Betsy Gordon of First Federal Bank, NMLS 225892

06/11/2026

Smaller homes are getting more attention right now.

With affordability still tight, many buyers are looking for homes that better fit their budget — and builders appear to be responding.

Newly built homes have been trending smaller for several years, and for some buyers, that may open up additional options.

A smaller new-construction home may come with a lower price point than a larger home, and some communities may also offer amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, shared spaces, or co-working areas.

So, if larger homes have felt out of reach, it may be worth considering whether a smaller home could better align with your budget and lifestyle.

As a Loan Officer with First Federal Bank, I can help you review financing options and explore what might be possible based on your financial situation and goals.

Drop a comment below if you’d like to talk through the numbers.


Source: Census, The typical new home in the http://U.S. is shrinking. Here’s what that means for buyers, April 2026
Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

05/29/2026

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know VA home loan programs may offer flexible down payment options for qualified borrowers. 77% didn’t know mortgage insurance may not be required in certain situations. (Source: NewDay USA, VA Home Loan Benefits, April 2026)

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as qualifying income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable for eligible borrowers.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with me for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902


Advertisement for credit. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. Rates and terms may change and vary by credit profile and loan features. Not all applicants qualify. State restrictions may apply. Not endorsed by VA.

05/27/2026

You've probably heard that mortgage debt in America just hit an all-time high. And that's true.
But here's what the headline leaves out.

Equity is also near an all-time high. And at $34.1 trillion, it's more than double the $14.4 trillion in debt. (Source: Federal Reserve, Households; Owners' Equity in Real Estate, Level, April 2026)

That could be a good thing. It could mean most homeowners own far more than they owe. So, they may have a real financial cushion right now.

That’s something homeowners didn’t have during the crash of 2008. Back then, people owed more than their homes were worth. Today, it’s just the opposite.

Homeowners are in a much better position, and the housing market is on stronger footing than the headlines suggest.

Many homeowners may be in a stronger equity position, and the housing market may be on stronger footing than some headlines suggest.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

05/27/2026

You've probably heard that mortgage debt in America just hit an all-time high. And that's true.
But here's what the headline leaves out.

Equity is also near an all-time high. And at $34.1 trillion, it's more than double the $14.4 trillion in debt. (Source: Federal Reserve, Households; Owners' Equity in Real Estate, Level, April 2026)

That could be a good thing. It could mean most homeowners own far more than they owe. So, they may have a real financial cushion right now.

That’s something homeowners didn’t have during the crash of 2008. Back then, people owed more than their homes were worth. Today, it’s just the opposite.

Many homeowners may be in a stronger equity position, and the housing market may be on stronger footing than some headlines suggest.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902

05/14/2026

Military Appreciation Month: Your Dream Starts Here

To the veterans, active-duty service members, and military families who have served and sacrificed — thank you.

This Military Appreciation Month, First Federal Bank is proud to help eligible military borrowers explore the benefits of a VA loan, which may make homeownership more attainable.

VA Loan Benefits May Include (for eligible borrowers):
✅ Little to no down payment
✅ Limited closing costs
✅ Gift funds accepted
✅ No pre-payment penalties

Whether you’re buying your first home, your next home, or simply want to learn more about your options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

🏡 Your dream of homeownership starts here.

📞 Drop a comment below to learn more about VA loan options.



© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

Advertisement for credit. Not all applicants will qualify. Terms and conditions may vary. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. No government endorsement implied.

05/07/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Betsy Gordon by Darby W E - Betsy is phenomenal! Very pleasant to work with and very efficient.

Click to see all 397 reviews of Betsy Gordon, Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #225892

05/04/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Betsy Gordon by Clair C - Great communication and efficiency Always explainjng any issues in advance with both client and the realtors

Click to see all 396 reviews of Betsy Gordon, Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #225892

05/01/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Betsy Gordon by George E - Betsy is my go to loan Officer at Watson and now as a customer. A lot of questions come up between the application to the closing and Betsy is always there with an answer. She even advises you on vacation places.

Click to see all 395 reviews of Betsy Gordon, Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #225892

04/30/2026

Online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. That shows a lot of buyers aren’t sure what’s actually required, and they’re looking for answers.

Unfortunately, many still think they have to put 20% down.

But the data says something very different is happening.

The typical first-time buyer often puts down less than 20% (source: National Association of Realtors). And some loan programs may allow down payments as low as 3.5% and in some cases qualified borrowers may be eligible for no down payment options (depending on their loan type).

So, that 20% myth is only holding you back and delaying your timeline more than necessary.

If you’re curious about what’s really required, it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted lender. A true expert can give you better information than an online search.

Let's chat about what your budget may get you in today’s market.

© First Federal Bank |Equal Housing Lender| NMLS #408902

04/24/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Betsy Gordon by Ola B - Great communication and follow up, would highly recommend.

Click to see all 393 reviews of Betsy Gordon, Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #225892