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Community Home Lending

Community Home Lending

Helping Make Homeownership Possible


Our Community Home Lending team works to make homeownership accessible for all. With affordable mortgage programs, grant support, financial education, and compassionate guidance, they are helping more people become homeowners throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Beyond home loans, our Community Home Lending Officers help families create stability, restore hope in the American Dream, and build lasting legacies of generational wealth.

Affordable Home Loan Programs and Down Payment Assistance Grants


For many people, the down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to buying a home. At First Merchants, we’ve developed exclusive programs that can help lower— and sometimes even remove—those upfront costs. As a community-centered bank, we also partner with local organizations and municipalities to combine additional grant funds with our programs to maximize the assistance our clients can receive.

Next Horizon Mortgage

A flexible home loan with no down payment required and no private mortgage insurance. Offers below‑market rates and accepts non‑traditional credit, like rent and utility payments. Can be paired with eligible grant programs.

Community Home Buyer Grant

Get up to $5,000 to use toward your down payment, closing costs, or housing counseling. Available to eligible borrowers who meet income limits or purchase in qualifying communities.

Partner Grants

Access down payment assistance through our partnerships with community organizations and local municipalities. We can often combine multiple programs to increase your total benefit. Contact a lender to learn what’s available in your area.

Contact a lender to learn more about programs and see what you may qualify for!


Contact A Lender

Meet the Community Home Lending Team


Our lenders take the time to listen, understand your story, and help you find a solution that fits your budget. We’re here to support your journey, remove obstacles, and help you prosper.

First Merchants Bank Shirlonda Taylor

Shirlonda Taylor

Community Home Lending Officer
NMLS #416953
Phone: 219.614.0773
[email protected]

Learn More

First-Merchants-Mortgage-Teri-Todd

Teri Todd

Community Home Lending Officer
NMLS #446110
Phone: 317.523.4320
[email protected]

Learn More

First-Merchants-Mortgage-Tonjola-Cole

Tonjola D Cole

Community Home Lending Officer
NMLS #658375
Phone: 313.205.7487
[email protected]

Learn More

First-Merchants-Mortgage-Marlena-Tabor

Marlena Tabor

Community Home Lending Officer
NMLS #141303
Phone: 313.530.7700
[email protected]

Learn More

First-Merchants-Mortgage-Sean-Murnane

Sean Murnane

Community Home Lending Officer
NMLS #740031
Phone: 740.475.9898
[email protected]

Learn More

First-Merchants-Mortgage-Sheryl-Taylor

Sheryl Taylor

FVP, Community Home Lending
NMLS #664604
Phone: 317.566.7611
[email protected]

Learn More

Contact Us


Want to connect with a lender, learn about programs and down payment assistance, or begin the homebuying process? Submit your information and we’ll be in touch!

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