First Community Bank is a regional lender offering mortgages alongside traditional banking services, with a focus on serving local communities. While their mortgage rates are generally competitive—often beating the national average—buyers should be mindful of lender fees, which tend to run higher than average.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How First Community Bank compares to other lenders
Headquarters | Bluefield, Virginia |
Website | fcbresource.com |
Rate | 0.14% lower than the median rate |
Lender fees | $1,400 (median on First Community Bank loans) |
Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $817 |
Savings after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $4,825 |
Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $1,761 |
Added cost 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $6,359 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, First Community Bank’s rates—about 0.14% lower than the market median—result in savings of $817 more in the first year and about $4,825 more over 10 years relative to the median lender. However, borrowers could still save more with ultra-low-cost lenders like Tomo Mortgage.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews of First Community Bank, headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia, reveal mixed experiences regarding its mortgage services.
Borrowers praised the bank for offering competitive mortgage rates and personalized service. Specific branches were noted for their customer-centric approach, with loan officers providing quick pre-approvals and clear guidance during the home-buying process. Customers appreciated the convenience of local branches and the ability to meet with loan officers directly.
Complaints frequently mention operational inefficiencies, poor communication, and delays in processing. Some borrowers reported frustrations with disorganized paperwork and unexpected changes in loan terms close to closing. Issues with online banking systems, such as rejected payments or difficulties accessing account information, further added to dissatisfaction.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.