Mortgage Loans Archives - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankAugust 18, 2025

7 Smart Tips for Saving for a Down Payment on Your First Home

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for first-time homebuyers. Whether you’re planning to save the standard 20% down payment or planning to use a first-time homebuyer program, a clear strategy and consistent habits are essential. Below are seven smart, actionable tips to help you save—plus how SouthStar Bank can support you on your journey to homeownership. 1. Set a Realistic Down Payment Goal Before you begin saving, it is essential to determine how much you’ll need. While a 20% down payment is standard for conventional loans, many first-time homebuyer programs require as little as 3% to 5%. SouthStar Bank’s H.O.P.E Home Loan1 program goes beyond traditional first-time homebuyer programs to offer even more support to help you get into your first home. If you are interested in learning what kind of down payment you may need, SouthStar Bank’s local lending experts are available to discuss your options and determine your down payment goal. 2. Open a Separate Down Payment Savings Account Creating a dedicated savings account to keep your down payment funds separate from everyday spending can be a great help in accomplishing your final goal. Using an account for regular transactions can make saving more challenging to track and control. A dedicated account, on the other hand, allows you to monitor your progress closely and manage your spending more effectively. 3. Automate Your Savings Setting up automatic transfers into your down payment account ensures consistency and removes the temptation to skip months. Even modest contributions—such as $100 per week—can add up quickly. Some employers also allow you to split direct deposits to multiple accounts. Setting up this feature can be a good tool for accomplishing your down payment savings goals. 4. Cut Back on Expenses Lowering your daily expenses, whether it be skipping your morning latte or rethinking big trips, can offer a boost to your savings. Work to reduce discretionary spending by limiting takeout, pausing unused subscriptions, or shopping more intentionally. Funnel those extra funds directly into your down payment fund every month. 5. Increase Your Income with a Side Hustle Consider freelance work, online selling, or part-time gigs. Any extra income can make a big difference when directed straight into your savings account. Currently, there are many credible side-hustles you can do online. Starting an online storefront or pursuing a profitable creative venture can be a great way to make some extra money without interfering with your current work schedule. 6. Use Windfalls to Boost Your Savings Large windfalls of funds can significantly accelerate your down payment savings. Put tax refunds, work bonuses, or monetary gifts toward your down payment. These unexpected funds can make a significant dent in your savings goal if handled wisely. 7. Take Advantage of First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs Purchasing your first home can feel like a major financial and mental endeavor. Thankfully, many first-time homebuyers qualify for grants, forgivable loans, or down payment assistance programs at the local, state, or federal level. SouthStar Bank offers several mortgage options […]

Construction Loans, Land Loans, Mortgage Lending

by SouthStar BankJuly 23, 2025

Your Home for Rural Lending

If you’re looking for a trusted partner for your rural lending needs, choosing the right financial partner matters. National banks may offer convenience, but they often fall short when it comes to understanding the unique financial needs of rural borrowers. At SouthStar Bank, we value the rural communities we work and live in. Our local expertise makes us the smart choice for individuals, families, and businesses in rural areas. With a strong commitment to local communities and decades of experience in Texas rural lending, SouthStar Bank delivers personalized service and flexible loan solutions that national lenders simply can’t match! Deep Local Knowledge and Personalized Lending SouthStar Bank’s lending team lives and works in the same rural communities they serve. This gives them a clear understanding of local land values, agriculture cycles, and the economic challenges rural Texans face. Whether you’re applying for a farm loan, purchasing rural property, or expanding your ranch, SouthStar Bank provides fast, locally made decisions backed by real expertise. Flexible Financing Options for Rural Texans No two borrowers are alike—especially in rural areas where traditional loan models often don’t apply. SouthStar Bank specializes in customized rural lending solutions, including: Farm and Ranch Loans Rural Living Mortgage Program Star Advantage Program: Mortgage Solutions for Unique Situations Lot and Construction Loans Commercial and SBA Lending Beyond living and working in our communities, we also make our decisions in house, this allows us to offer flexible terms and creative solutions tailored to your situation. Investing in Texas Communities As a true Texas community bank of more than 100 years, SouthStar Bank reinvests in the areas it serves. The money you deposit stays local—supporting other families, farms, and small businesses in your region. That means when you bank with SouthStar, you’re not just getting financing, you’re helping build a stronger local economy! Trusted Relationships, Not Transactions SouthStar Bank is relationship-focused, not transaction-driven. Our loan officers take time to get to know you and your goals, providing expertise and support throughout the entire lending process. We have worked hard for over 100 years to earn the trust of our local communities and develop relationships that last generations. Choose SouthStar Bank for Your Rural Lending Needs If you’re in need of rural lending solutions in Texas, SouthStar Bank offers the local expertise, flexible financing, and personalized service you deserve. Whether you’re buying land, financing a farm, or building your dream home in the country, SouthStar Bank is your trusted partner for success. Ready to start your Rural Lending journey? Contact your local experts today!

Mortgage Lending, Mortgage Loan Process

by SouthStar BankJuly 15, 2022

Finding the most qualified mortgage lender starts here

Finding the Most Qualified Mortgage Lender Starts Here Most Qualified Mortgage Lender | SouthStar Bank SouthStar Bank designs a home loan experience specifically for you. We realize you’re one of a kind. Your mortgage should be too. If you want the opportunity to see what’s possible for your mortgage lending future, start here. We pride ourselves on having the ability to provide traditional local bank service with big bank opportunities. Our traditional mortgage lending offers extensive options to serve you better such as: Star Advantage Program: Home loans for unique situations (also known as Portfolio Loans) Traditional Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages: Conventional (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac), FHA, Jumbo, Rural Living, USDA, VA Low Down Rural Acreage Refinance Interim Construction to Permanent Financing Trust a mortgage banker in your community that can guide you through the process Close to home, a mortgage banker can be a reliable ally. They will take the time to get to know you and personalize lending solutions to your specific needs. It doesn’t have to be tough to get a mortgage loan. Your Mortgage Loan Officer will work with you to gather the necessary documentation for a loan decision. Although different loan types are available, the application and review process is much the same. To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a synopsis of the mortgage loan process: 1. Application Your MLO will work with you to finish your application and gather any papers required for underwriter assessment. Regulatory disclosures are made when needed. 2. Pre- Approval To make an initial credit decision, the Underwriter will analyze your application and paperwork. If the loan is initially authorized, your loan officer will advise you on the conditions that must be met in order for the loan to be issued, and collect any additional paperwork as required. Many real estate agents will require you to complete this step prior to viewing properties, especially in competitive Central Texas markets such as Austin. Pre-approval will give you an accurate understanding of budget and allow you to make a quick, competitive offer when you find the property. 3. Appraisal Once a property is selected, the Appraisal Reviewer and SouthStar Bank will organize the receipt of the property appraisal. The appraisal and estimated value of the property will be reviewed by the Appraisal Reviewer. You will receive a copy of the appraisal once it has been accepted. 4. Approved for Closing The Processor will re-submit the file to underwriting for final evaluation once all of the conditions have been completed. The Loan Closer will compile and submit the loan closing document package after final approval is received. 5. Ready for Closing Your loan officer will walk you through the final numbers and disclosures and answer any questions you may have. The Closing Agent will confirm the amounts required to close with you and set a date for the closing, at which time you will sign the final loan documents. Get started today! Buying a home is no easy task. There are piles […]