SouthStar Bank, Author at SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankJanuary 10, 2025

Welcome Back Jesse Miller

Jesse Miller, SVP & Director of IT | SouthStar Bank Jesse Miller has rejoined SouthStar Bank as a Senior Vice President and Director of Information Technologies. Jesse received his BBA from Texas A&M University-Central Texas and holds several certifications, including CCNA, CEH, and ITIL. Jesse previously spent close to a decade with SouthStar Bank in the IT department and looks forward to making even more meaningful contributions in his new position. As Director of IT, Jesse will oversee the IT department and collaborate with the entire bank staff to solve technology problems and create workflow efficiencies. Outside of work, Jesse spends much of his time on the soccer field, where he serves as a Director and Coach for Lonestar-SC. Jesse enjoys sharing his love for soccer with his wife and four children. He also enjoys traveling with his family, his favorite destination being Wales. One of Jesse’s hidden talents is that he has a green thumb and is excellent with plants! SouthStar Bank is thrilled to welcome Jesse back to the team!

Employee News

by SouthStar BankDecember 23, 2024

Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2024

RIDE FOR THE BRAND The Ride for the Brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank brand. In the cowboy days, when you worked for a big ranch or participated in a trail drive, the cowboy was loyal to the Brand he “rode for.” Guys that rode for the brand had deep connections representing the ranch that transcended their daily work. To strengthen our culture, we continue to need employees that are a good example of this type of steadfast loyalty and who support our mission, vision, and values. STAR LEADER The Star Leader award is a special award given to applaud and promote the work and contributions of our most senior team. These individuals articulate a compelling vision for the institution and have inspired others to that vision. They actively support all aspects of our Bank’s advancement and show the highest commitment to professional growth. Recipients deserve exceptional notice and praise. TRAIL BOSS We also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership roles. On a cattle drive, Trail Boss is the one in charge of the entire operation – keeping track of all the different elements of the drive, selecting routes, and making key decisions. Our Trail Boss awards go to those who have helped guide our teams, selected routes for new and expanded operations, and supported key initiatives to exceed expectations. We can all agree that this year brought many new challenges, and the executive team appreciates those who helped set the path for success. PRESIDENT’S AWARD This prestigious recognition is awarded by the bank president, David Kapavik, to the individual he and the executive team feel has made the strongest contribution to the organization over the past year. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits. RISING STAR AWARD These individuals have been with the bank for less than two years, but have already made our star shine brighter. These emerging leaders were selected by the executive committee in each department because of their exceptional growth and contributions to the organization, as well as increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact. INVESTAR SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients. MERCHANT SERVICES SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Merchant Services. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for exemplifying the community bank spirit through active involvement in worthy causes and initiatives throughout the area. STAR SERVICE AWARD The Star Service Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for service above and beyond the expected norm. Recipients consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of our products and services, as well […]

Employee News

by SouthStar BankNovember 14, 2024

Welcome Bond Bourquein

Bond Bourquein, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Bond Bourquein joins SouthStar Bank Georgetown as a Personal Banker. Bond attended Oklahoma City University, and this will be her first time working in the banking industry. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and joyful attitude to her role and the Georgetown community. Outside of work, Bond enjoys spending time with her dog and boyfriend, cooking and baking, and staying active. She is a long-time dancer and has even made it to the final stages of the Houston Texans Cheerleader audition process. In her free time, Bond teaches a group fitness class and frequents a local CrossFit gym to stay in shape. Like many, Bond enjoys traveling with her favorite destinations being anywhere with a beach. Welcome to the team, Bond!

Employee News

by SouthStar BankSeptember 30, 2024

Welcome Martha Molina Rodriguez

Martha Molina Rodriguez, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Martha Molina Rodriguez joins the SouthStar Bank Georgetown team as a Personal Banker. Martha brings two years of banking experience along with her strong communication skills and passion for helping others to the team. She is excited to contribute her goal-oriented mindset and bubbly personality to her position to help create a welcoming environment for clients. Outside of work, Martha can be found staying active and working on her personal growth. She enjoys going to the gym to maintain her physical and mental health. She is also an avid traveler who loves to experience new cultures and environments to broaden her perspective and aid in her personal growth. Hawaii is among her favorite destinations. Martha takes great pride in balancing her studies, raising her daughter, and staying dedicated to her personal goals. Welcome to the team, Martha!

Self-Directed IRA

by SouthStar BankSeptember 29, 2024

5 ADVANTAGES OF LOANING MONEY WITH YOUR SELF-DIRECTED IRA

Did you realize that a Self-Directed IRA can essentially serve as a lending institution? Promissory notes are a convenient way to loan money from retirement accounts to approved people and businesses while also earning interest on the loans. Many of our Self-Directed IRA holders choose to capitalize in alternative investments by becoming private lenders. How the process of lending money works It’s crucial to realize that IRS regulations apply because you’re making a loan through your Self-Directed IRA. You can’t lend to particular groups of persons or organizations. That list is quite short. You, your spouse, your parents, grandparents, children, grandkids, and their spouses, as well as any entity in which they own a majority stake are all considered to be disqualified people. There are still many persons and organizations that need loans. A secured or unsecured promissory note may be issued by your IRA. You can also create a mortgage or trust deed in conjunction with a secured real estate note. The borrower will sign the promissory note and any other relevant loan documents after you draft it. Always keep in mind that your IRA—not you, the IRA holder—is the lender. This implies that all income is reinvested in the IRA. All IRA loan documentation must be signed in the IRA’s name, not your own. Here are some of the options for lending money with your Self-Directed IRA: Advantages of using your Self-Directed IRA to lend money 1. You decide the rules. You can predetermine the terms of the loan, which is one of the key benefits of lending. You choose who or what firm you lend money to, as well as the loan amount. Additionally, you have control over the loan’s term, interest rate, and quantity and frequency of payments. You can decide whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Real estate is frequently used as collateral to secure loans, but secured notes also allow for the use of other assets. 2. Possibility of outstanding returns and maximal future earnings. You can gradually grow your retirement funds by making loans. By defining the conditions for principal and interest, you are generating a pre-determined return on your investment. Many people find that this results in a reliable stream of revenue returning to their self-directed IRA. Additionally, if the loan is backed by property or other assets, you are effectively investing in both the borrower and the security because you will have access to the asset in the event that the borrower fails on the loan. 3. Assist those who might not otherwise be eligible for loans. Lending money through your Self-Directed IRA could be a way to assist a person or company that has previously had trouble securing a loan. There are many creditworthy individuals or organizations out there that may be unable to obtain funding from a bank for a number of different reasons. However, it is crucial that you conduct your own research on any potential borrowers. 4. Make sure you take all necessary precautions. Many people who […]

Land Loans

by SouthStar BankSeptember 22, 2024

All a Buyer Needs to Know About Land Loans – Part II

Land loans are used to purchase land without a house on it. In Part II of our series, we’ll further expand on the fundamentals of land loans: Pros and cons of land loans Pros You can build your dream home from the ground up. Purchasing land gives you the opportunity to start from zero and build a brand-new home that is precisely as you want it. Develop at your own pace. If you pick a raw land loan, you can postpone building on the property until you are ready to move forward. Our loan terms for lot loans are 3 to 12 years, giving you plenty of time to obtain house plans and to finalize the plans and budget with the builder. At that point, you can secure a construction loan. Options with a single closure simplify construction. Construction loans have the benefit of financing your land purchase and the cost of new construction, transforming into a conventional mortgage when you’re ready to move in. This is useful if you’re ready to start building. Since you’ll just close once, the procedure will be simpler. Cons It might be harder to market raw land. Purchasing land can carry greater risk than purchasing a home, particularly if the economy isn’t doing well. Land does not increase in value in the same manner as renovated property. Land is harder to sell than upgraded property when economies go “soft.” Land may not be buildable. If you intend to construct a home in the future, especially if you’re purchasing unimproved land, you must confirm that the property can support a home. Do your due diligence! You’ll want to confirm road access, utility hookups, zoning requirements, and more. You’ll face tougher qualifying criteria. A land loan can be more difficult to obtain than a conventional mortgage. Historically, borrowers looking to qualify for a land loan have needed to provide evidence of improved credit and make a larger down payment. You made your land purchase — now what? After purchasing the land, you can now begin making plans for what you want to construct there. Whether you’re building a house for yourself or a business, there are many different ways to fund the project. SouthStar Bank offers several of the most popular methods for financing a construction project, including: → Construction-to-permanent loan. As soon as you move in, the loan transforms into a conventional mortgage. Money is disbursed as construction advances. → Construction-only loan. Similar to a construction-to-permanent loan, these loans cover the cost of building the house as it is being built. However, it won’t change into a conventional mortgage. At the conclusion of construction, the remaining sum must be paid in full, or you must refinance to a new loan that repays the construction loan. → FHA construction loan. These loans provide a one-time close construction-to-permanent loan and are supported by the Federal Housing Administration. With a credit score as low as 500, you may be eligible. → VA construction loan. The Veterans Administration allows qualified military service members or veterans to […]

Land Loans

by SouthStar BankSeptember 15, 2024

All a Buyer Needs to Know About Land Loans – Part I

Land loans are used to purchase land without a house on it. You can use a land loan to build a home or a business. There are several types of land loan. Vacant Land Loan or Raw Land Loan This is unimproved land that cannot be developed due to the lack of utilities including roads, water and sewer lines. Undeveloped Land Loan Unimproved land is comparable to raw land in that it may have some older structures or basic infrastructure, but it typically lacks the full range of water, electricity, and other amenities that you’ll require. There may have been a house on this property at one time, but not anymore. Improved Land Loan This kind of land is suitable for building a home and has access to utilities and highways. These areas could also be referred to as lots. How do Land Loans Work? Land loans are similar to conventional mortgages in that they require a down payment, and are backed by the assets they buy, and are repaid over time. A loan officer will assist you in applying for the loan and examine your credit while you work with them. With land loans, the borrower would follow a similar process to that of a typical home loan. Although individual lenders may choose to set more strict requirements, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. sets minimum down payment requirements for land loans. The FDIC requirements are as follows: Land Loans – 9 Types Land loans can be more difficult to obtain since they differ from conventional mortgages, but you still have options. Here are some possible financing options for your piece of land. 1. Bank or credit union loan 2. Government land loan programs 3. Home equity loan 4. HELOC 5. USDA loan 6. SBA loan 7. Personal loan 8. Buying a teardown SouthStar Bank Land Loans Our lenders specialize in land/lot loans and will help you secure your chosen site until you’re ready to build. But we don’t stop there! We offer construction loans and construction-to-permanent loans to help you build your home. We make it smooth and easy to move through each stage of the custom home building process. Ready to get started? If your down payment is lined up and your credit is in great shape, talk to us. We’re excited to help you secure the lot of your dreams.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankAugust 29, 2024

Welcome Jean Ann McCarthy

Jean Ann McCarthy, Personal Banker & Proof Operator | SouthStar Bank Moulton Jean Ann McCarthy joins SouthStar Bank Moulton as a Personal Banker and Proof Operator. Recently retired from education, Jean Ann holds an Accounting degree from Texas State University and has more than two decades of experience in finance. She is looking forward to bringing her financial background to the banking industry, making a difference in her coworkers’ and customers lives, and joining the supportive team environment at SouthStar Bank. In her free time, Jean Ann enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and baking. She also enjoys traveling with her two favorite places being, La Jolla, California, and the Disney Parks, where she has made countless memories with friends and family. However, she enjoys visiting any location as long as she has a good book, a fruity beverage, and her family in tow. Welcome to the SouthStar Bank team, Jean Ann!

Employee News

by SouthStar BankAugust 23, 2024

Welcome Bianca Howle

Bianca Howle, Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch Bianca Howle joins SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Bianca is an alumna of Louisiana State University and brings more than two decades of banking experience. As Branch Manager, she is excited to bring her passion for community outreach and her ability to help cultivate her staff into strong leaders. One of her most significant professional achievements was creating and leading a leadership class for entry-level supervisors to teach them how to lead effectively. Outside of work, Bianca can be found golfing with her husband or curled up with a good book. She also loves to travel, and her favorite destination thus far is Africa. One interesting fact about Bianca is that she majored in Opera while at college.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankAugust 22, 2024

Welcome Maggie Womack

Maggie Womack, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Maggie Womack joins the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin team as a Personal Banker. Maggie recently graduated from Texas State University in May of 2024 with a major in Advertising and a minor in Business Administration. She is excited to bring her welcoming personality to her new position and hopes to create meaningful connections with her customers. One of Maggie’s most significant personal achievements was winning the Silver Addy Award in the San Antonio Advertising Competition. Her winning campaign was the first she had ever created by herself, and she was delighted to see her hard work pay off. Maggie enjoys spending her free time with her dog, whether it’s going on walks, learning new tricks, or just cuddling on the couch. Her favorite place to travel is her grandfather’s ranch, where she gets to see chickens, horses, and longhorns roam the property. Welcome to the team, Maggie!