2026 Fall Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE: • Fall Home Maintenance Tips
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• Why Refinancing May Be Worth Revisiting
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• Searching for a New Home? Consider These Tips
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• Giving Back Through Bell’s Pay It Forward Program
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bellbankmortgage.com
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FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS As temperatures begin to drop, a few seasonal maintenance tasks can help protect your home and prepare for winter. Taking care of small issues now may help prevent larger repairs later.
KEY TASKS FOR FALL Seal Air Leaks
Check windows and doors for drafts and replace weatherstripping as needed to help improve energy efficiency and keep warm air inside.
Inspect Your Roof
Look for damaged or missing shingles and address repairs before winter weather arrives.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Remove leaves and debris to help water flow away from your home and reduce the risk of water damage and ice dams, especially for those in colder climates.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace batteries and make sure all detectors are working properly.
Service Your Heating System
Schedule a furnace inspection or maintenance appointment to help ensure your system is operating efficiently.
Protect Your Investment
Regular seasonal maintenance can help extend the life of your home’s systems and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs. A little preparation now can provide peace of mind throughout the winter months. Source: Fall home maintenance checklist, Allstate.
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IS REFINANCING WORTH REVISITING? As interest rates and home values regularly fluctuate, refinancing your mortgage may not always be top of mind, especially if you’ve already explored it in the past. But even if refinancing didn’t make sense a year ago, your situation might look different today, making it worth revisiting. A mortgage refinance isn’t just about lowering your interest rate. Homeowners often refinance their mortgage to reduce monthly payments, consolidate higher-interest debt, remove mortgage insurance, access home equity for renovations or adjust the length of their loan to better fit their mortgage financial goals. If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about refinancing, here’s why you should consider it again.
Your Home’s Equity May Create New Opportunities
Many homeowners have built more equity than they realize. Rising home values and years of mortgage payments may have strengthened your financial position, opening doors to options that weren’t available before. Increased equity can sometimes help homeowners access funds for major expenses through a cash-out refinance, among other options. The only way to know what opportunities exist is to take a fresh look. If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your mortgage, connect with me today for a complimentary, no-obligation mortgage checkup. I can help you understand whether there may be opportunities available based on your current goals and home equity. Sources: CFPB Refinance Education (CFPB Refinance Guide); Freddie Mac Homeownership Resources (Freddie Mac Refinance Resources). Content adapted by Bell Bank Mortgage.
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FROM HOUSE HUNTING TO HOME SWEET HOME: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOMEBUYERS For many homebuyers, the journey to homeownership begins with a dream. Maybe it’s a larger backyard, a dedicated home office or a neighborhood you’ve always admired. But finding the right home is a process, not a single moment. It takes time, preparation and a clear understanding of your goals. As you begin your search, it’s important to know what you can afford, identify the features that matter most, and stay flexible as you navigate the market. Taking a thoughtful approach can help you make confident decisions and stay focused on finding a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop
One of the best ways to prepare for your homebuying journey is to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start touring homes. Knowing your budget upfront can help you shop with confidence, narrow your search and move quickly when you find a home you love.
The pre-approval process also gives you a clearer picture of your financial situation and purchasing power. Before applying, you’ll want to gather important documents such as proof of income, employment history, W-2s and tax returns. It’s a good idea to avoid taking on new debt or making large credit purchases while seeking pre-approval.
Make a List of Must-Haves Versus Nice-to-Haves
Understanding your priorities can help narrow your search and keep you focused on homes that fit your lifestyle. Consider the features you can’t live without, such as location, number of bedrooms or commute time, and separate them from features that would simply be nice to have, like flooring or finishes. Having a clear list can make it easier to evaluate homes objectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the number of options.
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Stay Flexible
While it’s important to know your priorities, flexibility can often be an advantage. A balanced market can create opportunities for buyers who are prepared and willing to keep an open mind. Sometimes the right home may not be exactly what you imagined at the start of your search, but it may still check the boxes that matter most.
Don’t Overlook New Construction
If you’ve been searching for months and haven’t found “the one,” it may be time to consider a different path: building a new home. With existing home inventory still limited in many markets, more buyers are exploring new construction to create a home that fits their needs and lifestyle. New construction offers the opportunity to personalize your floor plan, finishes and features while enjoying the benefits of modern design, energy-efficient materials and potentially lower maintenance costs. For buyers with specific goals or wish lists, building can provide greater flexibility than competing for a limited supply of existing homes.
Your Partner Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re shopping for an existing home or considering new construction, having a knowledgeable mortgage team by your side can help make the process smoother. At Bell Bank Mortgage, we’re committed to helping you understand your options, navigate the financing process and move confidently toward your homeownership goals. From pre-approval to closing day, we’re here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Because every house hunt deserves a happy ending. All loans are subject to credit approval. Program guidelines are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all markets. Other restrictions may apply. Sources: Zillow, Zillow Research, Realtor.com, ENERGY STAR®, NewHomeSource, Parade of Homes Twin Cities, and Normandy Homes. Information reflects general housing market and homeownership trends and may vary by market.
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HOW BELL’S PAY IT FORWARD PROGRAM INSPIRED A DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS When Regina Plascencia stood atop the leaderboard at this spring’s Pay It Forward Collegiate Golf Tournament presented by Bell Bank, she earned more than a championship trophy. As the first women’s individual champion in tournament history, the University of South Florida golfer received a unique opportunity to give away $1,000 to a cause close to her heart. For Regina, choosing where to direct the donation was easy. Originally from Mexico, she knew she wanted to support an organization in her home country and help women or children affected by abuse. After discussing several options with her mother, she chose Corazones Mágicos, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children heal from the trauma of sexual abuse through free psychological services and support programs.
What resonated most with Regina was the organization’s message that a difficult experience does not have to define a child’s future. “You’re not a victim, you’re a survivor, and that is really true,” Regina said. “But to be that you also need help.” Through Bell’s Pay It Forward program, Regina was able to transform her tournament victory into meaningful support for children and families who need that help. During a video call with representatives from Corazones Mágicos, she surprised them by announcing the $1,000 gift. Their emotional reaction reinforced the impact the donation would have on the organization and the children it serves. The funds will help Corazones Mágicos continue providing psychological services at no cost to
6 children and families affected by sexual abuse. By removing financial barriers to care, the organization can help more children access professional support as they work through trauma and begin the healing process.
Reflecting on Giving Back
The experience also gave Regina an opportunity to reflect on her own life and the support system that has helped her succeed both on and off the golf course. Seeing the difference a relatively small gift could make showed her that many children facing difficult circumstances do not have access to the same resources, guidance and opportunities she’s received. “Sometimes we overlook what type of privilege we have,” Regina said. “This made me realize, ‘I am privileged. I need to give back to people who maybe are not so privileged.’” What began as a golf tournament victory ultimately became something much more meaningful. The opportunity to give affected Regina more deeply than she expected and inspired a desire to continue serving others in the future. “I want to keep giving back,” she said. “It’s so special. I’ve never felt that. I’ve never done anything like that.”
About the Pay It Forward Program
Stories like Regina’s are at the heart of Bell’s Pay It Forward program. What started as a simple idea has grown into a defining part of Bell’s culture of giving. Every year, Bell provides its employees with money to donate to people in need and causes they care about, allowing team members to make a personal impact in their communities and beyond. The program empowers people to support organizations and individuals whose stories move them, creating thousands of acts of kindness that might not otherwise happen. Bell’s Pay It Forward Collegiate Golf Tournament extends that spirit of generosity to student-athletes. By giving individual and team tournament champions the opportunity to direct charitable donations, the event celebrates not only athletic achievement but also the power of giving back. For Regina, that opportunity turned a memorable win into something far more lasting. Learn more and read more stories of giving at bell.bank/pay-it-forward.
WE LOVE YOUR REFERRALS! Referrals from my satisfied clients are a big part of my business. If you have friends or family who are interested in buying a home, we’d love you to send them my way, so we can help them find and finance their dream home.