NSB Team Lending Expertise to First-Time Homebuyers at Avesta Housing

PORTLAND—The Avesta HomeOwnership Center supports all interested Maine renters and homeowners through financial counseling and a variety of special services, including first-time homebuyer classes that now feature Norway Savings Bank team members pitching in to assist.

“I’ll be presenting on the overall topic of Mortgage Lending from the basics of what a mortgage is, mortgage payments, how your debt-to-income ratio is calculated, what income can be included in your application, and types of mortgage lenders,” said Kelly Sturmer VP, Mortgage Loan Officer/Sebago Lakes Region and Greater Portland at NSB. “We’ll talk about comparing terms and types of loans and in which situation each type might be preferable, the difference between being prequalified and preapproved, things to do during your application process as well as the things not to do during the mortgage process.”

Norway Savings has long supported Avesta Housing and its efforts to not only accelerate the creation of much-needed low and moderate-income housing across Maine, but also to assist individuals and families in gaining access to safe, affordable homes. Earlier this year, NSB delivered a $40,000 check to the organization as part of a multi-year commitment to Avesta and contributed an additional $1,000 to the HomeOwnership Center this month. But providing team members to lend their expertise to those in need evokes a special sense of pride for NSB. 

“I do enjoy working with first-time homebuyers quite a lot. As a recent first-time homebuyer myself, I understand the struggles of today’s housing market,” said Caleb Grover, a Mortgage Loan Officer at NSB. “It’s a long game and more than anything, they need someone to lean on for all their questions throughout the process. Being that resource is rewarding and one of my favorite parts of the Mortgage Loan Officer role.”

“It feels great to share my knowledge in homeownership classes because I know the many positive effects stable housing can have on a person’s life and their family’s lives, from better mental and physical health to improved school performance and development of children,” said Sturmer. “I grew up in unstable housing situations, spending time in foster care, so I know firsthand how housing instability impacted my life and I want to help people thrive in the communities where they want to live, work, and play. This type of education is a building block in the process.”

To learn more about the Avesta HomeOwnership Center and how you can participate, visit www.avestahousing.org/affordable-housing/financial-counseling.