4 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home

Many people dream of buying a home, but not everyone knows how to make it reality. Take the guessing out of the process with these simple steps.

1. Understand Your Credit Score
   This step may seem simple, but it is often (and easily) overlooked. Start your home buying process by checking and understanding your credit score. Don’t have credit or need to improve your score? Take advantage of Marine’s new ‘Get Credit’ program.
2. Create a Budget
   Once you understand your credit score, it’s time to think about your budget. Meet with a member of our team early on to have your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) calculated professionally. We’re here to help you create a budget and keep your finances in good shape.
3. Save for a Down Payment
   If you haven’t already, start saving money. A down payment typically ranges from 3–20% (the higher, the better). Consider creating a savings account just for “house money.” Also consider automatically depositing a percentage of each paycheck into this special account for easy, routine saving.
4. Contact a Marine Lender
   Let our team of experts help you along the way. Even if your credit isn’t perfect, we can match you with home loan options and terms that fit your life.