First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321

Home
United States
Houston, TX
First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321

10/14/2026

Today’s adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are different from many of the riskier loans associated with the 2008 housing crisis. With stronger lending standards and built-in protections, ARMs may offer a smart alternative to traditional fixed-rate financing.

• Potentially lower rate and lower monthly payments
• Rate stability with fixed rate for the first 5, 7, or 10 years
• Built-in rate caps and protections and stronger lending standards

Today’s ARMs may be a good fit for you if you want lower initial payments or expect to move or refinance in the future.

PRO TIP: Talk to your loan originator to see if an ARM may be a financing option for your new home.

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

10/09/2026

Myth: Lowest Rate = Best Loan

A low interest rate can be attractive, but it does not always mean a loan is the best fit. Consider the APR, upfront costs, loan type, mortgage insurance, and how long you expect to keep the loan.

A lower rate may come with higher upfront costs. Depending on your budget and plans, a loan with a slightly higher rate and lower upfront costs may make more sense.

The best loan is the one that fits your situation, not simply the one with the lowest advertised rate.

PRO TIP: Ask your loan originator to compare monthly payments and upfront costs side by side so you can understand the tradeoffs.

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

09/24/2026

Myth: Your Mortgage Payment Is Only Principal and Interest

Many buyers hear a mortgage rate or loan amount and assume they know what their monthly payment will be. But a full monthly housing payment may include more than principal and interest.

Depending on the loan and property, a monthly housing payment may also include property taxes, homeowner insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues if applicable. That is why it is important to look at the complete estimated monthly payment when comparing your options, not just an interest rate or principal and interest payment.

Pro Tip: Ask your Loan Originator to walk you through the full estimated monthly payment so you know what to expect.

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

09/22/2026

We’re continuing our series debunking common homebuying myths. Next up:

Myth: Your Down Payment Is Your Only Upfront Cost

Your down payment is an important part of buying a home, but it may not be the only cost to plan for. Buyers may also need to budget for closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, an appraisal, a home inspection, and other transaction-related expenses.

That doesn’t mean buying a home is out of reach. It simply means planning ahead matters. Understanding the full picture can help you avoid surprises and prepare with more confidence.

Pro Tip: Ask for a full estimate early so you can plan for more than just the down payment.

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

09/02/2026

Continuing our series debunking common homebuying myths, here is one many first-time buyers hear:

Myth: You need perfect credit to buy a home.

The truth is, you do not need perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage. Your credit score is an important part of the loan process, but different loan programs have different credit requirements.

A higher credit score may help you qualify for better loan terms, but less-than-perfect credit does not automatically mean homeownership is out of reach. And if your credit needs some work, there may be steps you can take to improve your position before you buy.

Not sure where you stand? Start with a conversation with a loan professional to learn what options may be available to you.

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

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

Address

6002 Rogerdale Road
Houston, TX
77072

Website

https://www.firstcontinentalmtg.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321:

Want your business to be the top-listed finance company in Houston?