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The Front Door Learning Center

Whether you're dreaming about your first home, actively house hunting, or exploring what's possible with the home you already own, having the right information can make all the difference.

Every front door has a story. Where will yours lead?

A home can represent many things: a place to put down roots, a move that's long overdue, or a fresh start. Whatever brings you here, find resources and guidance tailored to where you are today.  

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Thinking about the future?

Homeownership may feel like a future goal, but the best time to start preparing is now. Explore resources designed to help you understand your options, strengthen your finances, and take meaningful steps toward buying a home.

Explore planning resources about

Thinking about the future?

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Shopping for a home?

You're scrolling listings, attending open houses, and getting serious about your budget. Find the tools and guidance you need to move forward with confidence when the right opportunity comes along.

Get buying guidance about

Shopping for a home?

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Make the most of your home.

Your mortgage needs don't stop after closing day. Whether you're considering a refinance, putting your home's equity to work, or planning your next move, explore solutions built for what's ahead.

Explore homeowner options about

Make the most of your home.

Resources for every stage of homeownership.

Homeownership is a journey, and every journey starts with knowledge. Browse educational articles covering homebuying, mortgages, refinancing, home equity, and more.

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The Comprehensive Property Tax Guide: Navigating the Complex World of Property Taxes

https://www.ucu.org/blog/comprehensive-property-tax-guide

Read more about The Comprehensive Property Tax Guide: Navigating the Complex World of Property Taxes

The Comprehensive Property Tax Guide: Navigating the Complex World of Property Taxes

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Mastering the Art of Budgeting for Homeownership

This article provides insightful tips on budgeting for homeownership, offering strategies to make your home buying journey affordable and stress-free.

Read more about Mastering the Art of Budgeting for Homeownership

Mastering the Art of Budgeting for Homeownership

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Preparing for Mortgage Underwriting: What Homebuyers Should Know

A comprehensive guide for homebuyers, detailing the mortgage underwriting process and its importance in securing home loans.

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Preparing for Mortgage Underwriting: What Homebuyers Should Know

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Understanding Closing Costs: What Homebuyers Should Know

This article unravels the complexities of closing costs in homebuying, a must-read for anyone venturing into the mortgage and loan world.

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Understanding Closing Costs: What Homebuyers Should Know

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The Mortgage Process Explained: From Application to Closing

A comprehensive guide explaining the mortgage process from application to closing, tailored specifically for first-time homebuyers.

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The Mortgage Process Explained: From Application to Closing

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What Do Mortgage Lenders Look For When You Apply for a Home Loan?

A comprehensive guide to understanding the key factors that mortgage lenders consider while reviewing your home loan application.

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What Do Mortgage Lenders Look For When You Apply for a Home Loan?

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Renting vs. Buying a Home: How to Know When You’re Ready

Dive into the renting vs. buying debate, understand when you're ready for homeownership, and how homebuying and mortgage loans can propel you there.

Read more about Renting vs. Buying a Home: How to Know When You’re Ready

Renting vs. Buying a Home: How to Know When You’re Ready

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Understanding Home Loans: Mortgage Terminology Made Simple

A comprehensive guide simplifying mortgage terminology and making home loans more approachable for everyone.

Read more about Understanding Home Loans: Mortgage Terminology Made Simple

Understanding Home Loans: Mortgage Terminology Made Simple

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Navigating Your First Home Loan: A Comprehensive Guide

A comprehensive guide to help first-time homebuyers understand home loan procedures, lending norms, and mortgage options for an easy first purchase.

Read more about Navigating Your First Home Loan: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating Your First Home Loan: A Comprehensive Guide

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The State of Housing in California

Housing is a huge part of the California story, but in recent years it has become more and more one of the most significant financial challenges facing university communities.

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The State of Housing in California

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A Comprehensive Guide to Homebuying

Discover key benefits and eligibility criteria to purchase or refinance a home.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Homebuying

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How to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage

Before you start your home search, it’s a smart idea to get pre-qualified for a home loan.

Read more about How to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage

How to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage

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How Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) Work

HELOCs offer the flexibility you need to borrow only as much as you need when you need it. 

Read more about How Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) Work

How Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) Work

    Learn through video

    Prefer to watch instead of read? Explore quick, educational videos that explain mortgage concepts, homeownership strategies, and financing options in a clear and easy-to-understand format.

    Every homeownership journey starts with a plan.

    Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or getting ready to apply, a free session with a UCU mortgage expert can help you move forward with confidence.

     

    During your one-on-one session, we'll help you understand where you are today and what steps can bring you closer to your homeownership goals.

    Book a free session
    • Personalized affordability review
      Get a clearer picture of what may fit your budget based on your financial situation and homeownership goals.

    • Credit review
      Understand how your credit may impact your mortgage options and learn steps that could help strengthen your buying position.

    • Mortgage option comparison
      Explore mortgage solutions that align with your needs, including fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, first-time homebuyer programs, and more.

    • Homebuying readiness assessment
      We'll help evaluate your current readiness and identify opportunities to prepare for the next stage of your journey.

    • Custom action plan and next steps
      Leave with practical recommendations tailored to your situation, so you know exactly what to focus on next.

    Front Door Learning Resources

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    Browse the blog

    Get started on your journey of self discovery with these helpful articles.

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    Mortgage calculator

    Crunch the numbers and see how much home you can afford. 

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    Book a 1-on-1 appointment

    Overwhelmed? We understand. Our team is here to help you every step of the way in your journey. 

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    We're here to help

    Our mortgage experts can help you build a clearer path forward. Our team is here to answer questions, discuss your goals, and connect you with helpful resources and solutions tailored to your situation.

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    • Mortgage Loan Originator Information

      The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act), requires credit union mortgage loan originators and their employing institutions as well as employees who act as mortgage loan originators to register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS), obtain a unique identifier, and maintain their registration in accordance with the requirements of the SAFE Act. 

       

      University Credit Union’s registration is NMLS #409731, and our individual originators’ names and registrations are as follows: 

       

      • Mona Donalson – NMLS ID#2082139
      • Merisa Gates – NMLS ID #188870 
      • Estela Nagahashi – NMLS ID #1699957 
      • Michelle Pacheco – NMLS ID#662822
      • Britini Pender – NMLS ID #694308 
      • Frank Perez – NMLS ID #2063520
      • Sheri Sicka – NMLS ID #809498 
      • Elizabeth Torres – NMLS ID #1757889 

       

      Under the SAFE Act, consumers have easy access to information at no charge regarding mortgage loan originators via www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

    • Mortgage Loan Servicing Information

      Requests for information related to or resolution of an error or errors in connection with an existing mortgage loan must be made in writing via the U.S. mail to:

      University Credit Union/TruHome 
      Member Service Department 
      9601 Legler Rd. 
      Lenexa, KS 66219 

        

      Mortgage payments may be sent via U.S. mail to: 

      University Credit Union/TruHome 
      PO Box 219958 
      Kansas City, MO 64121-9958 

        

      Contact TruHome by phone during business hours at: 

      855.699.5946 
      5 am – 6 pm PST Monday–Friday, 6 am – 11 am PST Saturday 

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