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Mortgages 101: FHA Versus Conventional Loans

Wondering if an FHA home loan is right for you? Here's everything you need to know about FHA loans, from pros and cons to eligibility requirements.
For those who may struggle to qualify for a conventional mortgage loan, FHA loans can offer a promising path to homeownership.
Home

Homebuyer's Glossary of Mortgage Terminology

Buying a home? This glossary includes easy-to-understand definitions for over 130 terms you'll encounter during the homebuying and mortgage underwriting process.
Learn the terms you'll hear throughout the loan process.
Retirement

Things to Consider Before You Relocate in Retirement

There's more to moving than simply finding your dream home.
Just because you don't have a job with a regular paycheck doesn't mean you can't qualify for a mortgage if you need one.
Home

What to Consider When Buying a Second Home

Learn how buying an investment or vacation home differs from purchasing a primary residence.
Second homes and investment properties require higher reserves and more of a down payment than a primary home, and you need to be prepared for that upfront.
Home

ARMs Versus Temporary Buydowns

When looking for a lower interest rate on a loan, shop around and consider all options before deciding.
Not all loans are created equal.
Home

How Do Home Construction Loans Work?

Home construction loans are quite different from standard mortgages. Here's how.
Unlike a mortgage, a construction loan acts more like a short-term line of credit.
Home

Ensure a Smooth Home Renovation with Smart Budgeting

Establishing a budget—and sticking to it—is essential for any home renovation project.
One good way to estimate your home renovation budget is to base it on the total value of your home.
Home

A Handy Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to Help You Prepare for the Colder Season

Grab a pumpkin spice coffee and check out this handy fall home maintenance checklist.
With extreme weather events becoming more common, it's a good idea to make additional preparations for potentially severe situations.
Home

Home Renovations: Pros and Cons

Remodeling your home may be better than buying, but be aware of possible complications.
If you buy on the open market, you are often stuck with some of your wish list but not everything.
Insurance

What's Flood Insurance? Here Are the Basics

Here's what you need to know if you've ever wondered what flood insurance actually covers.
Insurers define a flood as an excess of water in normally dry land that covers at least two acres and affects at least two properties.
Home

How Alternative Energy Can Improve Your Home

An alternative energy source better secures your home during a power outage.
The good news is that many states and municipalities support alternative energy sources with rebates, grants and other financing programs.
Home

Keys to a Competitive Home Offer

First-time buyers in a hot real estate market must present a strong offer in multi-bid situations. Here are some tips for buying a home in a competitive market.
Price isn't the sole deciding factor in a multi-bid situation.
Home

What You Need to Qualify and Apply for a Mortgage

This application checklist will show you how to qualify for a mortgage and get you to closing faster.
With a little organization, the mortgage application paperwork isn't nearly as daunting as it seems.
Budgeting

War, Inflation and Interest Rates: Things You Can Do for Your Finances

You can take steps to protect your finances when the news is bad.
History makes it clear that the market turbulence of early 2022 is not a rare thing. Neither is a subsequent recovery.
Home

Common Mortgage Contingencies

These homebuying contingencies can affect your offer to buy a home.
In a competitive market, buyers may choose to waive certain contingencies to make their offer more attractive to a seller.
Home

Buying a Home? Your First Citizens Mortgage Banker is Here to Help

Our mortgage bankers are here to help take care of the details, big and small. Watch this video to learn how.

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Showing 17 to 32 of 55 results

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, specific investment strategy, recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or insurance product, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor regarding the particular facts and circumstances of your situation prior to making any financial decision. While we believe that the information presented is from reliable sources, we do not represent, warrant or guarantee that it is accurate or complete.

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