Casey Sorensen of First Federal Bank, NMLS 648875

09/15/2026

🏡 Ready to Build Your New Home?
Building a home means making a lot of exciting decisions—from the lot and floor plan to the finishes that make it yours.

Don’t forget about the financing. Understanding your Construction-to-Permanent options early can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
At First Federal Bank, we offer multiple construction financing options designed to help eligible homebuyers explore financing for their new home.

🔨 Thinking about building? Let’s talk about your options.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902 | Loan programs subject to credit approval and underwriting requirements.

09/02/2026

🏡 Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are reducing their asking prices, and the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in five years, according to recent housing market data.
Every home and market is different, but understanding current pricing trends can help you have a more informed conversation about your home-buying options.

As a First Federal Bank Loan Officer, I’m here to help you review financing options and understand what may fit your individual situation.
Have questions about buying a home? Send me a message to start the conversation.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

Source: Housingwire Data, How Much are Sellers Cutting Home Prices, August 2026

08/27/2026

Thinking About Selling? A Little Preparation Can Go a Long Way. 🏡

If you’re considering selling your home, you may want to think about what a buyer’s inspection could uncover.

One option to consider is a pre-listing inspection. Having a professional evaluate your home before you list may help identify potential maintenance or repair items and give you more information as you prepare for the selling process.

Every home is different, and a pre-listing inspection may not be right for everyone. But knowing more about your home before listing can help you have a better understanding of what to expect.

Thinking about selling or making a move? Let's connect to discuss mortgage financing options and what may come next.

First Federal Bank| Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

Source: Redfin. com, Nearly 1 in 7 Home Sales Are Falling Through, a Record for This Time of Year, February 2026

08/19/2026

Repeat buyers, your home equity may be an important part of your next move.

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. When you sell, that equity may become available to put toward your next home purchase, including your down payment.

For some repeat buyers, that can make a larger down payment an option. But putting 20% down isn’t the right choice for everyone.

A larger down payment generally means borrowing less. The impact on your monthly payment, overall loan costs, and available financing options will depend on the loan program and your individual circumstances. Depending on the loan program and other factors, putting less than 20% down may also involve private mortgage insurance (PMI).

The right down payment can depend on your goals, budget, loan program and overall financial picture.
Thinking about your next move? Let’s talk through your options.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902


Down payment requirements and available loan programs vary. Consult your loan officer regarding your specific circumstances.
Source: National Association of Realtors®, Highlights from the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, July 2026

08/10/2026

Putting off selling because it feels like the market is at a standstill?

While the pace has cooled in some areas, homes continue to change hands across the country every day. Current industry projections estimate that more than 4 million existing homes could sell this year.
That works out to approximately:

🏡 11,000+ homes per day
⏰ Nearly 470 per hour
🔑 About 8 per minute

Every local market is different, and real estate activity varies by location, price point, and property condition. If you're wondering what today's market could mean for your home, talking with a local real estate professional can help you better understand your options.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

Source: National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Existing Home Sales data and 2026 sales projections, June 2026

08/05/2026

For the 14th year in a row, Americans ranked real estate as the best long-term investment. *

That result reflects how many people view homeownership as a long-term goal, even as market conditions change.

For many, buying a home is about more than finances—it's about having a place to call your own and putting down roots in a community.

If you're thinking about buying a home, let's connect. I'd be happy to answer your questions, discuss the home financing process, and help you understand the options that may fit your individual situation.

What would you choose as the best long-term investment? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902


*Based on annual Gallup survey results (Survey results reflect consumer opinions and are not a guarantee of future performance or appreciation).

07/15/2026

First-time homebuyers are making up a larger share of today's housing market.

Recent market data shows first-time buyers accounted for 35% of home purchases in May—their highest share since 2020. As more homes become available, some buyers are finding opportunities they may not have considered before.

If you are thinking about purchasing your first home, I'd be happy to be a resource to discuss mortgage options and the home financing process.

Let's connect.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902
Advertisement for credit. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. Rates and terms may change and vary by credit profile and loan features. Not all applicants qualify.



Source: NAR, NAR Revises 2026 Outlook, First-Time Buyers Surge to 35% of Market, June 2026

07/03/2026

06/29/2026

🏡 Don't skip over that home that's been sitting on the market.

A longer time on the market doesn't always mean there's something wrong with the home. In many cases, it could mean an opportunity for buyers.

Sellers may be more open to negotiating on price, closing costs, or other terms—helping make homeownership more affordable.
If you're struggling to find a home within your budget, let's talk.

As a First Federal Bank Loan Officer, I can help you explore financing options and identify opportunities that fit your goals.

📞 Reach out today to learn more.



Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

Source: Realtor. com, Why You Shouldn't Automatically Skip a Home on the Market for a Long Time, June 2026

06/22/2026

A few years ago, sellers could often decline almost every buyer request.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today, the market looks a little different.

According to Zillow, 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer’s closing costs. (Source: Zillow, How to Get the Seller to Pay for Closing Costs, March 2026)

That does not mean every transaction will look the same. It does mean negotiation has become a more common part of the process again. In some situations, seller-paid closing costs may help reduce a buyer’s upfront cash needed at closing. In others, repairs, pricing, or a different concession may be the better option. It depends on the home, the buyer, the competition, and what is happening in the local market.

The key is understanding what options may be available in your area and how those negotiations could affect your home purchase.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send me a message or leave a comment below.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902