First Mid is proud to partner with Coles Together to support housing growth and community investment across Coles County, Illinois. If you are thinking about buying, building, or financing a home in the Coles County Enterprise Zone, our team is here to help you get started with confidence.
The Coles County Enterprise Zone offers incentives that may support qualified housing development, while First Mid provides local mortgage guidance and special financing benefits to help make your next step easier.
Start with a Local Mortgage Expert
If you are planning to buy or build in the Coles County Enterprise Zone, a great first step is to connect with First Mid. Getting pre-qualified early can help you understand your budget, explore your financing options, and move forward with a clearer plan.
Whether you are just starting your search or already looking at properties in the zone, our mortgage team can help you:
- Understand how much home you may be able to afford
- Explore mortgage options for purchase or construction
- Prepare for the next steps in the homebuying or building process
- Determine whether a property may align with Enterprise Zone opportunities
What is the Coles County Enterprise Zone?
The Coles County Enterprise Zone is designed to support growth and investment across the region through targeted incentives and development support. Qualified projects may benefit from tools intended to reduce costs, support development, and encourage long-term community growth.
For residential customers, this matters because the program helps create new housing opportunities that support the people who want to live and work in Coles County.
Beginning in early 2026, the Enterprise Zone expanded to include housing development, supporting both workforce and market-rate homes. This helps ensure that as businesses grow, the community grows with them, creating more opportunities for people to live, work, and stay in Coles County.
Why This Matters to You
If you are buying or building a home in the Coles County Enterprise Zone, this partnership creates a more connected path forward.
You can work with First Mid to get pre-qualified and plan your financing, while Coles Together provides the official program information, eligibility details, and Enterprise Zone resources.
That means you have access to:
- A local lender who can help you prepare financially
- Guidance for both purchase and construction mortgage options
- A direct connection to official Enterprise Zone information
- A simpler path from planning to application to closing
How First Mid Supports You
If you are buying or building a home within the Coles County Enterprise Zone, First Mid offers special benefits designed to help you save money and move forward with confidence.
Exclusive offers for qualified customers
- Up to $400 appraisal credit with a new First Mid purchase mortgage application*
- 1% construction fee waived with a new First Mid construction mortgage*
What that can mean for you
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- Support for both home purchase and home construction
- A more confident start to the mortgage process
- Local guidance from a lender who understands the community
Connect with our mortgage lender
Kayla D. Aaron
VP, Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS# 1301922
Phone: 217-258-1540
Email: kaaron@firstmid.com
If you are interested in buying or building in the Coles County Enterprise Zone, Kayla can help you get started with pre-qualification and discuss the mortgage options available to you.
Your Path to Getting Started
- Connect with First Mid: Start by speaking with Kayla Aaron about your homebuying or building goals.
- Get pre-qualified: We will help you understand your budget and mortgage options.
- Explore homes, homesites, or construction plans: Once you know your financing options, you can move forward with more confidence.
- Review Enterprise Zone opportunities: Visit Coles Together for official program details, eligibility, applications, and boundary information.
- Move toward closing: From application to closing, First Mid can help guide your financing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get pre-qualified before shopping?
Getting pre-qualified is one of the most important first steps in the homebuying process. It helps you understand how much home you may be able to afford, what your monthly payment could look like, and which loan options fit your goals. It also puts you in a stronger position when you're ready to make an offer or move forward with a builder.
Do I need to contact First Mid or Coles Together first?
You can start with either, but many customers find it helpful to begin with First Mid. Getting pre-qualified first gives you a clear budget and financing plan. From there, you can explore homes or connect with Coles Together to learn more about Enterprise Zone opportunities and eligibility.
Can First Mid help if I want to build a home instead of buy one?
Yes. First Mid offers construction financing options and can help guide you through the process of building a home. We can work with you from pre-qualification through construction and final mortgage financing, helping you understand each step along the way.
What special offers does First Mid provide in the Enterprise Zone?
First Mid offers select benefits for qualified customers purchasing or building within the Coles County Enterprise Zone, including:
- Up to $400 appraisal credit with a new purchase mortgage*
- 1% construction fee waived with a new construction mortgage*
What is the Coles County Enterprise Zone and how does it help me?
The Coles County Enterprise Zone is a program designed to support growth and development in the region. For homebuyers and builders, it helps encourage new housing opportunities and community investment. It may also support developments that make it easier to find or build a home in the area.
Will housing developments qualify for Enterprise Zone incentives?
Yes. Beginning in early 2026, the Enterprise Zone includes housing development eligibility. This supports both workforce and market-rate housing, helping ensure there are more housing options available as the community grows.
Where can I find official program details and eligibility requirements?
Coles Together manages the Enterprise Zone program. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including eligibility, applications, and boundary details, please visit their official Enterprise Zone webpage.
How does First Mid work with Coles Together?
First Mid partners with Coles Together to support housing and community growth in Coles County. While Coles Together provides program oversight and eligibility details, First Mid helps customers with mortgage financing, pre-qualification, and guidance throughout the homebuying or building process.