FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Swann, nicole.swann@icba.org, 202-821-4458 or
Leah Driver, ldriver@mycsbin.com, 765-529-5450
New Castle, IN (June 5, 2025)—In recognition of National Homeownership Month, Citizens State Bank (CSB) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging consumers to consult their local community banker to make the homebuying process, simple, efficient and more affordable.
“An important component in building financial independence is owning a home,” said Cassandra Miller, Mortgage Team Leader. “At Citizens State Bank, we aim to make homeownership as accessible and straightforward as possible. By understanding your unique needs, we can help identify the best financing options for you—whether it’s for your first or forever home.”
Tips for a Smoother Homebuying Journey:
- Explore Pre-Approval: Before starting your home search, consider securing a pre-approval. This helps inform what you can afford and strengthens your negotiating position with sellers.
- Build a Financial Cushion: Set aside funds to cover closing fees, repairs, and adjustments to property taxes to help manage these additional expenses and avoid surprises during the process.
- Assess your Credit Rating: A higher credit score can lead to better mortgage rates. CSB can help review your credit report and offer tips to improve your credit before applying for a mortgage.
- Explore Downpayment Options: While a 20% down payment is standard, there are many programs available for lower down payments. We’ll help you explore these options to suit your financial situation.
“Homeownership is an important step toward financial stability and community building for many Americans,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Your community bank can guide you through each stage of the process, helping you understand mortgage rates, terms and related expenses, providing tailored advice and additional resources to help you make informed decisions.”
Consult your community bank for:
- Loan Guidance: Determining the ideal loan amount and products that align with your budget and lifestyle, reviewing the mortgage process in detail, and identifying programs tailored to your needs.
- Budget Planning: Providing insight into how mortgage-related costs affect your monthly budget to help you plan for the long term.
- Additional Resources: We offer budgeting tools, access to personalized financial planning, and homebuying information to prepare you for successful homeownership.
For more information on how Citizens State Bank can support your homeownership needs, visit us at mycsbin.com or contact us at 888-529-5450.
About Citizens State Bank
Citizens State Bank is a fourth-generation family-owned community bank that has offered personal and business financial services in Central Indiana since 1873. Our mission is to help our clients, co-workers, and communities succeed. We believe every client deserves to have a banker they can count on, and we are committed to being a responsible, knowledgeable banking partner. To learn more, call 888-529-5450 or visit www.mycsbin.com. Discover the difference a local bank can make.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.
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The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Citizens State Bank and its affiliates, and Citizens State Bank is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any information contained in this article or items hyperlinked within. This is for informational purposes and is no way intended to provide legal advice.