News

The moment stays with Tyler Bringhurst. A customer had just taken a pay cut to relocate from Boise to Twin Falls for a new job. The move meant downsizing, and the reduced income made homeownership seem impossible in his new community.

“He wasn’t sure if that meant he could buy a home, and it was a challenge,” Tyler recalls. “But through one of our special rate reduction programs, we were able to get him a rate lower than anything else in the market.” Today, that customer regularly reaches out, grateful that First Federal made his Twin Falls homeownership dream a reality.

Stories like this unfold daily across First Fed’s mortgage team — a group of professionals who view their role as far more than originating loans. They’re guides, problem-solvers, and often the bridge between “I don’t think I can” and “I got the keys.”

The Power of Local

What distinguishes First Fed’s mortgage team isn’t just their expertise — it’s their connection to the communities they serve. As Randi Beachy explains, “First Federal’s approach to lending is all about putting our communities first. As a locally owned, mutual bank, we aren’t driven by shareholders — we’re driven by the people who live, work, and raise families right here in our neighborhoods. That local focus means we understand the unique challenges our customers face, especially in today’s housing market.”

For Esteban Martinez, the advantage is clear. “We are a bank where we recognize the demographics, we understand the needs of the community, because we’re part of the community.”

Being local and part of the community also means making a difference. Angela Oliver, who works from the Burley Main Street branch, knows this first-hand after serving on the First Federal Foundation board for several years. “We truly are community-minded. We contribute to our communities in so many ways. For example, we have a charitable foundation – I love that.”

More Than Transactions

Ask any member of the mortgage team about the most rewarding part of their job, and the answer isn’t about the transactions  — it’s about people.

For Mike Kirby, Vice President and Regional Mortgage Lending Manager for the Treasure Valley, it isn’t hard to pinpoint the most rewarding aspect of his role: “Guiding them through the process and then knowing that they are setting the stage for family, stability, equity gain and all the other factors of wealth and satisfaction of owning a home.”

Jake Tolman, who specializes in both traditional mortgages and reverse mortgages, also relishes a specific moment in the process: “Once they finish signing all their documents and they stand up from the table, they always have a really big grin on their face.”

For Shahnee Holmes, one client stands out. “I was able to help a family that never thought they’d be able to afford a home. They have a daughter with a disability, and they were really looking for a place for her to be able to just be outside a little bit more, to play, to have a yard.” After renting for years, that family finally was able to purchase a home where they could paint their daughter’s bedroom and put up pictures. “They never thought they’d be able to afford their own home. We got creative, and we were able to get them into the house of their dreams.”

Tom Stilinovich recalls another meaningful loan involving an employer who knew their employee was trying to buy a house. “The employer had a rental property, and they were willing to do a gift of equity on that rental property for their employee so they could be a homeowner.”

Breaking Down Barriers

The team understands that buying a home — especially for the first time — can feel overwhelming. Laura Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of understanding affordability. “Review your income, your credit, your debts, as that plays a huge role in the home ownership process.”

The First Fed mortgage team is also ready and willing to answer any questions you have. As Vice President & Regional Mortgage Lending Manager for the Magic Valley Zach Kelsey notes, “Don’t wait to come talk to one of us, we are happy to have a conversation no matter when your timing is.”

Kim Shelley, who specializes in construction loans and reverse mortgages, appreciates First Fed’s range of options. “We have so many programs. We have such an amazing team that supports us — underwriters that we can call and talk to, loan assistants that help us immediately, processors that are very knowledgeable. It makes our job really easy, so we get to concentrate on the customer.”

A common misconception, according to Shahnee, is that First Fed only offers one type of mortgage. “We have so many different programs across the board — conventional, FHA, rural housing, VA, and investors. If someone doesn’t think they’ll be able to get a conventional loan, we have a lot of other options.”

Staying Current, Staying Connected

The mortgage industry changes daily, and First Fed’s team works constantly to stay informed. Tyler emphasizes this commitment: “We have to know what’s going on in the market, what’s available to our customers. We’re constantly learning and growing and improving our education so we can always provide the best service.”

But beyond the technical expertise lies something deeper. As Laura Gonzalez puts it, “First Federal takes the time to listen and understand your financial needs and guide you through the home ownership process.”

In the end, that’s what makes the difference — a team that views each client not as a transaction, but as a neighbor, a community member, and someone whose dream of homeownership deserves expert guidance and genuine care.

“Even as our region has grown,” Diane Fischer notes, “there is a real sense of community and teamwork” that continues to define Idaho.

Kiley Mathews adds, “The communities we serve are places where neighbors look out for each other, local businesses are valued, and there’s a shared pride in seeing our community grow and thrive. It’s a truly special place to call home.”