LINTHICUM, MD, May 1, 2020 NFM Lending is pleased to honor Aviation Metalsmith, 2nd Class “Grandpa” Bill Kelly as the NFM Salute for May 2020.

Kelly was born in 1925 in Aurora, Illinois during the Great Depression. As one of seven children, he said growing up he never realized they were poor. His family had a large garden and he recalls fond memories of rabbit hunting and fishing in the Fox River with his father. Toward the end of the Depression, Kelly vowed to serve his country after the horrific events of Pearl Harbor. At 17 years old and a senior in high school, his father encouraged him to graduate before enlisting. Keeping his word, he graduated before joining the Navy in July 1943.

Kelly was assigned to the 53rd Naval Construction Battalion attached to the Third Marine Division. He was deployed to several places, including: New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Guam. His battalion took care of wounded, unloaded ships, removed unexploded ammunition and created roads for transportation so troops could get to the frontlines.

After his service, Kelly attended Oregon State and Linn Benton Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science. He then joined the Corvallis Volunteer Fire Department and was later hired by the local Fire Department, where he worked his way up to Captain of Suppression and Fire Prevention. He later became the Assistant Chief Fire Marshall at the Oak Lodge Fire District, where he eventually retired.

Now at 95 years old, Kelly has overcome yet another incredible challenge. On March 17, he tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19. Living with his family, including two young great grandchildren, Kelly had to remain quarantined to his room for two weeks. His granddaughter, Rose Etherington, was able to care for him. “There were a couple of days where he looked extremely ashen and I could tell he was slipping. He didn’t want to eat, so we had to really stay on top of him to eat and drink. I think he pulled through because he has a strong mind. He knew it wasn’t time. He wanted to be with the kids more.”

To everyone going through this difficult time, Kelly does have some advice.

“This too will pass, and maybe we’ll be better off. Do what you’re supposed to do. Just be a good, solid American. There’s a saying that I remember a friend used to say all the time: Fighters never quit, and quitters never fight. Just carry on.”

NFM Salute is an initiative in which one military member or Veteran is chosen each month to be honored as the “Salute of the Month.” Salutes are chosen from nominations on the NFM Salute website, www.nfmsalute.com. The “Salute of the Month” will be featured on the website with a biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will donate to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.

NFM Lending is proud to donate $2,500 to The Gary Sinise Foundation on behalf of Kelly and his family. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.

About NFM Lending

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 41 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. NFM Lending and its family of companies includes Main Street Home Loans, Bluprint Home Loans, and Freedmont Mortgage Group. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Instagram.

COVID-19 has shaken up most people’s lives and plans in a way many have never experienced before. If you were planning on selling, buying, or refinancing a home before COVID-19, you don’t need to put off your plans. NFM Lending is continuously adapting to market and industry changes to best serve you and your family. Read on to find out how NFM Lending can serve clients virtually.

Virtual Solutions

NFM Lending’s ongoing initiative to reduce paper usage has moved us toward a virtual experience, for those who want one, even prior to the pandemic. Almost every step of the mortgage application process can be done electronically, making the process more efficient for everyone involved. Loan applications can be completed online, as can the list of documents needed to move the loan forward. All documents can also be submitted safely through our Secure Document Upload (SDU) at your convenience using the device of your choice. For forms that require a signature, you have the option to review and sign them electronically. Though final closing documents need to be signed in front of a notary, we will let you know prior to closing so you can make arrangements with a notary and your title company.

Constant Communication

Regardless of environmental conditions, going through the mortgage or refinance process can be a daunting experience if you’re not fully informed. We have the ability to provide real-time electronic updates so you’re never in the dark about your loan. If you ever have questions about what’s going on, our loan originators and operations professionals are dedicated to answering questions and guiding you through the process. Whether you need a phone call, email, a quick text, or even a video call, NFM is here for you. Our staff is working remotely during this time, but still fully available to assist. We remain committed to ensuring you have an experience that’s as smooth as possible.

Even though there have been changes to the way we all normally do things, our mission to provide excellent service remains the same. The processes to purchase, sell, and refinance a home now may be a bit different, but they are still very doable. The technology available today will help minimize the challenges we’re facing during this pandemic. Together we will improvise, adapt, and overcome.

If you have any questions about how to proceed during this time, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators.

The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to assist Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new law includes provisions for homeowners, one of which requires loan servicers to offer mortgage forbearance. There are several misconceptions about this relief service. If you’re considering this option for yourself and your family, this is what you need to know about mortgage forbearance.

What is mortgage forbearance?

First and foremost, mortgage forbearance is NOT mortgage forgiveness. Forbearance means that your loan payments will be deferred for a certain period of time, after which you will be responsible for those payments. According to the CARES Act, your loan will accrue interest during forbearance, but it will not be subject to additional interest or fees. Some loan servicers may request multiple months’ worth of payments at the end of forbearance, so you need to contact your lender to understand their repayment terms. The CARES Act stipulates an initial forbearance period for federally backed loans of 180 days, with an extension of 180 days if requested by the borrower. Forbearance is essentially a grace period where your payments will not be due monthly in order to provide immediate relief.

Am I eligible for mortgage forbearance?

The government’s forbearance program covers mortgages backed by federally sponsored agencies: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Your loan servicer may have their own forbearance options if you did not get your mortgage through a federal program. If you’re interested in mortgage forbearance, you need to contact your loan servicer to see if you qualify and what their terms of repayment are. Call the number located on your monthly mortgage statements to reach your servicer.

What does this mean for me?

As mentioned in the CARES Act, your credit score should not be affected during forbearance, nor will you be charged any late fees. However, there is uncertainty around this topic and we’ll update this page as we get more information. One thing to be aware of is that your account will maintain the status it was in when it went into forbearance (i.e. current, delinquent, etc.) while in forbearance. If possible, be sure your account is current before going into forbearance. If you anticipate you will need more time in forbearance, reach out to your loan servicer before your initial term ends to ask what options are available. Understand that if you’re still able to make monthly mortgage payments, you should continue to make them.

This is a very uncertain and even stressful time for many homeowners, therefore it’s even more important to do your research before you sign up for any relief program. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of your loan servicer’s conditions so you won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises down the road.

If you decide forbearance isn’t for you, explore the idea of refinancing.