{"id":765,"date":"2022-10-27T14:03:37","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T21:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/worklife\/?page_id=765"},"modified":"2026-02-20T03:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T11:16:52","slug":"mechanics-bank-affinity-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/worklife\/housing\/mechanics-bank-affinity-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Mechanics Bank affinity program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Homebuyer Class<\/strong>
\nThese free five-hour classes<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Financial education classes
\n<\/strong>You can access a variety of financial education classes through The Whole U, your UW well-being and engagement program. Find workshops with HomeStreet Bank, Fidelity, BECU, TIAA and more. Recordings of past webinars are available for viewing at your convenience. <\/a>Learn more and register for classes on The Whole U events page.<\/a><\/p>\n

Reduced closing costs and fees
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll 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\u2019s worth $3,750.<\/p>\n

Home Consultations\/Pre-Qualification Sessions<\/strong>
\nAs you prepare to buy a home, one of the first steps is to meet with a Loan Officer<\/a> 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\u2019re welcome to bring your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer.<\/p>\n

Loan reviews and refinancing options<\/strong>
\nDoes your current mortgage meet your needs? Both property values and interest rates change often, so it\u2019s important to periodically review your home loan. The loan officers at Mechanics Bank are available to help you explore your options and make sure you have a loan that works well for you.<\/p>\n

Personal loan discounts<\/strong>
\nReceive up to 0.50% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) discount on any new personal loan. You\u2019ll receive a 0.25% APR discount on any new vehicle and personal loan with an additional 0.25% APR discount when you take advantage of Mechanic’s Bank automatic payment feature from a Mechanics Bank account.<\/p>\n

Workplace checking<\/strong><\/p>\n