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Homebuyer education and home loan discounts

Last updated: November 17, 2023

Get significant savings on mortgage closing cost fees and advice from home-buying experts with the HomeStreet Bank Affinity Program, a benefit offered to UW employees and immediate family members through a partnership with HomeStreet Bank. The program offers:

Homebuyer Class
These free five-hour classes are taught in conjunction with the WA State Housing Finance Commission and provides a certificate of completion that fulfills the pre-requisite for applying for various down-payment assistance programs. Spouse/partner encouraged to attend. Lunch and parking are included. Classes are offered at various sites around Puget Sound.

Financial fitness classes and newsletters
Financial Fitness classes are included in your benefits on various topics to include Buying a Home with Down Payment Assistance, Understanding your Credit and more! Check out The Whole U events page for on-campus and virtual seminars of interest to future and current home owners.

Reduced closing costs and fees

Your Affinity Program mortgage benefits offer savings on both closing costs and discounted services from participating real estate agents. These agents will contribute up to 1% of the purchase price of your new home to your closing costs.

You’ll receive a credit worth 0.50 percent of the loan amount on a home purchase or refinance to use towards closing costs. On a $750,000 loan, for example, that credit’s worth $3,750.

Home Consultations/Pre-Qualification Sessions
As you prepare to buy a home, one of the first steps is to meet with a non-commissioned Hometown loan officer and get pre-qualified. Based on your finances and the current housing market, a pre-qualification appointment gives you a realistic idea of what you can afford right now or how much you need to save. The appointment is private, and you’re welcome to bring your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer.

Loan reviews and refinancing options
Does your current mortgage meet your needs? Both property values and interest rates change often, so it’s important to periodically review your home loan. The loan officers at HomeStreet Bank are available to help you explore your options and make sure you have a loan that works well for you.

For more information on these and other programs, visit HomeStreet Bank’s UW affinity programs page or call 206-628-0207 Monday – Saturday.