4 Ways We Make Lending Decisions Differently

If you have ever applied for a loan, you may have felt like you’re trying to prove your worth to someone else – sometimes a group of people you’ve never met. At Deerwood Bank we strive to make this experience different from what you may experience with other financial institutions.

Here are four ways we make lending decisions differently:

Our decision makers are local

You know that Deerwood Bank is a local community bank, but did you know that all of our lending decisions are made locally as well?  Once a week (or twice depending on the need) our loan committee connects, and we discuss each loan application individually.

This differs from large, national, or regional financial institutions who often send the application to a home office, sometimes states away, and wait to hear back.

As a small, community bank, we have a responsibility to local businesses and community members. That’s why it’s so important that we make decisions at a local level where our team knows and takes pride in your business, the house you are buying, or the other financial goals that you may have.

We learn your story

Contrary to what you’ll hear from other financial institutions, lending isn’t all about the 5 Cs of Credit. Of course, they have a role, but our bankers at Deerwood want to hear your unique story, your “Why”, and your personal or business dreams.

When we understand how the loan has the potential to change your story – and our community – we are able to be your advocate and share your story within the bank.

We’re a small, intimate group

When we meet to discuss your loan and your story, it’s not with 50 people in a large conference room where we pound a red “Approved” or “Denied” stamp on your application.

We have a small, intimate group of lending professionals that are empowered to make decisions based on more than just the numbers on the application.

Your personal banker or business banker serves on the loan committee and represents you and your story. We share your story because we believe that sometimes the numbers on the application aren’t as compelling as your mission, your vision, or your story.

We’re creative

Our clients tell us that one of the reasons they love banking with us is because of our flexibility and creativity when it comes to their loan needs.

For example, Michael Hornung who owns Valley Green, describes his lending needs as “unique” in that his business is highly seasonal, which results in varied cash-flow at different times of the year. Michael shares that Jim Schleper, a Business Banker at Deerwood, went out of his way to advocate for him and provide loan terms that fit the seasonality of his business.

We hear these types of stories over and over again from our clients, as we’re often able to provide creative terms that help our clients achieve their financial goals.

Whether you are looking for a partner to help with growing your business or buying your dream home, don’t settle for a bank that judges you based on a stringent set of parameters. Work with a bank and a banker you can have a relationship with. Consider working with Deerwood Bank!