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Choosing a home is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. That’s why when you’re ready to buy a home, it’s crucial to have the right mortgage loan from a lender who’s truly in your corner — someone located in your area who knows your local market and is looking out for your best financial interests.

If you’re hoping to start searching soon for your next home, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure you’re saving properly and getting into the right mortgage:

Start Saving Aggressively

Since this is likely one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime, it’s no surprise that you need to have your best savings strategy set up.

Start by finding out how much you’ll need to save for a downpayment, closing costs, and the other expenses that come with buying a home, and make a budget. Then, maximize your savings by setting up automatic transfers into a high-yield account, like a certificate or interest-earning checking or savings account.

These accounts are great tools for future homebuyers because they offer a high rate of return without the risk of investing in the stock market, making them a guaranteed way to boost your savings quickly. There are also some options specifically for those hoping to buy a home, such as the new Ascend Home Purchase Share Certificate account. It’s designed to help homebuyers with flexible deposits, a closing cost discount, and the ability to withdraw penalty-free if funds are going toward your home purchase.

Find a Specialized Mortgage Program

Not every mortgage is perfect for every person. That’s why it’s important to not only shop around at different mortgage providers but also to research what types of mortgage programs they offer.

There are specialized mortgage programs available that can be fantastic options for those who qualify, including those for first-time homebuyers, veterans, or local heroes like teachers, physicians, first responders, and others. These programs may even give extra benefits to those who qualify, like little to no downpayments, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements, and others.

Find the Right Lender

It’s important to do your research to find a lender you trust when you’re looking for a mortgage. They not only offer different products that can have differing rates and terms, but also the service you’ll get can be drastically different depending on who services your loan.

Look for lenders who provide exceptional service beyond your closing date. For example, Ascend keeps most of its mortgage servicing in-house. That means if you have any questions about your mortgage — your loan payment, balance, escrow, or anything else — our local staff is here to assist you. Sticking with a local lender also gives you the advantage of having a partner who’s intimately familiar with the local market and can give you the best rates and services.

Get Pre-Qualified

When the time comes and you’ve found the right lender and the perfect mortgage program, it’s always wise to get pre-qualified for your mortgage. The real estate market can be competitive and usually moves quickly, and being pre-qualified can save you time when you’re ready to make an offer on a home.

Mortgage pre-qualifications are typically valid for 30-120 days, depending on the lender, giving you time to search. You can also reapply if you don’t find the perfect home before your pre-qualification period is up.

If you’re hoping to make the move into your next home soon, it’s time to start preparing for your home purchase journey. Start maximizing your savings now and figure out what type of mortgage you need and where to get it. Then, make that dream home yours.

Don Gilliam is Ascend Vice President of Mortgage Services. Ascend is federally insured by the NCUA. NMLS#451452. All loans are subject to credit approval. Ascend is an Equal Housing Lender.