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FNBT Receives USDA Rural Development Award

Release date: 5/24/2017

​Beloit, WI, May 24, 2017 – USDA Rural Development State Director, Dave Schwobe, named First National Bank and Trust Company as a recipient of the 2016 Silver Million Dollar Lender Award.

The Award is presented each year to lenders who have partnered with, and made a significant contribution to, supporting Wisconsin rural residents looking to become homeowners through the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) Program.

In fiscal year 2016, First National Bank and Trust utilized more than $1 million of GRH program funds by financing home purchases to help moderate income families in Wisconsin. Nearly 2,400 families across Wisconsin were able to purchase a home last year through the GRH loan program, totaling nearly $318 million.

“Working with our lending partners across the state, we’ve made a difference to those rural families prepared to realize the responsibility and benefits of owning a home,” said Schwobe. “We value our partnership with First National Bank and Trust Company and commend their achievement and contributions to meeting rural housing goals for Wisconsin.”

The Million Dollar Lender Award is given at three levels and is based on the total amount of funding utilized by the lender. Silver level disbursed more than $1 million, Gold level disbursed more than $2 million, and Platinum level disbursed more than $5 million during the past year.   

About the Guaranteed Housing Program
The GRH program assists homebuyers in obtaining a 30-year fixed rate mortgage without the down payment typically required by conventional lenders and programs. GRH loans are financed through participating lenders, such as banks and credit unions, and are guaranteed by USDA Rural Development. The amount of the mortgage is limited by the applicant’s repayment ability and can be made for up to 100 percent of the appraised value. There are no restrictions on the size or design of the home. Loan closing costs and repairs can often be financed with the home purchase. Eligible areas include rural regions and communities under 20,000 in population, and not part of a larger urban area. 

Further information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by contacting 715-345-7611, or visiting the agency's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/wi.   

First National Bank and Trust Company is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company now serves nearly 30,000 households in 13 communities and 16 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $1.2 billion.  Commitment to full service banking, investments, asset management, exceptional service, and Sound Advice has positioned First National Bank and Trust Company as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information, visit www.bankatfirstnational.com