On the heels of reports that U.S. home prices are rising, First Choice Bank announced today the renewal of the successful First Choice Bank First Time Homebuyers program. The program, which invests in the homes and residents of Mercer County, offers to its mortgage clients one percent of the purchase price (up to $3,000) for the buyer to use towards a down payment or closing costs. As a bonus this year, qualifying buyers will have the chance to win a "Dream Room Makeover."
This marks the second consecutive year in which First Choice Bank has allocated $50,000 for a First Time Homebuyers program for mortgage clients. The program is for first time homebuyers who qualify under the NJHMFA (NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency) guidelines and are purchasing a home in Mercer County. In 2011, the inaugural year for the program, First Choice Bank helped over 27 families turn a house into a home with a total of $50,000 in credit toward down payments or closing costs.
New for 2012, First Choice Bank is combining the First Time Homebuyers program with an opportunity to win a "Dream Room Makeover" through an online contest. The contest will take place on the First Choice Bank Facebook page, where family, friends, and fans can vote for their favorite deserving homebuyer. The grand prize makeover, with a value of over $10,000, will be awarded to one lucky participant in Spring 2013.
This announcement comes on the heels of news that home prices in the United States rose for the fourth straight month to reach their highest level in nearly two years, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released last week.
"The strength of a community comes from its people and business," explained Norman Koenigsberg, President and COO of First Choice Loan Services Inc. "Helping Mercer County residents realize the dream of buying their first home will continue to make this a great place to live, work, and play."
The First Choice Bank program provides an added incentive to those unsure about home ownership. Applications are available at all First Choice locations. Those interested in submitting an application can call Paul DeUmberto at 609.498.7749 or email Paul at [email protected].
"First Choice Bank has been part of this community for five years and, as individuals, we’ve been dedicated to Mercer County for decades," added Randy Hanks, President and CEO of First Choice Bank. "We are proud of the relationships we’ve developed with the residents of the County. Renewing our First Time Homebuyer’s program is just one way of giving back."
For more information about First Choice Bank or the First Time Homebuyers Program, visit www.firstchoice-bank.com. For more information about the First Choice Dream Room Makeover, visit www.facebook.com/firstchoicebank and click the Dream Room Makeover tab.

