First Creek Lending LLC NMLS 1544299

09/02/2026

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

Myth: You Have To Find a Home Before Talking to a Lender

It may seem like house hunting should come first, but speaking with a lender early can be one of the smartest first steps. Before you fall in love with a home, it helps to understand your estimated budget, financing options, and monthly payment range.

Starting with a lender can also help uncover issues early, whether that is documentation, credit, or cash needed to close. That way, you can shop with more confidence and avoid surprises later.

Before you start touring homes, it’s a good idea to understand your financing picture.

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

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

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

08/19/2026

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

08/09/2026

Welcome home and congratulations to all our homebuyers who purchased a new home in July.

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

07/29/2026

Review Before You Close

As you near the end of your home-financing journey, one of the most important documents you’ll receive is your Closing Disclosure.

This document shows the final details of your mortgage loan, including:
• Loan terms
• Projected monthly payment
• Closing costs
• Other fees and charges

Lenders are generally required to provide the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing, giving you time to review the numbers and ask questions.

Before you sign, compare it to your Loan Estimate to make sure the terms are what you expected.

Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-closing-disclosure-en-1983/

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

07/23/2026

🏡 Home of the Week | 14123 Blue Stem St.

Some homes simply give you more ways to live well.

This quicker move-in opportunity at Dillon Pointe is thoughtfully designed for everyday comfort, with two main-floor suites, a dedicated study, and a finished lower level that gives you the flexibility to host guests, pursue hobbies, or spread out when family visits.

✨ Move-in ready in mid-August
🛏️ 4 bedrooms, including 2 main-floor suites
📚 Dedicated main-floor study
🛋️ Finished lower level
🚗 2-car garage with a storage bay for bikes, golf clubs, or your favorite gear
🌅 West-facing great room filled with afternoon and evening light
📝 Investment: $1,190,218

At 3,620 square feet, this home offers space where it matters most—all within Dillon Pointe's intimate Broomfield enclave designed for lower-maintenance living.

Explore the floorplan: https://na2.hubs.ly/H06Rj2H0

07/21/2026

Why Appraisals Matter

As part of our ongoing consumer education series, today we want to talk about appraisals and why they matter.

An appraisal is an estimate of a home’s value completed by a qualified appraiser. During the mortgage process, the lender may order an appraisal to help confirm that the home’s value supports the amount being financed. The appraiser reviews the property, its features, and recent sales of similar homes in the area.

An appraisal is not the same as a home inspection. It focuses on the property’s value, while an inspection focuses on the home’s condition.

In most cases, you will receive a copy of the appraisal or other property valuation completed for your mortgage.

Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-appraisals-and-why-do-i-need-to-look-at-them-en-167/

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