Rachel Leonard - Banner Bank Home Loans

06/01/2026

From home renovations and business ideas to down payments and dream trips, what would you do with $100,000? Enter our Dream Big sweepstakes daily for a chance to find out! We’ll also draw monthly $2,500 cash winners May through August.

You can enter once every 24 hours from now through 09/08/26 at https://www.dreambigwithbannerbank.com/.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Ends 09/08/26. Open only to legal residents of CA, ID, OR, & WA who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry. For Official Rules, prize descriptions, and odds disclosure, click here https://ow.ly/rC9130sVOaM. Sponsor: Banner Bank, 10 S First Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362.

05/28/2026

Curb appeal still shapes buyer interest, but not all home updates add value. Experts advise classic, low‑maintenance changes for the biggest impact to the broadest audience. Avoid painting brick, overly bold colors, trees that are too close to foundations and costly lighting. Read the article for more insights on creating curb appeal.

Curb appeal is important when selling your home, but some updates can actually harm resale value. These are the curb appeal trends to skip and the outdoor updates experts suggest instead.

05/26/2026

Farmhouse interior design, rooted in 16th–17th century architecture, has evolved into a modern trend that emphasizes natural materials, utility and tactile comfort. Its enduring popularity comes from adaptable palettes, layered textures and practical layouts that bring calm to busy homes. How could this design style influence your next home project?

The quintessential style embraces function and aesthetic in equal measure, allowing quiet moments in spaces designed to stand the test of time

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the fallen—and the families who carry their legacy forward.

05/21/2026

Rates shift. Equity grows. Is it time to revisit your mortgage? Whether you want to lower your rate, shorten your term, tap into equity or drop PMI—refinancing could help you save or reach your next goal.

Curious if it makes sense for you right now? Let’s run the numbers together.

05/19/2026

Despite ongoing housing affordability challenges, women now own nearly 20 million homes in the U.S., reflecting a wide range of life stages, household structures and financial situations. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, single women make up a higher percentage of home purchases than single men and report that stability is a major factor in their choice to become homeowners. Have you purchased a home on your own? I’d love to hear the best parts and the most challenging.

Despite ongoing issues with home affordability, the number of single female homeowners in the U.S. surpassed 20 million last year, according to recent Realtor.com data.

05/18/2026

The mortgage process has a lot of moving pieces, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. From application to closing, I’ll make sure you know what’s coming and feel confident at every turn.

05/15/2026

Gardening offers more than just fresh vegetables and pretty flowers—it connects us with nature, community and ourselves. Christiana Drewry, a skilled farmer and garden designer from Marin County, California, shares her journey and insights on creating meaningful, productive gardens. What does your ideal garden look like? Read on to explore Christiana's valuable tips.

How a professional farmer paints with plants in the heart of the Redwoods.

05/13/2026

A mid-year credit check can reveal where you stand, and what steps you can take to strengthen your profile before you apply. Your score impacts your rate, your options and your buying power.

Want help understanding what we look for? Let’s talk.