Mortgage Blog


The Home Buying Process Do’s and Don’ts

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. In order to have a smooth home buying process, it is important to understand the variables that can improve, or even interrupt, the transaction. We’ve created a list of Do’s and Don’ts to follow to keep you on track during the process!...Read More

Title Companies: What They Do & Why Homebuyers Need Them

Everyone knows the homebuying team includes a buyer, a seller, a realtor, and a mortgage lender. But there’s one more crucial member: the title company. In this post, we break down what title companies do, why title insurance is important, and how to choose a title company you can trust!...Read More

10 Mortgage Shopping Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Shopping for and securing an affordable mortgage loan is no easy feat. It takes time, research, and effort, and considering it's a commitment you’ll be locking yourself into for the next 10, 15, even 30 years to come, you need to do all you can to ensure you get the best, most affordable deal possible. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. Often, homebuyers jeopardize potential mortgage deals by rushing the process or neglecting essential steps along the way. And in the end, that means a higher mortgage rate than they can afford or, worse, no loan at all. Neither of these is a good option for a prospective homebuyer. Do you want to make sure your mortgage loan comes through smoothly? That you get a great rate? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance your mortgage, make sure to avoid the all-too-common mortgage shopping mistakes listed below....Read More

How to Upgrade Your Home with a Renovation Loan

Renovations can be very intimidating. The cost to make your vision come true could be what is standing between you and a refreshed space. We’re here to tell you: you’re not alone! In this blog post, we’re breaking down the decision-making process leading up to your renovation, the most popular projects this year, and loan options to help you afford it!...Read More

Q & A Series: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

There are so many reasons to become a homeowner. Perhaps you’re tired of spending thousands of hard-earned dollars on rent with no equity in return. Maybe you have saved up and you’re ready to part ways with your parent’s basement. Or your family is growing and there just isn’t enough space for you to all live comfortably. Whatever your situation may be, you’re ready to become a homeowner. While this process may seem daunting, our team is here to help guide you and ensure you are prepared to embark on this major milestone. We spoke with Dionne LeBlanc, Senior Loan Officer in Toms River, NJ, and Travis David, Vice President of Sales in Red Bank, NJ, to learn more about their top recommendations for first-time homebuyers!...Read More

Q & A Series: Our Best Tips for Mortgage Industry Success in 2022!

As 2021 comes to a close, we’re taking time to reflect on what an eventful year it was for mortgage and real estate professionals. The market was extremely hot for most of the year. While it was a very successful year for Family First Funding, we’re excited to share that we see no signs of the market cooling off any time soon. We spoke with Gabe Gillen, President & Co-Founder of Family First Funding, and Michael Perry, Chief of Staff at FFF, to learn more about what their top recommendations are for a successful year ahead!...Read More

Q & A Series: Becoming a Loan Officer!

At Family First Funding LLC, we are proud to have over 150 talented loan officers on our team. Becoming a loan officer can be a very valuable career path. As a loan officer, you play a major role in helping someone afford the house of their dreams! While the benefits of this career path are endless, there are many challenging aspects of getting your licensing. So, do you have what it takes?...Read More

Q & A Series: Ask a Loan Officer!

If you are in the early stages of getting a mortgage, you may be wondering what the process entails. Who better to ask than our trusted and experienced loan officers? We spoke with Chris Miller from Red Bank, NJ and Dominick Antonino from Mount Pleasant, SC to get an inside look on the mortgage process and their thoughts on the industry. These Senior Loan Officers have extensive experience helping others secure mortgages that are best suited for their needs....Read More

House Hunting Tips: 4 Things to Do Before You Start Searching

You’ve decided that you are ready to buy a home. Congratulations! During this very exciting time, it is important to consider the various aspects of the process of becoming a homeowner. Since this is one of the largest financial decisions you will ever make, ensuring you’re prepared before heading to open houses can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Check out the steps you should take before beginning your hunt for the perfect home....Read More

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage?

To get approved for a mortgage, there are quite a few documents you’ll need to get in place before starting the process. These documents will typically need to be emailed or uploaded onto a loan portal so having digital copies/PDFs of everything is crucial. Getting organized before you apply will get you get approved faster and make your life and your lender’s life easier!...Read More

5 Things to Prequalify for a Home Loan

As a first-time homebuyer, understanding the requirements to qualify for a mortgage can be confusing. The applications, paperwork, and signatures required during the process can be overwhelming and sometimes discouraging. It is crucial to prioritize what is needed so you can simplify your mortgage journey. Here are the top 5 things that mortgage lenders consider when looking at your application....Read More

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