We make buying your first home a great experience.

 
 
 

For many people buying their first home is an important milestone. Owning a home can be the first step in increased financial independence and offer significant lifestyle advantages. We offer a variety of tools, information, and programs designed to help you reach your home ownership dream. Our mortgage professionals know all the details required to finalize your home buying transaction – so you don't have to worry. We'll make sure your first-time home buying experience is a good one.

Education and an Experienced Lender Are the Keys
Buying your first home can be an intimidating process. But a little basic knowledge and a qualified lender to help you navigate the process can make all the difference.

It's important to understand the lending process and be prepared to make smart home choice and financing decisions. Being familiar with basic loans types available for first-time homebuyers, as well as common mortgage terms and credit basics will help you be a smart consumer. Working with experienced real estate and lending professionals to help guide you through the process can be invaluable on your first home purchase.

 
 
 
  Fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages
  FHA and VA loans
  Down payment gifts
  Loans for borrowers with "less-than-perfect" credit
 

Mortgage Tools
Our mortgage calculators can provide estimates for loan amounts and payments. By completing a mortgage pre-qualification you and your Realtor will have a realistic idea of how much home you can afford and give you negotiating leverage. A free consultation with one of our mortgage professionals can get your started on your home buying adventure.

Contact us today to learn more about the many available programs we have for first-time homebuyers.

 
 

European Concerns Increase

Increased concerns about Europe helped mortgage rates improve this week, although the impact of the recently passed extension to the payroll tax reduction is beginning to push up mortgage rates for certain loans (discussed below).

The news from Europe was mostly negative this week. Economic growth in Germany was slower than expected. Negotiations on restructuring Greek debt did not progress as planned, increasing the risk of default. S&P is downgrading the debt of several European countries, including France. Finally, the European Central Bank (ECB) provided no relief, as it gave no indication that it would increase the level of aid available to troubled countries. As a result, investors shifted funds to relatively safer investments, including US mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which helped mortgage rates move lower.

The recently passed extension to the temporary payroll tax reduction contained a lightly publicized revenue raising provision to increase the guarantee fees charged on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. This fee results in higher rates for borrowers, and mortgage rates for loans not expected to close within the next month or so have begun to reflect this coming increase in guarantee fees.