COLUMBIA 8/28/12 (Beat Byte) -- A local bank is claiming so-called "first mover" status on a new mobile app that monitors home loan rates, real estate listings, and mortgage refinance information.

"With quick, mobile access to mortgage rate and payment information, Landmark Bank's new 'Real Estate Tools' app offers convenient help for potential homeowners seeking to purchase a new home and current homeowners seeking to refinance," said company spokesperson Annette Bealmear.

Designed for iPhones, iPods, and iPads, the new app provides immediate access to current home loan rates, a calculator for figuring monthly payments for new home loans or refinancing, and a code reader to retrieve information from bar codes on real estate listing signs.

"We’re the first local bank in our communities to offer an app like this one," said Bealmear. An Android version of the Landmark mortgage app is in the works.