Get ready to buy your first home,
with confidence.

myWaypoint helps first-time buyers across Pennsylvania get ready to buy a home with clear eyes and a solid plan. Our HUD-certified counselors review your credit, estimate what you can afford, and build a household budget with you, and our HUD-approved homebuyer education is recognized by lenders statewide. We do not sell anything or make loans. We are a nonprofit here to give you education and guidance.

How we help you get ready

Assess your credit

We pull a full credit report and walk you through your score and what it means for buying a home and qualifying for a loan.

Estimate what you can afford

Using your debt-to-income ratio, we help you understand what lenders are likely to offer, so you are prepared before you shop.

Build a household budget

We look at your income and expenses and factor in the costs beyond the mortgage, from closing costs to taxes, insurance, and upkeep.

What working with us looks like

Step 1:

Call 215-348-8003 or fill out a contact form.

Step 2:

We set up an initial call to go over your goals and timeline.

Step 3:

We schedule a two-hour appointment to review your finances and credit in detail, personalized to whether you are pre-approved or just starting. You will not be rushed, and a second meeting can be scheduled if needed.

Step 4:

If your loan requires it, common with FHA and PHFA financing, we provide a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education certificate of completion.

Step 5:

We offer continuing counseling on paying down debt, managing your budget, and planning for the future.

What we cover with you

All sources of income.

Weekly, monthly, yearly, and periodic expenses.

A full credit report and how each item affects your score.

What makes up your mortgage payment, including closing costs, taxes, insurance, and fees.

Estimated future costs of owning your home.

If you have not chosen a home, an estimate of what you can afford with sample closing costs.

Loan programs we help you understand

As a PHFA-approved homebuyer education provider, myWaypoint can help you understand the programs you may qualify for, including:

PHFA home purchase loans, with competitive rates and lower fees for lower-income families, plus down payment and closing-cost help through the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan or the HOMEstead Program.

FHA loans, government-backed mortgages with more flexible requirements.

VA loans for eligible service members and veterans. Members of our team are veterans and well versed in VA home loans.

Frequently asked questions

Will lenders accept myWaypoint’s homebuyer education course?

Yes. myWaypoint’s HUD-approved homebuyer education is recognized by lenders across Pennsylvania and satisfies the education requirement many loans carry, which is common with FHA and PHFA financing. When you complete your homebuyer counseling with us, we provide the certificate of completion you need before closing. The course also gives you a real advantage going into the process, because you will understand your credit, your budget, and what to expect at every step.

How much do I need for a down payment and closing costs?

It depends on the loan, but a useful rule of thumb is a minimum of 3% of the home’s price for a down payment and closer to 7% once you add closing costs and other fees. Depending on your income, credit score, and factors like location or military status, you may qualify for a lower down payment or for down payment assistance. myWaypoint helps you understand your options and what makes sense for your budget before you start shopping.

How much house can I afford?

Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. For example, if your monthly debts total $2,000 and your gross monthly income is $6,000, your debt-to-income ratio is about 33%. myWaypoint helps you calculate your ratio, understand what lenders are likely to approve, and build a budget that keeps your new home comfortably affordable, not just on paper but in daily life.

Do I need good credit to start?

No. You do not need perfect credit to begin, and reviewing your credit is part of the process. myWaypoint pulls a full credit report, explains how each item affects your score, and helps you strengthen your credit before you apply. Starting early gives you time to improve your position, which can mean better loan terms. Wherever your credit stands today, the first step is a conversation.