“Homeownership is the top obstacle to the American Dream for Many…,” says a federal 2025 American Dream Survey published by Investopedia, offering a grim outlook on what potential homeowners think their chances are of owning a home. Roughly 77% believed that achieving this dream is more difficult today than in previous generations.
That’s not to say the affordability crisis isn’t a genuine concern. The combination of factors impacting perceptions is complex. With a still-recovering economy and cost-of-living strains, high mortgage interest rates have driven up unwieldy monthly payments, creating barriers for singles and families looking to build stability around their own space and property. Record-low housing inventory has also had an impact.
The good news? Home mortgage rates are coming down, the economy is slowly improving, and with the proper preparation and planning, signing on the dotted line for a mortgage may be closer than you think.
The biggest hurdle might be in how you frame your attitude. Is it impossible, or is it an opportunity? Remember, you don’t have to do it like other generations have done. Letting go of old “scripts” about how to do it opens up new avenues, allowing you to operate from a different foundation to make strategic decisions. Equally important is finding a trusted financial partner to navigate the mortgage process.
How Does An Easy Mortgage Process Sound?
We’ve all had that conversation with a friend or co-worker about how the refinancing or mortgage process is too intimidating. In a 2023 Fannie Mae survey, 70% of potential buyers said the mortgage process felt complicated or overwhelming (Mortgage Bankers Association), and 50% feared they’d be rejected for reasons they don’t understand (Fannie Mae).
It’s natural to fear the unknown. We know that navigating major life events like getting married, starting a family, launching out on your own, or even refinancing for a better financial future is exciting and challenging. That’s why at HomeTown Bank and have worked with hundreds of your neighbors, resulting in us developing an easy mortgage process over the years to address these very concerns. Let’s break down why this might be the right time to take a strong step forward.
Turning Fear Into Freedom: The Benefits of A More Straightforward Mortgage Process
There is a prevalent misconception in the market that you need all the answers before you begin. Legitimate questions like: How much do I need to put down? What process do I have to follow? What are my closing costs? What’s my escrow? What’s my payment going to be? What’s the best way to refinance?
The honest answer? You don’t have to know all the answers! That’s why we’re here for you. In fact, here are a few facts about the mortgage process, and specifically closing with HomeTown Bank, that might relieve any immediate anxiety.
At HomeTown Bank:
- We Underwrite Our Own Loans. This means we don’t treat customers like check boxes on a policy grid. We know you. We know the area, treat each loan profile personally, and take a common-sense approach to helping you get exactly what you need.
- HomeTown Bank Doesn’t Sell Mortgages to Other Banks. When you establish a mortgage with us, your payment stays in-house. And if your bank or deposit accounts are with us, making mortgage payments is as simple as an account-to-account transfer. Escrow accounts stay in-house as well.
- We Fit the Mortgage Option to Your Needs. We know first-time homeowners have different needs than an established homeowner looking to refinance to buy a vacation property, or anyone purchasing a commercial property. We cater programs to your unique situation, goals, and budget.
- One Point of Contact Throughout the Entire Process and Beyond. Your initial HomeTown Bank lender is on-site at your branch and remains your point of contact throughout the entire process—from creating a plan and celebrating your close to answering questions even years later.
We have the full spectrum of mortgage and financing options as the big banks do, but without the hassle, fractured management, and, yes, those pesky phone menus. When you start with a lender, you stay with the lender, excited to get you into your dream property. Call your lender by phone for prompt answers, or stop into the branch. They’ll even be at closing, committed to making the process smooth and personal. That’s what a mortgage process should be.
Your Dream Home Might Only Be A Conversation Away.
You’ve already taken the first step by reading this blog. As a trusted partner, a neighbor, and we hope, a friend, HomeTown Bank will help you understand your mortgage options, which solutions best fit your unique needs, and what’s possible. You have nothing to lose from getting the process started, so box up all your questions and contact us today!
