Budgeting, Loan Experts Give Tips on Homebuying in Today’s Market

Budgeting, Loan Experts Give Tips on Homebuying in Today's Market

Folsom, Calif. - (Sept. 9, 2025) - SAFE Credit Union budgeting and home loan experts appeared live on the KCRA Channel 3/KQCA My 58 Morning News Monday to share their pointers on saving for and buying a home amid high interest rates in today's housing market.

"It is extremely important (to be pre-approved) because in our current market right now it's taking about 50 days for a home to sell. But of the listings that are out there, about 32 percent of those are selling in the first 14 days," SAFE Credit Union Home Loan Manager Casey Jenkins told viewers. "So for those great deals - you need to be ready as a home buyer to make that offer and to get into contract right away."

Morning anchor Mike Cherry interviewed Jenkins and SAFE Credit Union Community Development Specialist Alex Becerra about where to start saving for a home and any hidden costs. The discussion previewed one of the credit union's monthly free financial education webinars, "Budgeting and Saving for a Home."

"The biggest thing really when it comes to any budgeting plan is to have a goal in mind," Becerra advised. "Having a real true understanding of what is going to be the cost of purchasing a home is really your starting point."

Jenkins stressed the importance of seeking seller credits and incentives. "Depending on the transaction itself you might be able to get some sort of seller credit to help with that or there might be incentives at your local bank or credit union like we (offer)," Jenkins said.

SAFE Credit Union provides a series of free, no-strings financial education and wellness webinars each month by registering at safecu.org/community/events.

September webinars include: "Relationship Money Matters" (11-11:45 a.m.), Thursday, Sept., 11), "Healthy Financial Habits to Reduce Stress," (11-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16), "Journey to Homebuying," (Noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18), "5 Ways to Maintain and Improve Your Credit Score," (11-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23), "Understanding Medicare," (Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24), and "Long Term Estate Planning with Ed Fong," (5-6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25).

Folsom-based SAFE Credit Union holds $4.3 billion in assets, serving more than 244,000 members in 13 counties throughout the Sacramento region and Northern California.

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About SAFE

SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.3 billion in assets and about 244,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members' needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Insured by NCUA. https://www.safecu.org