Bill Zimbinski/Bell Bank Mortgage

04/04/2026

🏡 I want to share a quick story about a client of mine — Nick.

We’re actually closing today 🙌

Nick wanted to buy a home, but like a lot of people, he didn’t want to drain his entire savings for a down payment. He had money saved, just not enough to comfortably cover everything.

So we got creative.

We were able to secure $18,000 in down payment assistance through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency 💰 That allowed him to keep money in the bank and move forward with buying a home in Saint Paul.

Now his kids each have their own bedrooms, and his wife is extremely happy ❤️ That’s what it’s all about.

Shoutout to Nick — and to my friend John for the referral 🤝

If you’ve been thinking about buying but aren’t sure where to start, there may be more options available than you think.

📲 Call me with questions: 952-270-5489

04/03/2026

🚫🏡 Stop believing this myth about buying your first home

You do NOT need 20% down to get started.

There are so many programs available that most buyers don’t even realize exist 👇

✔ Some loans offer low down payment options
✔ VA loans can offer zero down 🇺🇸
✔ There are down payment assistance programs that can help bridge the gap

In fact, many buyers are able to get into a home with far less upfront than they expected 💰

The biggest mistake? Waiting because you think you need more than you actually do.

The best first step is simple: have a conversation. We can walk through your numbers, your options, and figure out exactly what it would take for you to buy 📝🤝

04/02/2026

🚫🏡 Things NOT to do before getting pre-approved

A lot of buyers accidentally hurt their chances before they even start… here’s what to watch out for 👇

❌ Don’t take on new debt (car, boat, camper, etc.)
💳 Don’t make big financial moves without talking to a professional
💰 Don’t drain your savings to pay off debt too quickly

Here’s something most people don’t know:
If you have 10 or fewer payments left on a loan, it may not even count against you. That means keeping cash in the bank could actually be the smarter move 📊

Bottom line — small decisions now can make a big difference in what you qualify for later.

If you’re thinking about buying, let’s talk first and put a plan together that sets you up for success 🤝📲

03/28/2026

🩺🦷 Doctors & Dentists — this one’s for you.

Just because you have a high income doesn’t always mean you have a big down payment saved… especially early in your career with student loans in the mix.

That’s why this new program is such a game changer 👇

🏡 100% financing available on homes up to $2M
❌ No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
📊 Flexible options with fixed or adjustable rates

This program is designed specifically for professionals like you — to help you get into a home without waiting years to save up.

If you’re a doctor or dentist thinking about buying, I’d love to walk you through how it works and see if it’s a good fit for you 🤝

03/26/2026

🏡 This is why I love what I do.

Five years ago, I helped Colin and Maggie buy their first home using a VA loan 🇺🇸 Since then, their family has grown, and it was time for the next chapter.

But the timing? Tight.

Colin was being called to active duty on February 21st… and we closed on their new home on February 19th. Two days before he shipped out. 🤝

Here’s something a lot of people don’t know about VA loans:

✔ You can sometimes have two VA loans at the same time
✔ VA loans are assumable
✔ And you don’t have to be a veteran to assume one

In this case, their previous loan at 2.25% became a huge advantage when selling their home — making it even more attractive to buyers 📉

Moments like this are a reminder that experience matters. Knowing the options can open doors that most people don’t even realize exist.

Grateful to help great families like this every step of the way 🙌

03/17/2026

📉📈 What’s really happening with interest rates right now?

Normally when the world sees negative events like war, money tends to move into bonds and mortgage backed securities. That usually causes mortgage rates to drop.

But right now we’re seeing the opposite.

One of the big reasons is rising oil prices. When oil climbs dramatically, it can push inflation higher, and inflation often leads to higher mortgage rates. 🛢️

This is why watching the market closely matters. Rates can shift quickly based on global events and economic pressure.

When you're buying a home, working with a loan officer who monitors the market in real time can make a big difference. Sometimes the right moment to lock in your rate can literally come down to a notification that just came through. 📊

Having that kind of information helps you make smarter decisions and potentially save money in the long run.

If you're in the process of buying and have questions about rates, I’m always happy to help walk you through it. 🤝🏡

03/16/2026

⏳🏡 A lot of buyers are waiting for interest rates to drop before purchasing a home. But there’s another side of the equation many people don’t think about.

📈 Home prices have continued to rise over time. So if you wait for lower rates in the future, you could end up paying more for the same home later.

💸 There’s also the opportunity cost. If you’re renting while you wait, those monthly payments are going to a landlord instead of helping you build equity in your own home.

🏠 When you own a home, your monthly payment can help build long-term wealth instead of just covering rent.

Every situation is different, which is why it helps to look at the full picture before deciding when to buy. 🤝 If you’re curious about what your options might look like, I’m always happy to talk through it with you.

03/11/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Bill Zimbinski by Steven T H - Bill was recommeded to us by our two daughters, who used him and Bell Bank for their mortgages. Our situation was a bit more challenging because we were building a new home and were both retiring at the same time. We expected that there would likely be some underwriting challenges, but after discussing our situation with Bill, we felt confident he could guide us through the process. He did so from beginning to end. He let us know what was needed and kept in regular contact to keep the prosess going from securing construction financing through the final closing on our permanent mortgage financing. We couldn't be more pleased with the service and would recommend Bill to family or friends looking for construction or mortgage financing.

Click to see all 59 reviews of Bill Zimbinski, Senior Mortgage Banker - NMLS # 506708

03/07/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Bill Zimbinski by Elizabeth S H - Bill worked with us over several months, while we were building our new home. He was always available to answer our questions and give sound advice. He was highly recommended to us and we will be recommending him as well. Great experience!

Click to see all 58 reviews of Bill Zimbinski, Senior Mortgage Banker - NMLS # 506708

02/21/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Bill Zimbinski by Brian S - Bill was friendly and helped us get everything done smoothly and in timely manner to close in 30 days. The process was seamless and Bill also attended our closing to ensure everything finished as planned. We appreciated his assistance throughout the process!

Click to see all 55 reviews of Bill Zimbinski, Senior Mortgage Banker - NMLS # 506708

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents Day 🇺🇸✨

Today we recognize the leaders who helped shape our country and the values of service, responsibility, and opportunity they stood for. Wishing everyone a great day spent reflecting, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends.

01/23/2026

I am humbled and honored to be named the Prior Lake Chamber’s 2025 Business Person of the Year 💙🏆
I truly love this chamber — it’s an incredible group of people who support, encourage, and show up for one another every day. Thank you for this meaningful honor!