Skip to main content Skip to footer
TDECU Community Champions

TDECU Community Champions

We Make Home Happen™ for our community champions.

We are ready for you!

Start the approval process online, or reach out to us in one of the following ways:

Welcome Home

Having a place to call home in your community is important. The TDECU Community Champions program is designed to help Members who selflessly serve our communities achieve their dream of homeownership.

Who qualifies for the Community Champions program?

  • Active-Duty military

  • Healthcare professionals

  • First responders

  • Education professionals

As a Community Champion, you’ll enjoy:

1.50% lender credit* plus competitive loan rates

1.50% lender credit* plus competitive loan rates

Up to 100% financing

Up to 100% financing

Convenient, fast applications and closing

Convenient, fast applications and closing

Simple automatic mortgage payments from your TDECU account

Simple automatic mortgage payments from your TDECU account

Selecting the right home loan for you

One of the most important steps in buying a home is choosing the right mortgage. We offer a range of TDECU exclusive loans to fit your unique needs.

 

103% American Dream Mortgage ARM1

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loan with no down payment requirement and an option to roll in up to 3% of the closing costs. Offers a fixed rate for the first 7 years of the loan term.

8.00%

Interest Rate

8.21%

APR

30 year

Term

 

Easy in 30 Purchase Fixed

A 30-year fixed rate loan with no downpayment requirements.

7.63%

Interest Rate

7.83%

APR

30 year

Term

Conventional loan options

We also offer conventional loans including 30 and 15-year fixed, FHA, and VA loans.

Conforming 30-Year Fixed

This loan type is the most common, with a fixed interest rate and payments spread over 30 years. Even if rates rise, your payment will remain the same.

Interest Rate

7.00%

APR

7.10%

Conforming 15-Year Fixed

A fixed-rate loan with payments spread over 15 years. You pay more each month, but you build equity quickly and spend less in interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rate

6.50%

APR

6.73%

FHA 30-Year Fixed

A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration for low- to moderate-income home buyers with low down payments and lower credit score requirements.

Interest Rate

6.50%

APR

8.07%

VA 30-Year Fixed

A low-interest rate loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for veterans and active service members. Benefits include relaxed credit requirements, no or low down payment, and no private mortgage insurance.

Interest Rate

6.50%

APR

6.83%

Jumbo 7/1 ARM

An adjustable rate loan to purchase or refinance a luxury home. Also available as a home equity loan. Offers a fixed rate for the first 7 years of the loan term.

Interest Rate

7.38%

APR

7.58%

Amount

$641,201 - $2,000,000

The Home-Buying Process

Let’s start with an overview of the major steps of applying for a home loan.

Compare Rates and Loans

Use our rates chart and calculator tools to determine the best loan for you.

Get Pre-Qualified

Find out how much you’re pre-approved to borrow. Fill out the application online and get a decision within days.

Find a Home

Now that you know how much you can borrow, start looking for houses in your price range.

Submit Application

When you find the right home, submit your loan application. Your pre-qualification is good for 90 days.

Tips to avoid paying closing costs

Closing costs can be a major expense on top of your down payment, often totaling thousands of dollars. These additional fees can include appraisals, inspections, loan processing fees, and title searches. Here are some ways to help you cut down your closing costs.

Negotiate with the seller

If the seller is motivated to see the deal go through, you may be able to negotiate with them to pay the closing costs. 

Check with HUD

Your local office of Housing and Urban Development might be able to provide assistance.

Talk to a Mortgage Loan Advisor

Credit unions like TDECU have a range of home loan options to minimize closing costs.

Community Champions FAQs

Who can qualify as a Community Champion?

Qualifying Community Champions include, but are not limited to, ACTIVE firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement, and all other first responders. All ranks of ACTIVE military, reserves of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Coast Guard. All nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Also, Pre-K, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, teachers, professors, paraprofessionals, and education administrative staff.

Are any other requirements needed to qualify for the Community Champions discount?

Yes, to fully qualify, eligible borrowers MUST set up an escrow account and set up auto pay from a TDECU deposit account.

Do retired first responders, educators, or retired military personnel qualify for this program?

No, to qualify, borrowers must be actively employed and receive compensation from an employer in one of the identified fields.

Is there a specific position I must occupy in each line of work to qualify?

No, this promotion is open for all qualifying borrowers who are actively employed and/or work to support Community Champions.

Does this promotion only apply to certain loan products?

Yes, this promotion is specifically for the purpose of purchasing a Primary Residence. Construction, Land, Investment, Refinance loans, etc. are excluded.

Can I qualify for the Community Champion promo more than once?

Yes, as long as your mortgage request's intent is determined to obtain a Primary Residence and all other program requirements are met.

Can I use the Community Champion lender credit as a down payment?

No, lender credits cannot be utilized for the purpose of a down payment. However, it can be used to offset other costs associated with the loan, such as closing costs or discount points for rate buy-downs.

Can I receive a portion of the Community Champion lender credit back at closing?

No, any overages from the lender credit cannot be returned at closing. However, you can utilize any overages for closing costs or offset discount points to buy down your rate.

What is the maximum lender credit I can receive as a qualifying Community Champion?

1.5% of your approved loan amount, not to exceed $7500.

Is there a minimum/maximum loan amount needed to qualify for the Community Champion promo?

No, not to qualify for the promotion; however, there is a minimum/maximum loan amount determined by product selection and the individual borrower’s eligibility to qualify.

As a qualifying Community Champion, what documentation must I provide?

In most cases, a pay stub from your current employer should be sufficient. Your loan officer or processor will guide you if other documentation is needed.

Can the Community Champions promo be combined with other mortgage promos/lender credits?

No, if multiple promos are available, your loan officer will work with you to determine which promo will provide the most value to your transaction.

My spouse/partner is a Community Champion but will not be on the loan application. Can I still receive the lender credit?

No, to receive the lender credit, the qualifying party must be an applicant on the mortgage application.

Ready to get started?

We are ready for you! Start the approval process online, or reach out to us in one of the following ways: 

1 ARM = Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Loans subject to credit approval. Example for a 3.25% APR on a $160,000 loan will require a monthly principal and interest payment of $696.33 for 30 years. Payment does not include taxes and insurance so actual payment obligation will be greater. ARMs are variable and the rate may increase after the original fixed rate period. Certain terms and conditions may apply.

Offer valid for individuals in the following eligible professions and are subject to verification: First Responders such as: Police Officers and Firefighters (active), Medical Professionals - doctors, nurses and paramedics, Active-Duty Law Enforcement Officers, Active-Duty Military, Teaching Professionals – Teachers and Administrative Staff. Qualifying applicants must provide supporting documentation - such as pay stub or certification - to confirm eligibility during initial loan disclosures. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Offer valid on primary residence, 1-unit purchases with a minimum loan amount of $50,000. Qualifying applicants can receive a lender of 1.5% lender credit not to exceed $7,500. Certain terms and conditions apply. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers.

Credit Approval required. Certain restrictions apply. TDECU Membership required.