June 2026 - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankJune 22, 2026

Welcome Michael Litton! New SVP of Lending & SBA Director

Michael Litton has joined SouthStar Bank as the Director of SBA Lending. Michael has worked in lending for more than three decades, developing an extensive knowledge base in mortgage and construction lending, conventional commercial loans, and an astute specialization in SBA Lending, which has been his focus for 29 years. Alongside his wealth of experience, Michael also received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. One of Michael’s crowning career achievements is having started three SBA Lending programs at three different financial institutions, overseeing the approval and funding of more than $500 million in SBA Loans. Michael is passionate about SBA Lending because he has seen firsthand how impactful it can be in helping someone start or acquire a business and in building wealth and creating jobs within the community. In his position with SouthStar Bank, Michael looks forward to continuing to be a preeminent source of expertise in SBA Lending for his colleagues and clients and creating relationships in the communities we serve. Outside of work, Michael is involved with the Central Texas Government Guaranteed Lenders Association (CTAGGL), an organization dedicated to educating lenders and small business owners about SBA funding. When he finds time to himself, Michael enjoys hunting, fishing, shooting, and spending time with his grandson. Michael is a sixth-generation Texan with deep Texas roots, contributing to the passion he brings to his communities. Welcome to the team, Michael! NMLS# 1849881

Mortgage Lending

by SouthStar BankJune 22, 2026

Benefits of Using a Local Lender for Your Home Loan

When it comes to buying a home, choosing the right financial partner is just as important as finding the right property. Working with a local lender can provide significant advantages throughout the mortgage process! At SouthStar Bank, we believe that local expertise, personalized service, and community commitment can make a meaningful difference in your homebuying experience. Why Choose a Local Lender? As a community lender that has provided our communities with unmatched service for more than a century, we draw on local expertise to tailor a solution specific to your needs. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger property, or refinancing an existing mortgage, SouthStar Bank’s experienced teams are here to provide you with guidance tailored to your market and financial goals. Personalized Service One of the biggest benefits of working with a is the personalized attention you receive. Our lending teams focus on building long-term relationships and support you at every turn of your financial journey. SouthStar Bank’s dedicated community lenders take the time to answer questions, explain loan options, and help borrowers make informed decisions. This personalized approach is designed to reduce stress and create a smoother mortgage experience. Faster Communication and Decision-Making Communication is critical during the mortgage process. Our lending teams are dedicated to keeping you informed at every step of the process and ensuring your questions are addressed promptly and fully. Faster communication can help keep your loan on track and reduce delays before closing. Knowledge of the Local Real Estate Market Every housing market is different. SouthStar Bank lenders understand neighborhood trends, property values, and regional economic conditions that may impact your loan. This market knowledge allows them to provide more relevant guidance and help identify financing solutions that fit local buyers’ needs. Whether you’re purchasing in a growing community or a rural area, a local lender’s expertise can be invaluable. Flexible Lending Solutions Large financial institutions often rely on standardized processes and one-size-fits-all lending programs. Local lenders may offer greater flexibility when evaluating unique financial situations. If you’re self-employed, have nontraditional income sources, or need specialized financing options, SouthStar Bank’s Star Advantage Program could be a great fit for your needs! Strong Community Commitment SouthStar Bank lenders invest in the communities they serve. They support local businesses, participate in community events, and contribute to regional economic growth. When you choose a local lender like SouthStar Bank, you’re partnering with an institution that understands the importance of helping local families achieve homeownership while strengthening the communities where they live and work. Why Homebuyers Choose SouthStar Bank At SouthStar Bank, we combine the personal service of a community bank with competitive mortgage solutions designed for a variety of needs. SouthStar Bank’s experienced lending team is committed to helping borrowers navigate every step of the home financing process with confidence. From pre-qualification to closing, we focus on building relationships, providing clear communication, and delivering customized lending solutions designed around your goals. Get Started with SouthStar Bank Choosing a local lender can make the […]

General Education, Mortgage Lending

by SouthStar BankJune 10, 2026

What Is a Jumbo Mortgage Loan? A Complete Guide for Homebuyers

If you’re shopping for a high-value home, you may come across the term jumbo mortgage loan. Understanding jumbo loans can help you determine whether this financing option is right for your needs. This guide breaks down the basics of jumbo mortgages and shows how your local SouthStar Bank team can help you navigate the process with confidence. What Is a Jumbo Mortgage Loan? A jumbo mortgage loan is a type of home loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). These limits vary by location, but in most areas, any loan above the standard threshold (set at $832,750 for Texas in 2026) is considered a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and are therefore considered nonconforming loans. This means lenders take on more risk, which often results in stricter qualification requirements for borrowers. Key Features of Jumbo Loans Jumbo mortgage loans share some similarities with conventional loans, but there are a few important differences: Higher Loan Amounts: Designed for luxury homes or properties in competitive real estate markets. Stricter Credit Requirements: Borrowers typically need a higher credit score, often 700 or above. Larger Down Payments: Many jumbo loans require at least 10–20% down, though options may vary. Lower Debt-to-Income Ratios: Lenders want to ensure you can comfortably manage larger monthly payments. Cash Reserves: You may need to show several months of reserves to qualify. Who Should Consider a Jumbo Loan? A jumbo mortgage loan may be a good fit if you’re: Purchasing a high-priced home Buying in a competitive or high-cost housing market Looking for financing that exceeds conforming loan limits Financially stable with strong credit and income Even if you meet these criteria, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable lender who can guide you through the unique requirements of jumbo financing. At SouthStar Bank, our lending team has the experience, knowledge, and local expertise to guide you every step of the way! Benefits of a Jumbo Mortgage Loan While jumbo loans come with stricter qualifications, they also offer several advantages: Financing for Luxury Properties: Access to higher loan amounts allows you to purchase your dream home. Choose Between a Variety of Mortgage Terms: SouthStar Bank offers a number of options including 30-year fixed rate mortgages, Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM), and in certain cases Interest Only options. No Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac Restrictions: Because jumbo loans are nonconforming, many traditional restrictions are lifted. How SouthStar Bank Can Help At SouthStar Bank, we understand that purchasing a high-value home is a major financial decision. Our experienced mortgage team works closely with you to simplify the jumbo loan process and find a solution tailored to your needs. We offer: Personalized guidance from application to closing Competitive jumbo mortgage rates Flexible terms designed for your financial goals Local expertise you can trust Whether you’re upgrading your home or investing in a premium property, SouthStar Bank is here to help you secure the financing you need. […]

General Education

by SouthStar BankJune 2, 2026

How to Improve Your Credit: Tips for Building a Stronger Financial Future

Your credit score is a vital part of your financial viability, from qualifying for a mortgage or auto loan to securing lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. Whether you are building credit for the first time or working to improve your current score, taking the right steps today can help create more financial opportunities tomorrow. At SouthStar Bank, we believe financial education is an important part of long-term success. Here are practical ways to improve your credit and help strengthen your financial future. Why Your Credit Score Matters Your credit score is a number that helps lenders evaluate how responsibly you manage debt. A stronger credit score may help you: Qualify for home loans, auto loans, credit cards, etc. Receive lower interest rates Help your chances of qualifying for rental properties Access better financing options Build long-term financial confidence Because credit plays such an important role in borrowing capital, maintaining healthy financial habits is essential. 1. Make Payments on Time One of the biggest factors affecting your credit score is payment history. Even a single missed payment can negatively impact your credit and remain on your report for 7 years. Use these quick and easy methods to ensure you don’t miss payments: Set up automatic payments Use payment reminders or calendar alerts Pay at least the minimum amount due each month Consistently paying bills on time demonstrates financial responsibility and can help improve your score over time. 2. Keep Credit Card Balances Low Your credit utilization ratio measures how much of your available credit you are using. The general rule of thumb recommended by experts is to keep utilization below 30%. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000, aim to keep balances below $3,000. Paying down balances can positively affect your credit score and reduce overall interest costs. 3. Avoid Applying for Too Much New Credit Every time you apply for new credit, lenders may perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. Multiple inquiries within a short timeframe can temporarily lower your score. Before opening any new accounts, consider whether additional credit is truly necessary, and review whether enquiring about new credit will result in a soft or hard pull of your credit. 4. Review Your Credit Report Regularly Monitoring your credit report can help you identify errors or fraudulent activity that may affect your score. When reviewing your report, check for: Incorrect personal information Accounts you do not recognize Inaccurate late payments Incorrect balances Correcting errors in your report may help improve your credit profile. 5. Maintain Older Credit Accounts Length of credit history is another important credit scoring factor. Older accounts help establish a longer track record of responsible borrowing. If possible, avoid closing long-standing credit accounts unless there is a compelling reason. 6. Build Healthy Financial Habits Improving your credit often starts with better overall money management. Creating a monthly budget, reducing debt, and building emergency savings can all contribute to long-term financial stability. Improving Credit Takes Time There is no instant fix […]