Homebuying Articles

Equip yourself with the information you need to know throughout the homebuying process so you can make a house your home.

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From fixed interest rates to mortgage insurance to homeownership association fees, there are lots of variables in homebuying. Use these articles to break down each topic so you can confidently embark on your homebuying journey.

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Hurricane Helene Recovery: Financial Assistance Options 1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans The SBA offers a range of disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not covered by insurance or FEMA. These loans help cover both personal and business expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. October 15, 2024 Update: The SBA announced that it has exhausted funds for its disaster loan program. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers. The SBA is encouraging individuals and small businesses to continue to apply for loans given assurances from congressional leaders that additional funding will be provided upon Congress’s return in November. Click here to read the press release. Home Disaster Loans: Available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: These loans are designed for businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged property owned by the business, such as real estate, machinery, equipment, and supplies. Private non-profit organizations like charities and churches are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofits meet financial obligations they can’t cover due to the disaster. These loans are meant to support recovery during the disaster recovery period. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website or contact them directly. 2. FEMA Disaster Assistance FEMA offers a wide range of financial assistance programs for those impacted by natural disasters. If you have insurance, file a claim immediately, as FEMA cannot cover losses that are already insured. FEMA provides grants for: Temporary housing Home repairs Other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance You can apply for FEMA assistance online or by calling 800-621-3362. 3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Individuals who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted due to Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program extends unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for state unemployment, such as the self-employed or small business owners. To qualify, you must: Live, work, or were scheduled to work in a federally declared disaster area. Have lost employment or had employment interrupted due to the disaster. Have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined weekly, so you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster to maintain benefits. Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance page of the NC Department of Commerce website for more information about this program. 4. Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA Mortgage Assistance If your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you are struggling to make mortgage payments, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the FHA offer mortgage relief options. These include: Forbearance plans to temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage payments. Loan modifications to make your mortgage more affordable over the long term. Mortgage assistance programs designed specifically for disaster recovery. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire about disaster relief programs available through these organizations. 5. NC Bankers Association Disaster Relief The NC Bankers Association provides resources and guidance for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. Through their network, they can help you access financial institutions offering relief, including special loan programs and deferral options for existing debts. It’s worth reaching out to your local bank or lender to inquire about specific programs that may be available to you. Visit the Hurricane Helene page of the NC Bankers Association website for a comprehensive list of resources. 6. WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks In response to Hurricane Helene, the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, led by Mountain BizWorks, is providing financial relief for businesses across Western North Carolina. This fund is designed to support local businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, offering critical recovery resources, including: Low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild. Emergency financial support to address urgent needs like working capital, repairs, and more. Mountain BizWorks is a community-focused lender that helps small businesses in the region thrive, even in the face of disaster. They are committed to supporting business owners through the recovery process with accessible financing options. Visit their website for more details on how to apply. 7. SBA Microlenders for Business Recovery The SBA also partners with microlenders across the country to provide small loans, typically up to $50,000, to businesses in need of capital. These loans can help cover immediate business needs such as payroll, inventory, and repairs. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these microlenders are valuable resources for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing options. To find an SBA microlender in your area, visit the SBA Microlender List. 8. Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Appalachian Community Capital has partnered with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants to small businesses harmed by Hurricane Helene. The grant program is called the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. Small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening including repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more. The application window for this grant is from October 30 through November 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website here. First Bank is Here to Help If you have any questions about these resources, our bankers are more than happy to help you navigate the questions you may have. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a challenging process, but these resources are designed to provide financial relief when it’s needed most. If you’ve been affected, be proactive in exploring the options available to you, from disaster loans to mortgage forbearance. While the road to recovery may be long, these programs can ease some of the financial burdens and help you rebuild your life or business. 5 min read

Am I Eligible for FEMA Relief? Here’s What You Need to Know Who Qualifies for Assistance? Federal disaster aid is available for residents and business owners in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. Not sure if you’re eligible? You can verify your eligibility and apply directly on FEMA’s website: DisasterAssistance.gov. What Assistance Does FEMA Offer? FEMA provides a range of relief programs aimed at helping individuals and businesses recover from disasters. Here’s a closer look at what you may be eligible to receive: 1. Housing Assistance This aid helps you secure safe shelter while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. FEMA can provide funds for: Rental Assistance: Financial support to rent a temporary residence if your home is uninhabitable due to disaster-related damage. Lodging Expense Reimbursement: If you had to stay in a hotel or motel, FEMA can reimburse you for these expenses. This is especially helpful if you were unable to find immediate rental options. Home Repair or Replacement: Grants are available to help repair or replace your home and address disaster-specific damages, such as water damage or mold. FEMA may also cover hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future damage. Accessibility Needs: If you or someone in your household has a disability, FEMA can provide funds to make your home accessible. This might include ramps, grab bars, and other necessary modifications, even if these were not originally present before the disaster. Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, and Docks: If the only access to your home has been damaged, FEMA can help cover repair costs for private infrastructure like roads and bridges. 2. Other Needs Assistance This program helps with essential expenses and serious needs beyond housing. Covered expenses include: Serious Needs: Grants to cover immediate necessities like food, water, first aid, prescriptions, and personal hygiene items, ensuring you have access to essentials during recovery. Displacement: If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA can help cover the cost of staying with family, friends, or in a hotel while you search for a more permanent solution. Personal Property: Financial assistance to repair or replace items essential to daily life, such as appliances, furniture, and work or school-related items like computers and tools. This can also include uniforms, books, and equipment needed for self-employment. Medical and Dental Expenses: If the disaster caused injury or damaged medical or dental equipment, FEMA can help cover the costs for treatment, equipment replacement, and prescribed medications. Funeral Costs: In the unfortunate event that the disaster resulted in a loss of life, FEMA offers support to cover funeral or reburial expenses. Child Care: For families facing increased child care costs due to the disaster, FEMA can provide funds to help cover these additional expenses. Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: Reimbursement for items like generators, dehumidifiers, and chainsaws that were purchased or rented to aid in the recovery process. Transportation: If your vehicle was damaged and you don’t have an alternative mode of transportation, FEMA may help cover the repair or replacement costs to ensure you have a way to get to work, school, or other essential places. Moving and Storage Expenses: FEMA can help with costs associated with moving and storing personal property, especially if it needs to be relocated temporarily during home repairs or if you need to move to a new residence. Each of these programs is designed to provide immediate and practical support, so you can focus on the well-being of your family and community as you rebuild after the disaster. How Do I Apply for FEMA Assistance? Applying for FEMA relief is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started: Apply Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance. You can also download the FEMA App or call FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362. Register for an Account: If you’re applying online, you’ll need to create an account on Login.gov. This will allow you to save your application, upload documents, and check your status. Prepare Your Information: You’ll need details like your home and mailing address, Social Security number, insurance info, and bank details for direct deposit. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed the application, review it, make any necessary changes, and submit it. Be sure to save your application ID as you’ll need it for future communication with FEMA. What Happens After You Apply? After applying, FEMA will review your application and may contact you for additional information or to schedule an inspection. You can always log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov to check your application status and receive updates. If approved, FEMA will disburse funds via direct deposit or a mailed check, based on your preference. For more information or to begin the application process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App. Recovering from Disaster with FEMA’s Support If you’re affected by Hurricane Helene, you don’t have to face it alone. FEMA offers a range of programs designed to help you get back on your feet. Take advantage of these resources to help ease the journey to recovery. 5 min read

Construction Loans NC The thought of building a new home can be daunting. All that planning. All that work. And all that money. At First Bank, we can’t design a floor plan or hang drywall, but we can make that last part a little easier to manage. We offer One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans at all of our North Carolina branch locations as a way of financing your lot, construction, and subsequent mortgage all under one easy-to-manage plan. One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans Our One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans offer 12 months of financing through the construction phase with the ability to seamlessly convert to your permanent mortgage once your home is completed. The details of our One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans in North Carolina include: A selection of adjustable-rate loan options and a fixed construction interest rate for 12 months Interest-only payments during the construction phase No penalties for prepaying the loan and a single set of closing costs Loans for construction only also offered Applying for a construction loan in North Carolina is easy with First Bank. Simply gather your financial and property information, then contact a loan specialist to get the process underway or apply online. If you need more information about One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans before you take the next step, that’s not a problem. We have a collection of articles, guides, and tips about home building and construction loans that are sure to answer any questions you may have. You may also use our mortgage calculator or find a North Carolina mortgage specialist near you. First Bank is also happy to offer One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loans with flexible terms and competitive rates to businesses. Let us help you manage the financing of your construction project. We’ll leave the rest up to you. Apply online today. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fixedinterestrate.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/arm.asp 2 min read

10-Step Program for First-Time Homebuyers If you’re searching for a first-time homebuyer program, it’s important to find a process that is simple and clear. Purchasing a home for the first time is a significant event, so it’s also a process that requires you to be well-informed and careful. In an article by award-winning writer Gina Roberts-Grey, she outlined the top 10 steps all first-time home buyers must consider before taking the plunge: “Review your financial health”—Before you dive into listings and open houses, it’s vital that you evaluate your financial situation. This ranges from your savings to your bills to your 401k; you need to be sure you can afford the expense. “Check into benefits for first-time home buyers”—You can discover options, including tax benefits, that can make the property more affordable. Look into what deals you can find as a first-time homebuyer. “Meet with lenders”—Meet with lenders and present your financial and benefit findings. A lender will assess your credit score and the amount you can qualify for on a loan and will discuss your assets (savings, 401(k), etc.) and debt, as well as any local programs that might be available for down payment assistance. “Shop around for a mortgage”—As you’re searching for pre-approval, don’t take the first offer. Spend time looking at what different lenders can offer. And keep in mind that “pre-approved” and “pre-qualified” are two different things. “Have a backup lender”—Many factors can affect whether or not your mortgage application is approved, including market changes and shifting guidelines. A backup lender that qualified you for a mortgage loan can give you an alternate way to keep the process on, or close to, schedule. Find a realtor—If you’ve reached this step, congratulations. This means you’re ready to find a real estate agent. When you’re looking for a realtor, it’s best to look for one who works with a team of people who can offer suggestions about home inspectors, insurance agents, etc. Decide on a neighborhood—Narrow your search area to help give you a better idea of what you want and can afford. Two primary factors to consider are neighborhood taxes and length of commute to work. When you find a property, crunch your numbers again—At this step, you’ve found your dream home 4 min read

What are 30-Year Mortgage Rates? If you are thinking about buying a home, you may be asking the question, “What are 30-year mortgage rates?” There are many ways to figure out the current average 30-year mortgage rates, but the best way to find out about rates near you is to ask a local mortgage lender, like First Bank. Get Competitive 30-Year Mortgage Rates at First Bank First Bank offers a variety of home loans with competitive mortgage rates, including a 30-year, fixed-rate conventional loan. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are some of the most popular mortgages, as they provide homeowners with a fixed interest rate and lower monthly payments. Benefits and features of First Bank’s 30-Year Mortgage include: Your interest rate and monthly principal and interest (P&I) payments remain the same for the life of your loan Predictable monthly P&I payments allow you to budget more easily Protection from rising interest rates for the life of the loan May be a good choice if you plan to stay in your home for a long time Tips for Paying Off Your 30-Year Mortgage A 30-year mortgage does not have to be a 30-year commitment. Plenty of people pay off their mortgages early and you can too. Money Smart Guides provides some great tips for how to do it. Use tax refunds. If you get a sizable tax refund each spring, put it toward your mortgage. This could be the equivalent of making six months worth of mortgage payments at once. Pay extra early. The early payments of a mortgage go mostly to interest while the later stages involve more principal. Paying hundreds extra now can save you thousands later. Pretend to refinance. In other words, calculate how much it would require you to pay each month to pay off your 30-year mortgage in 15 years or 20 years and commit to it. Round up payments. Bump up your monthly payments to the nearest round number. You won’t notice the missing money now but you will when it shaves years off your mortgage. Note: some lenders penalize homeowners for prepaying their loan. Before you prepay your loan, it is best to research prepayment penalties in your state. Find a Good Place to Start What good are 30-year mortgage rates if you don’t find a 3 min read

How to Get a Home Equity Line of Credit If you are thinking about taking out a loan to finance a major expense, such as home repairs or college tuition, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or loan could be a good option. With a home equity line of credit, you borrow money from your home’s equity — the difference between the value of your home and what you owe on the mortgage. First Bank is here to help you obtain a HELOC. HELOCs are different from home equity loans. With a HELOC, you are borrowing money on a revolving basis, similar to a credit card, and you can request cash any time you need it by writing a check. HELOCs also typically have variable interest rates, which differ from the fixed interest rate of a home equity loan. The amount you are allowed to borrow depends on the amount of equity you have in your home. It can also be dependent on your income, credit history, and market value of your home. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) from First Bank* Home equity lines of credit from First Bank: Revolving sum of money, available as needed over period of time Have low interest rates Can be secured by the equity in your primary or secondary home Can be accessed with specially designed checks that are free of charge May allow interest to be up to 100% tax deductible** If you have more questions about home equity loans or lines of credit, or are ready to apply, visit your local First Bank branch to speak with one of our loan experts. *Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. Loans subject to credit approval. **First Bank and its representatives do not provide tax advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation. ———- Sources: Consumer: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0227-home-equity-loans-and-credit-lines Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp?ad=dirN&qo=investopediaSiteSearch&qsrc=0&o=40186 2 min read

What Are 20-Year Mortgage Rates? There are various factors to consider when purchasing a home, including how to finance it. Some consumers may opt for a mortgage with a shorter term while others find it beneficial to extend the mortgage. It may be best to look for a 20-year mortgage for a lower price without putting yourself in debt until retirement. First, let us help you answer the question, “What are 20-year mortgage rates?” What are 20-year Mortgage Rates? 20-year mortgage rates are an alternative to 15 and 30-year mortgage rates, the most common types of mortgage loans. 15, 20, and 30-year mortgages are usually offered as fixed-rate mortgages, meaning the interest rate you pay never changes. A 20-year fixed mortgage rate typically allows you to build equity faster and pay off your home in less time than other longer-term mortgage loans. They also typically have lower interest rates than other mortgage options because the term of the loan is shorter. Benefits of a Fixed-Rate Mortgage First Bank offers conventional fixed-rate mortgages, available in terms of 15, 20, and 30 years. There are many benefits to a First Bank fixed-rate mortgage, including: Predictable monthly P&I payments Protection from rising interest rates for the life of the loan Sound investment for long-term home owners What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? First Bank also offers adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs. ARMs have interest rates that change periodically. When the rate changes, your monthly payment will either increase or decrease depending on whether the rates rise or fall. First Bank’s ARMs are available for 30-year amortization schedules, with initial periods of 3, 5, or 7 years. Contact First Bank Today Whether you’re buying a home or interested in refinancing, First Bank has a loan option for you. If you are still have questions about mortgage rates or conventional loans, contact the First Bank Mortgage Help Center, or visit a First Bank branch near you. 2 min read

Save Money with This Refinance Calculator for Home Mortgages When mortgage interest rates are low, homeowners should compare their current mortgage terms with the option of refinancing. By locking in the right rate, homeowners can take advantage of significant savings. Curious to see how much you could save with current rates? Use our refinance calculator for home mortgages to see how you can take advantage of major financial perks. Why Refinance Home Mortgages? Home mortgages are contracts. When the contract is signed, the interest rate selected by the homeowners is locked in until the terms of the contract have been satisfied or revised. The interest rates for home loans fluctuate daily. If interest rates are steadily dropping, homeowners can refinance to save money and improve their financial standing. Benefits of Home Loan Refinancing Refinancing is a readjustment of your mortgage loan to benefit your finances in the following ways: Lower monthly payments Build home equity faster Improve credit Change to adjustable or fixed-rate plans When homeowners choose to refinance, they can generally expect to pay off their loan faster. 30-year mortgages can be refinanced to 12 or 10-year loans. Although it may sometimes increase the anticipated monthly payment, you can cash in on equity or sell for an increased value. When Is a Good Time to Refinance? When considering refinancing home mortgages, many homeowners weigh the closing costs with the savings achieved over time. It’s also important to think about the length of time you will live at the property. What to Do Next If You Want to Refinance After you’ve reviewed your savings on our refinance calculator for home mortgages, you may be interested in taking the next steps towards refinancing. Before making an appointment with your First Bank loan officer, make sure you have the following information updated: Current mortgage type Payment history Current credit report Outstanding debt Evidence of home renovations Evidence of home improvements/repairs Your loan officer will use this information to determine what kind of refinancing you may qualify for. There are plenty of options, and we can guide you in selecting the best package for your personal goals. Contact us today to apply for mortgage refinancing. *Loans are subject to credit approval ——— Sources: http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/helpful-advice/top-reasons-to-refinance.php http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/helpful-advice/top-reasons-to-refinance.php 2 min read

Mortgage Rates 101: Information You Should Know Acquiring information about mortgage rates is a vital step in the home buying process. Mortgage rates vary based on several factors, such as the amount and type of your loan and your credit score. To get better mortgage rates in your area, it’s best to contact your local lender like First Bank. First Bank’s Mortgage Center provides customers with answers to common questions about loan options, mortgage rates information, and more. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an experienced homebuyer, or building a new home, we provide information that can help you qualify for the loan and purchase your new home. Mortgage Rates Information from First Bank You will typically have multiple loan options to choose from before purchasing a home, including conventional mortgages, government loans, and construction loans. Two of the most popular types of home loans are conventional adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages. Conventional adjustable-rate mortgages: Interest rate, monthly principal, and interest payments remain the same for an initial period of 3, 5, or 7 years, for example—then adjust periodically. Interest rate caps set a limit on how much your interest rate can increase. ARMs typically have a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. Monthly principal and interest payments may increase as the rate adjusts. Conventional fixed-rate mortgages: Interest rate and monthly payments stay the same for the duration of the loan. Offers protection from rising interest rates for life of the loan. Available in 15-year, 20-year, and 30-year fixed-rate loan term options. For more information on conventional mortgage rates or mortgage rates on our other home loan options, find your local First Bank loan officer today. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/credit_score.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/05/022405.asp?lgl=mtdt-v1 2 min read

What Are 15 Year Mortgage Rates? What are 15-year mortgage rates? It seems like a long time doesn’t it? But when you really think about it, 15 years is nothing. Think of all the things you’ve done, the places you’ve been and the people you’ve met in the last 15 years. Where does it all go? For a different perspective, consider that the average American will spend nine years of their life watching television, four years driving a car and 2.5 years cooking. Add it all up and in the time you spend doing those three things you could’ve paid off a 15-year mortgage. First Bank’s Mortgage Know-How center has a number of resources for anyone wanting more information about what 15-year mortgage rates are. About 15-Year Mortgage Rates You can call our mortgage help center at 1-844-855-2262 to seek answers to your questions or expert guidance Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments for a 15-year mortgage, determine if you should rent or buy or calculate refinancing savings Complete a loan application online if you are seeking 15-year mortgage rates Our Mortgage Know-How center has articles, tips and guides for first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancers and builders You can go online to print necessary forms, check your loan status or contact us for information regarding your loan Get a free consultation with one of our loan officers With more than 100 locations across the Carolinas, there’s a First Bank loan expert near you who will be happy to get the loan process started. With First Bank, you’re sure to find the right mortgage option for your needs.* We offer conventional loans of both adjustable and fixed rates. We have jumbo loans, government loans such as rural housing, FHA loans, construction loans for builders and professional loans for doctors, CPAs, and lawyers. So if you’re seeking 15-year mortgage rates, let First Bank be your time machine and watch the years go by. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Distractify: http://news.distractify.com/dark/trivial-facts/astounding-facts-about-how-we-actually-spend-our-time/ 2 min read

How to Get a Mortgage for a Rental Property Looking for rental property mortgage rates near you? If so, First Bank can provide you with tips and tricks on how to get a rental property mortgage, as well as how to find the best mortgage rates near you. Rental Property Tips: How to Get a Mortgage According to Money Under 30: “Getting a mortgage for an investment property can be headache. Your best bet is to be prepared before you even start down that path. Make sure you have enough cash reserves to make your lender happy, as well an impressive credit score.” How Can You Prepare? Know the lending limits — For example, Fannie Mae currently allows each investor to carry 10 loans at once. Look for investor-friendly lenders — Having a good relationship with your lender could be the key to success. Know your credit requirements — There are two different credit-qualification guidelines for getting rental property loans. Prepare your cash reserves — Lenders typically require you to have six months of cash reserves available per property. Be prepared to make a down payment — There are sets of guidelines regarding rental properties that you must follow when making a down payments. Show your W-2 income — Lenders typically require that you show a minimum of two solid years of W-2 income. Traditional Mortgage vs. Rental Property Mortgage If you are looking for a rental property mortgage, expect to find rates that are slightly higher than primary residence mortgages. Lenders are trusting that you will be able to rent the property to tenants and that they will be able to make their payments on time to you. Don’t be surprised to see mortgage rates for rental properties fluctuate more than primary residence mortgage rates from one lender to the next. Some lenders are more trusting in rental properties than others and may want to see that you have enough money to pay for both your primary residence mortgage and the rental property mortgage at the same time. This is a safety net for the bank in case your rental property fails to attract any renters or those renters fail to pay the rent. Mortgage rates can vary from one lender to the next but there are also some key differences in the mortgage itself when compared to 3 min read

First Time Buyer? For most of us, buying a home is the largest purchase we’ll ever make. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be asking questions like, “What is a first home mortgage?” What is a First Home Mortgage? A first home mortgage is a loan you will use to purchase your first home. These loans can come in a variety of forms, from conventional home loans to FHA loans for first-time homebuyers. First Bank offers the following mortgage loans* for first-time homebuyers: Conventional Loans Government loans Professional loans Construction loans Jumbo loans In addition to providing a selection of mortgage opportunities, First Bank also offers a wealth of information about what a first home mortgage is and what can be expected when shopping for your first home. Tips for Buying Your First Home Knowing what a first home mortgage is can go a long way toward easing the process of turning that key for the very first time. U.S. News and World Report highlighted some of the most common mistakes first-time home buyers make and how you can avoid them. Among them were: Searching for your dream home before being pre-qualified for a loan. The reality of what a first home mortgage is can be vastly different than what you were hoping for. Take the time to seek out a mortgage loan specialist at a place like First Bank so you can find out what you can afford and what your expected monthly expenses will be. Thinking short-term. First-time buyers are often so focused on moving in that they don’t ever consider moving out. Chances are, you’ll one day be ready to move into another home as you start a family or change jobs. Think about the factors that will affect how you’ll be able to sell your home in five years such as economic growth in the area or neighborhood expansion. Making an emotional decision. It’s important to sign a mortgage paper with your head and not with your heart. You may be overlooking some serious red flags such as expensive repairs, structural damage, or mold simply because you’re in love with the open layout. Find a First Bank Near You Ready to get started? Check out First Bank’s guide 3 min read

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