Unlock the door to your future home with confidence as Ashley Owens, Centric FCU's VP of Mortgage, joins us to clarify the journey of home ownership and the art of securing an advantageous mortgage. If you've ever felt baffled by the fluctuating housing market or tangled in the web of credit scores and interest rates, this episode is your beacon through the fog. Ashley disentangles market trends and illuminates how a sterling credit score is more than just a number—it's your ticket to a rate that smiles back at your wallet. Our chat navigates through the often-overlooked debt-to-income ratio and arms you with strategies to anchor yourself in a rate that won't leave you adrift when financial tides shift.

Step through the threshold of your first home with ease, as we explore Centric's tailored program for first-time buyers that's changing the game—one without private mortgage insurance or the confines of zip codes. Ever pondered the secret passages an experienced real estate agent might reveal or how to prepare for the financial surprises that life likes to throw our way? We've got you covered, filling your toolbox with the essentials for not only acquiring the keys to your new abode but also crafting a budget to keep the hearth of your home life glowing. From pre-qualification to post-purchase peace of mind, this episode is your guide through the labyrinth of home-buying to ensure your journey ends with a welcome mat at a place you can truly call your own.