Luminate Bank

09/01/2026

Don't let closing day become a scammer's opportunity.

Buying a home already comes with enough moving parts. The last thing you need is a scammer trying to insert themselves into the process.

Wire fraud is a real risk during a mortgage transaction, but knowing what to look for can make a big difference. From unexpected wiring instructions to emails that seem just a little off, a few simple precautions can help keep your money and personal information protected.

Homebuyers have become a common target for cybercrime as scammers impersonate lenders, but knowing what to watch for is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

08/27/2026

Self-employed and convinced your tax return means “no mortgage”? Pause before you count yourself out.

Business owners often have income that looks very different on paper than it does in real life. Depending on your financial situation, there may be mortgage solutions that take a broader approach to qualifying income.

Your tax return is part of the picture, but it doesn’t have to be the whole picture. Let's explore what's possible.

08/26/2026

Hear from Ed Stratton on why an honest conversation with a lender should be one of your first steps toward buying a home.

From understanding where you stand to exploring your options, we’re here to be a partner throughout the process. As a hybrid mortgage lender and FDIC-insured bank, we bring both sides of the financial picture together.

08/25/2026

Only 65% of small business owners feel confident managing their cash flow.

That number highlights something many business owners already know: managing the money behind the business can be just as challenging as managing the business itself.

And when your business, personal finances and real estate goals are all connected, your financing strategy should account for the bigger picture.

From business banking and commercial lending to Non-QM mortgage solutions for self-employed borrowers, Luminate Bank brings banking and mortgage expertise together under one roof.

Luminate Bank is an FDIC-insured bank and a full-service mortgage lender, offering business banking, commercial financing, and residential mortgage solutions.

08/24/2026

Your savings account is doing its job. But what if your money could do a little more?

That’s where a Certificate of Deposit comes in.
A CD lets you lock in a fixed rate for a set period of time, giving your savings a simple, low-risk way to grow. No complicated investment strategy. No market-watching required. Just choose a term, deposit your money, and let it earn.

And with FDIC insurance, competitive rates, flexible terms, and low minimums to open on most accounts, you can let this be an easy "yes."

08/20/2026

Today, Luminate Bank announced the acquisition of select assets from First State Mortgage Services. As part of the transaction, many members of the First State Mortgage team will join the Luminate Bank team.

This important milestone solidifies and expands Luminate Bank’s presence across the Midwest and Central United States while bringing together two organizations grounded in shared values and a commitment to serving their customers and communities.

“This is also a full-circle moment for me, having grown up in this area,” said Eric Lovins, Co-founder and President of Mortgage Lending at Luminate Bank. “I look forward to working with Rene and her colleagues to make an even greater impact here.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring these teams together and look forward to what's ahead.

Luminate Bank® announced it acquired select assets from First State Mortgage Services. Many members of the First State Mortgage team will join Luminate Bank.

08/20/2026

Back-to-school season changes more than your family’s calendar. It can change the way money moves through your household, too.

Before the school year gets fully underway, take a few minutes to look at your financial routine:
> Are your autopay dates working with your paydays?
> Are there bills you could schedule differently?
> Does your mortgage payment timing still make sense for your cash flow?
> Do you have a simple monthly money check-in?

Save this for your next family financial reset, and send it to the person who handles the other half of the household calendar.

08/19/2026

College is a big step toward independence. Banking should be one less thing to overthink.

With Luminate Brighter Checking and Radiant Savings, students can manage everyday spending, build savings habits and keep an eye on their money from the mobile app. Plus, there are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly service fees and nationwide ATM access.

More room to learn, save, and grow.

08/18/2026

Your home doesn’t stop being an important financial asset when you get closer to retirement. In many cases, the opposite is true.

The years leading into retirement can be a good time to take a closer look at your home, your equity and what you want the next chapter to look like.

Maybe that means making accessibility improvements so you can age in place. Maybe downsizing makes more sense. For some homeowners age 62 and older, a reverse mortgage may also be worth exploring.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best strategy starts with understanding what you want your home to do for you in retirement.

Getting closer to retirement? Learn how to prepare your home, use home equity, finance improvements, and understand HELOCs, home equity loans and reverse mortgages.

08/17/2026

At Luminate Bank, the people behind the work matter just as much as the work itself.

As Chief Credit Officer Steven Marchek says:
“We put effort, time, and focus into trying to find the right solution for a client, instead of just selling a product.”

That mindset says a lot about who we are. Real people. Real conversations. Real relationships. And a team that takes the time to understand what someone actually needs before deciding what comes next.

That's what makes banking brighter.