First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders

04/22/2026

The net worth of a homeowner may be 43x greater than that of a renter (based on national averages; individual results will vary). (Source: NAR, Homeowners Are 43 Times Wealthier Than Renters, March 2026)

And even if renting feels like the easier move right now, that’s a number that may stick with you – because it shows what’s at stake over time.

Buying can feel out of reach. But when’s the last time you actually ran the numbers? Because, you might be closer than you think, depending on your financial situation and market conditions.

Now that doesn’t mean you have to buy today. But you should at least know your options and what it would take to get there.

Want to stop renting and start building something for yourself? Drop a comment below to connect with one of our loan officers.

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

03/18/2026

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

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

It is 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)

Drop a comment below to connect with one of our loan officers today!

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

03/12/2026

Our very own Marquise Mansaw, Residential Operations Manager at First Federal Bank, had the honor of speaking at today’s MBA Exec Women’s Lunch. Marquise inspired attendees with her journey and passion for leadership, mentorship, and empowering women in business. Thank you, Marquise, for representing First Federal Bank and leading by example!
© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

02/24/2026

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 a First Federal Bank Loan Officer today!

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

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. Connect with one of our loan officers to review current rates and see what options may be available to you.
© First Federal Bank | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

01/16/2026

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 a First Federal Bank Loan Officer today!

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

12/24/2025

We are proud to share that FFBML has been recognized by LendingTree as a Q3 2025 Top 10 Rated Lender for Customer Service in Mortgage Lending.

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to putting our customers first—through clear communication, responsive support, and a smooth mortgage experience from start to finish. Thank you to our clients for your trust and to our team for consistently delivering exceptional service.

https://hubs.ly/Q03Y_KY70

(Reviews are hosted on third-party site. Individual experiences may vary)

© 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 a First Federal Bank Loan Officer 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 considering moving and want to be prepared, connect with one of our loan officers to discuss your options.


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

12/03/2025

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

06/16/2025

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Jaime Ortiz by Apolonia A J - Jaime has excellent teamwork

Click to see all 85 reviews of Jaime Ortiz, Senior Mortgage Lender NMLS #1071587

06/15/2025

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for JR Mills by Brooks B - Working with Ron on our recent home purchase at 490 Mountain View Drive was truly an outstanding experience. As experienced VA borrowers, we’ve worked with lenders before, but Ron stood out as one of the most communicative, knowledgeable, and client-focused professionals we’ve had the pleasure of working with. Ron was consistently responsive and available, often communicating at all times of the day to ensure we stayed on track. He never left us waiting for answers and made sure every question was addressed clearly and promptly. His proactive approach kept everyone aligned throughout the process and eliminated guesswork on our part. From the start, Ron’s guidance was grounded in transparency and professionalism. He explained every term, fee, and timeline in detail, allowing us to fully understand what we were agreeing to. When we encountered a rate discrepancy on the Closing Disclosure, Ron identified the issue immediately, explained the correction process, and made sure the document accurately reflected the rate we had locked. Ron gave us sound, strategic advice that made a measurable difference in our outcome. He advised us to lock in our interest rate ahead of a market-moving news event that ultimately caused rates to rise. Because of his insight, we were able to secure a significantly better rate. His deep knowledge of VA loans and the broader lending landscape gave us confidence at every stage. Ron walked us through the final lender steps with precision. He helped us confirm that every allowable credit was applied and made sure we didn’t leave any money on the table. His coordination with the title company, appraisal team, and underwriters ensured that the transaction moved smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Even as experienced buyers, having someone like Ron in our corner made the process more manageable and less stressful. His steady presence and clear explanations helped us stay informed and comfortable, even as we approached critical milestones like the VA Notice of Value, final underwriting review, and Closing Disclosure. Ron delivered exceptional service at every step of the lending process. He was thoughtful, responsive, detail-oriented, and genuinely invested in our success. If you’re looking for a loan officer who communicates clearly, understands the VA loan process inside and out, and provides smart, proactive advice—Ron is the person you want on your team. We are deeply appreciative of his effort and professionalism, and we would recommend him without hesitation to anyone purchasing a home with a VA loan.

Click to see all 19 reviews of JR Mills, Sr. Mortgage Lender