First Mid Bank & Trust Helps First-Time Buyers Overcome One of Homeownership's Biggest Barriers

Through down payment assistance programs, the bank is easing upfront costs during key homebuying season

Mediapolis, IA (July 23, 2026) For many first-time homebuyers, saving for a down payment can be one of the most significant steps on the path to homeownership, even when a monthly mortgage payment fits within their budget.

As the summer homebuying season continues, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is raising awareness of down payment assistance programs that may help eligible buyers reduce upfront costs and purchase a home sooner.

Through its partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank, First Mid helps qualifying first-time homebuyers access grant funding that can be applied toward a down payment and other eligible homebuying expenses. Eligibility is based on program requirements, including household income and credit qualifications.

"Down payment assistance can make a meaningful difference for buyers who are financially prepared for homeownership but need additional support with upfront costs," said Josh Lanz, Mortgage Loan Officer at First Mid. "We guide our customers through each step of the process and help them understand the resources that may be available to them."

Funding for housing assistance initiatives has increased significantly in recent years, according to Lanz. Depending on the specific program, assistance may be structured as a forgivable loan when the homeowner remains in the property for at least five years.

First-time homebuyers Allison and Ben Perdelwitz experienced the impact of these programs firsthand after receiving $15,000 in down payment assistance through First Mid. The couple had initially been pre-approved through another financial institution but decided to work with First Mid after learning they could qualify for assistance.

"We found the perfect home and were approved for both the house and the grant right away," Allison Perdelwitz said. "The entire process went smoothly, and having the grant was such a relief. Instead of worrying about the down payment, we could focus on preparing for life in our new home."

Lanz said the personalized support of a local lender can be especially valuable for first-time buyers navigating an unfamiliar process.

"When people are considering buying a home, I always advise them to work with a local bank like First Mid because we're able to combine the resources of a larger financial institution with the personal service of a community bank," Lanz stated. "When you're working with a loan officer who understands your local market, they are often also aware of the unique grant opportunities and incentives available in that market that could potentially save you thousands of dollars. For many new homebuyers, that money can make a major difference in their ability to afford the home."

More information about First Mid's mortgage services and down payment assistance resources is available at www.firstmid.com/mortgages.

About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $9.3 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol "FMBH". Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.