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Conventional Mortgage Loans Applying for a home loan can be a strenuous process, especially if you’re unsure which type of loan is the best fit for your financial situation. Before you apply, it is important to understand the two types of loans available to you: conventional mortgage loans and a government-backed loans. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of conventional loans. What are Conventional Mortgages? Conventional loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, which can be impacted by your credit score. Qualifications for conventional loans are usually stricter than government-backed loans because they carry a higher risk for banks and private lenders. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the banks and private lenders are not protected. These kinds of loans are not insured by the federal government, but they are still required to follow guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association—a.k.a. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A Conventional Loan to Meet Your Needs If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina and are looking for a flexible and affordable conventional loan,* look no further than your local First Bank. We offer both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages with a range of features and benefits that are sure to fit your specific financial needs. Conventional Adjustable-Rate Mortgages This kind of mortgage loan changes periodically depending on shifts in the corresponding financial index associated with the loan. ARMs generally have a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. Both your interest rate and your P&I (monthly principal and interest) payments will stay the same for an initial period of 3, 5 or 7 years. After that it will adjust periodically. Interest rate caps set a limit on how high your interest rate can go for your P&I payment for each adjustment and over the life of the loan. Loans are available for 30-year amortization schedules. Conventional Fixed-Rate Mortgages Your interest rate and P&I payments stay the same for the life of your loan. That predictability for your monthly P&I payments enables you to budget more easily. This kind of loan is available in a variety of loan term options, and it protects you from rising interest rates no matter how high they fluctuate. This option is good for individuals or 3 min read

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5 Things You Need to Know Before You Become a Landlord Seriously, how hard could it be to be a landlord? Not so fast, eager capitalist. Here are 5 items to cover before you decide to become a landlord. 4 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

FHA Loans 101: 3 Major Requirements If you have a strong understanding of the FHA loan requirements, you’ll experience a quicker and smoother loan application process. FHA loans provide homebuyers of all income levels the opportunity to purchase a home with lenient qualifying terms and lower down payment requirements. There are, however, three major requirements that prevents people from purchasing an unaffordable home. Three Major Requirements Debt-to-Income Ratio:There are two debt-to-income ratio requirements that FHA lenders will look at in order to determine if a buyer can afford a home: Mortgage payment expense to effective income: Add your total mortgage payment and divide it by your gross monthly income. The maximum ratio to qualify is 31%. Total fixed payment to effective income: Add your total mortgage payment and all recurring monthly debt and divide it by your gross monthly income. The maximum ratio to qualify is 43%. FHA Credit: FHA loans are more lenient when it comes to qualifying terms, but there are still certain credit requirements applicants must meet. If you have no credit history, filed for bankruptcy, have a history of late payments, been foreclosed on, or sent to debt collections, it will be harder to get approved for a loan. Application: Aside from financial requirements, there are a few FHA loan application requirements buyers must meet and present to their loan officer: Address (past two years) Social Security number Names and location of your employers (past two years) Gross monthly salary at your current job(s) Information for all checking and savings accounts Information for all open loans Complete information for other real estate you own Approximate value of all personal property Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 (for veterans only) Current check stubs and your W-2 forms (past two years) Personal tax returns (past two years), current income statement, and business balance sheet for self-employed individuals If you understand the FHA loan requirements and are ready to apply for a loan, you can apply online with First Bank.* Have more questions about FHA loans? Visit the FHA’s website, or contact your local First Bank branch to learn more. *Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: http://www.fha.com/fha_requirements_debt http://www.fha.com/fha_requirements_checklist http://www.fha.com/ 2 min read

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