When you’re shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to get distracted by a bigger, highly advertised, national mortgage lender, like Rocket Mortgage. However, since buying a home is a big decision and it can get complex, so it may be worth your while to research alternatives.
Keep it in the community
Small community banks can be an excellent place to find your next mortgage. Unlike their large, national counterparts, community banks can offer homeowners fantastic benefits and rates completely unmatched by commercial lenders.
Here are the most notable benefits of getting a mortgage through a community bank…
A Personal Touch
Unlike their commercial counterparts, community banks can put a face, or faces, behind their name. As a customer, you’re able to visit the bank and speak to a representative, or better yet a mortgage loan officer. These face to face interactions allow you to build a meaningful relationship with your mortgage loan officer; they’ll be more familiar with you, your financial history, your family life, even any special circumstances that might affect your loan.
Unique Loans & Lower Rates
Because of their smaller size, community banks are able to offer more unique loans than their standardized, commercial counterparts. You won’t necessarily be tied down to choosing from one or two types of loans, and community banks are often able to offer loans at much lower rates than other national banks. You’ll be able to work with your mortgage loan officer to find a loan that’s perfect for you, your lifestyle, and your new home.
Common Community Understanding
Community banks can be extremely flexible when it comes to loans and lending. This is partially due to their size, and partially due to their deep ties to the communities they serve. Because community banks are often staffed by community members themselves, they can be extremely sympathetic to the plights or needs of a community. So, if you need to make any sudden changes to your loans, or need a more specific loan, a community bank will be more likely to help you than a larger national bank.
Big Banks vs. Community Banks for Mortgages
Choosing a mortgage lender doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all decision. While the flashy ads and slick online platforms of big national banks like Rocket Mortgage might grab your attention, smaller community banks offer a unique and often overlooked option. So, before you sign on the dotted line, let's compare the two and see how a community bank could give you a hometown advantage for your mortgage:
Big Banks
- Pros: Wide range of products and services, streamlined online platforms, potentially attractive introductory rates.
- Cons: Often impersonal due to their size, may have stricter lending criteria, rates might not be as competitive in the long run, less flexibility in tailoring loan options.
Community Banks
- Pros: Personal touch with dedicated loan officers, flexible lending options suited to individual needs, lower overall rates and fees, strong community ties and understanding.
- Cons: Smaller product range, fewer online tools, might require visiting branches for interactions.
Diving Deeper
- Personal Connection: Community banks shine in this area. You'll build a relationship with your local loan officer, someone who knows your story and can advocate for you. Big banks often feel like a faceless process with automated systems and generic customer service.
- Loan Flexibility: Forget the one-size-fits-all approach. Community banks offer diverse loan options, even tailored solutions for unique circumstances. Big banks are typically more rigid, sticking to standardized loan formats.
- Rates and Fees: While big banks might entice with initial low rates, community banks often offer lower overall rates and fewer hidden fees over the life of the loan. Consider the long-term savings potential.
- Community Commitment: Community banks invest in the neighborhoods they serve. They understand your local market and are more likely to work with you if you face challenges. Big banks, with their national focus, might lack that personal touch.
So which bank should I choose?
At the end of the day, the best mortgage for you is the one that fits your needs, and your home's needs, the best. Before you rush into a mortgage loan, make sure you’ve investigated all your options! Do your research, check out bank websites, and try to pay a visit to your local banks. Meet with their mortgage loan officers, learn about the banks, and educate yourself on the mortgage options available to you. When it comes to choosing your mortgage, it’s worth taking the time to decide what’s right for YOU!
If you’d like to learn more about how Liberty can help you find the right mortgage, visit our website or visit one of our branch locations to meet with a Mortgage Loan Officer.
