First Federal Bank Blog

Buying your first house is an exciting step — and one that comes with many new responsibilities. Along with maintaining your home, you’ll also need to care for your lawn so it stays healthy and attractive. Not sure where to begin with mowing, watering, fertilizing, and all the other tasks associated with lawn care? These tips will steer you in the...

If you can’t afford a house on your own, or if you wish to purchase one together with a friend, a family member, or a partner, a joint mortgage could help you make homeownership a reality. Here’s a closer look at this financial tool and how it works:What is a joint mortgage?With a joint mortgage, two or more people can pool their resources and ...

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...

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,...

There are things that everyone shares: the need for food, the search for love, and the intrusion of mice into our homes. But don't despair! There are several ways to deter and remove mice. Read on to learn about a few of the more well known, if a little out-there, methods.

If you own a vacation home or split time between multiple properties, you may be able to earn income by renting to others. But before you decide to pull the trigger on turning your vacation home into a rental property, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions and be aware of some of the potential challenges. Don’t neglect Uncle Sam One of the...

There are many factors to consider when it comes to selling your home, and if you own your home with someone else the details involved can be even more confusing. If you're wading into your co-ownership options and are curious about your next steps, here's a short list of some things to think about.Buyout: Selling Your HalfIf you own your home...

The seller has accepted your offer and you’re ready to start closing on a new house — but that doesn’t mean you’ve reached the finish line yet. As you take all the necessary steps to finalize the purchase of your home, be sure to avoid these financial mistakes that could delay or even derail the closing process:Taking actions that affect your...

When you need to quickly acquire cash to fund a major purchase, you have an array of means available to you. And if you have a house, one of those options is a home equity loan. What is a home equity loan? A home equity loan is also called an equity loan, home equity installment loan, or second mortgage. This type of loan lets you use the share of...

Moving to a new place can be incredibly stressful. One way to make things a bit easier is making a comprehensive checklist that covers many aspects of your upcoming move. Donate or sell unneeded items Rather than paying movers to haul a ton of things you don’t use or need anymore, go through all of your possessions and donate what you can. You may...