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What Should You Ask Your Mortgage Lender
April 19, 2022
Categories: Community, Consumer Tips, Home Loans, Saving Money
Applying for a mortgage can be complicated and sometimes tedious, but a little preparation can go a long way, particularly for first-time homebuyers. With a few simple steps, homebuyers can make the process a little easier for both themselves and their lender.
"A mortgage isn't something any consumer should immediately jump into before they're ready," said Brenda Hannover, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS#624001). "Knowing what to ask your lender when you... Read More
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Money Smart Week 2022: Buying or Refinancing a Home
April 7, 2022
Categories: Community, Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans, Saving Money
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 @ 1:00 p.m. CT
“Buying or Refinancing a Home: Options and Tools”On Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT Money Smart Week will host “Buying or Refinancing a Home: Options and Tools.” This virtual event is part of Money Smart Week, a week-long initiative that aims to help people, especially those hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, better manage their personal finances through the coordinated efforts of... Read More
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Money Smart Week 2022: Credit -- Build & Improve It!
April 6, 2022
Categories: Community, Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans, Saving Money
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 @ 1:00 p.m. CT
“Credit: Build & Improve It!”On Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT Money Smart Week will host “Credit: Build & Improve It!.” This virtual event is part of Money Smart Week, a week-long initiative that aims to help people, especially those hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, better manage their personal finances through the coordinated efforts of experts and educators across the country.
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What Makes Your Credit Score?
February 7, 2022
Categories: Business Tips, Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans
From Meredith Huber, Mortgage Lender (NMLS# 1965302), Iowa State Bank, Algona
When it comes to personal finances, a strong credit score can open up doors to favorable rates and terms for loans and credit cards.
Learn how these five factors can impact your credit score:
Payment history —Pay bills on time. Credit utilization —Avoid maxing out your credit cards. Length of credit history —... Read More -
What Makes Your Credit Score?
February 7, 2022
Categories: Business Tips, Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans
From Meredith Huber, Mortgage Lender, Iowa State Bank, Algona
When it comes to personal finances, a strong credit score can open up doors to favorable rates and terms for loans and credit cards.
Learn how these five factors can impact your credit score:
Payment history —Pay bills on time. Credit utilization —Avoid maxing out your credit cards. Length of credit history — Credit... Read More -
Important News Bulletin #3: Frequently Asked Questions
March 25, 2020
Categories: Business Tips, Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans, Saving Money
Posted March 25, 2020
Is the bank open?Our bank is open for business, but we have altered our operations to protect the safety of our staff, our customers and community.
Effective March 18, 2020, our lobbies are closed. Please contact your banker for assistance. Here is the status of our offices:
Algona | Main Bank Office
Our lobby is closed. Contact your banker at 515.295.3595 or 800.ISB.3595 for... Read More -
Mortgage Scams Target Older Adults
July 15, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Fraud Prevention, General, Home Loans
A Message from Brenda Hannover, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer --
A home is most people’s largest asset. For criminals, older adults who own their own home represent great potential for reverse mortgage scams.Older adults are often pressured to obtain a reverse mortgage, or to use equity in their home for home repairs that fail to be completed by unscrupulous repair people. The repairs never happen, and your money is gone. Other scams aimed at homeowners... Read More
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Building vs. Buying a House: What's right for you?
May 16, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans
To buy or to build? It's a question that faces many who enter the housing market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you're looking for something that better fits your family's needs, it's a question that you'll likely have to consider.
Consider the following:
Advantages to Building a Home:
Customization. When you build a home, you have input on the design and can ensure the final construction includes... Read More
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Buying Your First House: 5 Tips to Consider
May 16, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, General, Home Loans
Consider the following tips to get you started on the path to home ownership:
Start saving. The sooner you start saving, the better position you will be in when you are ready to buy a home. Reduce your debt. Pay down as much of your existing debt as possible. Doing so may make budgeting for a future mortgage payment less stressful. It will also strengthen your credit history, allowing you to qualify for a better interest rate when you're ready... Read More