Good Questions to Ask Community Banks?

[Lance Lvovsky]

So I am considering in emailing community banks and asking around about what kind of loans they may offer and what is the "typical" criteria for qualifying for these loans.

I am a recent college grad, currently have 1 property which was paid for all cash, but am looking for a second investment property. I have no experience in mortgages (as I never had one) and I know that most of the big banks will probably not give me any loans (I have very limited employment history). So I want to approach some community banks and see how stringent (or not) they are on loaning money to folks like me.

What do y'all think about some good starting questions? And tips on the best way to approach this?

Thanks in advance!

[Martin Scherer]

Why would you even consider emailing community banks?  You are trying to develop relationships.  What kind of relationship are you going to build with a banker by emailing them?  You are going at this all wrong.

Note the name, c-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y. they are called that for a reason.  Go in and introduce yourself, ask questions, get to know the banker or more important let than get to know you.  If you make a connection go into visit frequently.  Let them know what you are doing and what you need. Get them to open up a little and you will learn a lot .  They have a lot they can teach you if you get to know them and you show a little respect for them.

An email is totally impersonal and shows a lack of respect for the bank and the banker.  You will not get a positive outcome emailing them.  You actually must make he effort here and it can pay off big time.