No mortgage is built only for union members. The top-rated options for union workers are FHA, VA, conventional, and USDA loans, plus down payment assistance (DPA) for eligible buyers, and the cheapest one depends on your credit, down payment, and how your income is documented. What moves your cost most is the rate gap between offers, not a union label.
That gap is where a broker earns its keep. Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647, is a broker who compares 500+ wholesale lenders per file instead of quoting one rate sheet. You can see that pricing through a NoTouch Credit Pull, a soft credit pull mortgage pre-approval that shows real pricing without a hard inquiry on your credit report.
By the end of this article you will know which loans fit union jobs, what a 0.375% rate difference costs in dollars, and how to compare written offers on equal terms.
Which mortgage types rate best for union workers?
The best-rated loan is the one that matches your credit, down payment, and veteran status. Union membership alone does not unlock a special federal loan, so start with the standard programs below.
- FHA: Insured through HUD, FHA loans allow a down payment as low as 3.5% with a qualifying credit score and tend to be flexible on past credit problems. The trade-off is mortgage insurance premiums.
- VA: Veterans working in the trades can use a VA loan, which generally requires no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Eligibility and the funding fee are explained on VA.gov.
- Conventional: Borrowers with stronger credit and at least a modest down payment often get the lowest overall cost here. Private mortgage insurance is usually cheaper than FHA insurance at higher scores and can be removed once you build enough equity.
- USDA: For homes in eligible rural areas, USDA guaranteed loans can offer no down payment, subject to income limits and property location.
Some unions and employers offer member discount or benefit programs tied to a mortgage partner. Treat those as unconfirmed until you verify the terms, fees, and rate directly with the program. Do not assume one exists, and always compare it against an independent written offer.
Two other options deserve a brief mention. Down payment assistance (DPA) programs, which are grants or second loans that cover part of the down payment or closing costs, can matter for first-time homebuyers in the trades. Union members in healthcare who qualify for physician or doctor loans can ask about those too, since Duane Buziak offers them through multiple lenders. Availability and terms vary by program and state.
What does a 0.375% rate difference cost a union household?
On a $350,000 loan, a 0.375% rate gap costs about $87 a month and roughly $31,000 over 30 years. The example below is an illustration, not a quote.
Suppose a household borrows $350,000 on a 30-year fixed loan. Compare 6.50% against 6.875%:
- At 6.50%, principal and interest is about $2,212 a month.
- At 6.875%, principal and interest is about $2,299 a month.
- The difference is about $87 a month, or about $1,045 a year.
- Over 360 payments, that is roughly $31,000 more in interest at the higher rate.
Run your own numbers in a mortgage calculator before relying on these figures, because taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance sit on top of principal and interest.
Where the market sits
Benchmark rates move weekly. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey publishes the national average for 30-year fixed loans, so check the latest reading as of this month, October 2026, rather than relying on any figure printed in an article. Your own rate will differ from the survey average based on credit score, down payment, property type, and loan size.
Loan size also determines which pricing you fall into. For 2026, FHFA set the baseline conforming limit at $806,500 for most counties and the high-cost ceiling at $1,249,125. Loans above the limit for your county are jumbo loans and are priced differently.
Why comparison is the savings mechanism
Two lenders can offer the same borrower different rates on the same day, because each prices risk, fees, and investor demand differently. The CFPB encourages buyers to collect multiple Loan Estimates for exactly this reason. One offer shows you a price. Several offers show you the range, and you can shop mortgage rates without hurting your credit when you start with a soft pull.
How does a broker shop rates differently, and is this Lower.com?
LowerMortgageRates.com is not Lower.com. This site is Duane Buziak, Mortgage Maestro, working through Coast2Coast Mortgage LLC (NMLS #376205), and it is unaffiliated with Lower.com, which is a direct lender. Duane is a broker.
Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647 | Coast2Coast Mortgage LLC, NMLS #376205.
A direct lender funds loans with its own money and quotes its own rate sheet. A broker sits between you and a pool of wholesale lenders. Duane Buziak compares 500+ wholesale lenders on each file, so the quote reflects whichever investor prices your profile best, not whichever one an employer happens to be. For more on this model, see the benefits of working with a mortgage broker.
NoTouch Credit Pull, defined
NoTouch Credit Pull is a soft-pull pre-approval. It lets Duane, as a soft pull mortgage broker, review your credit profile and show pricing with no hard inquiry. A standard pre-approval typically runs a hard pull, which appears on your credit report and can lower your score by a few points. A mortgage pre approval without hard pull lets you see numbers first and decide later. A hard pull happens only when you choose to move forward with a specific loan.
Dare to Compare, defined
Dare to Compare is an invitation: bring any written offer from another company, and Duane will compare it against what he can source across his wholesale network. It works best when both offers use the same loan amount, loan type, points, and credit assumptions. Here is how to find a broker who offers Dare to Compare pricing.
How do a broker, Rocket Mortgage, and Movement Mortgage compare?
The differences are structural: who the lender is, how many investors price your loan, and which products are on the menu. This is not a claim about whose rate is lower, since rates change daily and by borrower. Competitor entries reflect public information as of October 2026 and should be confirmed with each company. For a deeper look at one of these, read how a mortgage broker compares to Movement Mortgage.
| Feature | Duane Buziak (broker) | Rocket Mortgage | Movement Mortgage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lender type | Mortgage broker (Coast2Coast Mortgage LLC) | Direct lender | Direct lender |
| Access to multiple wholesale investors | Yes, 500+ wholesale lenders compared per file | Funds through its own platform; confirm with the company | Funds through its own platform; confirm with the company |
| Soft-pull pre-approval | Yes, NoTouch Credit Pull: no hard inquiry mortgage pre approval | Confirm credit-check method with the company | Confirm credit-check method with the company |
| Non-QM, DSCR, bank statement loans | Available through wholesale partners; terms vary | Confirm product menu with the company | Confirm product menu with the company |
| Licensed states | VA, FL, TN, GA, DC, NC, SC, MD | Check current licensing with the company | Check current licensing with the company |
Where a cell says to confirm, ask the company for the answer in writing. Product menus and credit-check practices change, and a fair comparison depends on current facts. Both companies are established originators, and a direct lender can be the right fit for some borrowers.
Can union workers with overtime, seasonal, or variable pay still qualify?
Often yes. Lenders usually average overtime, bonus, and seasonal pay over a documented history, typically about two years, though the exact rules vary by loan type. Guidelines are published in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide for conventional loans and in HUD handbooks for FHA, so verify current rules there.
A few situations come up often in union households:
- Hiring-hall and seasonal construction: Income is averaged across a full work history, so a strong two-year record matters more than one slow quarter.
- Layoff gaps: A short, explained gap followed by a return to the same trade is often workable. Longer gaps need more documentation.
- Pension and per diem: Pension income usually counts if it is documented as continuing. Per diem may count if it is consistent and shown on tax returns, but treatment varies.
- Strike-related interruptions: Expect extra questions about return-to-work status and recent earnings.
When standard documentation does not capture your earnings, bank statement or other Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans may apply. They evaluate deposits instead of tax-return income and usually carry different pricing, often a higher rate. Compare them against the agency options before choosing, and if debt is the sticking point, see how to fix debt that is too high for mortgage approval.
Documents to gather
- Recent pay stubs covering at least 30 days
- W-2s for the last two years
- Union dues statements or a hall dispatch history
- Employer verification of employment and pay structure
- Pension or award letters, if applicable
The full checklist is in this guide to the documents you need for a mortgage application. You do not need to commit before you know where you stand. A no credit hit mortgage application step, such as a NoTouch Credit Pull, lets you test how your income is treated and see pricing before any hard inquiry is placed.
Ten questions union buyers ask about loans, limits, and soft pulls
Is there a union-only mortgage?
No federal or industry-wide mortgage is reserved for union members. Some unions and employers offer member benefit or discount programs, so verify the terms directly and compare them against independent offers.
Which loan has the lowest down payment?
VA and USDA loans can require no down payment for eligible borrowers. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down with a qualifying credit score, and some conventional programs go as low as 3%.
Does a union pension count as income?
Yes, a pension generally counts when it is documented as ongoing, usually with an award letter and proof of receipt. Rules vary by loan type.
Do VA loans suit veteran union members?
Yes, for eligible veterans a VA loan is often a strong fit because it generally requires no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. A funding fee usually applies, and eligibility is confirmed through a Certificate of Eligibility on VA.gov.
Is a soft credit pull mortgage pre-approval accurate?
A soft-pull pre-approval gives a reliable pricing picture based on your credit profile, but the final rate is locked after full underwriting and a hard pull when you proceed. The CFPB explains how credit inquiries and Loan Estimates work.
What credit score do FHA loans need?
HUD guidelines allow 3.5% down with a score of 580 or higher, and 10% down for scores of 500 to 579. Individual brokers and investors may set higher minimums.
How do points and buydowns work?
One discount point costs 1% of the loan amount and lowers your rate in exchange for cash upfront. On a $350,000 loan, one point costs $3,500, and the savings depend on the pricing you are offered, so calculate the break-even in months.
What are the 2026 conforming loan limits?
The 2026 FHFA baseline limit is $806,500, and the high-cost ceiling is $1,249,125. Your county’s limit falls between those figures.
Is LowerMortgageRates the same as Lower.com?
No. LowerMortgageRates.com is Duane Buziak, Mortgage Maestro, with Coast2Coast Mortgage LLC (NMLS #376205), and it is unaffiliated with Lower.com.
Which states does Duane Buziak serve?
Duane Buziak is licensed in Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Washington DC, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland.
Run the same inputs through every offer
Compare loan types and written offers using identical inputs: the same loan amount, down payment, credit assumptions, and points. The rate gap is where the dollars are, and as the $350,000 example showed, a 0.375% difference is worth about $31,000 over the term.
Don’t let uncertainty about mortgage rates cost you thousands: discover your personalized options with a trusted mortgage professional who can compare rates across multiple lenders without impacting your credit score. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward securing the best mortgage solution for your unique financial goals. Start a NoTouch Credit Pull with Duane Buziak at Lower Mortgage Rates by Duane Buziak, 804-212-8663. Services are available only in VA, FL, TN, GA, DC, NC, SC, and MD.