Springtime is always one of the most popular times of the year for people to house hunt. Flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up and parents are eager to move and settle in during the summer before the new school year begins.
Low inventory and fluctuating rates can bring fierce competition in the Northern Virginia market. This can leave first-time homebuyers feeling overwhelmed, especially when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage or affording closing costs.
At Apple Federal Credit Union, we want to help you fulfill the dream of home ownership. It's why we're making the lending process simpler, whether you're a first-time homebuyer or seasoned pro.
Between our exceptional products and Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators who are always ready to assist, we're here to support you throughout the entire process.
Connecting You With Local Agents
Finding the right real estate agent is one of the most important steps in buying a home. You want someone who understands the Northern Virginia market inside and out, and who always puts your interests first.
I always recommend Apple FCU's HomeAdvisor program to our members. Whether you're buying in Winchester, Ashburn, McLean or the District, we've got top-rated, local real estate agents who specialize in those areas. Additionally, a dedicated home-buying concierge supports you throughout every step of the process. Their job is to help you navigate the complex world of real estate transactions, knowing you have a dedicated advocate each step of the way.
Best of all, HomeAdvisor actually puts money back in your pocket. When you close on your home, you'll receive a cash reward*! Over the years, Apple FCU has given back more than $2.7 million in cash rewards to our members. How often do you hear about people buying a home and getting a check at closing? It's just one of the ways Apple FCU makes homeownership even more rewarding.
Serving You First
When you're making a big financial decision—like buying a home—you deserve a team that's ready to guide you through rates, loan options and everything in between.
Our Mortgage Day events are a great chance to sit down with a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, ask questions and explore the best options for your needs. You can also schedule a face-to-face video appointment to get expert guidance from the comfort of your home.
We're also committed to serving our Spanish-speaking members. Our bilingual Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator team is ready to discuss your needs in Spanish, and we have informative Mortgage videos in both English and Spanish, so you can explore your approach prior to meeting with us.
Helping You Succeed
Many homebuyers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, worry about their credit score when applying for a mortgage. As a homebuyer, you deserve to feel informed and in control. That's why Apple FCU has products that keep you and your family in mind.
Our free credit monitoring tool, available in Apple FCU Online and Mobile App (Plan and Learn tab), lets you check your real-time score, explore pre-approved Loan and Credit Card offers, and provides timely insights to strengthen your financial position—all in just a few taps.
Even better, you'll have immediate access to a score simulator, debt analysis and your full credit report, so you always know where you stand and what comes next. Check out this video to see this tool in action!
Want to do additional research online? The internet is full of details—and not necessarily all accurate—so here's a reliable list of frequently asked questions about our Mortgage process. If you want to see how much home you can afford, check out our Mortgage Payment and Home Affordability calculators.
Navigating Rates
When buying a home, you're always looking for an advantage. In a fluctuating market, every percentage point matters.
That's exactly why Apple FCU offers Lock & Shop, a fee-free program that lets you lock in your interest rate for up to 30 days while you search for your dream home.**
You might ask, John, what if rates drop after I lock in? Here's the best part—if rates go down during your 30-day lock period, we'll automatically lower your rate to match. That's how Apple looks out for our members.
At Apple FCU, we know that no two homebuyers are the same. That's why we offer a variety of Mortgage solutions, including:
Plus, with our local underwriting team, you'll receive a fast, straightforward decision when buying a home in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina or Washington, D.C.
Our mission at Apple FCU is simple: we're here to improve lives and fulfill dreams. Homeownership is one of the biggest dreams for many families, one we want to help you achieve.
From pre-approval to closing day, we're here to make the process easier, faster and more convenient so you can focus on the excitement of finding your perfect home. Oh, and don't forget to protect it with quality, affordable homeowners insurance, available through Apple Financial Services. Our award-winning insurance advisors will find the best options for you with trusted companies like Progressive, Travelers and more!
Ready to spring into action? Let's make your dream home a reality. See why Apple members give our Mortgage loans 4.7 out of 5 stars today!
*Cash rewards only available in 42 states. The following states do not allow cash rebates to real estate customers: Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, or Tennessee.**Lock and Shop Program ("Program") will guarantee your initial interest rate for up to 30 days while you shop for a home. To be eligible for the Program, borrower must complete a loan application and be pre-approved for a mortgage with Apple FCU. No property address is required when completing the application. Borrower must supply the fully executed purchase and sales contract within 30 days of signing this agreement. Once received by Apple FCU, the borrower's interest rate will be locked in at the guaranteed rate for an additional 60 days. If interest rates have gone down during the 30-day period, they will receive the lower rate in effect on that day. This Program only applies to home purchases to be funded by Apple FCU using conventional loan programs for single family dwelling units only and excludes second liens, investment properties, refinance loans, renovation loans, nonpurchase money home equity lines of credit, interim construction loans or other temporary financing, loans brokered to or by Apple FCU, loans involving short sales, or any other purchase contract that requires the approval from a third party (e.g., a lender, relocation company, etc.). The Program may be amended or terminated at any time except as to qualified home purchasers with submitted applications prior to the date of the amendment or termination. The Program is not transferable or assignable.
