From the Desk of Christopher

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…
Learn More – 15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…
Learn More – 5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

Buying a Home with a Friend

Buying a home can be a wise financial decision because it allows you to make an investment rather than spending money on rent each month and getting nothing to keep…
Learn More – Buying a Home with a Friend

What People Say About Christopher

“Chris Johnson went above and beyond to assist us during the construction loan process. We were very pleased with the promptness of his communication. Overall, the experience was great and we would definitely recommend First Federal Lending to anyone looking to build a new home.”
Travis & Michelle E.

From the Desk of Marina

Fixed Rate vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages

You are ready to apply for a mortgage. Your question? Should you take out a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate? As with most mortgage questions, there is no one…
Learn More – Fixed Rate vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Home Affordability

If you are starting your search for a home and considering a home loan, you should use this handy financial tool to first calculate how much you can afford. Your…
Learn More – Home Affordability

House, Townhome, or Condo?

The real estate market offers many different housing options. Depending on your life stage, financial resources, and where you are on your financial journey, one type might work better than…
Learn More – House, Townhome, or Condo?

From the Desk of Sharon

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…
Learn More – 15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…
Learn More – About Private Mortgage Insurance

Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. However, coming up with a sizable down payment can feel like an impossible task. That is especially true when many lenders…
Learn More – Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

From the Desk of Brent

Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

You have found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. You have even determined that you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments…
Learn More – Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

Building a Home Buying Team

Buying a home can be complex. Since it’s probably one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, it’s a good idea to assemble a team to…
Learn More – Building a Home Buying Team

Buying a Home from a Family Member

When you have a parent, sibling, or another family member who is planning to move, you may be able to be first in line to buy their home. Plus, they…
Learn More – Buying a Home from a Family Member

Buying vs Renting a Home

Does it make more sense to rent than to buy? That has been a long-running debate in this country. However, the question is flawed: There is no correct answer. There…
Learn More – Buying vs Renting a Home
“Brent and his team provided an exceptional customer experience. This is our second time working with his team at First Federal Lakewood and will choose them again in the future. Brent is a true financial adviser and always has our best interest in mind.”
Cindy and Rachel M
“Brent was incredibly helpful to us at every step of the way. From conversing with us to set our budget, to preparing a letter of pre-approval, to navigating the realities of a competitive market, he went over and above. This experience was everything we had hoped for in working with First Federal Lakewood.”
– Chris M.
“Brent was available, transparent, and very informative. He was able to explain things in bite sized pieces and keep things moving to help us reach our closing on time.”
– Colin H.
“Closing went very smooth and was on time. My realtor was highly impressed and indicated it was one of the smoothest closings he has had. Would highly recommend Brent and his team. They were a pleasure to work with and answered all of my questions in a timely manner.”
– Kurtis R.
“Brent was fantastic. He answered every question fully and completely without delay while guiding us first time home buyers through a home buying process that ended up becoming overly complicated by other parties. Brent was a major asset to our home purchase and we would recommend him to anyone looking to mortgage a home purchase.”
– John
“As first-time homebuyers, we had an excellent experience with Brent. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and always available to accommodate our busy schedules, which helped us have a smooth buying experience in this competitive housing market. We appreciated his proactive updates and coordination with all parties involved in the buying process. He was one of the reasons why we decided not to go with another bank. We highly recommend Brent for your mortgage needs.”
– Ryan and Sisi
“Brent Bartlett was excellent. He went above and beyond to deliver top tier service and assistance. As first time home buyers, we were skeptical of the mortgage process and frankly distrusting; however, Brent’s constant willingness to break everything down, answer all questions, and create an environment of transparency was majorly beneficial and made our home buying/ mortgage process tremendously mote straightforward and manageable. We would not only highly recommend FFL, we would recommend Brent to anyone we know who is in the process of searching for a mortgage.”
– John R.
“We worked with Brent Bartlett to secure our mortgage and we are indeed very pleased with the whole process. Brent made every step of the process simple and streamlined. He was available within minutes to answer our emails and phone calls. The whole process was quite fast from start to finish, much faster than our previous experience with other lenders. Do call Brent with all your financial needs, you won’t be disappointed!”
– R. B.

From the Desk of Beth

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…
Learn More – 5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

FHA Mortgage Basics

FHA mortgages are a popular option for first-time home buyers to consider. These loans offer attractive terms, including the ability to make smaller down payments and a some flexibility when…
Learn More – FHA Mortgage Basics

Finding a Mortgage

Ready to test your knowledge? You’ll have ten multiple choice questions to answer. Click on each question to reveal the question and multiple choice answers. After you’ve completed answering all…
Learn More – Finding a Mortgage

What People Say About Beth

“First Federal Lakewood is a great bank, I’m a very happy customer. More importantly, Beth Ann Silverman is a joy and pleasure to work with. I am not shy about referring her to my friends and co-workers. She is excellent.“
Matthew M.

From the Desk of Caroline Purcell

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…
Learn More – 5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

Buying a Home with a Friend

Buying a home can be a wise financial decision because it allows you to make an investment rather than spending money on rent each month and getting nothing to keep…
Learn More – Buying a Home with a Friend

Buying a Vacation Home

It is something many families dream of: Owning a small cottage by the lake, a cabin in the mountains, or a beach bungalow they can visit on long weekends, during…
Learn More – Buying a Vacation Home

What People Say About Caroline

“Caroline was absolutely wonderful to work with during the refinancing process.  I went with First Federal Lakewood because of how easy she made everything. She did not pressure me and she was honest and open with me about my refinancing options.”
Alana J.

“I am so impressed and pleased with my experience with First Federal Lakewood. Caroline is considerate, prompt in her responses, was able to assist each step of the way, and was thoughtful in helping me achieve my goals. Excellent experience, everyone! Thank you!”

Louise Q.

From the Desk of Alex

Buying Down an Interest Rate with Points

As a savvy consumer, you should always be looking for ways to shave some money from your monthly budget. Even small adjustments can add up to significant savings over the…
Learn More – Buying Down an Interest Rate with Points

Buying vs Renting a Home

Does it make more sense to rent than to buy? That has been a long-running debate in this country. However, the question is flawed: There is no correct answer. There…
Learn More – Buying vs Renting a Home

Calculate a Mortgage Payment

Repayment of a mortgage loan requires that the borrower make a monthly payment back to the lender. That monthly payment includes both repayment of the loan principal, plus monthly interest…
Learn More – Calculate a Mortgage Payment

What People Say About Alex

“Alex Dickos and Elisabeth Lang were a great team to work with! Thank you for all of your help.”
Kimberly R.

From the Desk of Jack

A Financial “To-Do List” When You Move

Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. What with organizing your belongings and packing them up, as well as sorting out the general moving logistics, it is no wonder…
Learn More – A Financial “To-Do List” When You Move

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…
Learn More – About Private Mortgage Insurance

Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

You have found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. You have even determined that you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments…
Learn More – Additional Financial Home Buying Obligations

From the Desk of Brent

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…
Learn More – 5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

Being Pre-Qualified vs. Being Pre-Approved

Pre-qualified and pre-approved are some of the most common terms you may encounter when applying for a mortgage. Unfortunately, most people often use these two phrases interchangeably, not knowing they…
Learn More – Being Pre-Qualified vs. Being Pre-Approved

Building a Home Buying Team

Buying a home can be complex. Since it’s probably one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, it’s a good idea to assemble a team to…
Learn More – Building a Home Buying Team

What People Say About Brent

“Brent and his team provided an exceptional customer experience. This is our second time working with his team at First Federal Lakewood and will choose them again in the future. Brent is a true financial adviser and always has our best interest in mind.”
Cindy and Rachel M
“Brent was great to work with. He made it very easy and I appreciate it!”
Matthew B.

From the Desk of Don

5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

The process of buying a home can be daunting if you’re a first-time buyer, especially when it comes to acquiring a home loan. Proper preparation can be the key to…
Learn More – 5 Tips for Applying for a Mortgage

About Private Mortgage Insurance

If you are in the market to buy a new home and have less than a 20 percent down payment, you are usually required to buy private mortgage insurance. Overview…
Learn More – About Private Mortgage Insurance

Add to Your Monthly Payment and Save Money

On any loan, your monthly payment is divided between two purposes. First, part of the payment is used to cover the interest that has accrued on your balance since you…
Learn More – Add to Your Monthly Payment and Save Money

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Analyzer

Adjustable rate mortgages typically offer home buyers the advantage of having a lower mortgage payment during the initial period of the mortgage. Adjustable rate mortgages are typically offered on a…
Learn More – Adjustable Rate Mortgage Analyzer

What People Say About Don

“My wife and I are first time home buyers and First Federal Lakewood has made this purchase a very easy transaction.”
Andrew & Katherine E.

From the Desk of Lisa

Calculate a Mortgage Payment

Repayment of a mortgage loan requires that the borrower make a monthly payment back to the lender. That monthly payment includes both repayment of the loan principal, plus monthly interest…
Learn More – Calculate a Mortgage Payment

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

What makes more sense financially for you, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Both loan types come with their positives and negatives. So how do you determine…
Learn More – 15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your home, the right financing is the real foundation that everything else will be built upon. First Federal Lakewood can help you with this all-important…
Learn More – 5 Keys to Borrowing to Build Your Dream Home