First Creek Lending LLC NMLS 1544299

06/12/2026

06/10/2026

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 — What is the difference between a mortgage interest rate and an APR?

©2026 First Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.com

06/06/2026

Welcome home and congratulations to all of the homebuyers who purchased a new home from Boulder Creek Neighborhoods in May.

We appreciate the opportunity to help with your financing and be part of your homebuying journey. Wishing you many happy memories in your new home.

©2026 First Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.com

06/02/2026

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 Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.com

05/27/2026

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 Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.com

05/18/2026

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 Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.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 Creek Lending, a dba of Southern Lending Services, Ltd., 630 Front St., Suite 101, Louisville, CO 80027. NMLS # 342900. www.FCDisclaimers.com

Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score.

01/24/2024

4.66 star review received on Experience.com for Trevor Bellows by James C S - Trevor was very pleasant to work with and was able to keep things on track.

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