Building a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Between choosing a builder, managing costs, and understanding financing, the construction process can feel overwhelming fast. That is why working with a local construction lender matters. During a recent Ask the Expert radio interview on KWLM, Jared Williamson, Mortgage Loan Originator at…
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and terminology can feel like a whole other language. Understanding key mortgage terms not only helps you feel confident but also empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the homebuying journey. Below is a breakdown of the most important terms every homebuyer…
If you have a mortgage, you’ve likely heard the term “escrow account.” It’s a common part of the homebuying process, but many homeowners aren’t entirely sure how it works, especially when it comes to paying property taxes. Understanding this process is key to managing your home finances effectively and avoiding any unwelcome surprises from your…
Applying for a mortgage is a significant financial milestone, but for many homebuyers, it has also been an open invitation for a flood of unwanted calls, texts, and emails. This frustrating experience is about to change. A new era of mortgage privacy is on the horizon, thanks to the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, which was…
Buying a home represents one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. For most people, it’s their biggest single investment, often requiring decades to pay off. Yet many buyers rush into the process without proper financial preparation, leading to costly mistakes that can impact their finances for years to come. The home-buying process…
Willmar’s housing market is a hot topic, with homes selling quickly and buyers wondering how to navigate the competitive landscape. To get a clear picture of what’s happening, we are turning to the experts. This post captures the key insights from Heritage Bank’s own Jared Williamson and Chris Vraa, who recently shared their knowledge on…
Buying a home in Minnesota involves several financial decisions that can significantly impact your purchasing power and overall experience. Chris Vraa covers all these key topics in detail during the latest segment of KWLM’s ‘Ask the Expert,’ providing valuable insights to guide you through the process. Understanding your financing options before you start house hunting…
Heritage Bank is proud to announce the addition of Jared Williamson to its mortgage team. With an extensive background in mortgage lending and a commitment to exceptional client service, Jared brings a wealth of experience and a customer-first approach that aligns perfectly with Heritage Bank’s mission to help people succeed financially. Since starting his career…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced significant changes to FHA mortgage regulations in July 2025, marking the most substantial regulatory rollback in recent years. These FHA loan changes in July 2025 represent a pivotal shift toward making homeownership more accessible and affordable for first-time buyers. For prospective homeowners navigating an increasingly…
Navigating the Minnesota real estate market can be daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers. With increasing housing prices, limited starter home options, and economic factors influencing mortgage rates, understanding the market dynamics is critical. To shed light on these challenges and offer expert advice, KWLM sat down with Doug Frazzini, Capital Market Specialist at Heritage Bank,…
Building a home is an exciting milestone, but if you are like many first-time builders, the construction loan process can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a future homeowner, a Willmar resident looking to build a new home, or someone planning your dream project, understanding how construction loans work is essential. Heritage Bank NA, located in…
Wondering why Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) are popular? While ARMs come with some risks, they can be a smart move when interest rates are on the rise. Let’s explore how an ARM works and why it might be the right choice in the current housing market. What is an adjustable-rate mortgage? An ARM is a…
Are you ready to start your home-buying journey but don’t know where to begin? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is crucial when entering the real estate market. It gives you an idea of what kind of budget you can realistically work with. When you get to the offer stage, most sellers and real estate agents…
In the current rising interest market, with a low inventory of houses, it’s common for houses to get multiple offers. As a potential buyer, how do you make your offer stand out? The answer isn’t always to make sure you have the highest offer. Read on to learn tips from an experienced Realtor and a…
The physician loan can be a great option for doctors looking for a home loan, so if you’re looking for a medical loan, this might be the right option. You can use this article to inform yourself about physician loans and determine if they are right for you.
Choosing a Home Mortgage Lender
Choosing which home mortgage lender to use can be a complicated and stressful process. Find out what you need to do before searching for a mortgage lender. Heritage Bank NA offers a stress-free, easy, and ethical mortgage application process. Get more information now.
Teresa Marnach, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS# 1563290 Receives Preferred Lender Designation (DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) today announced that a total of 20 lenders have earned IFA’s 2020 Preferred Lender designation. IFA Preferred Lenders serve as ambassadors for Iowa home buyers seeking assistance with the homeownership process and are expertly trained in…
The employee-owners at Heritage Bank are just as invested in your community as you are! We take pride in being the bank of choice in the communities we serve. Whether you are looking to buy a new home, or you want to refinance your existing mortgage for equity or rate reasons, let the Midwest Home…
