confuse mortgage insurance and mortgage life insurance. Mortgage insurance protects the lender from the additional risk associated with low-down-payment loans. -
What is Title Insurance?
If this is the first time you’ve bought a home, you may be wondering what title insurance is, and if you really need it. We’ll break it down so you can make an informed decision. -
Getting a Mortgage Approval
Get some guidance on the mortgage application process, including the lowdown on what information you’ll need for the application and what conditions apply to certain requirements. -
Understanding Mortgage Types
Today’s homebuyer has a virtual smorgasbord of financing options. Before committing to a mortgage, research what’s available to you and which loan type makes the most sense for your situation. -
Working with Real Estate Agents
Purchasing a home is likely the single largest investment you will make in your lifetime. A good agent can provide valuable insight, information and interpretation of the information involved. -
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Four Crucial Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home
Ask yourself these four crucial questions before you commit to buying a home. -
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Five Themes for the Spare Bedroom of Your Dreams
While that spare room offers a blank canvas for entertainment and rejuvenation, it’s also a ripe opportunity to roll in some extra dough. -
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Qualifying for Special Home Loans
Did you know there are special loan programs just for veterans and community heroes? These special loan programs can provide significant savings for qualified applicants.
