Ron Cardozo NMLS #34541 - First Bank - Senior Loan Officer

Ron Cardozo NMLS #34541 - First Bank - Senior Loan Officer Senior Home Loan Adviser at a family owned company- First Bank Mortgage. I am here to earn your business.

09/25/2026

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home?
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

The Average Down Payment On A House, ExplainedAfter 26 years in the mortgage world, I’ve seen just how much the down pay...
09/25/2026

The Average Down Payment On A House, Explained
After 26 years in the mortgage world, I’ve seen just how much the down payment shapes the homebuying journey. The numbers for 2025 say it all: the median down payment across the U.S. was 19%. For first-time buyers, that drops to 10%, while repeat buyers often put down 23%. Each loan type has its own requirements, and hitting that 20% mark means you can skip PMI—that’s a big cost saver over time. I’ve guided everyone from first-timers to Lake of the Ozarks dreamers through down payment options, from traditional routes to assistance programs and practical budgeting. No matter where you’re starting, there’s a path that can fit your goals and your budget.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/ronald-cardozo-2/1995467-The-Average-Down-Payment-On-A-House%2C-Explained

09/25/2026

What if your mortgage payment started lower and stepped up over time? 🏡

That's how a 2/1 Buydown works. Here's the example from the video on a $400,000, 30-year fixed at a 7.00% note rate:

📉 Year 1 at 5.00%: $2,147.29/mo (about $514/mo less)
📉 Year 2 at 6.00%: $2,398.20/mo (about $263/mo less)
📌 Years 3–30 at 7.00%: $2,661.21/mo

💰 Total savings over the first two years: $9,323.16

✅ Room to breathe early
✅ Cash left over to furnish your new place
✅ Time to settle in while your income grows

The buydown is usually paid upfront by the seller or builder, which makes it a strong thing to ask for in your negotiation.

Not sure whether a temporary buydown or a permanent rate discount on an ARM fits you better? It depends on your plans. Let's walk through your numbers.

📞 Ron Cardozo | (913) 710-5626
🌐 roncardozo.com

Example only; not a commitment to lend. Shows principal and interest only. Taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance (if required) will make your actual payment higher. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Rates and terms can change without notice. The buydown cost may be paid by the seller, builder, or borrower where allowed. ARM payments can go up after the initial fixed period.
Ron Cardozo, NMLS #34541 | First Bank Mortgage, NMLS #551928 | Equal Housing Lender

🏡 **What credit score do you need to buy a home?**You may not need a “perfect” credit score to become a homeowner. Diffe...
09/25/2026

🏡 **What credit score do you need to buy a home?**

You may not need a “perfect” credit score to become a homeowner. Different mortgage programs have different requirements, and your credit score is just **one part of the overall qualification process.**

For example, at First Bank, we have financing options that may be available starting at a **620 credit score for FHA and VA loans**, while other programs can have different minimum requirements. Your credit profile can also affect your interest rate, mortgage insurance, down payment requirements, and available loan options.

💡 **The important part:** Don’t assume your credit score automatically keeps you from buying a home.

Even if you’re not quite ready today, I can review your situation and help you understand what may need to change to put you in a stronger position for homeownership.

📲 **Wondering where you stand? Let’s talk before you count yourself out.**

**Ron Cardozo | Sr. Home Loan Advisor**
📞 913-710-5626
📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
🌐 RonCardozo.com
NMLS #34541 | First Bank NMLS #551928

*For informational purposes only and not a commitment to lend. Credit score requirements vary by loan program and borrower qualifications. All loans are subject to credit approval, property appraisal, program eligibility, and applicable terms and conditions.*

🏁 Start your engines—NASCAR is returning to Kansas Speedway!The Hollywood Casino 400 brings the NASCAR Cup Series to Kan...
09/25/2026

🏁 Start your engines—NASCAR is returning to Kansas Speedway!

The Hollywood Casino 400 brings the NASCAR Cup Series to Kansas City on Sunday, September 27. With the championship battle heating up, NASCAR’s biggest stars will go all out at one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.

Expect heartland horsepower, door-to-door racing and the unmistakable roar of NASCAR as drivers battle for position in The Chase!

📅 Sunday, September 27
⏰ Race begins at 2 PM CDT
📍 Kansas Speedway — Kansas City, Kansas

Who will you be cheering for when the green flag drops?

09/25/2026

Waiting for rates to drop before you buy? 🏡

Earlier this year, the market expected mortgage rates to come down. Then gas prices spiked, inflation followed, and rates stayed put.

The honest truth: nobody knows when rates will ease.

That's why an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may be worth a look:
✅ Often starts with a lower rate than a 30-year fixed
✅ That rate is locked for the first 5, 7, or 10 years
✅ After that, it can adjust up or down, within caps spelled out in your loan

It's not the right fit for everyone, but it's worth a conversation before you lock in for 30 years.

📞 913-710-5626
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Apply at roncardozo.com

Ron Cardozo | Home Loan Advisor | NMLS #34541
First Bank Mortgage | NMLS
#551928 | Equal Housing Lender

30-year fixed or 7/6 Portfolio ARM? 🏡 The right choice depends on your budget, plans for the home, and comfort with a ra...
09/24/2026

30-year fixed or 7/6 Portfolio ARM? 🏡 The right choice depends on your budget, plans for the home, and comfort with a rate that could change.

Here’s a look at two First Bank options as of September 24, 2026:

• **30-year fixed:** 7.500% rate | 7.878% estimated APR | 0.125% discount fee | 5% minimum down
• **7/6 Portfolio ARM:** 6.500% rate | 6.811% estimated APR | 0.375% discount fee | 10% minimum down

The ARM’s initial rate is fixed for seven years, then adjusts every six months. The image also shows an additional pricing choice for each loan.

Want to see how the payments and cash to close compare for *your* situation? Call or text me at **(913) 710-5626**.

Ron Cardozo | Sr. Home Loan Advisor
NMLS 34541 | First Bank NMLS 551928
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) | [www.roncardozo.com](http://www.roncardozo.com)

Rates and terms are as of 9/24/26 and may change. APRs are estimates. Rates, fees, down payment requirements, and eligibility depend on loan terms and qualifications. ARM rate and payment may increase after the initial fixed period. Taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable, are additional. Equal Housing Lender.

Working with a first-time homebuyer in Missouri? 🏡MHDC First Place offers FHA and conventional loan options with or with...
09/24/2026

Working with a first-time homebuyer in Missouri? 🏡

MHDC First Place offers FHA and conventional loan options with or without cash assistance. The image compares the options using First Bank rates and estimated APRs dated September 24, 2026.

For eligible buyers, the cash assistance option may provide up to 4% of the total loan amount toward down payment and closing costs. Assistance is a second loan that may be forgiven under MHDC program terms. The Kansas City area income limit shown for a 1–2 person household is $113,400, and the minimum credit score is 640.

**Realtors: call me at (913) 710-5626** if you’re working with a Missouri first-time buyer. I’ll help you review which options may fit.

Rates, program availability, and eligibility are subject to change. Loan approval depends on the buyer, property, and applicable program requirements.

Ron Cardozo | Sr. Home Loan Advisor
First Bank Mortgage | NMLS ID 34541
First Bank NMLS 551928 | Equal Housing Lender
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) | [www.RonCardozo.com](http://www.RonCardozo.com)

Address

6201 College Bvld
Leawood, KS
66211

Telephone

+19137105626

Website

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