Group
Homebuyer workshops
Small-group sessions for first-time buyers, Bearcats fans, alumni and UC employees. Bring questions; we bring real local numbers.
Home / Homeownership Education
Homeownership education
The UMortgage Cincinnati Homebuyer Playbook
Six steps from "maybe someday" to the closing table. Read it here, join a workshop, or book a free readiness review.
Self-guided
Six steps, in order
Every purchase follows this sequence. Knowing where you are in it is half the stress gone.
Set your real budget
Lenders approve a maximum. You choose a comfortable payment.
- Start from the monthly payment you're comfortable with, then work back to a price.
- Include taxes, insurance, HOA and mortgage insurance, not just principal and interest.
- Leave room for the things a house adds: utilities, maintenance, furniture.
Check your readiness
Small moves in the months before you apply can change your rate.
- Pull your credit reports free at annualcreditreport.com and dispute errors early.
- Keep card balances low and avoid new car loans or credit lines before closing.
- Two years of steady work history is ideal, but job changes in the same field are usually fine.
Plan your cash
The down payment is only one of three buckets.
- Down payment, closing costs and reserves each need a plan.
- Gift funds from family are common and need a simple letter and paper trail.
- Seller credits and the Bearcat Mortgage credit can reduce what you bring to closing.
Compare loan types
The best loan is the lowest total cost for how long you'll stay.
- Compare payment and cash to close, not just the rate.
- Look at mortgage insurance: how much, and how it ends.
- Ask what a rate buydown would cost and how long until it pays for itself.
Get pre-approved
A verified pre-approval makes your offer stronger.
- We verify income, assets and credit up front, not after your offer.
- Your letter is written for the price and loan you actually plan to use.
- We'll update the letter for each offer so it matches the list price strategy.
Offer to closing
About 30 days of moving parts, coordinated.
- Inspection, appraisal, title and insurance all run in parallel.
- Answer document requests quickly. Most delays are a missing page.
- Review your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you sign.
Ways to learn
Pick the format that fits
For your team
Department and group sessions
We'll run a session for your employer, team, UC department or alumni chapter, in person or on video.
One on one
20-minute readiness review
A private call with Breon. You'll leave with a target price, a cash plan and a list of what to do next.
Upcoming
Workshops
Next workshop dates are being set
Sessions run in small groups during the season and online. Join the list below and you'll hear about dates first.
Education is free and there is no obligation to apply. Completing a session does not guarantee loan approval or any particular rate or terms. These sessions are not HUD-approved housing counseling.
Ready to put the Playbook to work?
When you're ready, the application takes about 15 minutes and saves as you go.