Step 1: Prequalify

Getting prequalified lets you know how much you can borrow, and lets sellers know you can back up your offer.

Step 2: Shop

Current Ester customers have exclusive access to a one-stop real estate shopping tool. Start your home search now.

Step 3: Apply

Once you've found a home, it's time to submit a mortgage application and work with us to complete the final steps to becoming a homeowner.

Step 1: Every first-time homebuyer should know the basics

New to home financing?

Buying your first home is a big deal. Between comparing neighborhoods and reviewing real estate listings, make sure you understand the basics of home financing — from mortgage rates to fees and costs.

A few considerations

You can think about how you might pay for a down payment. You can also get prequalified — provide some basic information to get an idea of your home price range. (You’ll learn more about preapproval, which is a little different, in Step 2.)

Estimate your price range

You have a few ways to do this. You can use our calculator at any time. Or connect with an experienced mortgage consultant who can help you throughout the process.

Step 2: Make your offer stronger with a mortgage preapproval

Get preapproved

As you tour open houses and circle in on your dream home, don’t miss this other key step: applying for a mortgage preapproval.

It strengthens your offer

A preapproval from Wells Fargo shows sellers you’re a serious and prepared buyer.1 Plus, compared to a prequalification, it will give you a more accurate idea of your potential loan amount, monthly payment, and interest rate.

We’ll work with you

You can work with one of our consultants to guide you through the preapproval process at every step. Or, you can apply for preapproval online. It’s up to you.

Step 3: Bring it to a close

You found a home you love

The seller accepted your offer. You’ve submitted your application and your loan has been approved. This is huge!

Closing is the final stretch

Before you start packing boxes for your new home, you still need to close on your loan. The process can feel unfamiliar if you’re a first-time homebuyer.

We continue to guide you

We’ll tell you what to have ready to help your loan closing go smoothly. We’ll remind you of required steps, plus we’ll let you know what you can expect to pay in closing costs.

Mortgage refinancing can change your loan to meet your needs

Your needs can change — so can your mortgage loan. Talk to us about how refinancing your mortgage could lower your rate and payment or cash out your equity.

Consider your home refinance goals

What's your reason to refinance?

Maybe you want to lower your monthly payment, change the term of your loan, get a lower interest rate, or tap into the equity in your home for other expenses.

Different loan options meet different needs

Interest rates can change. So can your cash flow – or your home’s value. Your situation may help you decide between home equity financing or a mortgage refinance.

Learn how to increase your home’s value

Current Ester customers have exclusive access to a one-stop real estate tool1 that lets you track neighborhood estimated home values in real time, learn ways to increase the value of your home, explore renovation opportunities, and much more. Claim your home now to get started.