Make a Major Purchase

Some tried and true advice for buying the home or car of your dreams.
Two women sitting at an office table,signing documents

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve done your research and know the lay of the land.

Buying a car or a home is a big decision, and having a little knowledge under your belt will help you make smart choices. Before you head out to buy, get familiar with the process of purchasing a home or a car, understand your options, and get connected with experts you can trust.

The Home buying process

The more you know about the process of finding, buying and financing a home, the more confident you’ll be as you face the key decisions involved.

The car buying process

Buying a car that will keep you on the road for the long haul means doing some research, taking your time, and negotiating for a fair price.

Crunch the numbers

We’ve got a full suite of online calculators to help you determine what you can afford, compare loans, and make the right decisions for you.

Meet Tynice

“Owning my own home is indescribable. Sometimes I forget I own it and I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is mine.’ This is my safe space. It’s just an indescribable feeling.”
Image of DC Credit Union member standing in front of her home

Buying a house

Buying a house is a big decision, and we want to empower you to find an affordable house you can truly call home. Knowledge is power, so we suggest you take some time to read through the resources we’ve gathered here. Understand the process, the choices you will be asked to make, and how much you can afford to spend on a home.

The basic process for buying a home:

  1. Decide how much you can afford
  2. Decide on a loan
  3. Apply for pre-qualification or pre-approval. (Getting pre-qualified is more of a guide of what you can afford, while a pre-approval means you’ve started the loan application process and a lender has pre-approved your capability to get a loan.)
  4. Find your home
  5. Make an offer
  6. Go through inspections
  7. Closing process

Learn more about buying a home

Buying a car

Getting ready to buy a car? You’ll have some choices to make. What kind of financing should you get? New or used car? Buy or lease? We’ve gathered some helpful resources here to help you navigate those decisions so you end up with a reliable car that you can afford.

Speaking of how much you can afford, as you start looking at available cars remember the general rule of thumb: your total transportation costs shouldn’t exceed 20-25% of your total monthly expenses.

Learn more about buying a car

Helping you live the life you want to live.

Common sense auto loans made for you

With our low rates, flexible terms and innovative purchasing options, our loans will get you rolling in no time. We’d love to help you finance your new or used auto, recreational vehicle or motorcycle.

  • Low, competitive rates
  • Available for new or used autos
  • 100% financing available
  • Terms up to 84 months

Learn more about DC Credit Union Auto Loans

Helping you find a place to call home, or find the value in the home you already have.

A home is a place of shelter.  A place to raise your family. A place to call your own. We want to help you make having a home of your own a reality. Wherever you are in life, we have an option for you:

  • Fixed, Adjustable Rate and Jumbo Loans
  • Co-op Share Loans
  • Purchase or refinance your home
  • Home Equity Loans to help you access the value in your existing home

Learn more about DC Credit Union Mortgages and Home Equity Loans

You might also be interested in

Manage your debt and finances

Read the guide »

Save and plan for the future

Read the guide »

Third Party Disclaimer

You are now leaving the DC Credit Union website. The Credit Union does not operate this alternate site to which you are linking and is not responsible for the content of the website nor any transactions performed on this website. Privacy and security policies may differ from those practiced by the Credit Union.

Cancel Accept