Specialty Appointments

For Wealth, Financial Counseling, and Mortgage Lending appointments, please follow the steps below.

Wealth Management

For help with retirement, rollovers, and portfolio management, call 850-505-3200 ext. 8332 to meet with a licensed Wealth Manager.

Financial Counseling

For help with your finances, schedule an appointment with a Financial Counselor.
Meet with a Financial Counselor

Mortgage Lending

For all Mortgage appointments, please call 850-505-3200 ext. 8360 or email the Mortgage Department.

Specialty Appointments

For Wealth, Financial Counseling, and Mortgage Lending appointments, please follow the steps below.

Wealth Management

For help with retirement, rollovers, and portfolio management, call 850-505-3200 ext. 8332 to meet with a licensed Wealth Manager.

Financial Counseling

For help with your finances, schedule an appointment with a Financial Counselor.
Meet with a Financial Counselor

Mortgage Lending

For all Mortgage appointments, please call 850-505-3200 ext. 8360 or email the Mortgage Department.

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Home Ownership

5 Tips to Affording Your First Mortgage

August 2, 2022

It’s a good idea to make a 20% down payment on your mortgage if you want to start building equity right away (although most lenders will accept less). Either way, begin bulking up your savings now. PenAir offers mortgage options with no down payment and is affiliated with first time homebuyer down payment assistance programs.

1. Get “down-payment ready”

It’s a good idea to make a 20% down payment on your mortgage if you want to start building equity right away (although most lenders will accept less). Either way, begin bulking up your savings now. PenAir offers mortgage options with no down payment and is affiliated with first time homebuyer down payment assistance programs.

2. Boost your creditworthiness

Whether or not you’re approved for a mortgage depends largely on your credit profile. Before you apply, reduce large balances and pay more than the minimum every month on credit cards. You’ll likely improve your credit score and demonstrate that you handle credit responsibly.

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3. Know your loans

A fixed-rate mortgage might be ideal if you plan to grow your family or stay in one house for 30 years. However, buyers who opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) will often pay less in the beginning of the loan, and may want the flexibility to move within the next 10 years. Know your options and choose the best one for your future.

4. Get professional guidance

If you want to buy but aren’t sure how a monthly mortgage payment will fit into your budget, certified financial counselors can help. They’ll break down your budget to make sure you’re purchase-ready.

5. Remember the other costs

Of course, a mortgage isn’t the only cost you have to consider. Homeowners have to pay insurance, property taxes, HOA fees and more. Make sure you’re prepared for the total price of homeownership.