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Buying a home is about more than finding the right property. It’s about finding a place where your family can put down roots, build stability, and feel at home in the community around you.

For Zach Kelsey, VP/Regional Mortgage Lending Manager, and Esteban Martinez, VP/Mortgage Loan Professional, both based at First Federal’s Kimberly Branch, helping local families reach that milestone starts with preparation, honest conversations, and understanding each buyer’s goals.

Start Before You’re Ready to Buy

After 20 years in banking, Zach has seen firsthand how meaningful homeownership can be, especially for customers who may not have thought owning a home was possible.

“For many people, buying a home isn’t just a financial decision—it’s deeply emotional,” Zach says. “Seeing the moment it becomes real the keys, the smiles, sometimes even tears is something that never gets old.”

Originally from Declo and a lifelong Idahoan, Zach understands the communities he serves because they’re home to him, too. That local connection is something he believes makes a difference when navigating a major financial decision.

“We’re truly local from start to finish,” Zach says. “You’re working with people who live and work right here in Idaho and genuinely want to see our customers and communities succeed.”

For Zach, helping someone buy a home is about listening to what they want to accomplish and helping them understand the path to get there.

“Helping people achieve homeownership—especially those who didn’t think it was possible has been incredibly meaningful,” he says.

Preparation Can Make All the Difference

When Esteban purchased his own home nine years ago, he quickly learned just how much there was to understand about the process.

“When I first bought my house, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Esteban says. “I hadn’t set realistic expectations about financing, budgeting, or the homebuying process.”

That experience now shapes the advice he gives buyers: understand your financial picture before you begin searching.

“Take the time to learn about your finances, check your credit, set a realistic budget, and compare lenders,” he says. “Doing your homework ahead of time can make the homebuying experience much smoother.”

Esteban also encourages buyers to get pre-approved and ask about resources that may be available, including first-time homebuyer opportunities, down payment assistance, and different mortgage products.

His biggest advice is to think beyond what you can afford today.

“Know your limits and set realistic expectations,” Esteban says. “Think about both your short-term and long-term financial goals.”

More Than a Place to Live

For Esteban, home means “family, stability, and a place to call your own.” That’s also what makes helping local families purchase a home so rewarding.

“It’s not just a transaction,” he says. “It’s the beginning of a long-term relationship where I can continue to support and guide my clients.”

For Zach and Esteban, that’s what Homegrown Homeownership is all about, helping Idaho families feel prepared, supported, and confident as they put down roots in the communities they call home.

Speak to an Expert!

Learn More about Esteban

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