<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1457645420941593&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

Aurora

Burwell

Daykin

Diller

Fairmont

Fairbury

Geneva

Grafton

Grand Island

Hastings

Kearney

Odell

Ord LPO

Riverdale

Shickley

Update Your Preferences

Home Buyer’s Guide to Trading Up

Planning, Financing & Coordinating Your Move

Welcome - Navigating Your Way to a New Home

So, you’ve been in your current home for a while . . . and you’re thinking about trading up.

For some homeowners, trading up has always been a part of the plan. For others, it’s less about a plan and more about a new job, a new baby or another lifestyle change.

Either way, planning, financing and coordinating your move can be a great source of stress. We understand. After all, how do you sell one home while buying another and make it all work out?

We want you to know we work with homeowners in your position all the time. That’s why we’ve put together this Home Buyer’s Guide to Trading Up. It will answer many of your questions and help you figure out:

  • Would it be better to fix up or trade up?
  • Would an existing home or new construction be a better choice?
  • How do you finance a trade up?
  • Do you need a real estate agent?
  • Should you sell first? Or buy first?

Take a look through the Guide – it will help you get started. No doubt you’ll have more questions, too. So don’t be afraid to call. We’ll be glad to hear from you anytime. We’re your local community bank, and we’re here to help.

- Your friends at Heartland Bank

Want to download and view this later?

Simply click on the link below to download and save a PDF copy of the guide.

 Download the Guide
Fix Up or Trade Up

What's Right for You?

You love your home, and you enjoy being a homeowner. Sure, owning a home involves a little work and worry – but not nearly as much as you feared when starting out.

Still, your home isn’t perfect on every score. So you begin thinking – should we fix up our current home or trade up to our dream home?

The Case for Fixing Up

  • You love your location - Perhaps it’s convenient to work, has a great school district or is close to family and friends. It suits your needs well.
  • Space is not an issue - You don’t need a bigger house, you just want a more modern kitchen, nicer bathrooms or more room for the kids to play.
  • You have room to remodel - Finishing your basement or making a small addition will answer your needs.
  • You’re focused on the cosmetics – New paint, flooring, fixtures or lighting would make your house feel new again.

Be sure, though, to keep your improvements in line with other houses in the neighborhood. You never want to become the most expensive house on the block; you’ll have a tougher time selling, if and when the time comes.

The Case for Trading Up

  • You want or need to relocate – Life would be simpler, or you’d feel better about raising your family in a different neighborhood.
  • You need more space – The kids are growing up, there’s a new baby on the way or you want to be a hub for your extended family.
  • You need less space – The kids grown up and out of the house and you no longer need all those extra bedrooms.
  • Remodeling isn’t possible – Your current house and lot give you no room to grow.
  • You want a new floor plan – Or maybe there are other significant upgrades that would make moving quicker and easier than remodeling.

Perhaps trading up has always been the plan – and you’re just worried about timing. If you have good income and little debt beyond your mortgage, then trading up is definitely an option for you.

Fix Up or Trade Up – Begin with a List

To settle the fix up or trade up debate, start with a comparative list. What do you want in your new or remodeled home? Be exhaustive. Don’t leave anything out. Then label each item: (1) fix up, (2) trade up or (3) toss up. Which category wins? And what does your gut tell you?

Buy Existing or Build New?

Find What Suits You

If you like rich exteriors, mature trees and familiar neighborhoods, then you’ll probably look at buying an existing home before you would consider new construction. If, however, the interior of the house is more important to you – open floor plans, bright kitchens, big bathrooms – you’ll probably lean toward building a new home. What sounds right for you?

6 Reasons to Buy Existing

  • Price – all things being equal, you’ll pay about 20% less for an existing home than for new construction.
  • Location – existing homes tend to be in central neighborhoods and offer convenient commutes to work and school.
  • Landscaping & Fences – existing homes offer the shade of mature trees, the security of fenced yards and the chance to save money on both.
  • Personality – most agree existing homes provide more character and charm, especially if they’re a bit older.
  • Appliances & Window Coverings – when you buy an existing home, your purchase will typically include items such as appliances and window coverings, which can save you a lot of money.
  • Driveway – you’ll also save money with an existing driveway, which can often be an unexpected expense of new construction.

5 Reasons to Build New

  • Annual Savings – you’ll pay more upfront, yes, but you’ll save big on home maintenance costs for at least a decade, perhaps two.
  • Personalization – from the floor plan to the finishes, everything will be built to suit your needs and tastes.
  • Energy Efficiency – built to stringent codes and completed with energy efficient appliances, new homes help you save on energy costs.
  • The Punch List – With most builders, upon completion of the construction/purchase you can submit a “punch list” of things needing to be corrected or repaired at no expense to you.
  • Lower Insurance Costs – homeowner’s insurance tends to be lower on new construction because the roof is brand new.

Build or Buy? Spend Now or Spend Later?

Whether you build new or buy existing, the key to being happy with your purchase is finding a home that suits you – your needs, lifestyle and budget. Setting cost aside for a moment, what type of homeowner are you? Do you enjoy home repair? Do you take pride in it? Or would you prefer not to worry about it? Maybe there’s your answer.

Financing a Trade Up

financing-a-trade-up-1700

Start by Getting Pre-Qualified

Even if you’re an experienced homeowner, getting pre-qualified for your mortgage loan is still the smartest way to start the home buying process. Getting pre-qualified:

  • Provides you with a valuable outside perspective on your finances
  • Determines how much you can afford to borrow
  • Helps you focus on a specific price range when house hunting

Beyond pre-qualification, you’ll also need to plot a clear path on how you’re going to finance the purchase of a new home while selling your current home.

How’s your payment history?

Lenders will look first and foremost to your mortgage payment history. If you have less than a solid record of on-time payments, be prepared to discuss any special circumstances that impacted your ability to pay.

What will you use for your down payment?

When you were a first-time home buyer, you needed cash for your down payment. As a current homeowner, you can use cash and your home equity (all or a part of it) to make your down payment.

How much equity do you have in your current home?

Your current home equity is easy to calculate. Take the current market value of your home (for example, $200,000) and subtract the remaining principal – what you still owe – on your mortgage loan (for example, $100,000). This gives you $100,000 in equity (note that some lenders may not loan 100% of the equity in your home).

Based on your home equity, your lender will be able to extend you a home equity loan or line of credit – or a bridge loan – to help you write an earnest deposit, a down payment and closing cost checks.

(Be sure not to list your current home for sale before securing this financing – listing your home for sale may prevent your lender from being able to offer you these options.)

Do you want to buy an existing home?

You may not know what type of home you want yet. That’s okay. But you may find it easier to obtain a mortgage for an existing home – and you may find the entire purchase-sell-move process a bit quicker and easier.

Do you want to buy a new home from a builder?

When you buy a new home from a builder, the process is very similar to buying an existing home. The builder has already financed the lot and home construction, and you’re simply taking out a mortgage to make the home purchase.

Do you want to hire a builder to design and build a new home?

If you’re truly starting from scratch, talk with your lender about your options. You may need a:

  • Lot loan, for land purchase
  • New construction loan, to pay for the design and construction
  • Construction-to-permanent loan, to transition everything into a single mortgage payment once you move into your new home

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Mortgage Calculator

Enter a few quick numbers into our mortgage calculator to get a glimpse at how much money you may be able to borrow with a new mortgage loan. Compare 15-year and 30-year terms – and experiment with different down payment amounts – to explore your options.

Real Estate Agents

One, Two or None?

Without a doubt, your trade up will go much more smoothly with the help of a real estate agent. There’s so much to do – and so many details to cover. An experienced advisor who can coordinate everything will make your life a lot easier.

And, even though you are both selling your current home and buying a new home, you only need one real estate agent.

One agent can serve both roles – (1) as your buyer agent, helping you find and purchase your new home and (2) as your listing agent, helping you sell your current home.

Choosing Your Buyer Agent – At-a-Glance

Whether you’re buying an existing home or a newly constructed home from a builder, a buyer agent can help you:

  • Find a home that meets your needs
  • Prepare and present offers
  • Handle forms, contracts and disclosure statements
  • Schedule and supervise property inspections
  • Provide advice regarding needed improvements and repairs

Buying an Existing Home

  • When purchasing an existing home, your buyer agent can help you determine what your offer should be and negotiate on your behalf.

Buying New Construction

  • When purchasing a newly constructed home from a builder, price is rarely open to negotiation – prices are firm to protect property values in new developments.
  • Your buyer agent’s knowledge of builders, though, can sometimes help you negotiate other incentives and concessions on new construction.

Designing & Building A New Home

  • If you are hiring a designer and builder – in essence starting from scratch – you do not need a buyer agent, unless you want help finding and negotiating the purchase of a lot for your new home.

Selling Your Current Home

Your agent will do a lot more than put a sign in the yard. Your agent will:

  • Help you determine your asking price
  • Help you prepare your home for sale
  • Arrange for pre-inspections and home staging
  • Photograph your exterior and interior for marketing
  • Get your home listed on the Multiple Listing Service
  • Get your home promoted on various real estate websites
  • Coordinate visits and open houses
  • Negotiate with buyers on your behalf
  • Ensure buyers are qualified and have financing

Coordinating Your Move

When it comes to trading up, your agent will be the one person who knows everything that’s going on and can represent your interests throughout.

Your agent can ensure (1) you list your home at the most opportune time and (2) all purchase agreements give you time to move into your new home before new residents take possession of your current home. With your agent’s help, you can avoid the need for temporary housing and storage.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Ask Your Friends

Do you have any friends who’ve recently traded up into a new home? Who was their real estate agent? Find out. In fact, put together a list of three or four possible real estate agents to talk to when you’re ready. Your lender may also be able to provide you with a name or two. Talk with the candidates, even if just by phone, and find an experienced agent with whom you’re comfortable.

Prepping Your Home for Sale

Exterior & Interior Essentials

When it comes to prepping your home for sale, your best source of advice and help will undoubtedly be your real estate agent. Your agent will look at your home through fresh eyes and prep it to attract buyers.

Plus, your agent will help you by:

  • Having the home pre-inspected - to identify any needed repairs
  • Overseeing exterior and interior photography - for online listings

Focus on the essentials and resist the urge to undertake major renovations – and you’ll quickly be ready to list your home.

The exterior – creating curb appeal

  • Paint the exterior – a fresh coat of paint appeals to buyers. Be sure to stick with colors common to your neighborhood.
  • Keep the yard mowed and trimmed – and free from clutter. A well-kept yard gives buyers confidence in how well the home has been maintained.
  • Maintain your sidewalks and driveway – sweep them often and keep them clear of yard waste or other clutter.
  • Clean out and organize your garage – shoppers will operate your garage door and want to inspect the quality of floor and wall surfaces.
  • Brighten your entranceway – flowers, a new light fixture and a new welcome mat will make a good first impression.

The interior – making them feel at home

  • Clean up thoroughly – especially the kitchen and bathrooms, which are key to making a sale.
  • Create a sense of space – by removing and storing any unneeded furniture. This will make rooms seem larger.
  • Clean out and organize closets – and any built-in cabinets and drawers. Closet space sells, so do everything you can to make them appear cavernous.
  • Clean off counters, tabletops and mantels – try to limit the number of items on display to three or four per area.
  • Paint wherever needed – inspect high traffic areas and see if a fresh coat of paint will help. Stick with neutrals and avoid bold colors.

Avoid major renovations and improvements.

Your home may need work, but it’s hardly ever a good idea to update a kitchen or modernize a bathroom before selling your home. It just doesn’t pay. These changes rarely improve your sale price.

Instead, acknowledge the shortcoming and reduce your asking price – or give your buyer a credit in escrow. The added benefit of this approach? The new owner takes on responsibility for the selection of contractors and the quality of their work.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Clean House

Start at least 30 days ahead of when you plan to list your home. Tackle one room at a time – or tackle them all at once. Remove and store all unneeded furniture. Create as much open space as possible. This makes rooms look larger and helps buyers focus on your house instead of your stuff.

Finding the Perfect Floor Plan

finding-the-perfrect-floor-plan-1700


First Steps in New Construction

When it’s time to trade up to a new home, a lot of people look to new construction. Depending on where you live, the number of existing homes for sale can be limited – or just not quite what you want in terms of size, style or location.

excites you, meets your needs and matches your budget.

Look through local builder websites.

You’re going to end up working with a local builder, so start by looking through their websites. You may find:

  • Available floor plans
  • Available lots
  • Model home locations and hours
  • Completed homes for sale

You might find a new home already completed, or near completion, that suits you exactly. You never know.

Walk through spec homes.

When you show up at a spec home, you’ll be asked to sign in by the listing agent. If you visit a dozen spec homes, you’ll soon have a dozen listing agents calling and emailing you. Visit spec homes with your buyer agent – if you have one – and listing agents will understand not to contact you directly.

Visiting a spec home can be the single most effective way to find a new home you like. Walk around the exterior; walk through the interior a few times. Take photos for later reference. Revisit any model homes you really like.

Keep in mind, model homes are often “tricked out” with extra features to attract buyers with a sense of luxury. That sprinkler system? Extra. That cool diagonal tile cut in the master shower? Extra. The high-grade flooring or carpeting? Extra. That finished basement? Way extra.

Before you fall in love with a spec home, ask a lot of questions about what you’d get for the standard list price.

Shop online for a floor plan.

Not finding what you’re looking for from local builders? Go online. There are countless websites that let you see thousands of floor plans. Four of the most popular are:

These plans cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Before purchasing a floor plan, though, be sure to understand the cost to build.

Take a DIY approach.

A number of websites let you design your own floor plans – which you can share online or save and export.

Use these websites to communicate what you’re looking for to your local designer or builder. You can draw up floor plans, furnish and decorate rooms and create your new home in 3D.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Floor Planning

Use one or more of the websites mentioned above to find a home style you like. Determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’re looking for – and other things, like how many garage bays. This type of homework will help later on, when you’re shopping model homes or talking with local designers and builders.

Choosing a Builder

choosing-a-builder-1700


Spec or Custom?

As a homeowner, you may have worked with contractors, remodelers and builders. Perhaps you hired someone to finish a basement, open your floor plan or remodel a kitchen.

We’re talking about a different type of builder – a home builder. If you’ve decided to trade up into new construction, there are two different types of builders for you to consider.

Working with a spec home builder.

Most communities are developed by spec home builders. These builders buy several lots in new communities under development, draft different floor plans – and build homes “on spec.”

With a spec home builder, you can buy a completed home, a home under construction or have them build one of their designs from the ground up on any of the lots they own across the area. In some instances, you can also have them build one of their designs on a lot you own or purchase.

Working with a custom home builder.

In contrast to a spec home builder, a custom home builder does not work on spec. Instead, they (1) design and build a custom home for an individual home buyer or (2) build a home based on a custom design developed by an independent architect.

So, you can hire a custom home builder to either design and build – or build only, if you’ve already selected an architect. It’s up to you.

Ask for referrals. Ask for references.

When it comes to choosing a builder, you can never ask for too many opinions. Building a new home probably represents the largest financial investment you’ll ever make.

If you have friends or family who’ve purchased new construction, ask them what builder they worked with and about their experience. Your buyer agent, if you’re working with one, and your lender can also provide guidance.

With a spec home builder, it will be easier to see and walk through sample homes. In fact, they will probably have a few model homes open every day. With a custom home builder, you may not get the same walkthrough experience – all their homes will be occupied. In either case, ask for multiple references from home buyers. Find out about their experience during construction and since moving into their home.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Researching Builders

In addition to talking with your realtor and lender, do some online research about builders in your area. Visit their websites. Get a sense of their style and the types of homes they build. See if they offer customizations to their current floor plans. Also check out the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders for a list of qualified local builders and other helpful information for home buyers.

The General Contractor


9 Key Responsibilities

For new construction, you’re going to work with either a homebuilder or a general contractor.

Production home builder.

If you’ve purchased a new home from a builder, then you’ll work with that specific builder on the construction and completion of your home.

Custom homebuilder or general contractor.

If you’ve hired an architect to design a custom home for you, then at some point you’ll need to select either a custom home builder or a general contractor to bring your home to completion.

9 key responsibilities

Whether you’re working with a production builder, custom builder or a general contractor, their work will focus on nine key responsibilities.

  1. Selecting and managing the construction crew and subcontractors, such as plumbers and electricians.
  2. Supervising construction to make sure everything matches the designer’s plans and conforms to building codes.
  3. Tracking all costs, sticking to a budget and paying all parties.
  4. Obtaining permits and coordinating building inspections.
  5. Obtaining and maintaining proper insurance, such as a builder’s risk and fire policy.
  6. Ordering, checking and accepting all building materials and components.
  7. Resolving problems and protecting against delays or deficiencies.
  8. Presenting the home to you with a clear certificate of occupancy.
  9. Educating you on your home’s systems and service warranties.

Being your own general contractor.

If you have the time, some home building experience and the personality it takes to be the boss, then you could consider acting as your own general contractor. You could save anywhere from 10% to 20% on the cost of your home. The potential downside, though, is considerable, given all of the problems that can occur during home construction.

Plus, when you act as your own general contractor, it can be harder to get financing. Realtors may also tell you your home will be a bit harder to resell, when the time comes, compared to one constructed by a reputable builder.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: DIY General Contractor

If you’re thinking of being your own general contractor, start by talking with your architect or designer. Get a clear picture of the responsibilities, challenges and time commitment involved. Then talk with your lender. Find out what your financing options will be for a lot loan, construction loan or construction-to-permanent financing.

Unexpected Costs

unexpected-costs-1700


How to Avoid Surprises

When it comes to new construction, there is one distinct advantage to buying from a production builder: predictability.

Yes, you may be moving into a new neighborhood where a dozen or more homeowners have your exact same house and even your exact some colors and features. Depending on how many builders are working in the neighborhood, things can appear very “cookie cutter.”

But there are distinct advantages to this type of uniformity. For starters, your builder and crew have built your exact house before. They’ve bid, estimated, ordered and installed every component and feature – and solved every construction problem – a dozen times or more. Nothing about your house is going to surprise them.

What’s more, with a production builder your purchase agreement will detail everything – right down to the brand, model and color of appliances and whether or not you want a curb grind at the end of your driveway.

The challenge of custom home building.

Even with a fixed bid from your general contractor, there can be cost overruns. The fixed bid only applies to things itemized and detailed in the bid itself. The keys to protecting yourself from cost overruns, then, are good planning and attention to detail.

  • Be thorough with architectural plans and contracts. Accidental omissions are a prime source of cost overruns.
  • Avoid making assumptions about what’s included in your contract, and show your plans to local power, water and sewer jurisdictions.
  • Protect yourself from price changes for material and labor. Don’t let too much time pass before work begins.
  • Realize a unique design or material will come with extra costs.
  • Specify in the contract how construction or design errors will be corrected and paid for: by the architect, contractor, subcontractor, supplier or you.
  • Stick to your plan. Any changes you make to the design or materials during construction will most likely cause delays and overruns.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Sample Contracts

Conducting some simple online research will help you learn more about home construction contracts. Take a look at the sample contracts provided by the National Association of Home Builders and get familiar with the various subjects they cover.

Coordinating Your Move


Sell First or Buy First?

Should you sell your current home first? Or should you buy your new home first?

Either approach will work, but they both require careful planning and coordination with your realtor and lender – and your homebuilder, if you’re buying new construction.

The case for selling first.

  • By selling first, you avoid the potential financial burden of maintaining two houses at the same time. Imagine two mortgage payments, two sets of utility bills and two lawns to mow.
  • Who knows how long it will take to sell your current home? You would not want to be stuck with two houses for an extended period of time.
  • Selling first gives you a clear financial picture (how much money do you really have available?) before investing in a new home.
  • Selling first protects your new home. You won’t be stretched financially.
  • You especially want to consider selling first when the real estate market is slow or “off season.”

The case for buying first.

  • When you buy first, you avoid the potential need for temporary housing and storage. You buy, move and then list your old home for sale.
  • You avoid the potential need to move twice – to temporary housing and then again to your new home.
  • You can tap into your old home’s equity – with a home equity loan or bridge loan – to help cover the down payment and closing costs on your new home.
  • Buying first sets a clear timetable. You’ll know when you’ll be moving, and you can make your old home available after that date.
  • Buying first will give you the fewest worries if you’ve already paid off the mortgage on your current home.

Getting Ready to Trade Up: Explore Some Workarounds

Get a clear picture from your real estate agent on how long it will take to sell your current home. Also talk about some potential workarounds, for example: sing meeting left you a little stressed or overwhelmed, don’t worry about it. Those feelings will disappear once you’ve opened the door to your new place. Congratulations!

  • Selling your current home and then renting it from the new owners until you’re ready to move.
  • Selling your current home with the new owners only taking possession after you move.
  • Making the purchase of your new home contingent upon the sale of your current home.

With your real estate agent and lender, you can find a way to coordinate your trade up – physically and financially – that feels right for your circumstances.

Keys to Success

keys-to-success-1700


Planning & Experienced Advisors

Navigating from your current home to a new home requires careful planning. But homeowners do it all the time, and you can, too.

Know Your Goals

  • Know what you’re looking for in a new home – location, style, square footage, type of floor plan and amenities.
  • Know if you’re targeting existing homes or new construction.

Know Your Finances

  • Know how much home can you afford.
  • Determine how you’ll make your down payment and pay for closing costs – cash, home equity or a combination of the two.
  • Get pre-qualified for your new mortgage and work with your lender to plot out, step by step, how you will finance your move.

Communicate Openly With Your Advisors

  • Be upfront with your real estate agent, lender and others about your goals and concerns.
  • Have your advisors walk you through how everything will be done and when it will be completed – especially if you are building a custom home.
  • Rely on your advisors to help you avoid being stuck between homes (or with two homes) for any period of time.

Have Questions?

While the Home Buyer’s Guide to Trading Up provides sound guidance on the process of trading up, please feel free to call us at 1-800-759-3119 with any questions you may have. Or use our secure email form to submit questions or request an appointment. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

Online Decision-Support Tools

When it comes to trading up, you really need to have a feel for how you want things to go.

You’ll find all of these tools – plus product information, customer testimonials and other mortgage resources –  at MyHeartlandBank/Personal/Mortgage-Loans.com.

Glossary

Mortgage & Home Buying Terminology

  • Bridge Loan: A short-term loan (six to twelve months) secured by the equity you have in your current property to finance the purchase of a new property. Sometimes called a swing loan or gap financing.

  • Buyer Agent: A real estate agent who will represent you and your best interests during the purchase of a property.

  • Construction-to-Permanent Loan: A loan to cover new home construction which can be converted to a traditional mortgage loan once construction is completed.

  • Custom Home Builder: A home builder who uses plans created by an architect or home designer to build a one-of-a-kind home for a specific home buyer.

  • Down Payment: The down payment is the upfront payment you make toward your new home.

  • General Contractor: For custom home building, the general contractor is responsible for the overall management and coordination of new home construction. Hired by the architect or home buyer.

  • Home Equity: Equity is the percentage or amount you own of your home, calculated by subtracting your outstanding mortgage balance (principal only) from the fair market value of your home.

  • Home Equity Line of Credit: A revolving line of credit against the equity you have in your current home. Usually limited to 80% of your current equity.

  • Home Equity Loan: A one-time loan against the equity you have in your current home. This loan will hae a fixed amount and a fixed payment.

  • Home Staging: To help a property appeal to more buyers and sell more quickly, home staging professionals work to enhance curb appeal and make interiors more welcoming.

  • Listing Agent: A listing agent helps you prepare and sell your home and helps you negotiate the best price and terms for sale.

  • Lot Loan: A lot loan finances the purchase of the land that you will build your new house on.

  • Model Home: A newly built home, furnished and decorated, used to promote a builder’s available floor plans and designs in new community developments.

  • New Construction Loan: A short-term loan used to finance the construction of a new home, a new construction loan usually comes due on the date construction is expected to be completed.

  • Pre-Qualification: An upfront evaluation of credit worthiness and a determination of the amount of money someone qualifies to borrow.

  • Principal: Principal is the amount of money you’ve borrowed for your mortgage loan.

  • Production Builder: A production builder buys multiple lots and builds multiple homes based on a limited set of pre-determined floor plans and designs. A production builder works in volume and takes a systematic approach to construction.

  • Real Estate Agent: A licensed professional who can represent buyers (as a buyer agent) or sellers (as a listing agent) in real estate transactions.

Get Pre-Qualified Today!

When you're ready to buy, you need to be ready to move. Get pre-qualified online and move one step closer to the home of your dreams.

Apply Online
logo-fdic.svg   logo-ehl.svg
© 2025 Heartland Bank

Internet Explorer 10 Support Notice

Due to recently increased security requirements, we at Heartland Bank are no longer able to support version 10 or older of Internet Explorer. We are sorry for this inconvenience, and encourage you to upgrade to more secure options such as Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

Upgrade to Internet Explorer 11
You’re about to leave Heartland Bank to visit our trusted partner site. We included this resource on our site because we think you’ll find the information relevant to what you’re looking for. However, since it’s not operated by Heartland Bank, we can’t be accountable for the content you find there. If you have any concerns about the site you’re visiting, we encourage you to read and evaluate the privacy and security policies of the site, just in case it differs from Heartland Bank’s. Ready to go?
Yes, Let's Go!