Buying your first home, or even your next one, can feel overwhelming. Between credit scores, paperwork, and loan options, it’s easy to feel unsure about what comes next. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

In celebration of National Homeownership Month, we’re highlighting Chartway’s free Homebuyer Workshops. These sessions are designed to give you the information you need to make confident decisions about homeownership – especially during the busy summer season. Our goal is to help you take that next step with clarity and support.

What to Expect at a Chartway Homebuyer Workshop

Think of our workshops as a roadmap. Each one is led by experienced mortgage professionals and local real estate partners who walk you through the full homebuying process.

During the session, you'll learn:

  • How to prepare your finances and improve your credit
  • What different loan options are available and how they work
  • What steps are involved in getting pre-approved
  • How to navigate inspections, appraisals, and closing
  • Tips for managing upfront costs like earnest money and home insurance

You’ll also receive a checklist of documents you'll need to start the mortgage process, such as recent pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, and bank statements. Knowing what to gather early can save you time and reduce stress down the line.

Each workshop includes a live Q&A session, giving you a chance to get answers tailored to your unique situation. You won’t just be sitting through slides. You’ll be part of a conversation that’s structured around your real concerns and goals. Also, in select areas, we offer our workshops in Spanish and have bilingual loan officers, so you can connect in the language you feel most comfortable using.

Hear From Someone Who’s Been There

Ana Ruby, a Chartway member who recently attended a workshop, shared:

“It was important for me to buy a home because I really needed to work on my financial stability. I was tired of renting and every year it goes up. I'm losing out on the possibility of gaining or establishing equity. And I wanted to put my hard-earned money towards something that was mine.

The homebuyer workshop was great. It was a success for me and whoever else was there. because we got to learn and gain confidence in the homebuying process. So, it was great for a novice to a seasoned homebuyer because it wasn’t overwhelming and it gave you everything that you needed.

Closing on a home was a breath of fresh air to me and my family, and now we have something that we can build on.”

For many attendees, that’s what makes these events so valuable. They offer a chance to ask questions, get personal guidance, and walk away feeling more informed and prepared.

Beyond the Basics: A Homeownership Experience Built Around You

Chartway’s workshops are just one part of a larger effort to support our members on their path to homeownership. For example, one of our most unique offerings – our ITIN mortgage loan – makes it possible for individuals without a Social Security number to buy a home. This solution has helped many members in the diverse communities we serve turn the dream of homeownership into reality.

We offer a wide range of mortgage financing options that includes conventional and ARM loans as well as specialized products like:

  • First-time homebuyer loans, designed for those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years
  • FHA loans, a popular option for first-time buyers with flexible credit and down payment requirements
  • VHDA programs, which provide grants and down payment assistance to eligible first-time buyers
  • 100% financing, available to qualified first-time and repeat homebuyers
  • ITIN loans, which help individuals without a Social Security number finance a home
  • Hometown Heroes loans, tailored for military members, healthcare workers, first responders, educators, and other frontline professionals
  • VA loans, for eligible veterans and active-duty service members—no down payment or mortgage insurance required
  • Alternative mortgage programs, for borrowers in nontraditional situations like self-employment, seasonal work, or thin credit files

Every buyer’s situation is different, which is why we offer so many paths to homeownership. No matter your background or financial profile, we’ll help you explore options that best support your goals.

Credit Questions? We’ve Got Resources.

Your credit score plays an important role in qualifying for a mortgage and determining your interest rate. But you don’t need perfect credit to get started.

During our workshops, we’ll share specific, practical ways to improve your credit health:

  • Make payments on time, especially those over 30 days past due
  • Keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit
  • Use multiple cards responsibly instead of maxing out just one
  • Avoid closing accounts that are still in good standing

If you’re just starting out, Chartway’s Credit Builder Loan can help establish a payment history and grow your savings at the same time.

You can also connect with a GreenPath financial counselor for personalized guidance on credit, budgeting, and debt management.

Why Summer Is the Right Time

Summer tends to be the most active time of year for buyers and sellers, so it’s a smart time to sharpen your strategy. Getting pre-approved early and understanding your options now means you’ll be better positioned when the right home comes along.

A homebuyer workshop can help you do exactly that. Plus, with a trusted local realtor onsite, you’ll get answers to market-specific questions and insights on how to make your offer stand out.

Join Us at a Free Workshop Near You

Chartway’s Homebuyer Workshops are offered throughout the communities we serve. They’re open to anyone who wants to learn more about buying a home, and they’re completely free!

After the event, you'll receive follow-up support from Chartway’s mortgage team. If you decide to continue on the bright path toward homeownership, you’ll already have the tools and contacts in place to keep things moving.

To find an upcoming session and to register, visit us online. Space is limited for each event, so early registration is encouraged.

Let’s Get You Home

At Chartway, we believe that homeownership is about more than just property. It’s about building stability, gaining financial freedom, and creating a space that suits you and your family. No matter how far along you are in your journey, our Homebuyer Workshops help make the process easier and less stressful.

This Homeownership Month, take the next step toward a place you can call home. We’re ready when you are.

Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at chartway.com and explore more ways we can help you unlock potential and thrive in your new home.