Bank CMG Announces Agreement to Acquire Farmers Savings Bank
This strategic move aims to bolster Bank CMG's market presence in Wisconsin and enhance its offerings.
Blogs & News
Explore all articles and press releases from Bank CMG
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News
Greenwoods State Bank Announces Name Change to Bank CMG, Expands Financial Solutions for Customers
Greenwoods State Bank, a trusted community bank serving Wisconsin families, businesses, and farms since 1893, today announced it will officially begin operating under the new name Bank CMG.
Blogs
HomeFundIt™: Turn Graduation Gifts into Homeownership
Looking forward to hanging up your new diploma? Why not showcase it on the walls of your new home? As you celebrate your educational milestones this season, you can also jumpstart your journey to homeownership through HomeFundIt™, our down payment gifting platform. Instead of cash and checks from relatives, you can funnel that goodwill towards your future home. Curious how that would work?
How Accessible Housing Supports Veterans, Families, and Future Homeowners
Accessibility has come a long way in the real estate industry. Whether it's ASL accommodations during the closing process or home loans that can finance mobility renovations, we're committed to providing a smooth home buying experience, no matter what. We're also highlighting our VA Loan options during the Memorial Week, honoring our Veteran home buyers while helping provide accessible homeownership to hard-working families.
Give Your Financial Wellness a Summer Glow-Up
Like a bad fringe in need of a trim, your finances may be overdue for a glow-up this summer. Your financial six-pack isn't just going to manifest itself! Below, we've tackled a few ways you can boost your personal finances during the frenzy of the summer buying season. With these helpful tips, your economic transformation is sure to catch the eye of sellers, agents, and lenders alike.
Non-QM Closed-End Second: Unlock Your Equity Without Refinancing
Here's a thought: what if you could utilize your equity WITHOUT refinancing? For self-employed earners (small business owners, real estate investors, etc.), we now offer two options through our Non-QM Closed-End Second programs: Non-QM Edge and Non-QM Advantage. Through them, borrowers can tap into their home equity with a standalone second lien and withdraw a one-time lump sum. This repayment provides a fixed interest rate, allowing homeowners predictability with their monthly payments.
Financial Literacy Month: What Every Future Homeowner Should Know
Akin to the abundant rainfall this month, we're here to shower you with tips related to Financial Literacy Month. Much like March's National Credit Education Month, April is the time to take a gander at your finances and reflect on important financial wisdom. Financial literacy is more important now than ever, and for future homeowners, it's vital to build upon the four pillars of financial wellness: budgeting, saving, investing, and borrowing.
More Units, More Opportunity: Unpacking Fannie Mae’s ADU Changes
Homeowners, are you ready to unlock ADU potential? With Fannie Mae's recent updates, their new ADU financing rules are opening doors and handing keys to homeowners and investors alike. For those looking to bring in extra rental income or adding a space for family to live close by, you may want to take a peek at these changes and decide if an ADU is a worthwhile investment.
Will Your Condo Still Qualify? What Buyers, Sellers, and Agents Need to Know
If you work with condo buyers or sellers, there are some financing changes coming that are worth knowing about now. A few of these changes may actually make some condo deals easier. But overall, condo financing is going to depend a lot more on the project itself, not just the buyer. That is the part people need to understand early. A buyer can be well qualified and the deal may still run into trouble if the HOA budget is weak, reserves are low, insurance is not where it needs to be, or the project has maintenance issues.
From Earth Day to Every Day: How Homeowners Can Live Greener in 2026
Happy Earth Week to all you home buyers, homeowners, and sellers out there! With Earth Day on April 22 nd , this annual event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase all the ways that homeowners can go green, whether it's by investing in a compost bin, adding solar panels to their home through a HomeStyle® Energy Loan, or simply installing a bird feeder. And depending on how you define homeownership, you could take today to go out in your neighborhood and pick up trash, donate to a little free library, or discover other ways to positively impact your community that benefits the environment.
Upgrade Your Summer: Use Your Equity to Buy a Vacation Home
Picture this: sunlight shimmering off of rolling waves, blanketed by blissful heat, sipping a mango lemonade as condensation drips onto the sand, utterly contented and flourishing in your beachfront paradise. Is this just a faraway fantasy or could this be your future vacation home? Worry not, homeowners, your equity might hold the key to this glittery future.
Celebrating National Moving Month: Tips for Buying, Moving, & Settling In
Seeing as May is National Moving Month, now is the perfect opportunity to share a helpful overview of the home buying process. A roadmap, if you will! First-time home buyers often find the entire experience daunting, especially if they're qualifying with nontraditional income and may need to provide more paperwork than a W2 borrower. Regardless of the loans you're using and the documentation needed, let's set you up with a clear picture of the mortgage process and drop some tips for your big move.
What’s the Smartest Way to Use Seller Concessions?
A lot of buyers hear the term "seller concessions" and immediately think it just means the seller helping with closing costs. That's part of it, but when used correctly, concessions can become one of the smartest financial tools in a real estate transaction.
Bidding Wars & Broken Hearts: Real Estate Lessons from “Best Offer Wins”
We've all heard this story: a hopeful buyer gets their heart set on a perfect listing, puts in an offer, and…dozens of unbeatable all-cash offers flood in. In Marisa Kashino's debut novel "Best Offer Wins," a similar story of home buying woe ensues: Margo Miyake, an exhausted D.C. home buyer, has lost eleven bidding wars and goes to desperate lengths to secure the home of her dreams. Despite its hyperbolic nature, the book explores important themes about the modern housing crisis. In this day and age, how can a buyer remain resilient amidst heartless bidding wars?
Your First Home Won’t Be Your Last
If you're a younger home buyer and stressing about finding your forever home, stop right there! Your first home probably won't be your last. But guess what? That's actually a good thing! Let's jump into the reasons why your first home is going to set you up for home buying success in the future.
The 12 Votes That Shape Your Interest Rate
Eight times a year, a group of people meets in Washington, D.C., behind closed doors and decides how expensive money is going to be. Not just for banks. For you. Your mortgage rate, your auto loan, your credit cards, even your savings accounts are influenced by what happens in that room. You won't see the debate or hear the arguments. Full transcripts aren't released for years, but the results show up in your rate quote quickly. That meeting is run by the Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC. Understanding how it works makes headlines about interest rates much easier to interpret.
5 Scams Every New Homeowner Should Know About
As buying season starts ramping up, it's vital to educate both future and current homeowners about common scams and wire fraud tactics. It never hurts to be wary during the home buying process, especially when finances are involved. Con artists like to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers, likely overwhelmed by the required documentation it takes to finalize a mortgage. Don't fall for their schemes! By educating yourself about five of the biggest mortgage-related scams, you'll safeguard yourself from those who would steal from you.
Say Hello to MedPro Premier! 100% Financing for Medical Professionals
Doctors, are you ready to make a house call? No, not for a patient, but for your own home! For keeping our communities healthy, it's our turn to make homeownership easier. We now offer 100% financing for eligible medical professionals through MedPro Premier. Both Premier and MedPro Advantage offer financing up to $2 million, waive mortgage insurance, and allow for deferred student loan debt to be excluded from DTI calculations. Are you ready to make an appointment and schedule your mortgage diagnostic? Let's find out!
The Ultimate Spring Moving Checklist
Are you about to close on your new home? It's time to call the movers! And in the meantime, there's a plethora of other items you can attend to before your big day. Things like utilities, address changes, locks, and air filters all factor in. We hope our handy dandy list is helpful as you prep for your big day. Moving is stressful, and you deserve to know these tips & tricks to make the process go as efficiently and painlessly as possible. And don't forget, especially for those with finicky backs: lift with your legs!
The Trigger Lead “Free for All” Is Over
For a lot of people applying for a mortgage, one of the most frustrating parts used to happen right after the credit pull. The calls would start. Then the texts. Then the emails from lenders they had never heard of. It felt invasive and confusing. A lot of borrowers assumed their lender had sold their information. In most cases, that was not what happened. The issue was trigger leads, and for years they created a bad experience for homebuyers right when they were trying to make an important financial decision.
Anyone else confused by Consumer Confidence vs Consumer Sentiment?
You've probably seen Consumer Confidence and Consumer Sentiment both referenced lately. They sound interchangeable, but they aren't. That said, the gap between them explains a lot about what buyers are doing right now.
Winter Wonders & Warnings: Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Your Family Cozy
Have you seen the forecast? The weather outside is frightful, and with all this ice and snow, it's certainly not delightful for your home! The phrase "Winter is coming" has never rung more true than this January. We've been slammed with countrywide snowstorms and freezing temperatures, forcing many homeowners to hunker down. Below, we're compiled some helpful tips to stay safe and warm during these winter storms and blizzards.
How February Sets the Tone for Spring Home Buying
In the real estate market, February typically acts as the bridge between seasons: the winter slowdown and the spring buying boom. Now is the perfect time for buyers and sellers to finesse your financial strategies and figure out how to time the rhythm of the market. This is the best time to obtain a preapproval, find the right real estate agent, prep your property for tours, and for some savvy buyers, house hunt for a home before the busy, competitive spring season sets in with earnest.
Love Your Mortgage: A Financial Check-Up Before Spring
"Home is wherever I'm with you." - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros The season of love is upon us! Chocolates, roses, cheesy cards, and fancy dates await. But why not give some love for your home, a place of cherished memories and stability? If you need to tweak your home loan to adapt to your changing lifestyle, now's the time to look into your options.
The Gift That Lasts: How to Make a Holiday Impact with HomeFundIt"
Tired of receiving gifts that go unused every year? You might be interested in an alternative gifting method this holiday season. Instead of physical presents, why not receive the gift of homeownership? Through our down payment gifting platform HomeFundIt™, your friends and family can help you take one step closer to becoming a homeowner in the new year.
The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home
Why Waiting Feels Safe, but Rarely Is For a lot of potential home buyers, waiting feels like the right move. Prices feel high. Rates feel uncertain. Headlines don’t help. So the instinct is to sit tight and wait for things to improve.
Real Estate Life Lessons from "White Christmas"
A timeless classic of the holiday season, “White Christmas” dropped in 1954, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It was the top grossing film that year, and its iconic songs have permeated every winter of the last seven decades, with memorable melodies and important life lessons that resonate with families still to this day. As we near the holidays and close out the year, we want to explore how the life lessons in “White Christmas” can apply to the lives of home buyers and homeowners alike.
The Perks of Home Buying in the Winter Season
When most people think of the best season to buy a home, summer comes to mind. Likely, there’s an understandable reluctance to moving when there’s snow on the ground. However, is it not worse to move in 80-90 degree heat, with the sun beating down relentlessly while moving heavy boxes and furniture? In the colder season, moving will keep you warm, and you likely won’t be affected by the cold as much as you’d think. There’s also less competition to contend with and more time to work with your agent. And best of all, your negotiation power has much more weight in the winter. Still not convinced? Let’s walk through some of the perks of home buying this winter.
From 2025 to 2026: 5 Real Estate Takeaways for the New Year
January is a time of perspective, a great time for reflecting. Whether it’s for personal or professional goals, many of us ask the same question: what worked and what didn’t work last year? If you’re a prospective homeowner, it’s helpful to ask the same question with the housing industry. You’ll want to know when to seriously dive into the market, how to time any potential rate drops, and begin strategizing your 2026 game plan.
Mortgage Terminology 101: What Every Home Buyer Should Know
Like any field or industry, a boatload of terms goes hand-in-hand with the mortgage world. For home buyers, it can be an overwhelming process, with unfamiliar terms being flung at you left and right. But just because it can be a lot at once doesn’t mean it has to be. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly used words and phrases that are pertinent to the home buying process. We hope this helps set you up for success as your home loan gets closer to the finish line!
How Smart Home Features Are Shaping Buyer Decisions in 2026
Smart home enhancements have steadily grown in popularity throughout the years. From smart locks to Roomba® vacuums, living spaces are beginning to look closer to the homes portrayed in futuristic films like “Blade Runner” and “Back to the Future.” We might not have as many neon lights or flying cars, but homeowners have invested in more subtle tech upgrades over time.
Winter Wonders & Warnings: Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Your Family Cozy
Have you seen the forecast? The weather outside is frightful, and with all this ice and snow, it’s certainly not delightful for your home! The phrase “Winter is coming” has never rung more true than this January. We’ve been slammed with countrywide snowstorms and freezing temperatures, forcing many homeowners to hunker down. Below, we’re compiled some helpful tips to stay safe and warm during these winter storms and blizzards.
The Season of Opportunity: Why This Fall Could Be a Turning Point for Buyers
Tired of playing the waiting game? The signs of change have already begun, like a cold wind heralding the advent of autumn and shorter days. As we move into the final quarter of 2025, it may be time to evaluate the cost of waiting and ditch the idea that a perfect home with perfect market conditions exists. Buckle up with some hot spiced cider and a warm flannel. Shall we dive in?
Fall Into Comfort: 5 Ways to Cozy Up Your Home
A hush in the air, a trickle of rain urging the comfort of blankets and piping hot cider, the crunching of leaves as you set up a crackling bonfire for marshmallows — all indications that fall is upon us and continuing in earnest! And with the spooky season comes creative ways you can decorate your home to further envelop yourself within the embrace of autumn, whether you want to make subtle alterations to your home with pumpkins or take advantage of larger renovations like adding a fireplace or completely redoing your backyard area. Here are five easy ways to transition your decor for the cozy months ahead:
Haunted By Repairs? How to Finance Your Fixer-Upper
Did you know? In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Count decides to ditch his crumbling castle and hires a solicitor to help him buy a run-down London mansion. See, even vampires know that a good fixer-upper can hide incredible potential! And here’s the good news. With renovation loans like Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle® Renovation Loan, you can finance both the purchase and the upgrades with one convenient mortgage.
Market Update: Mortgage Rates Get Spooked by Haunting Words
Do you feel that? The chill in the air? Just when mortgage rates were trending around their lowest levels of the year, something made them jump. Now, they’re trending higher, with a classic time warp erasing the gains they had made earlier this week. The culprit? Not a masked monster, but a familiar face…read more to see who’s the source of the spooks.
5 Tips on Budgeting for Your First House
One of the most important questions that any burgeoning home buyer can ask is: how much can I actually afford? Once you find the answer, you’ll be well on your way to buying your first home! Next step: create a practical budgeting plan to help you set aside the funds you’ll need to buy a home. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here are five simple steps to help you create the perfect home buying budget.
Get Ahead of the Holidays: Tap Your Home Equity Early
The holidays are full of excitement, but they can also bring financial stress. With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas approaching, winter expenses can add up quickly, and high-interest debt (like credit card bills) can linger well into the new year. Whether you want to purchase a home or use your home equity to ease expenses, we can help you make this season full of joy. Why don’t we take a gander at the ways that you can make the holidays work for you?
How a Quick Mortgage Review Can Free Up Real Money Each Month
Why a Mortgage Review Matters Right Now A lot of people worry about the cost of groceries or gas but never look at the one bill that actually moves the needle… their mortgage. Spending a few minutes on a mortgage review can create more financial relief than any budgeting trick out there. With rates coming down, home values climbing and debt rising for a lot of families, this is a simple way to make sure you’re in the best place for your overall financial picture.
5 Advantages to Buying a Home Before the End of the Year
As the end of the year drifts ever closer, a window of opportunity awaits hopeful home buyers. Like the gleam of the North Star on a winter’s night, the dream of homeownership winks invitingly from the threshold of your future home. It’s true that the final quarter of the year can offer numerous dividends to a winter home buyer than an eager summer house hunter. Below you are five possible advantages for buying a home in the final stretch of the year.
Market Update: Fed Cuts Rates Again as Policymakers Split on 2026
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) wrapped up its last meeting of the year today, and the big headline is straightforward: the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%. That moves the federal funds rate to roughly 3.50%–3.75%, marking the third cut of 2025. The cut itself was widely expected. What matters more is why they did it, how divided they were, and what that signals for mortgage rates and housing going into next year.