From the Desk of Bill

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

Fixed Rate vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages

You are ready to apply for a mortgage. Your question? Should you take out a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate? As with most mortgage questions, there is no one…

What People Say About Bill

“I am a real estate agent and I have worked with Bill Starr financing my clients but this was the first time I refinanced my own property. This was the easiest transaction I have ever had with financing. Thank you so much!”
Rickie B.

From the Desk of Greg

Saving for a Down Payment on a Home

Owning a home instead of renting is often a wise financial move. It allows you to reduce your overall monthly costs while you build equity in real property. The biggest…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

What People Say About Greg

From the Desk of Terry

Finding a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents fill important roles in the home buying and selling process. Finding the right real estate agent for your situation may take a little time, but it is…

How a Smart Home Can Save You Money

Smart homes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, comfort, and security benefits. However, one of the most significant advantages of having a smart home is that it can…

How Much Home Can I Afford?

So, you’re ready to buy a home, but don’t know how much you can afford? Discover the simple steps you can take to determine the right amount!

What People Say About Terry

“Terry and everyone at FFL were WONDERFUL! We had a very fast close and everyone was on top of everything with very little issues. Extremely satisfied!”
Robert and Margarita

From the Desk of Brian

Compare Two Mortgage Loans

When purchasing a home the mortgage you choose and the options you choose with it will have significant impact on how much your home costs you in the long run.…

Closing on a Home

Owning a home. It is the American dream, right? However, once you get started on your path to home ownership, you will find that there is much work in the…

Home Affordability

If you are starting your search for a home and considering a home loan, you should use this handy financial tool to first calculate how much you can afford. Your…

From the Desk of Joshua

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

From the Desk of Nancy

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

What People Say About Nancy

From the Desk of Scott

Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

You have found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. You have even determined that you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments…

Buying vs Renting a Home

Does it make more sense to rent than to buy? That has been a long-running debate in this country. However, the question is flawed: There is no correct answer. There…

Down Payment Assistance Programs

For those at the low-to-moderate-income level, the most substantial barrier to homeownership are the closing costs and a down payment associated with obtaining a mortgage loan. Because of this, most…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

What People Say About Scott

I can’t say enough good things about Scott Parker. He made the loan application process easy, and worked hard to meet our tight closing timeline. His communication was excellent, proactively contacting me when necessary, and responding quickly when I had a question. Overall excellent experience!
Megan & Nicholas G.

From the Desk of Greg

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

Saving for a Down Payment on a Home

Owning a home instead of renting is often a wise financial move. It allows you to reduce your overall monthly costs while you build equity in real property. The biggest…

What People Say About Greg

“Very happy with the service, the bank and especially Greg Palumbo!!!”
Evangelos B.

From the Desk of Mark

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

From the Desk of Matthew

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

Buying a Vacation Home

It is something many families dream of: Owning a small cottage by the lake, a cabin in the mountains, or a beach bungalow they can visit on long weekends, during…

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…

From the Desk of Dave

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

What People Say About Dave

From the Desk of Sherry

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

Down Payment Assistance Programs

For those at the low-to-moderate-income level, the most substantial barrier to homeownership are the closing costs and a down payment associated with obtaining a mortgage loan. Because of this, most…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

What People Say About Sherry

“Sherry is the best! Smart, hardworking, professional and responsible! The best possible outcome carried out in the best possible manner is what I came to expect and was delivered by Sherry!”
Steven E.

From the Desk of Pete

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

Calculate a Mortgage Payment

Repayment of a mortgage loan requires that the borrower make a monthly payment back to the lender. That monthly payment includes both repayment of the loan principal, plus monthly interest…

Finding a Mortgage

Ready to test your knowledge? You’ll have ten multiple choice questions to answer. Click on each question to reveal the question and multiple choice answers. After you’ve completed answering all…

Fixed Rate vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages

You are ready to apply for a mortgage. Your question? Should you take out a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate? As with most mortgage questions, there is no one…

What People Say About Pete

From the Desk of Christopher

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

Buying a Home with a Friend

Buying a home can be a wise financial decision because it allows you to make an investment rather than spending money on rent each month and getting nothing to keep…

What People Say About Christopher

“Chris Johnson went above and beyond to assist us during the construction loan process. We were very pleased with the promptness of his communication. Overall, the experience was great and we would definitely recommend First Federal Lending to anyone looking to build a new home.”
Travis & Michelle E.

From the Desk of Marina

Fixed Rate vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages

You are ready to apply for a mortgage. Your question? Should you take out a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate? As with most mortgage questions, there is no one…

Home Affordability

If you are starting your search for a home and considering a home loan, you should use this handy financial tool to first calculate how much you can afford. Your…

House, Townhome, or Condo?

The real estate market offers many different housing options. Depending on your life stage, financial resources, and where you are on your financial journey, one type might work better than…

From the Desk of Sharon

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…

From the Desk of Brent

Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

You have found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. You have even determined that you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments…

Building a Home Buying Team

Buying a home can be complex. Since it’s probably one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, it’s a good idea to assemble a team to…

Buying a Home from a Family Member

When you have a parent, sibling, or another family member who is planning to move, you may be able to be first in line to buy their home. Plus, they…

Buying vs Renting a Home

Does it make more sense to rent than to buy? That has been a long-running debate in this country. However, the question is flawed: There is no correct answer. There…

From the Desk of Beth

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…

Finding a Mortgage

Ready to test your knowledge? You’ll have ten multiple choice questions to answer. Click on each question to reveal the question and multiple choice answers. After you’ve completed answering all…

What People Say About Beth

“First Federal Lakewood is a great bank, I’m a very happy customer. More importantly, Beth Ann Silverman is a joy and pleasure to work with. I am not shy about referring her to my friends and co-workers. She is excellent.
Matthew M.

From the Desk of Caroline Purcell

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

Buying a Home with a Friend

Buying a home can be a wise financial decision because it allows you to make an investment rather than spending money on rent each month and getting nothing to keep…

Buying a Vacation Home

It is something many families dream of: Owning a small cottage by the lake, a cabin in the mountains, or a beach bungalow they can visit on long weekends, during…

What People Say About Caroline

From the Desk of Alex

Buying Down an Interest Rate with Points

As a savvy consumer, you should always be looking for ways to shave some money from your monthly budget. Even small adjustments can add up to significant savings over the…

Buying vs Renting a Home

Does it make more sense to rent than to buy? That has been a long-running debate in this country. However, the question is flawed: There is no correct answer. There…

Calculate a Mortgage Payment

Repayment of a mortgage loan requires that the borrower make a monthly payment back to the lender. That monthly payment includes both repayment of the loan principal, plus monthly interest…

What People Say About Alex

“Alex Dickos and Elisabeth Lang were a great team to work with! Thank you for all of your help.”
Kimberly R.

From the Desk of Jack

A Financial “To-Do List” When You Move

Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. What with organizing your belongings and packing them up, as well as sorting out the general moving logistics, it is no wonder…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

You have found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. You have even determined that you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments…

From the Desk of Brent

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…

Being Pre-Qualified vs. Being Pre-Approved

Pre-qualified and pre-approved are some of the most common terms you may encounter when applying for a mortgage. Unfortunately, most people often use these two phrases interchangeably, not knowing they…

Building a Home Buying Team

Buying a home can be complex. Since it’s probably one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, it’s a good idea to assemble a team to…

What People Say About Brent

From the Desk of Don

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…

Add to Your Monthly Payment and Save Money

On any loan, your monthly payment is divided between two purposes. First, part of the payment is used to cover the interest that has accrued on your balance since you…

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Analyzer

Adjustable rate mortgages typically offer home buyers the advantage of having a lower mortgage payment during the initial period of the mortgage. Adjustable rate mortgages are typically offered on a…

What People Say About Don

“My wife and I are first time home buyers and First Federal Lakewood has made this purchase a very easy transaction. Don, you and your team are fantastic, I hope to work with you in the future.”
Andrew & Katherine E.

From the Desk of Lisa

Calculate a Mortgage Payment

Repayment of a mortgage loan requires that the borrower make a monthly payment back to the lender. That monthly payment includes both repayment of the loan principal, plus monthly interest…

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…