Competitive Mortgage Rates. Local Experts Who Listen Before They Lend.

Mortgage rates matter — and as a portfolio lender, we’re able to offer some of the lowest rates in the market — but borrowers today also want convenience, speed, and the ability to work with a real person when needed.

That’s why we’ve built a mortgage process that combines modern technology with local support and decision-making. Our secure online application is available 24/7, allowing you to apply, upload documents, and review information whenever it’s convenient for you. But unlike many national lenders, from application to closing, you’ll be working with people right here in the Chicago area — not an outsourced call center or AI chatbot alone.

Much of our mortgage operation works together from our Foster Avenue headquarters, helping streamline communication, improve responsiveness, and keep the process moving efficiently.

We also retain most of our loans after closing, allowing us to build long-term relationships with the people we serve — not just complete transactions. As a mutual bank, we’re accountable to our customers — not stockholders — which helps keep our focus on service, transparency, and helping local borrowers reach their homeownership goals.

You’ll work with local mortgage professionals right here in the Chicago area — not an outsourced call center.

From application to closing, you’ll be working with people based right here in Chicago. We believe mortgage questions are too important for automated responses alone. While we offer convenient online tools, you’ll also have direct access to real people who can walk you through the process, explain your options, and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Absolutely. You can securely apply online, upload documents digitally, and complete many parts of the process from wherever is most convenient for you.

At the same time, you’ll still have direct access to a local lending team when you want guidance or have questions. You don’t have to choose between digital convenience and personal guidance.

A prequalification is an early estimate based on information you provide about your income, assets, debts, and credit. It’s a helpful starting point for understanding your budget.

A preapproval goes further. Your information and documentation are reviewed by underwriting upfront, giving you a stronger understanding of what you can afford and making your offer more competitive with sellers. Many realtors require a preapproval before showing homes, and because much of the work is completed upfront, it can helps speed up the closing process once you find the right home.

In many cases, we can begin reviewing your information quickly once documents are submitted. Timing can vary depending on the loan type and complexity of your situation, but our team works to keep the process moving smoothly and communicate clearly along the way.
Common documents may include:

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2s or tax returns
• Bank statements
• Identification
• Information on current debts or assets

Your loan officer will explain exactly what’s needed for your situation.

Closing timelines can vary depending on the property, loan type, appraisal timing, and how quickly documents are provided.

Because we complete much of the underwriting upfront during preapproval, we’re often able to help streamline the process once you find a home. Because much of our mortgage team works together locally, communication and decision-making can often move more efficiently than at larger institutions.

Mortgage rates are based on several factors, including market conditions, loan type, down payment, credit profile, property type, and loan term.

Initial quotes are estimates based on the information available at the time. Once you move forward and lock your rate, that rate is protected for a specified period while your loan is processed. Liberty Bank also offers a float-down option that may allow eligible borrowers to take advantage of lower market rates before closing if rates decrease. Your loan officer will explain your options clearly so there are no surprises.

In addition to the interest rate, mortgage loans may include costs such as an appraisal, title work, underwriting, prepaid taxes and insurance, escrow setup, and government recording fees.

We believe transparency matters. Our team will walk you through the expected costs upfront and explain what each fee is for so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

It’s important to ask not only about rates, but also about communication, timelines, servicing, and whether you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison between lenders.

Some helpful questions include:

• Who will I be able to contact if I have questions?
• What fees should I expect?
• Are there points or lender credits built into the rate quote?
• Is this a locked rate or an estimate?
• What happens if interest rates change during the process?
• How quickly can you close?
• How will you keep me updated throughout the loan?
• Will my loan be sold after closing?

A good lender should be comfortable answering all of these clearly and honestly.

As a portfolio lender, Liberty retains most of our loans after closing. That means there’s a good chance you’ll continue working with Liberty for servicing and support long after your loan closes.

For many borrowers, that continuity matters. If questions come up down the road, you can still reach out to a local institution that knows you.