Cory Smith, First State Bank, NMLS# 1813080

06/02/2026

One of the most important conversations I have with homebuyers isn't about interest rates or loan programs.

It's about life.

What does your monthly budget need to look like so you can still enjoy family vacations, date nights, hobbies, and the things that matter most to you?

A mortgage should support your goals, not consume them.

Just because you qualify for a certain payment doesn't mean that's the right payment for your family. The best loan isn't always the biggest loan—it's the one that allows you to comfortably live the life you want while building a future through homeownership.

That's why I believe in finding the mortgage that fits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Because at the end of the day, your home should be a blessing, not a burden.

If you're thinking about buying a home, let's build a plan that works for your life.

06/01/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a home is that everything has to be perfect before you can qualify for a mortgage.

The truth? It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be possible.

Most homebuyers don't fit neatly into a perfect little box. Maybe your credit score isn't exactly where you want it to be. Maybe you're carrying some debt. Maybe your down payment isn't as large as you'd hoped. That's okay.

In my experience, the pieces rarely fit together perfectly. What matters is finding the right loan program that fits YOUR situation, YOUR goals, and YOUR budget.

A mortgage isn't about perfection—it's about possibility.

05/29/2026

To all of the graduating seniors in our surrounding communities, congratulations! Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have brought you to this milestone, and that is something worth celebrating.

Whether your next step is college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce, we hope you pursue it with confidence, integrity, and a willingness to keep learning along the way.

Thank you for the positive impact you've already made in our communities. We are excited to see where life takes you next.

From my family and all of us at First State Bank, we wish you success, happiness, and God's blessings as you begin this next journey.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice purchased freedoms we should never take for granted. Grateful today and always. 🇺🇸

05/07/2026

Got to spend time with a great group of people today!

Huge thank you to Corey Smith with First State Bank for taking the time to come speak with our agents at today’s monthly meeting! 👏

We truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and walking us through all things lending—from current loan options to what’s happening in today’s market. Your insight helps our agents better serve their clients and navigate the home buying process with confidence.

It’s partnerships like these that make a difference, and we’re grateful to have trusted professionals like you as a resource for our team! 🙌

Looking forward to continuing to learn and grow together!

04/18/2026

So good to have you as our neighbors! You all are so kind and gracious. Looking forward to watching your continued success!

We’re feeling so grateful and excited as we settle into our new office space! A huge thank you to the wonderful team at First State Bank for such a warm welcome—they’ve truly made us feel right at home. We’re beyond thankful for their kindness and so happy to be neighbors!

01/08/2026

Homebuilder confidence rose to 39 in December, the highest level since April, though it remains below the 50 growth threshold. Encouragingly, expectations for future sales increased by one point and stayed above 50 for the third straight month.

01/07/2026

When it comes to refinancing, less stress can mean more progress.

A streamlined refinance is designed to make the process easier—often with no appraisal, no income verification, and no credit re-check. That means fewer hurdles, less paperwork, and a faster path forward.

If improving your payment or loan terms could help you move ahead with more confidence and less stress, a streamlined refinance may be worth exploring. I’m here to answer questions and help you decide what makes sense for your goals.

01/07/2026

Existing home closings edged up 0.5% in November, extending gains for a third straight month. Housing inventory dropped nearly 6% from October, though it’s still 7.5% above last year’s level.

Pending Home Sales – signed contracts for existing homes – rose 3.3% from October to November. Compared to a year ago, they were up 2.6%.

01/06/2026

As you set your goals for the New Year, ask yourself—does homeownership make the list for 2026?

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. Let’s visit, talk through your plans, and build a clear path forward. Having the right information and a solid plan can make all the difference in moving forward with confidence.

I’m here to help you navigate the process and support you every step of the way as you work toward your homeownership goals.