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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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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 -
After the Thank You Notes are Sent: A Married Couple’s Guide to Money
March 31, 2021
Categories: Consumer Tips, General, Saving Money
Weddings can be expensive, but how do you handle your money once you’ve tied the knot? Although each couple’s financial priorities differ, plan your financial future by answering some basic questions:
What are your financial priorities?
Housing, children and retirement plans impact your financial life. What are your priorities for saving and investing? Do you have charities that are important to you? What are your long-term goals?Read More -
The Basics of Electronic Signatures
June 15, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Employment, General
Are Electronic Signatures Safe to Use?
In today’s world, you’ve probably been asked to use an electronic signature for a job application, a car loan or even a home loan. New technology often yields new questions about safety and security. Here are some basics about electronic signatures to help you feel more comfortable with their usage:
Wet signatures (written with ink) can easily be forged, misused or copied. Electronic signatures include many... 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
