Find Your Way Home with CNB St. Louis Bank!

We believe in helping people realize their dream of home ownership. Whether it is your first home or your last home, CNB St. Louis Bank will help you get there!

At CNB, our experienced mortgage lenders are here to help you explore your options, guide you through the process, and match you with a loan that works for your unique situation. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking for a specialized program, we're ready to help you move forward. 

 

Our Mortgage Solutions: 

Mortgage Loan Programs

We offer conventional mortgage loans along with special programs for first-time home buyers and first responders. Get a free consultation with one of our mortgage lenders to discover what mortgage loan program best fits your home ownership goals!
 

Pre-Qualification

Start with a pre-qualification to explore your options and help discover how much you can borrow. This is best done before you start house hunting. Not familiar with pre-qualification? Check out our FAQs below to learn What is a pre-qualification?
 
Get Pre-Qualified Today



Home Ownership Program and Education (HOPE)

Our HOPE Mortgage Loan Program helps first time home buyers in St. Louis City, County, and St. Charles County with affordable rates, no PMI, and possible down payment assistance. It supports those with limited credit history and includes a free 12-month home warranty. Homebuyer education is required, and income/property eligibility applies.
 

Special Programs for Frontline Workers

Available for first responders, nurses, and teachers purchasing a home in the St. Louis Region. Up to 100% financing, no down payment or PMI required, competitive rates, and flexible payment terms.
 







Why Choose CNB For Your Home Loan? 

Since 1915, CNB has proudly served the St. Louis community with a commitment to personalized care and trusted guidance. When you choose CNB you're choosing: 
 
  • Personalized communication and advice from local experts who truly care
  • Easy and fast online loan applications to simplify your home buying journey
  • Low lender fees and competitive rates that help make homeownership more affordable
  • In-house credit decisions for quicker, more flexible approvals
  • Exclusive mortgage programs available only at CNB

Get Customized Home Buying Advice

We offer a free, no obligation, consultation for anyone interested in becoming a home owner. Here's what's included:

  • Free info and question session with a loan officer
  • Assessment of goals and credit position
  • Determine budget and desired payment amount
  • Compare scenarios and available loan programs
 We're here to make your home buying experience smooth, supportive, and tailored to your needs—because at CNB, you're more than a loan, you're part of our community. 
 
Credit report will not be pulled until application is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Homebuyers

You've got questions, we're here to help! Browse this Q&A section at your leisure, or contact us to have a more personalized question and answer session about your unique situation. 
Successful home ownership means having a monthly payment that is affordable for your unique financial position. Start by understanding your monthly income and expenses to determine your mortgage payment. Our mortgage calculator allows you to estimate your monthly mortgage payment.
The amount of your down payment is dependent upon the loan program. Minimum down payments typically range from 0%-5% of the purchase price of the home, and down payment assistance may be available. Talk to one of our mortgage lenders for a free home loan consultation.
 
There are many resources available for down payment assistance. Our mortgage lenders can help determine if you qualify and connect you with the right resource. Reach out today for your free consultation.
 
Generally, lenders are looking at minimum credit scores of 620 for conventional mortgage loans. We also have a special loan program that offers non-traditional credit verification methods for buyers in certain situations. Talk to one of our mortgage specialists to understand your options. 
 
Contact us today to understand your options and eligibility. Even if you don't qualify today, our mortgage specialists can help you take steps to get there.
 
We have a special mortgage loan program designed for first time home buyers that uses non-traditional credit verification methods. The program is called Home Ownership Program & Education, or "HOPE" for short.
 
Learn more about our HOPE loan, or contact us for a no-cost consultation.
 
That's a great question, and the answer depends on a variety of factors. Use our Home Rent vs. Buy Calculator to run through different scenarios and learn what is best for you!
 
Mortgage loan rates fluctuate daily based on the market, so we are unable to quote exact rates on our website. Contact us to discover our current mortgage rates.
 
A pre-qualification is an initial estimate of how much you might be able to borrow and is based upon self-reported financial information and your credit report. A pre-qualification is not an offer of credit.   
 
Pre-qualification increases your chances of getting the home you want by understanding your options before it's time to make an offer. Sellers and realtors often require pre-qualifications before scheduling showings and/or accepting offers.
 
Want to get started?
 
At CNB, we offer conventional mortgage loans and special loan programs. Don't worry, we are here to help you determine the best program for you.
 
To learn more about the different loan programs available, contact one of our mortgage specialists for a free consultation.
 
To apply for a mortgage loan at CNB, you will first need to complete a mortgage loan application. Items you may want to locate in preparation for your application include:
 
  • Current pay stubs covering the most recent 30 day pay period
  • W-2’s for the last two years
  • Tax returns for the past two years
  • Bank statements for the past two months
  • Investment/retirement account statements for the past two months
Our online application system allows you to start your application now, save your progress, and return later to complete the application. 
 
Start Your Application
Not ready to start the application? Start with a conversation.
 While each transaction is different, we advise clients to prepare for an estimated 2% - 5% of the home's purchase price for closing fees. 
 
Want to know more?
 
Start by having a conversation with one of CNB's mortgage loan specialists! Complete this form to request a free consultation. Whether you are making future plans, or planning to start shopping for a home, it is never too soon to prepare. 
 








Mortgage Terminology Explained

There's a lot of jargon. We get it! Let us help translate some of this for you! Below are some common mortgage terms and their definitions.
ARM stands for Adjustable Rate Mortgage and is a mortgage with an interest rate that may change periodically based on market conditions. Your lender must disclose to you if the rate of your mortage is adjustable.
The total cost of borrowing, including interest and some fees, expressed as a yearly percentage.

Amortization is the process of gradually paying off a loan through regular payments of principal and interest over time. 


An appraisal is a professional estimate of a property's market value and is typically required by lenders. 

Closing costs are fees and expenses that are incurred as part of a real estate purchase and/or mortgage loan. They can include, but are not limited to, title fees, appraisal fees, lender fees, and realtor fees.


A conventional mortgage is a home loan that is offered by private lenders like banks, credit unions, or mortgage companies. Conventional mortgage loans typically follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
The Debt-to-Income ratio is a measure of a borrower's monthly debt payments compared to their gross monthly income.
Earnest money is a good faith deposit made by a homebuyer to show the seller they’re serious about purchasing the property. It’s typically submitted when the buyer signs the purchase agreement.
An escrow is a financial arrangement where a third-party hold funds until certain conditions are met. 
 
For example, during a real estate transaction, your earnest money may be held in escrow until the purchase is complete. After your mortgage is in place, your lender bank may hold funds meant for payment of annual real estate taxes and insurance in escrow until the payments is due.
A fixed rate mortgage is a mortgage loan with an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan.
The loan-to-value ratio is a key metric that compares the amount of the loan to the value (or purchase price, whiehever is lowest) of the home. It is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the home value and then multiplying it by 100.
The origination fee is what the borrower pays the lender for making the loan.
Points refer to upfront fees paid to reduce the interest rate on a mortgage loan. 1 point is equal to 1% of the loan amount.
A prepayment penalty is a fee charged if a borrower pays the loan off early. This is not a common fee for a owner-occupied home loan and must be disclosed by your lender.
The principal balance of a loan is the loan amount owed, not including interest.
Private mortgage insurance is insurance that protects the lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. PMI is often required for loans with less than 20% down (or 80% loan-to-value).
Title insurance is provided by title companies to protect against losses from disputes over property ownership. 
Underwriting is the process lenders use to assess the risk of lending to a borrower. Underwriting takes into consideration many factors such as loan-to-value, debt-to-income, and credit history.


CNB St. Louis Bank is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. This webpage is not an offer of credit. All loans are subject to credit approval. Restrictions and conditions may apply. Must be 18 Years or older, a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and have a valid Social Security Number to apply.