The reason is simple: relationships have become very important in the banking industry. It’s not that it’s easier to get a loan from a community bank -- all banks have requirements for lending and the rules aren’t more relaxed at a local institution -- but established relationships really do make a difference. Below, Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan helped explain why.
History Counts
If you have been with a local bank for a significant period of time, they often have a clearer picture of your finances that may not be found solely through paperwork. If your finances ebb and flow, a bank you’ve been with for many years will understand in a way a new institution will not.
More Than a "Yes" or "No"
The best part of building a relationship with your bank is gaining a trusted partner. When you have a relationship with your banker, you’re gaining more than a “yes” or “no” on your loan application. A one-on-one discussion when simply stopping by to make a regular deposit means that there’s always an experienced financial advisor to bounce ideas off of.
Don’t have a relationship with your bank? Here are some tips for building one:
- Make an appointment with a branch manager or business banker. Face to face chats are often a great way to establish relationships.
- If you do all of your banking with a larger corporate bank, consider opening a checking or savings account with a local bank. Use the time you spend opening the account to make a connection with the branch manager. Share your goals with them to open lines of connection and communication.
For those in the Hudson Valley looking to bank locally, stop by Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan. Their lending and loan experts believe in building solid relationships with customers and putting community first.
To learn more about the services offered by Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan, click here.