First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321

08/24/2026

Following up on our Home Financing Basics series, we thought the next logical step was to debunk some of the most common homebuying myths.

One of the biggest is that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home.

In reality, qualified buyers may have several down payment options, including low- and even 0% down programs for eligible borrowers. Down payment assistance may also be available depending on the program and buyer qualifications.

The right financing option depends on your credit, income, financial situation, and the home you are purchasing. Before assuming you need 20% down, talk with a loan professional and find out what options may be available to you.

Contact your loan originator to learn more about available programs, eligibility requirements, and complete program details.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

07/16/2026

As part of our ongoing Mortgage Basics series, we’re breaking down the documents and terms you may encounter during the home financing process. After you apply for a mortgage, one of the first important documents you’ll receive is a Loan Estimate.

It provides an overview of the loan you requested, including:
• Loan amount and interest rate
• Estimated monthly payment
• Estimated property taxes and insurance
• Closing costs
• Estimated cash needed to close

Review your Loan Estimate carefully to make sure the loan terms match what you discussed with your lender. Remember that the monthly principal and interest amount may not represent your total payment once taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance—if applicable—are included.

If anything looks different or is unclear, ask your loan officer questions early in the process.

Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-loan-estimate-en-1995/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

06/25/2026

As you learn more about the mortgage process, you may hear the word “escrow.”

An escrow account is often set up by a lender or servicer to help pay certain property-related expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. Instead of paying those larger bills once or twice a year, a portion may be collected with your monthly mortgage payment.

Because taxes and insurance premiums can change, your escrow payment — and your total monthly payment — may also change over time.

Source: CFPB — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-an-escrow-or-impound-account-en-140/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

06/16/2026

Paying mortgage points at closing may be a way for homebuyers to lower their interest rate.

A “point” is an upfront cost paid at closing. In exchange, the borrower may receive a lower interest rate, which could reduce the monthly mortgage payment over time. One point equals one percent of the loan amount. In some cases, a seller incentive may be used to help pay for points, depending on the loan program, contract terms, and available seller concessions. This may allow the buyer to reduce their interest rate without paying the full cost of the points out of pocket.

Using points to “buy down” an interest rate can be helpful for buyers who plan to keep the loan long enough for the monthly savings to outweigh the upfront cost. That is why it is important to understand the “break-even point” before deciding whether paying points makes sense.

The right option depends on the loan, available funds, monthly budget, seller credits available, and how long the homeowner expects to keep the mortgage. Your loan originator can help compare the options side by side.

Source: CFPB - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-should-i-use-lender-credits-and-points-also-called-discount-points-en-136/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

06/11/2026

Interest Rate and APR Are Not the Same

As part of our Homebuying Basics series, we’re breaking down two terms you will often see together: interest rate and APR.

The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money for your mortgage, expressed as a percentage.

APR, or annual percentage rate, provides a broader view of the cost of the loan because it reflects the interest rate plus certain points, fees, and other charges.

That is why the APR is usually higher than the interest rate. Reviewing both can help you better understand the cost of a mortgage as you consider your financing options.

Have questions? We are happy to explain the details.

Source: CFPB — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-mortgage-interest-rate-and-an-apr-en-135/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

06/03/2026

When preparing to buy a home, the down payment is only one part of the upfront costs to plan for.

Homebuyers may also need to prepare for closing costs, prepaid expenses, escrow deposits, title-related fees, government fees, and other expenses associated with the purchase of a home. Some costs are typically paid at closing, while certain ongoing expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance, may be included in your monthly mortgage payment if an escrow account is used.

Your loan originator can provide a detailed explanation of the costs associated with your purchase and help you understand what to expect. Be sure to also ask whether any seller incentives may be available to help cover eligible closing expenses.

Understanding these costs early can help you prepare more confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.

Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Mortgage Closing Costs – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-costs-come-with-taking-out-a-mortgage-en-153/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

05/27/2026

De-bunking the 20% downpayment myth.

A common homebuying myth is that you need 20% down to buy a home.

While a larger down payment may help lower your monthly payment, reduce mortgage insurance costs, or improve financing options, many buyers purchase a home with less than 20% down.

The amount needed can depend on the loan program, lender requirements, property type, and your overall financial profile. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional loans, and down payment assistance programs may offer different options for eligible buyers.

If you're thinking about buying a to-be-built home or a quick move-in home, it's worth asking what down payment options may be available based on your situation.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

05/22/2026

Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about credit and financing basics. Now it’s time to move our discussion more towards homebuying basics and mortgage readiness. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home, a good first step is understanding your budget, credit, monthly expenses, and available down payment. The more prepared you are upfront, the easier it is to move through the homebuying process with confidence. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

05/05/2026

Does requesting my credit report hurt my credit score?

As part of our Credit & Financing Basics series we’ve been talking a lot about your credit report; however, you may wonder if checking your credit report hurts your credit score? We can settle that with one word. No. Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score. Checking your own credit report is not an inquiry about new credit, so it has no effect on your score. In fact, reviewing your credit report regularly can help you make sure the information the credit reporting companies share with lenders is accurate and up to date. You can review your credit report online for free once a week, from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can also request a copy of your credit report by mail once every 12 months from each of the three companies.

Additional information can be found on the CFPB website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/does-requesting-my-credit-report-hurt-my-credit-score-en-1229/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score.

04/29/2026

Credit Report Errors to Look For

As part of our Credit & Financing Basics series, it’s important to know that credit reports can sometimes contain errors. Common issues may include incorrect personal information, accounts that don’t belong to you, duplicate accounts, or signs of identity theft. Reviewing your credit report regularly can help you catch mistakes early and protect your credit standing. Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-common-credit-report-errors-that-i-should-look-for-on-my-credit-report-en-313/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

When reviewing your credit report, check that it contains only items about you. Be sure to look for information that is inaccurate or incomplete.