FIBT crowned “Champion of Affordable Housing Excellence” for North Dakota commitment
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
“It’s always nice to be recognized for doing good work,” says Dave Mason, Director of Mortgage at First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), and indeed, the bank has recently earned significant recognition, receiving the prestigious Champion of Affordable Housing Excellence Award from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA). The award is the culmination of FIBT’s efforts to strengthen affordable housing initiatives across the state.
The award, announced in a recent press release, celebrates FIBT’s “unwavering commitment to supporting affordable housing initiatives and strengthening communities.” Mason elaborated on the bank’s efforts in an interview, detailing the various programs and partnerships that facilitate home ownership. “First International Bank & Trust has numerous programs that we participate in to encourage home ownership. Programs and partnerships with entities like North Dakota Housing Finance Agency are critical to create opportunities for more people to achieve the American dream of home ownership,” he explained.
When asked about the criteria used to support affordable housing projects, Mason emphasized the bank’s local approach. “First International Bank & Trust underwrites and makes decisions utilizing our own, local underwriters. Loans are decided on a case by case basis, ensuring borrowers are financially prepared to step into homeownership.” Addressing the challenges facing affordable housing in North Dakota, Mason cited the limited housing inventory as a major hurdle. “Housing inventory is a major issue across the state. As a result, we work with local developers and communities to help support their needs to produce more housing opportunities.”
FIBT’s partnership with NDHFA is crucial to their success. “Our partnership with NDHFA is vital to our ability to provide low interest, fixed rate loans to North Dakotans, living in North Dakota. Affordable products, for long term financing, is a critical component to getting people into homes. We appreciate NDHFA and our other partners desire to fulfill this need,” Mason stated.
Mason made it clear that the impact of FIBT’s involvement extends beyond mere transactions, touching the lives of individuals and families. “Home ownership is a critical component to achieving financial freedom,” Mason said. “We help first-time buyers navigate the complexities of their first home purchase, new families find new places to raise their families, and we help borrowers build their dream homes. We recognize that some of the best parts of living in North Dakota happen around the dinner table. It’s a privilege to be there to help people have the opportunity of home ownership.”
Mason explained that looking ahead, FIBT remains committed to its mission. “First International Bank & Trust is proud of its North Dakota heritage and roots. We look forward to helping the communities we serve care and house their neighbors. In order to accomplish this, we continue to build partnerships with entities like NDHFA to help all North Dakotans in their financial needs.” With a history dating back to 1910, FIBT continues to uphold its commitment to community banking. “Our team at First International Bank & Trust has been doing the good work of community banking since 1910,” Mason concluded.
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