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Homebuying Hub


With a wide range of articles and calculators, we've got you covered with everything you need to navigate the homebuying process.

A young couple is standing in a new house, looking out the window. The woman is smiling and the man has his arm around her shoulder. There are boxes and a plant next to them.

Homebuying Calculators


Home Financing Library

Learn more about terms and topics related to the home financing process.

Getting Started

Identify a knowledgeable loan officer

Mortgages don't have to be complicated. We're committed to working with you wherever and whenever it makes sense for you – online, over the phone or in person. A loan officer will answer your financing questions to ensure a worry-free home purchase.

How much house can you afford?

Your loan officer will help you determine how much you can borrow and the amount you should feasibly spend on your home. Keep in mind that they’re not always the same amount. Consider the cost of the mortgage along with your other monthly expenses and long-term financial goals.

Find a local REALTOR® or real estate broker

Save time and money with a real estate professional who knows the market and your desired location. They can negotiate your purchase price and make sure you pay a fair price for your home. They also receive advance notice of new listings, providing you with early opportunities to tour homes.

Paying for Your New Home

Our mortgage loan officers will help you evaluate multiple options for financing your home purchase.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Your monthly principal and interest payments remain the same throughout the life of the loan. Most common fixed-rate home loan terms range from 10 to 30 years.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

ARMs offer a variety of features such as lower rates, caps on interest and conversion options. They generally have monthly principal and interest payments that change after a set period of time, based on an external financial index. 

Affordable Home Loans

Make homeownership affordable with several home loan programs, including low down payments, down payment assistance, gifts and grants.

Rewarding Home Loan Discounts

Whether you're buying your first home, your next home or looking to refinance, our mortgage experts are here to help you navigate through the entire process. Plus, as a valued JFG client, you can enjoy these exclusive discounts. Together, we can make your homeownership journey a rewarding one.

$190 Closing Cost Discount

    • Escrow your taxes and insurance

$425 Closing Cost Discount

    • Open or have an existing JFG checking account
    • Directly deposit your payroll to your checking account 
    • Set up an ACH mortgage payment

$615 Closing Cost Discount

    • Open or have an existing JFG checking account
    • Directly deposit your payroll to your checking account
    • Set up an ACH mortgage payment
    • Escrow your taxes and insurance

Homebuying Resources

couple looking out window

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Everything You Need to Know

Obtaining a mortgage-preapproval is crucial for prospective homebuyers. Learn the four simple steps of the mortgage pre-approval process, along with answers to your homebuying questions.

Loren Fellows and Kelly Mould discuss navigating today's real estate market.

Home Sweet Home: Navigating Today's Housing Market

In the most recent episode of Your Money. Your Mission., we welcome Loren Fellows, Vice President of Mortgage Production at Johnson Financial Group, who shared valuable insights into these pressing housing market questions based on her over two decades of expertise.

buy versus rent

To Rent Vs. Buy: Are you ready to own a home?

Buying a home is a big decision, and probably one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. But purchasing a home is more than just a transaction; it’s an opportunity to gain independence and build equity. A life-changing commitment like this one leaves many potential homebuyers asking the question: “Should I rent, or should I buy?”

realtor showing young couple a new house.

House Hunting? Do Your Homework.

Thinking of buying a home? It pays to be prepared as you enter a housing market marked by volatility and low inventory. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, looking to step up to a larger home, or downsizing as you near retirement, there are questions you should ask yourself before beginning your house hunt.

two women carrying boxes into new home

Buying a Home: Avoid These Pitfalls

Buying a home for the first time can feel like a rollercoaster ride. It’s exciting, scary, and even stomach-churning all at once, and that’s just for starters. Add in bidding wars and tighter-than-tight home inventory. Oh, and it’s a seller’s market, in the midst of a pandemic. Even savvy house hunters can become discouraged.

Loren Fellows and Zach Knudsen

From Blueprint to Reality: The Construction Financing Process

Are you interested in learning more about building your dream home and all that it entails? On this episode, host Kelly Mould is joined by Loren Fellows, Vice President Mortgage Production Manager, and Zach Knutson, Managing Partner of Next Generation, a leading builder and general contractor.

Considering building a home?

Download your complete guide to construction financing to ensure you have everything you need to get started.

Your complete guide to building a home.

Your Complete Guide to Construction Financing

 

Building the home of your dreams is exciting. The thought of creating a new space designed to your exact specifications – from the size of the rooms to the color of the walls – is thrilling. Yet, just as a solid foundation is important to any well-constructed house, financing is a critical component of the construction process.

In this guide you will learn about: 

  • building a new home vs. buying a new home
  • documents and information you need for construction financing
  • tips for building your home
  • how to select a builder
  • types of construction financing

 

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Additional Resources for Young Professionals


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Loans are subject to credit and property approval, bank underwriting guidelines, and may not be available in all states. Other loan programs and pricing may be available. Certain conditions, terms, and restrictions may apply based on the loan program selected. The term of the loan may vary based upon program chosen. Eligibility requirements are available upon request. Property insurance is required; if the collateral is determined to be in an area having special flood hazards, flood insurance will be required. 

Private mortgage insurance may be required on loans with less than 20% down.