Latonia Schmitt, Bluff View Bank - Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 1052650

10/31/2026

🎃👻 Happy Halloween! 👻🎃

Wishing all my family, friends, goblins, and goons a spooktacular night! 🧙‍♀️🕷️

May your night be full of tricks, treats, laughter, and plenty of sweet surprises! 🍬🍫

Stay safe and have a hauntingly good time! 🧡🖤

10/23/2026

💰 Do you really need 20% down to buy a home?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from prospective homebuyers.

The short answer: Not necessarily.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that the down payment required depends on the type of mortgage you qualify for. There are loan programs that may allow for significantly lower down payments — and in some cases, eligible buyers may have options requiring little or no down payment.

Of course, a larger down payment can have advantages, but it isn't automatically the right choice for everyone.

The important thing is understanding your options and looking at the complete financial picture.

Before assuming you need to save 20%, let's talk!!

Here's a great, unbiased resource from the CFPB:

If you want to buy a home, start getting ready. Save for a down payment. Check your credit. Get ready to shop around for a home loan.

10/13/2026

Spending some time in the GET concession stand tonight 🏈

The Bluff View Bank crew is working concessions at the G-E-T JV Football game tonight! 🏈

10/09/2026

🏡 How Much Home Can You REALLY Afford?

One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers can make is focusing only on the maximum amount a lender says they qualify for.

The CFPB recommends looking beyond your qualification amount and considering what monthly payment actually fits comfortably within your budget.

Remember to account for things like:

✅ Principal & interest
✅ Property taxes
✅ Homeowners insurance
✅ Mortgage insurance, if applicable
✅ HOA dues
✅ Repairs and maintenance
✅ Your emergency savings and other financial goals

Being approved for a certain amount doesn't necessarily mean you should spend that much.

The goal isn't simply to buy the biggest home you can qualify for — it's to find a home you can comfortably afford while still enjoying your life and meeting your other financial goals. ❤️

If you're thinking about buying, I'd be happy to help you understand the numbers and questions you should be asking before you start shopping. 🏠

This is a great resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

Focus on a mortgage that is affordable for you given your other priorities, not how much you qualify for.

10/09/2026

09/04/2026

All the resources the bank has, now at your fingertips! Check it out! Staying informed is one of the best ways to recognize and prevent fraud!

Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, finding new ways to target consumers. Education remains one of the strongest tools available to protect both consumers and the financial institutions they trust.
To help address this ongoing challenge, WBA has created new resources to help consumers stay one step ahead with the new Lock Out Fraud resource page at www.wisbank.com/lock-out-fraud/.
The initiative provides easy-to-understand, one-page educational resources designed to help consumers recognize common scams, understand warning signs, and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.

See our resources at: www.wisbank.com/lock-out-fraud/

08/19/2026

Build the home you've been dreaming about 🏠🔨

At Bluff View Bank, you get the personal service you deserve, with the big banking services you need.

I handle all your construction draws in-house, so you work directly with me and your contractor throughout the entire building process - no third party, no unnecessary hoops, just local lending from start to finish.

Let's turn your dream home into an address! 💚

08/04/2026

Proud to be part of Holmen National Night Out this evening! It’s a great opportunity to connect with our community and answer any home financing questions you may have. Be sure to stop by and say hello—I can’t wait to see you!

Holmen Police Department Bluff View Bank

07/28/2026

💡 Thinking about using your home equity to consolidate debt? You're not alone.

I've been receiving a lot of questions lately about debt consolidation through a mortgage refinance—and the answer is yes, it may be possible.

If you have high-interest credit card balances, personal loans, or other debt, refinancing your mortgage may allow you to leverage your home's equity to simplify your finances and potentially lower your overall monthly payments. Every situation is different, which is why it's important to review the numbers and explore your options before making any decisions.

If you've been wondering whether a debt consolidation refinance could work for you, I'd be happy to take a look at your unique situation and explain what's available. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but together we can determine what makes the most financial sense for your goals.

📩 Send me a message or give me a call to schedule a personalized mortgage review. I'm here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.

07/20/2026

💡 **Did You Know?**

Many people are waiting for mortgage rates to "drop" before buying a home...

**But here's what many don't realize:**

🏡 You can refinance your interest rate later... but you can't go back and buy today's home at today's price.

In many markets, home values continue to appreciate over time. Waiting for the "perfect" rate could mean paying more for the same home later.

The right question isn't:
❌ "Is now the perfect time to buy?"

It's:
✅ "Does buying make sense for my financial goals right now?"

Every buyer's situation is different. Sometimes there are financing options that can help offset today's higher rates, including:
✔️ Seller-paid closing cost credits
✔️ First-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs

My job isn't to push anyone into buying—it's to help you understand your options and create a strategy that works for **your** goals.

📩 If you're wondering whether buying now or waiting makes more sense, let's run the numbers together. A quick conversation could save you time, money, and uncertainty.