We used BB&T had a lower rate then Citizens and fees were lower and the service was excellent. We went 6 banks here in the Villages, for us it was between BB&T and Wells Fargo.

What difference does that make? You cannot find a friendlier bank anywhere. I took out a mortgage with them for closing. Everything went super smooth. A month later, I paid off the mortgage.

I love the ease of their bill payer feature of the online banking.

Citizens is approx .5% higher than all others. That said, we used them for mortgage. They continue loan management for the life of the loan and have been very professional and easy to get in and out of for other financial needs.

Ditto SunTrust. and got a much lower rate.

Shop around and don't limit yourself to FL bank branches. We got our mortgage through SunTrust up North. Much better rate, as rep said, "Rates are set where originated". The closing went through fine. I won't mention interest rate or cash back since lower than what I have seen.

My advise, shop around and do not be forced to use Citizens's.

Many banks have online bill paying to anyone, not just Citizens, (SunTrust)

Wells Fargo local branches are also extremely friendly, have free checking, free checks, free online banking, and when I opened my checking they were offering a free safe deposit box, which I have had for five years.

Buying a home in TV & dealing with Citizens is sort of like buying a car from your Ford dealer and financing it through Ford Credit. It's there, it's easy and convenient. Plus..because they are the finance arm of the company they are more motivated to get you approved. That's not a bad thing. The bigger question is what price is the convenience worth? They are an FDIC bank no different than Chase or BB&T. Choosing Citizens over another bank is not like dealing with Benny the Blowtorch collecting the vig each week back behind the factory when you get out of work.

Another thing I love about Citizens First are the magical money machines at the postal depots. Just put in a plastic card, hit a couple of buttons, and money appears! Works even better than the slot machines at the casinos.

There has to be a STORY behind this. Why would anyone pay the expenses to take out a mortgage for one monthand then pay it off?
Normally people just use a closing company. That is what they are for.:confused:

:pepper2: Buggy very funny. The only problem is the "magic machines" seem to be out of order more than the slots! As mentioned in a previous post, we saved a bunch of money by using our Illnois bank both in closing costs and a lower interest rate. We do have a checking account at Citizens and do like their "magic machines" when they are up and working.

Of course it was easy and comfortable, IF you paid the mortgage off the following month?? Most people are purchasing mortgages for a extended period of time. (Like years) They don't have the luxury like you, to pay off in a month. But you were happy, and thats all that counts. I personelly dealt with a lovely lady (Larraine Lencki) from First Eastern Mortgage Corp. They are a subsidiary of First Federal Savings Bank of Boston. They deal here in Florida and she is very personable to her clients and so very honest, plus her rates are a little bit lower, with no points, if wanted. 1-800-999-7788 x 28 Cell 603-867-8388

I checked out using Citizens but when I saw what their closing costs and rates were I shopped else where. The 30 day closing is tough and if you do use another bank you will have to make sure that they can accomodate your close in that time frame. I used Wells Fargo and they supported the close but not without lots of anxious moments. It comes down to your make up when handling money matters. If you are the type that takes charge and is not afraid to kick butt then because of the savings I would recommend another bank but if you want peace of mind then the higher rates and fees at Citizens may be worth it.

:agree: