Oak Ridge, N.J. -- June 1, 2021—In recognition of National Homeownership Month in June, Lakeland Bank and The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging current and prospective homeowners to consult their local community bank to learn about available programs to help make the homebuying process easier and more affordable.
“Owning a home is part of establishing community roots and building financial security, and as your trusted lender, we’re here to see you through the entire process,” said Margaret Volk, SVP, Director of Mortgage and Consumer Lending at Lakeland Bank. “We know buying a home can be a little overwhelming and take pride in helping our customers navigate the process—from determining what you can afford to selecting the proper financing to fit your unique circumstances and budget to turn your dream of homeownership into reality.”
Whether you are purchasing your first or forever home, Lakeland Bank can help you determine:
- The ideal loan amount and products to meet your financial needs and budget considerations. We can review the mortgage process with you and identify suitable programs and loan features.
- How mortgage rates, the loan amount, property taxes and insurance premiums affect payments. This will help you set a home budget and increase your prospects for success as an informed buyer.
- Your rights and obligations under your mortgage contract. Today’s consumers have more avenues than ever to homeownership. We will help you understand the fine print before you commit.
- Suitable government-sponsored programs. In addition to federal homeownership and home-buying assistance programs, we can recommend state, local government, and specialty programs to help make homeownership more affordable.
- Additional resources to help you create a budget and set financial targets. We offer homebuyer seminars and other helpful resources. Free online educational tools can also be found at hud.gov.
“For many Americans, homeownership is the key to financial wealth creation,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “As relationship lenders, your local community bank can help shepherd you through the process.”
For more information on mortgages, check out Lakeland’s Simply Speaking blogs.
About Lakeland Bank
Lakeland Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:LBAI), which has over $7.7 billion in total assets. With an extensive branch network and commercial lending centers throughout New Jersey and Highland Mills, N.Y., the Bank offers business and retail banking products and services. Business services include commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, loans for healthcare services, asset-based lending, equipment financing, small business loans and lines, and cash management services. Consumer services include online and mobile banking, home equity loans and lines, mortgage options and wealth management solutions. Lakeland is proud to be recognized as a Best-In-State Bank by Forbes and Statista, rated a 5-Star Bank by Bauer Financial and named one of New Jersey’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies by NJBIZ. Visit LakelandBank.com for more information.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.
With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, over $4.4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation, and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.