Real Estate

Updated for 2026

Whether you're buying your first home, moving to a new one, or re-entering the housing market, the costs of a down payment and closing fees can feel overwhelming. That’s why Heartland Credit Union is proud to share an opportunity that helps make homeownership more attainable through the Homeownership Possibilities Expanded (HOPE) Grant.

Heartland Credit Union proudly announces the promotions of Tracie Dean, Lydie Terry, Amanda Laymon, and Steve Farmer to Senior Real Estate Loan Consultants. With their wealth of experience, these individuals have played a pivotal role in the success of the real estate lending department at HCU. 

The average person moves residences about 11 times in their lifetime. That provides a lot of opportunity to confront the following question: is it better to own your home or to rent it? It’s a huge decision that affects your lifestyle as much as it does your finances, and the answer will vary depending on who you ask. There are compelling arguments to be made for both sides and the resulting advice—though well-intentioned—can quickly become confusing and contradictory. So, is paying rent really just a waste of money? Or is it true that you can make more money by renting than by owning a home? Take a closer look at six snippets of common owning-versus-renting advice. 

Updated for 2026

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but the upfront costs can feel like a major roadblock. That’s where the First-time Homebuyer Grant comes in — it’s designed to help eligible buyers bridge that gap and move into a home with greater confidence and less financial strain. 

If you have been in the market to purchase a home in the last couple of years, you’ve seen quite a change in interest rates. Many of you have seen some of the highest mortgage rates in years. Now, within the past couple months, there has been a sizable drop and rates are at the lowest they’ve been since the middle of 2023. So, what does that mean for someone that may be in the market to purchase a home or refinance their current home? The short answer, it depends. 

Michael Lorimor, Vice President of Real Estate Lending at Heartland Credit Union, discusses the current state of interest rates and the real estate market.

Purchasing a home is an exciting journey. Owning your own home means you have the freedom to make it your own. It creates stability for you and your family, allowing you to put down roots. Finally, it means you’ve taken the first step in creating wealth through the equity you’ll build. While all of this is exciting, getting through the mortgage process can seem a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.