First Federal Bank Blog

A VA loan is one issued by private lenders and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It can help U.S. active duty service members, veterans, and widowed military spouses buy a home. VA loans are popular, because they offer a no down payment option and do not require mortgage insurance. They can be easier to obtain than a...

With the real estate market on fire, you might be considering selling your home. As the saying goes, first impressions are everything. The curb appeal of your home sets a clear standard of excellence. If you feel like your property could stand to pop a bit more, building curb appeal can be easy, affordable, and well worth the effort.

Just like your car or your own body, your house needs regular care to keep its condition in top shape. To help you make this a habit, here’s a helpful summary of the most common maintenance tasks every house requires. Use this guide to make a checklist for your own house’s particular needs.

Your home is a major investment, and anything that goes wrong on your property could result in extensive repair costs. You don’t want to find out when filing a claim that your policy doesn’t cover what you thought it did — and you’re stuck paying for repairs out of pocket. These are the four primary categories that most standard homeowners...

A bridge loan is a short-term loan used to provide immediate cash flow when financing is impending but not available right away. Bridge loans are sometimes also known as swing loans, gap financing, or interim financing. Homeowners typically use these loans to cover the cost of new property before they can sell their current house.

If you’re in need of funds for home repairs, renovations, or paying down high-interest debt, you may have considered a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. While both of these financial options allow you to borrow against the equity of your home, they each come with their own set of rules and benefits. To help you decide which is...

In the last year, many of us have found new ways to stay entertained at home. From building amazing blanket forts to finding great new board games to play with the family, there was a constant need for new and fun things to do. Now that the weather is warming up, there’s an opportunity to discover some exciting yard games to play with the...

Warmer weather has returned, which means more time spent enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, relaxing in nature often brings with it the annoyance of pests like insects, rodents, and even parasites. These pesky critters can ruin the nicest backyard or garden, and can potentially pose a threat to children or pets. Fortunately, there’s an...

If used responsibly, a second mortgage can act as a powerful tool to help you achieve your financial goals. First, though, you’ll want to think carefully about the potential benefits and risks of taking out a second mortgage on your home. It’s also wise to educate yourself on the best ways to use a second mortgage and whether this step is right...

When you are dealing with a limited amount of square footage, whether it is a living room, bedroom, or studio apartment, you want it to feel as open, airy and spacious as possible. With the following design tips, you’ll be able to take advantage of every inch and make a small space feel much larger than it is.