Buyer Guide

First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Buying your first home in Poulsbo or anywhere in Kitsap County is a big step — and it shouldn't feel like a mystery. Here's the same playbook we use with first-time buyers every week.

1. 01

   Get pre-approved

   Submit a short online application with documentation of income, assets, and credit. We'll issue a pre-approval letter — usually within 1–2 business days — so you can shop with confidence.

2. 02

   Find your home

   Work with your Realtor to tour homes in your price range. Loop us in early on any property questions — we can help you think through condition, HOA, and how it affects financing.

3. 03

   Make a competitive offer

   We can tailor your pre-approval letter to each offer and, when appropriate, do a same-day fully-underwritten approval to strengthen your bid in Kitsap's competitive markets.

4. 04

   Lock your rate & open escrow

   Once your offer is accepted, we'll lock your interest rate, order the appraisal, and coordinate with escrow and title. You'll receive a Loan Estimate detailing every cost.

5. 05

   Final approval & closing

   Underwriting reviews the file, we clear any conditions together, and you sign at escrow. Funds disburse, the deed records, and you get the keys to your new home.

Loan Programs Worth Knowing

• FHA loans — 3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines.
• VA loans — 0% down for eligible service members and veterans.
• USDA loans — 0% down in eligible Kitsap rural areas.
• 30-year fixed — predictable payments, the most common first-home loan.