First Bank is expanding and enhancing residential mortgage service capabilities throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

This expansion is in response to growing demand for community-based residential lending services, a news release said.

First Bank plans to hire seven additional mortgage loan originators for markets in the bank's three--state footprint. An additional eight mortgage operations support staff positions will be filled at the bank's Southern Pines and Wilmington mortgage operations support centers to provide underwriting, processing and closing capabilities necessary to support the additional loan growth.

"As demand for home purchases and refinancing increases, First Bank will be in excellent position to care for the mortgage needs of customers in each community we serve. Our goal is to provide the best loan at the right price while making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible," said Pamm Jones, senior vice president and director of residential mortgage lending.

Residential mortgage lending services offered by First Bank include in-house portfolio, conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, reverse mortgage, HARP and down payment assistance loans.

First Bancorp is a bank holding company with total assets of $3.3 billion.