FFB | Smart Banking Solutions | First Financial Bank

Smart Banking Solutions Video Series
	Balancing Your Finances Episode 11 - August 2010 Reports about consumers who have had their credit ratings or even their lives wrecked by identity theft are very popular in the news media. While these incidents thankfully are rare, they also are very real.
	Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft Episode 10 - July 2010 Reports about consumers who have had their credit ratings or even their lives wrecked by identity theft are very popular in the news media. While these incidents thankfully are rare, they also are very real.
	Take control of your finances with on-the-go banking Episode 9 - June 2010 From managing a successful career to organizing a hectic family schedule, most people are busier than ever before. As we continue to see signs of a reenergized economy, many of us are looking for ways to balance our busy lives with fast and easy ways to take control of our finances.
<	Find mortgage solutions that fit your lifestyle Episode 8 - May 2010 Home sales are picking up in the Midwest and across the country. Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize or buy your first home, making the decision to invest in a home can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience.
	Take Charge of Your Retirement Planning Episode 7 - April With hopes of spending more time with family or a dream of traveling the world, many wonder if they can still make their retirement plans a reality. The financial impact of the recent recession will redefine the way many of us prepare for and build our retirement savings.
	Rebuild Your Savings for the Future Episode 6 - March Many Americans are regaining their footing as they work through challenges presented by the weak economy in the last few years. Periods of unemployment, underperforming investments and unanticipated expenses have contributed to substantially smaller nest eggs for many individuals and families.
	Sensible Holiday Spending Episode 5 - October The holidays are just around the corner and there’s no better time than now to establish your holiday spending plan. Not sure where to start? Take advantage of some of the services your bank has to offer to help make this year’s shopping experience an enjoyable one.
	Simple Ways to Manage Your Money Online Episode 4 - August The Internet has made our lives easier in many ways, including the way we manage our finances. Online banking provides security, convenience, and can even save you money.
	Smart Credit Solutions Episode 3 - July Smart borrowing can help you accomplish your goals, build your credit history, and is often part of a good financial planning process.
	Smart Ways to Grow Your Savings Episode 2 - June Whether it’s buying a car or a house, planning for a renovation or taking the family on a much-needed vacation, a solid savings plan will help you get there.
	Getting the Most from Your Bank Episode 1 - May President and CEO, Claude E. Davis discusses how you can earn more with all the extras at First Financial Bank.

Find mortgage solutions that fit your lifestyle

Home sales are picking up in the Midwest and across the country. Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize or buy your first home, making the decision to invest in a home can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience.

Now is a great time to purchase a new home. There are multiple lending programs available and a good credit history could help you lock in a low interest rate. This is why the pre-approval process is an important step every home buyer should take. It will provide you with a clear picture of your buying power and will help guide you in choosing the home that’s right for you.

Meeting with a First Financial mortgage loan consultant can help you identify lending solutions that fit your needs, lifestyle and plans for the future. Understanding the mortgage process and determining a budget is crucial before you begin house hunting. There are three key questions every home buyer should ask:

Do I need to get pre-approved?
There are many advantages to getting pre-approved. It gives you confidence that you’re looking in the right price range; it gives the seller confidence that your offer is legitimate and it can speed up the time it takes to close on your new home.

First Financial’s pre-approval process can take as little as 20-30 minutes. Be ready to share the following information with your mortgage loan consultant.

Residence history
Employment history
Current income including salary, commissions or bonuses
Assets
Social Security numbers
Confirmation of all debts, including credit cards and installment loans
Information on any other properties owned
Alimony/child support payments

What types of loans are available?
It’s important to choose a loan solution that best fits your financial situation. You may want to consider a fixed-rate mortgage, adjustable-rate mortgage or FHA loan.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate and monthly payment remains the same over the term of the loan.
With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your interest rate will vary based on the terms of your loan agreement and on market conditions.
With a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan you may qualify for low down payments and lower closing costs.
VA loans and other first-time buyer programs.

What can I expect at closing?
Be prepared and know there are additional costs associated with purchasing a new home. Closing costs are common when officially transferring the ownership of a property and you may negotiate that the seller pay all or a portion of your closing costs. Costs may include origination fees, attorney fees, taxes and title insurance.

Simplify the home buying process. Schedule an appointment with a First Financial mortgage loan consultant today, http://www.bankatfirst.com/mortgage.asp (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana or call 1-877-322-9530.