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Mortgage Loans

When your journey heads to home, True North can help you get there.

JUNEAU CAMPGROUNDS
JUNEAU

Our loan options give you many paths to your goals

  • Fixed and Variable Rate Conventional Loans 
  • Front Line Heroes Loans 
  • USDA Loans 
  • FHA Loans 
  • VA Loans 
  • Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
  • For current rates, please contact a member of our team

Learn more about our programs and apply

To find out how much you can afford...

Visit our Mortgage Loan Portal for 8 powerful calculators

  • How do I know how much house I can afford?

    Generally speaking, you can purchase a home with a value of two or three times your annual household income. However, the amount that you can borrow will also depend upon your employment history, credit history, current savings and debts, and the amount of down payment you are willing to make.

    You may also be able to take advantage of special loan programs for first time buyers to purchase a home with a higher value. Give us a call at (907) 523-4700, and we can help you determine exactly how much you can afford.

    We have some interactive mortgage calculators you can experiment with.

  • What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan?

    With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same during the life of the loan. With an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM), the interest changes periodically, typically in relation to an index. While the monthly payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are relatively stable, payments on an ARM loan will likely change. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of mortgage, and the best way to select a loan product is by talking to us.

  • How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me?

    There is no simple formula to determine the type of mortgage that is best for you. This choice depends on a number of factors, including your current financial picture and how long you intend to keep your house. Our True North mortgage team can help you evaluate your choices and help you make the most appropriate decision.

  • How do I apply?

    You can start your application here.

  • How long will it take to close my loan?

    Just as you are eager to get into your new home, we are eager to get you there as soon as possible! Generally, the items that take the longest to receive are the appraisal and the title work. We always want to get the appraisal and title work ordered as soon as possible to avoid any delays. If you are purchasing a new home, we will do our best to meet the closing date you and the seller have agreed upon on your purchase contract.

  • What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and how does it benefit me?

    Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is provided by a private company to protect the mortgage lender against losses that might be incurred if a loan defaults.  It is required if the loan amount is more than 80% of the home’s value. 

    This insurance benefits lenders and investor, but it helps homebuyers too. Because True North FCU is protected by mortgage insurance, we can offer loans with low down payments. Without mortgage insurance, we would need to require a down payment of at least 20% of the loan amount.  

  • How much will getting a mortgage cost?

    In addition to any required down payment, you will also need funds to cover the costs of getting a mortgage. These costs could include the fees for your property appraisal, tax service, flood certificate, title commitment, and recording fees. Additional costs may also be involved in a purchase depending on the situation, including points, inspection fees, pre-paid interest, taxes, insurance, and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).   The costs can vary significantly depending on your purchase contract, as the seller may cover some of these costs.

    As part of your pre-qualification, we will provide you with a fee estimate that includes all the fees that you could pay - giving you a very good idea of what the total costs will look like. 

  • How is an index and margin used in an ARM?

    An index is an economic indicator that lenders use to set the interest rate for an ARM. Generally the interest rate that you pay is a combination of the index rate and a pre-specified margin. Three commonly used indices are the One-Year Treasury Bill, the Cost of Funds of the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank (COFI), and the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR).

  • What options are there instead of PMI or a large down payment?

    There are government insured loans such as FHA, VA, USDA or Hud 184.  Each of these programs are unique and have specific requirements.  We will explore these options with you to see if they benefit you.   

  • How do I know which program is right for me?

    Once we receive your application, we assess your situation to see what program is the best fit. Available assets, current homeownership status, consumer credit history, and property location are just a few of the many factors used to determine which program will work best in each scenario. 

    Every borrower’s story is unique. No matter what your story is, rest assured knowing that we will work closely with you to find the most compatible program for your needs. 

  • What information should I have available when I am ready to apply?

    For your initial pre-qualification, we will ask questions about your income, assets, credit history and employment. We will pull a credit report upon receipt of your application. For most applicants, we will be asking for your most recent 30 days of paystubs, your 2 most recent years of W2’s and 2 months of asset statements. Every application is unique---so if fewer, additional, or different documents will be required, we will let you know.  

  • What can I expect when applying for a mortgage with True North?

    You can expect great service and a quick response time, all from real people. Getting started has never been easier: visit our website and complete an online application for pre-qualification or stop by one of our branches to set up an in-person appointment! Once you have submitted your application, one of our Mortgage Loan Originators will reach out to review the details of your application and ask additional question.

  • What are the advantages of getting my mortgage at True North vs any other lender?

    True North is owned by our members - without you, we would not be here!  Because of this, our focus differs from the average mortgage provider; prioritizing service and quality over profit and quantity.  We are always looking out for the best interests of our members, working to serve your needs whenever and wherever possible.

  • How much cash will I need to purchase a home?

    The amount of cash that is necessary depends on a number of items. Generally speaking, though, you will need to supply:

    • Earnest Money: The deposit that is supplied when you make an offer on the house
    • Down Payment: A percentage of the cost of the home that is due at settlement
    • Closing Costs: Costs associated with processing paperwork to purchase or refinance a house
  • What does my mortgage payment include?

    For most homeowners, the monthly mortgage payments include three separate parts:

    • Principal: Repayment on the amount borrowed
    • Interest: Payment to the lender for the amount borrowed
    • Taxes & Insurance: Monthly payments are normally made into a special escrow account for items like hazard insurance and property taxes. This feature is sometimes optional, in which case the fees will be paid by you directly to the County Tax Assessor and property insurance company.

Your True North Mortgage Team

Amy Tonsgard

Amy Tonsgard mortgage lending managerLocated in Juneau, Amy is the True North Mortgage Lending Manager.  Amy is a lifelong Alaskan, wife, and mother.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family and spending time outdoors.

Amy believes a mortgage should be about building relationships, and helping our members achieve their home financing goals --- whether they are purchasing their first home, or buying investment property.   Amy strives to customize every home loan to the unique needs of each applicant.  Amy’s goal is to deliver results through clear communication, personalized service, and great attention to detail.

Whether you are financing a home for the first time, purchasing a second one, or refinancing your current mortgage, give Amy a call today! 

Amy Tonsgard, Mortgage Lending Manager

NMLS#1455687
Phone: (907) 523-4710
Cell: (907) 351-3143
Fax: (907) 523-4719
E-mail: atonsgard@truenorthfcu.org

Sharon Seymour

Sharon Seymour Mortgage Loan OriginatorSharon is a South African native who has made Alaska her home. With more than 16 years experience in the real estate industry, Sharon is able to see the big picture and assist our members in identifying the right loan packages for each unique situation.

Sharon’s goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of the people she encounters, and strives to serve our members with compassion, integrity, and tenacity. Her passion is to go above and beyond her regular duties as a Loan Officer and help our members achieve their home ownership goals and create lifelong relationships with the people she works with.

Sharon is our Real Estate Loan Officer based out of our Anchorage location and she looks forward to strengthening many great relationships with our members.

Sharon Seymour, Mortgage Loan Originator

NMLS#2465316
Phone: (907) 771-4763
Cell: (907) 337-5363
E-mail: sseymour@truenorthfcu.org

VIEW OF WATER AND FIREWEED FLOWERS IN SITKA
SITKA

Mortgage Extras

  • Local processing and underwriting
  • Local Loan Officers who understand our unique properties
  • Work with local partners like AHFC on your behalf
  • Expertise in financing rural Alaska properties
  • Zero or low down payment options
  • First time home buyer options available
  • Visit Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Rate Page

plans to build a home in the middle of a undeveloped land

Are you looking to build or renovate your home?

True North can help you with a construction loan to build or improve the home of your dreams. Up to a one year term available. 

Apply Today

Nicchia Leamer, Vice President of Lending
NMLS# 524519

2777 Postal Way, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 523-4700
Fax: (907) 523-4719
E-mail: nleamer@truenorthfcu.org