February 1, 2022 Banks need to send sensitive documents all the time, but secure email is clunky. Greg Ohlendorf of First Community Bank and Trust worked with a partner to make that hassle a thing of the past. By Colleen Morrison, Independent Banker When it comes to innovation, sometimes it’s all about finding the right partner: one who shares community bank values. So believes Greg Ohlendorf, president and CEO of First Community Bank and Trust in Beecher, Ill. “Innovation
Read More

Temperatures are slowing climbing and everyone is thinking spring. Spring is the busiest home selling and buying season in most areas, therefore, it can be quite competitive. If you're looking to make your big move in the next few months, it's time to get prepared.  1. Speak with a loan officer. A professional loan officer will help you figure out how much house you can really afford. Loan officers are experts in the home buying process and can help you better understand your
Read More

Beecher, IL (July, 2020) Home maintenance can be overwhelming, but staying on top of the small stuff can save you money and help you avoid emergency repairs. This summer is sure to be very different than usual and most of us will be keeping our distance and staying home. What better time to take care of your biggest investment? Check out this brief list of necessary home maintenance tasks to take care of this summer and throughout the year: Gutters - Clogged gutters can cause
Read More

Tags: community bank, home maintenance, homeowner, mortgage, mortgage loans, new home

Beecher, IL (June, 2020)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and First Community Bank and Trust in recognition of National Homeownership Month in June, are reminding current and prospective homeowners of the resources that community banks offer that make financing easier and more affordable. “For most people, buying a home is an investment in their future and a foundation upon which to establish community ties and amass financial security,” said
Read More

Tags: home loan, homeowner, mortgage loan, mortgage rates, new home

Temperatures are slowing climbing and everyone is thinking spring. Spring is the busiest home selling and buying season in most areas, therefore, it can be quite competitive. If you're looking to make your big move in the next few months, it's time to get prepared.  1. Speak with a loan officer. A professional loan officer will help you figure out how much house you can really afford. Loan officers are experts in the home buying process and can help you better understand your
Read More

Tags: home buying, homeowner, mortgage loan, preapproval, Spring

As we celebrate our nation’s birth this Fourth of July, we are proud to represent our country’s independent spirit as community bankers, contributing to our nation’s economic well-being through service to our customers and communities. At First Community Bank and Trust it’s the relationship, not the transaction, that governs our practices and interactions with customers and distinguishes us as independent lenders. Because we are locally owned and operated, we understand
Read More

Tags: 4th of July, community bank, fourth of july, independent bank, local business, small business

June 2019 - The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA)and First Community Bank and Trust in recognition of National Homeownership Month in June, are reminding current and prospective homeowners of community bank resources that make financing easier and more a personal. “For most people, buying a home is an investment in their future—an opportunity to establish roots, start a family, and build financial security,” said Greg Ohlendorf, President and CEO of First
Read More

Tags: community bank, homeowner, loan, mortgage loan, new home

Technology is a powerful tool.  It can save time (via mobile payments) and money (comparison shopping has never been easier), and now it’s becoming a routine source of information in the purchase or sale of a home.  More than 50 percent of buyers from all generations frequently used the Internet to search for their home, but that figure jumps to 99 percent for buyers 37 years and younger, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2018 Home Buyer and Seller
Read More

Tags: Community Banking, electronic banking, homeownership, mortgage loans, new home

The New Year is the perfect time to establish financial wellness goals. First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America®(ICBA) are reminding consumers, it’s easier to build a credit score than to repair a bad one.  “Having a good credit history is key to any financial plan,” said Greg Ohlendorf, President and CEO of First Community Bank and Trust in Beecher, IL. “Credit scores take into consideration years of past behavior,
Read More

Tags: credit, credit score, homeowner, loan, mortgage loan

This Veterans Day—the 100thanniversary of the end of World War I—we celebrate the men and women of our armed forces for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve the common good.  Their sacrifices and those of their families is an enduring testament to the strength and character of America’s military and why First Community Bank and Trust is proud to serve these members of our community every day.  We are joined in this endeavor by thousands
Read More

Tags: community bank, community service, Military, VA loan, veterans, Veterans Day