When it comes to buying a home, securing financing can often be the most stressful part of the process. For many, the journey to homeownership can feel like a maze of paperwork, red tape and rejection letters. But at community banks, where relationships matter just as much as the bottom line, the process can take a more personalized, thoughtful turn.
Making a dream a reality
Heidi Thomsen, a mortgage banker at Minnwest Bank, knows all too well the difference that a community-focused approach can make. Recently, she helped a customer who had been turned away by another local bank, despite her dreams of purchasing a home she had fallen in love with.
“I had a woman come to me, feeling defeated after being denied a mortgage by another bank. She was ready to give up on buying the home of her dreams,” said Heidi. “We ended up talking through some creative options and confirming that we could include her retirement assets as income. Once we confirmed this, I realized that a home equity line of credit (HELOC) might actually be a better option than a traditional mortgage for her. I worked closely with the banker in our branch, and we quickly put together a plan that helped her secure the financing she needed,” Heidi explained. “It took a bit of thinking outside the box and digging further into her income sources, but in the end, it worked out beautifully. The other bank she contacted first didn’t even consider this. She was able to buy the home she loved, and that’s what matters most to me.”
“We don’t just see numbers. We see people with goals, aspirations, and real-life situations. We have the flexibility to sit down and work with each person to figure out what will truly help them,” Heidi said. “That’s what makes community banking so special.”
The story of Heidi’s customer is a testament to the power of working with a community bank. Instead of simply denying her request for a traditional mortgage, Heidi took the time to explore other avenues that might better suit her customer’s financial profile. In the end, the customer walked away with her dream home—and the confidence that comes with working with a bank that truly had her best interests in mind.
Personalized, local service you can count on
For anyone looking to purchase a home, a community bank offers more than just loans—it offers partnership, personalized service, and the creative thinking that larger institutions simply can’t provide. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone achieve their dreams, and I’m proud to be part of a bank that values that kind of approach,” Heidi said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about people. And that’s what community banking is all about.”
If you're thinking about buying a home or need help navigating your financing options, consider reaching out to a community bank like Minnwest. With dedicated professionals like Heidi, you'll find that your dreams of homeownership might be closer than you think.
