Community Champions
Community Champion Loan
Powered by Zeal Credit Union and Mortgage Center, we’re happy to introduce the Community Champion Loan: a mortgage specifically designed for those who make a difference in our communities.
Many first responders work 24-hour shifts, leaving little time for complex mortgage processes. The Community Champion Loan cuts away the excess, leaving you with a home loan that focuses on simplicity and clarity. After all, your service deserves more than a thank-you.
What is the Community Champion Loan?
The Community Champion Loan, brought to you by Zeal Credit Union and Mortgage Center, is a special mortgage program for members who serve our communities including: Educators, Healthcare Professionals, First Responders, and Military Personnel.
What Makes It Unique?**
- No PMI required
- Better debt-to-income (DTI) calculations by excluding deferred student loans from your DTI calculations
- Doesn’t require first-time homebuyer status
- Bridge Loan eligible
That means lower upfront costs that save you money over time, plus: The Community Champion Loan offers flexible down payments by only requiring you to provide 1% of your own funds, with gift funds allowed for most of the remaining down payment!
Quick Facts
More Reasons to Love the Community Champion Loan:
- Available for Loan Amounts: $40,000 – $832,750
- A Variety of Term Options:* Including fixed-rate (15, 20, or 30-year) and 5/1 or 7/1 adjustable-rate (ARM)
- Max Loan-to-Value: 99% (detached) or 97% (attached)
- Property Types: 1-4 unit homes, warrantable condos, and a planned unit development (PUD)
- PMI: Not required!
*Available terms include 15-, 20-, and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 5/1 and 7/1 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). On a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate and the principal and interest payment remain fixed for the full loan term. On a 5/1 ARM the interest rate is fixed for the first 5 years, and on a 7/1 ARM for the first 7 years; after the initial fixed period, the interest rate and monthly payment are subject to increase annually.
Eligibility & How It Works
Eligibility Snapshot
This program was built for:
- Educators (employees of public or private education institutions)
- Healthcare Heroes (such as medical and healthcare professionals)
- Emergency Personnel (first responders including police, fire, EMT, etc.)
- Service Members (including active-duty and veteran/former military personnel)
- Borrowers purchasing a primary residence and who have a credit score of 680 or higher.
How to Apply
- Submit your Application.
- Verify your Profession.
- Lock in your Benefits and start your home journey!
**Disclosure: Mortgage Center is an Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval, income and asset verification, property appraisal, and current program guidelines. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. A minimum credit score of 680 and applicable debt-to-income limits apply. Borrowers must contribute a minimum of 1% of their own funds; gift funds are permitted for most of the remaining down payment, subject to program guidelines.
Representative example: A $225,000 30-year fixed-rate loan at 6.500% interest with 0.25 points results in an annual percentage rate (APR) of 6.658% and 360 monthly principal and interest payments of $1,422.15. Payment shown does not include taxes or insurance; your actual payment obligation will be greater. Rates effective 08/25/2026. Your rate and APR will depend on credit score, loan amount, loan-to-value, property type, and term. See current rates and full assumptions at mortgagecenter.com/zeal/rates/purchase.
Some loan products are not available in all states. Mortgage Center NMLS ID 282701. Zeal Credit Union NMLS ID 408356. Zeal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
