SmartBank client Tracy Haire (left) and SmartBank’s Lisa Messier (right)
Chattanooga, Tenn. – In April of 2020, a tornado destroyed thousands of homes across the Chattanooga area. One of those homes belonged to SmartBank client Tracy Haire. As she searched for a new home, Haire approached SmartBank for assistance with her home loan. Thanks to the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Disaster Reconstruction Program, a program designed to allow homeowners to rebuild, purchase or rehab their home, SmartBank was able to assist her immediately.
“I had no idea where to turn after the tornado,” said Haire. “I came to SmartBank on the advice of a friend, and they were able to assist in the financing of a new home in a matter of days. I appreciate how easy the process was especially after dealing with losing my home.”
The FHLB Disaster Reconstruction Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to help eligible households. It also offers qualifying households who are renting at the time of a disaster up to $5,000 towards a down payment or closing cost assistance on the purchase of a home.
Lisa Messier, Vice President, Residential Lender at SmartBank, assisted Haire through the FHLB Disaster Reconstruction Program application process and was able to get her approved in less than three days.
“The application process for the disaster reconstruction program is straightforward and so appreciated by those who need the assistance,” said Messier. “Tracy was on a very tight deadline to close, but with the help of our entire team, we were able to work quickly to meet her deadline and issue the down payment for her new home.”
Through the FHLB’s Disaster Reconstruction Program and Carol M. Peterson Housing Fund (CMPHF), which provides grants to fund accessibility and emergency repairs for low-income special needs and elderly homeowners, SmartBank has assisted clients in securing grants totaling more than $100,000 over the past year.
For more information on SmartBank, visit www.smartbank.com.
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About SmartBank:
Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank providing banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services, with 36 branches and two loan production offices spanning Tennessee, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank’s success.