Donna Cox of First Federal Bank, NMLS 1124315

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Donna Cox of First Federal Bank, NMLS 1124315

NMLS #1124315
Equal Housing Lender Equal Housing Lender NMLS #1124315

03/27/2026

Mortgage rates have been a bit volatile these last few weeks.

And while it may feel a little nerve-wrecking if you’re planning to buy, that volatility is actually normal when there’s economic uncertainty or global events impacting the market.

It doesn't mean you can’t buy right now. It just means we’re in a moment where rates may bounce around a bit more. And you can’t control that.

But you could set yourself up to get a competitive rate based on your qualifications when you buy.

My advice? Focus on what you can control, like your credit score, loan type, and loan term. All three of those could impact what rate you’ll ultimately be able to get.

So, talk to a lender you trust about your options and what you can do. If you want to buy, we can still make this happen.
© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.

03/18/2026

What’s the best time of year to sell? It’s a question I get all the time.

One season usually rises to the top for motivated sellers: Spring.

It’s the peak buying season in the housing market, so we may see more buyers, more offers, and more home sales.

And with mortgage rates at 3-year lows right now, buyers could be ready to act. (Source: Showing Time/ Showing Index, February 2026)

Let’s get your house in front of them.
© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902
# FirstFederalBank

02/27/2026

Home affordability is at its strongest level in 4 years, according to the ICE Mortgage Monitor Report (February 2026).

That’s thanks to: Mortgage rates moderating from recent peaks. Slower home price growth. And rising wages.

And while the affordability problem isn’t solved, some buyers may find the numbers work better today.

If buying didn’t make sense for you last year, take another look.

Have you re-run the math on your move yet? Contact me to see if it changes when you're ready to buy.

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

02/23/2026

If you’re seeing that January home sales slowed down, you may wonder what that means for the housing market. Here's what you need to know.

That’s not because of any big drop off in demand. It’s a combination of normal seasonality and the weather.

January is typically a slower month. Plus, this January was packed with winter storms that slowed down inspections, appraisals, and final walkthroughs across much of the country. That’s causing a delay in sales, too. (Source: Home Sales Nosedive in January Despite Easing Mortgage Rates, February, 2026)

Don’t confuse a weather-impacted month with a market losing steam. History shows the pace of sales could pick back up in February as the spring market starts to take off.

If you’re thinking about selling and want to know what’s happening in our market as we head into spring, let’s break it down locally. Contact me today!

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

02/06/2026

Buying your first home can feel like a tough matchup today – which is why so many first-time buyers stay on the sidelines, waiting for an assist from the market.

But the buyers who actually win don’t wait for the market to help them out. They take the ball and run. And here are some ways you can do that.

With the right prep, maybe you’re not watching the big game at someone else’s house next year. You’re watching it from your own living room.

If buying before next season is on your radar, let’s build a game plan to help make it possible.

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902
All loans subject to credit and property approval. Programs may vary by eligibility and location.

01/30/2026

Big news for homebuyers! 🎉
Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest point in nearly 3 years - and experts predict they’ll stay favorable through 2026. (Source: Mortgage News Daily, 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates, January 2026)
What could this mean for you?
Potentially lower monthly payments
Improved affordability for qualified borrowers
Increased purchasing power, depending on loan terms and credit profile
If you’ve been waiting to explore your options, now may be a good time to revisit your homebuying plans. Let’s connect to review current rates and see what options may be available to you.
© First Federal Bank | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

01/17/2026

Many first-time buyers hit the same wall: saving enough for their down payment.

In fact, a study found 31% of first-time buyers say it’s the hardest part of the entire homebuying process.(Source: Help exists for cash-strapped homebuyers — but many don’t know it, Housingwire, September 2025)

But here’s something that could make that a whole lot easier.

Even though most people aren’t aware, there are 2,624 down payment assistance programs available right now. And, qualified buyers could receive an average of $17k to use toward their purchase.

That’s real money that can help you buy sooner than you ever thought possible.

Want to see what you could qualify for? Contact me today!

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

01/08/2026

The 2025 housing market continued to evolve:

Inventory expanded nationwide, average rates shifted lower than the prior year, homeowners gained more equity, and millions of families made a move.

I’m continuing to track these changes closely – reach out anytime for local housing trends.
(Source: Cotality, U.S. Home Equity Dips Further This Fall, December 2025)

©First Federal Bank | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

12/17/2025

Your next home doesn’t need to check every box on your wish list. It just needs to check the right ones.

Even though affordability is improving, it still could be tight for many buyers. And the people who are moving right now could realize one thing can make the process a whole lot easier: a flexible wish list.

Cotality found 70% of buyers ended up compromising on one or more wish list item. And for those buyers, that simple shift opened up more homes that fit both their needs and their budget. (Source: From House to Home-Cotality Report, December 2025)

When was the last time you took a look at your wish list and sorted it into what's truly a must-have and what's a nice perk?

If you want help or want an expert’s insights (based on general market trends) on what to prioritize in our local market, contact me today.

A little flexibility can open up a lot more opportunity.

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

12/09/2025

Online searches for “homes for sale” are up more than 20% since last year. (Source: Redfin Reports Pending Home Sales Slip As Would-Be Buyers Wait For Lower Rates and Economic Clarity, November 2025)

Now, that doesn’t mean buyers are flooding the market. But it does suggest interest may be picking back up.

If you’ve been wondering whether anyone’s even looking right now, this may be a good sign the market isn’t frozen.

There are buyers out there doing their homework and preparing for their next move.

If you're thinking about your own next steps and want to make sure you're prepared, let’s talk strategy.

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

11/20/2025

Buying a home when you have student loans is possible.
Data shows 32% of first-time buyers have student debt. And the typical amount is $30,000 (Source: 2025 Homebuyers and Sellers Generational Trend Report, NAR, November 2025).

So, if you’ve been holding off on buying your first home because you thought you had to pay off those loans first.

Or, because you assumed it just wasn’t possible for you to buy, let's chat today.

All loans are subject to credit approval and program eligibility.
© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

10/29/2025

Think investors are driving up home prices? Recent data suggest other factors may be at play.

Last year, just 2.8% of homes were bought by large investors. That means the vast majority were purchased by regular buyers, not big corporate giants.

So, what’s really affecting prices? A long-term housing shortage.
Simply put, there haven’t been enough homes available for everyone who wants to buy one.

Curious what that means for our area? Let's connect!
© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

Address

804
Live Oak, FL
32064

Website

http://www.ffbf.com/donna-cox

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