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Home Buying Advice from NW Plus Credit Union: Your Guide to a Smarter Purchase

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make—and NW Plus Credit Union is here to help you make it with confidence. Whether you're a first-time buyer, preparing to list your current home, or simply weighing the pros and cons of homeownership, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Should You Buy or Rent?

Before diving into the market, ask yourself a fundamental question: Is homeownership right for me? While buying a home helps build equity, offers tax benefits, and can lock in fixed payments, it also comes with maintenance costs and less mobility than renting. If you’re planning to stay put for a few years and are ready to invest in your future, buying may be your best move.

Preparing to Sell? First Impressions Matter

If you're listing your home, don’t overlook the power of curb appeal. Simple steps like mowing the lawn, painting shutters, and cleaning windows can attract more buyers. Inside, keep things clean and clutter-free. Fresh scents, soft music, and natural light can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers imagine themselves in your space.

Smart Shopping Starts with Questions

When house hunting, ask more than just “How many bedrooms?” Evaluate the neighborhood, utilities, condition of the home, and resale value. Know your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Bring a checklist and take notes at each visit—you’ll be glad you did.

Financing Your Dream Home

Your first stop? NW Plus Credit Union. We’ll help you figure out exactly how much home you can afford before you shop. We also believe in transparency—we’ll help you compare fixed and adjustable rate mortgage options, calculate closing costs, and determine the down payment for your dream home.

As a borrower, you’re protected under laws like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act—and we’ll help you understand your rights and options every step of the way.

Understanding the Mortgage Process

A mortgage application may feel intensive, but it’s designed to protect both you and your lender. NW Plus will walk you through your financial documentation, help assess your affordability, and coordinate with appraisers and inspectors to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Even if your credit isn’t perfect, we can discuss flexible solutions that may still get you into your new home.

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Buying a home is a team effort. From real estate agents to inspectors and attorneys, each player helps you navigate the process. But your most trusted partner? Your credit union. At NW Plus, we pride ourselves on personalized guidance and exceptional service.

Never share your account number, passwords, answers to security questions, or other account information. We will never ask you for this type of information when we call or email you. If someone claiming to be a NW Plus CU representative asks for sensitive account information over the phone or in an email, end the conversation immediately, and call us at 425.297.1000 or come to one of our branches to report the incident.