First Federal Bank Blog

If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these...

When it comes to a mortgage and the financial stability of your home, there's no such thing as too much you can know in the case of keeping your biggest investment safe. If you're looking at paying off debt and are considering using the equity in your home, here are a few things you'll need to know about refinancing your mortgage and home equity...

After you have completed the initial loan application and have signed the preliminary loan disclosures, your mortgage loan application will generally receive a preliminary prequalification. This prequalification will be based in large part on your ability to provide documentation to support your statements on your loan application, including your...

If you have a mortgage, you're probably looking for the best option to pay it off. Monthly mortgage payments are an easy-to-manage way to pay for your house- in fact, they're the most common form of mortgage payment  but now, many homeowners are discovering that biweekly payments offer them better results.

Once you’ve qualified for Social Security retirement benefits, your spouse, children, and other survivors may be eligible to receive monthly payouts in the event of your death. These survivor benefits are an important resource for millions of people across the United States, and here’s an overview of how they work:How do survivor benefits work?...

The real estate market is quite different from other markets and can be confusing for even the most experienced buyers and sellers. You will need the help of a real estate agent whether you are an experienced buyer or doing it for the first time. Even with the help of an agent, you can educate yourself on some of the basic elements of a real...

Buying a home is a huge step for people who are ready to make an investment in their future. Getting a great deal on a home is just as important and knowing how much to offer could be confusing. It is important to make sure the home seller is not insulted by the lowball offer and is ready to negotiate to make sure everyone wins.

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're in a position to do it, paying off a family member's mortgage is one of the biggest gifts you could give this holiday season. A mortgage can be a heavy burden on a young homeowner, which is why paying it off is the ultimate act of charity. But when it comes to paying for someone else's mortgage,...

If you’re trying to lose weight but struggling to keep a particular diet, intuitive eating suggests that the problem may be with the diet itself. Intuitive eating is a way to approach food from a different perspective, and it’s been helping people change their relationship with eating and lose weight for decades.What is intuitive eating?The term...

An aging parent, a spouse with disabilities, an adult child with special needs — if you’re facing these or any other caregiving situations, the strain on your finances can be a heavy one. To help you deal with these responsibilities, a variety of federal tax deductions and credits are available. Here’s a closer look at five of the most common tax...