Customer Testimonials

"Christi answered every question almost immediately and kept in touch throughout the entire process. Chloe did a great job at the closing and our dog was so happy to come in with us and be fussed over!"

- Mary D.

"Deena is a consummate professional. She followed through with everything she said she would, and accommodated us in every possible way. She is truly an invaluable asset to your organization."

- Anonymous

"I am so happy with the experience. I was overwhelmed with the process at first but Christi was so helpful and made the process seamless."

- Jessica M.

“I tried unsuccessfully for six weeks to secure a PPP loan through another bank where I have my business account. They were not helpful at all, and it was difficult to even get anyone to speak with me. Communication was lacking, to say the least. So I decided to try to get the loan through First Hope Bank, where I conduct all of my personal banking. That ended up being a fantastic decision. Deena Smith made sure I knew exactly what was needed from me, and she always returned phone calls and emails very quickly. The entire process was completed within three days, which was incredible. The people at First Hope are extremely professional and they really took the time to help me through the entire process.”

- Ken's Auto Body

“I have been a customer of First Hope Bank for over 20 years! They have always been there for me personally and professionally. The people that work there go above and beyond for their customers — thanks First Hope Bank!”

- Donna E., Joe’s Plumbing

“The staff at First Hope Bank is top-notch. I deal with Deena Smith mostly who is always on top of things and makes sure I am well taken care of and understand all the banking terms. The staff at First Hope is an example of a small community bank with a focus on customer service, which big banks forget about on their journey to maximize profits. I highly recommend First Hope for all your banking needs, both personal and business. First Hope has been able to assist me throughout the years with personal banking, home mortgage, business refinance, business line of credit, and even PPP loans for my business throughout the pandemic.”

- Rafael P., Skyview Golf Club

“Thank you First Hope Bank for your assistance in helping to stabilize our finances during these difficult and uncertain times with COVID-19. Your community support is essential to our success!”

- Family Promise of Sussex County

“A great, big thank you to the folks at First Hope Bank! They went out of their way to assist us in getting our loan. Not only are they very thorough and professional, they are also genuinely nice people. We are looking forward to our new relationship working with them.”

- Donna M., Griffin & Howe, Inc.

“It is so important to me that everyone know this bank is actually helping the community and local small businesses. I want to give credit where credit is due, my business Island Dragway is forced closed by COVID-19. I applied for the Paycheck Protection Plan as soon as it was available and have heard horror stories from friends using big-name banks. First Hope Bank was on top of everything, in constant communication, and always treated my business as a priority without blowing me off for a ‘bigger fish.’ Thanks to them I can pay my full-time employees and our health insurance for eight more weeks.”

- Melissa M., Island Dragway

"In late 2019 we spoke with Julie Fleming, a loan officer at First Hope Bank, about a building expansion for our business. Julie was a pleasure to work with, actually more than her pleasant nature, her patience and professional advice guided us to a successful loan and the construction of our goals.   Thank you Julie!"

- John Swanson, Frankford Car Wash

“When the news of the PPP was announced, I contacted the two local banks I did business with. The first bank told me not to bother applying because I didn’t have a business relationship with them. I then contacted First Hope, I worked with Deena Smith who was amazing. With limited information from the SBA, Deena kept me abreast of the requirements which seemed to be change by the minute. The communication from Deena and First Hope was second to none, they were emailing and responding to emails 7 days a week. We submitted our application and within two weeks our loan was approved and funded - 14 days from start to finish! I have used First Hope for my business accounts since 2011. They always go above and beyond and provide exceptional service. I can’t thank First Hope and Deena Smith enough for their professionalism and efficiency.”

- Alex Aguado, Agent

"The team at First Hope has been absolutely wonderful! Virginia Green was extremely supportive and helpful from the day my wife and I met her. She went above and beyond to assist us as we went through the experience of purchasing our first home. I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to making sure all of questions were answered. We could not be happier with the experience. Thank you all so much!!!"

- Matthew and Kristy S.

"Thank you again for everything that you helped us with throughout the process. You made it so easy to understand and I really do appreciate you always taking the time to explain in detail. I've heard so many nightmare stories about closings and mortgage companies and it was so nice to not experience that!"

- Courtney K.

"I believe that a bank is as good as the individuals that they hire and train. First Hope Bank seems to do a great job with that aspect. They seem to have all the modern technology without losing the personal attention to their customers."

- T. Schiano

"Thanks for 'righting my mother's financial ship'. It is a relief to which we are still getting accustomed."

- Gary

"We just wanted to thank you for all your help and patience throughout our home buying process! We know we had a ton of questions and needed a lot of help. You were wonderful! We are so excited about our new home and couldn't have done it without your guidance. Thank you!"

- Jackie & Ted

Thank you so much for helping us with our refinance. We were in a difficult position and nobody else seemed to care or want to help. We worked with Virginia for quite some time to figure things out, but she never gave up on us like everyone else we tried to seek help from. We are extremely grateful for all of your help. Thank you so much!!"

- Carrie & Jerald

"I just love First Hope Bank! Just a note to the Founder expressing what a beautiful/lovely Fall landscape display you have provided for your customers! It is a joy to bank in Sparta and I leave there each time with a huge smile on my face! It is the most beautiful bank around. There aren't enough words to express just how delightful each and every one of your Associates truly are. It's a pleasure for me to visit each time."

- K. Rinkle

"May I just mention that I LOVE the new page configuration for the bill payment section of the online banking site. So much nicer to see all the activity on the one page with that quick payment section. Thank you so much for this very great improvement!"

- Anonymous

"The whole premise behind Pass it Along, is that everyone has something really incredible to give. We needed a home; First Hope provided us with an office. We needed financial support; they helped us; they were there. They gave us what we needed for our project. When we needed the volunteers, their associates led our program."

- Diane Taylor, Pass it Along

"Great people working with me!! Two words to describe... Amazing and wonderful!!"

- Anonymous

- Greg Ackerson, President, Blue Ridge Lumber

- Brendan Gross, CPA, Wealthsprings Financial Partners

- Austin Schiano, Mama's Cafe Baci

- Lou Cecchini, Owner, Off Shore Marine, Inc.

- Hector Lorenzo, CPA

"Scott and Jess at the Hope branch are excellent and attentive professionals."

- Anonymous

"I’ve been banking here for 23 years and the Blairstown branch doesn’t not compare to anyone else. They are the best!"

- Anonymous

"Angela was very helpful, professional and a pleasure to work with.  Looking forward to banking with First Hope."

- Anonymous

"Nicole is always friendly and goes above and beyond what you expect from customer service.  Nicole makes the banking experience very pleasurable and easy."

- Anonymous

"Wonderful experience!! THANK YOU! Everyone was wonderful!, Jason, Mrs. Chapman, and Mrs. Fernandez!"

- Carol S.

"Everyone at First Hope was very professional and easy to work with. Communication was clear and responses were fast."

- Andrew A.