Home buying made easy

Whether you're looking to purchase, refinance or leverage your current home's equity, we know getting a mortgage is a big milestone.

Our experienced mortgage bankers are here to help take care of the details—big and small—so you can focus on celebrating the moments that matter most.

Start your new home journey
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Purchase your dream home

We offer comprehensive loan options to fit your needs.

Tap into your equity

Get the funds you need for big projects or purchases.

Refinancing options

Pay off your home sooner, or lower your payment.

Our Promise to You
Choose First Citizens

Service excellence

Our mortgage bankers work closely with you to understand your unique situation and provide you with personalized service.

Streamlined process

A streamlined application, underwriting and approval process means you may close on your home faster.

Tailored financing

With low down payment options, up to 100% financing and flexible terms, we're sure to have a solution that fits your needs.

Mortgage Process
What to expect

If you're unsure how to get the homebuying process started, don't worry. We're here to guide you and make each step as simple as possible.

Step 1
Contact us

Get started by submitting the contact form. Our experienced mortgage specialists are available from 8 am to 9 pm ET Monday through Friday. If submitted during their business hours, they'll be in touch within the next 30 minutes or the next business day.

Step 2
Submit an application

We work closely with you to ensure you submit a fully documented and supported application, allowing for an efficient review and account acceptance process.

Step 3
Get approval

Upon approval, a mortgage specialist ensures you receive access to the funds you need to buy a home.

Mortgages FAQ
People often ask us

Lenders typically set a maximum loan-to-value, or LTV, ratio limit for how much they'll allow customers to borrow in a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. To calculate how much, you must know these three things:

  • Your home's value
  • All outstanding mortgages on the property
  • Your lender's maximum LTV limit

Simply multiply the home's value by the lender's maximum LTV limit and then subtract the outstanding mortgage amount. For reference, First Citizens sets a maximum LTV limit of 89.99% for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit.

There are four main types of mortgage loans available to borrowers.

  • Conventional loans

    Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by the government and are offered by private lenders. They may be conforming or non-conforming. Conforming loans guidelines are set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and include loan limits and underwriting criteria. Non-conforming loans, or jumbo loans, exceed these traditional limits and often require a higher credit score and a larger down payment than government-backed loans.

  • Government-backed loans

    Government home loans are insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration—FHA loans, the Department of Veterans Affairs—VA loans, or the US Department of Agriculture—USDA loans. They offer several benefits—lower down payment requirements, flexible credit criteria and competitive interest rates.

  • Jumbo loans

    Jumbo loans are non-conforming loans that exceed the loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They're often used to finance higher-priced properties. Jumbo loans typically require a higher credit score, a larger down payment and more strict underwriting standards.

  • Fixed-rate loans

    With fixed-rate loans, the interest rate remains the same for the entire loan term—15 or 30 years. They provide stability and predictability, as the monthly mortgage payment typically remains consistent over time.

Yes. You can take equity out of your house without refinancing your mortgage. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, allows you to take equity out of your home without disrupting your current mortgage.

Additionally, a home equity loan is another great way to access your home equity without refinancing.

Yes. In some instances, refinancing your home loan can eliminate the need for mortgage insurance if increased home value or lowered loan payments reduce the principle and increase your home equity to 20% or more.

Depending on the type of mortgage, many homeowners may be eligible for mortgage refinance with little to no waiting period. Others may be eligible in as little as 6 months to take advantage of refinanced mortgage rates.

Normal credit approval applies.

Not applicable in all states.

Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest.

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