How to establish a relationship with a small bank..?
What is the best way to start a relationship with a small local bank for my future investments? Currently with one of the big banks and I'm sure they won't be easy to deal with. Should I just open a checking and savings account and start running money through there?....should I close the big bank account and transfer everything over to them..?
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You should make an appointment to speak in person with a lending officer at the bank, preferably someone high up the food chain with a title like vice president. Put together a credibility kit that you can leave behind presenting yourself in a professional manner. This will have your bio plus give a good outline of your current and future real estate business and investing strategy.
Small community banks pride themselves on being active contributors to the local community, so, if you can, look for ways to show that you are a good citizen. Sponsor a Little League team or volunteer to coach kids or do Habitat for Humanity, etc. You get the idea. A community banker will like the idea of lending money to a good citizen, a person with strong ties to the local community, and will help to make the case for you when your loan request goes to underwriting.
Find out what they're interested in. Look for ways to interact with them and keep them up to date on your real estate progress. Stay in touch before you need to apply for a real estate loan. And when you get that loan, send them a handwritten "thank you" note.
If you do any or all this, in addition to moving your checking or savings account over to them, I think that will go a long way to building a good relationship with a local banker. Good luck!