🎧 Navigating First-Time Homebuyer & Construction Loans with Alicia Costa of Camden National Bank
Buying your first home — or building your dream one — can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Between loan options, down payments, and all the paperwork, it’s easy to feel lost in the process. In this episode of the Lone Pine Real Estate Co. Podcast, Rachael Umstead sits down with Alicia Costa, Mortgage Loan Officer at Camden National Bank, to simplify what every buyer needs to know about first-time homebuyer loans and construction financing.
🏡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Whether you’re just beginning your home search or planning a new build from the ground up, this episode breaks down the steps to make your financing journey smooth and stress-free. Alicia brings over 13 years of experience helping Maine families find the right loan programs that fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Here’s what we cover:
- ✅ Understanding First-Time Homebuyer Programs — what qualifies as a first-time buyer, common misconceptions, and how to prepare for pre-approval.
- 🧾 Loan Options Explained — from FHA and MaineHousing loans to conventional mortgages, we walk through the pros and cons of each.
- 🏗️ Construction Loans 101 — what to expect if you’re building, from draw schedules to interest-only payments during construction.
- 💡 Tips for Success — how to strengthen your credit, budget wisely, and work with your lender and agent as a team.
💬 Alicia’s Advice for New Buyers
Alicia emphasizes one simple but powerful piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to start the conversation early.” Even if you’re six months to a year out from buying or building, talking to a lender now helps you understand what’s realistic and how to prepare financially.
She also shares how the mortgage process has evolved — with digital tools, pre-qualification options, and personalized guidance that make the experience more approachable than ever.
🌲 Why This Episode Matters
At Lone Pine Real Estate Co., our goal is to create solutions to navigating tricky real estate waters. Understanding your financing options is one of the most important first steps toward buying or building confidently. Alicia’s thoughtful, down-to-earth approach will leave listeners feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take the next step.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Where do I even start with a mortgage?”
“Can I build a home with a loan if I don’t already own land?”
“Which loan is best for me — a land loan or a construction loan?”
— this episode is for you.
đź”— Listen Now
🎧 Tune in to the Lone Pine Real Estate Co. Podcast wherever you listen — Podbean and YouTube.
About Our Guest:
Alicia Costa, Mortgage Loan Officer at Camden National Bank
With over 13 years of experience, Alicia helps individuals and families find home financing solutions that fit their needs. Whether you’re buying, building, or refinancing, she’s committed to guiding clients every step of the way with local service and expert care. Outside of work, she volunteers with the Pope Memorial Humane Society, enjoys hiking with her hound dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
About Lone Pine Real Estate Co.
Located in Camden, Maine, Lone Pine Real Estate Co. is a full-service brokerage serving Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties. We specialize in residential, land, and commercial properties — helping our clients buy and sell real estate with integrity, creativity, and care.
🪵 Lone Pine Real Estate Co. — Creating Solutions to Navigating Tricky Real Estate Waters.
