Juan Martinez (left) and David Wetig (right) are experienced lenders at American National Bank
“Am I even ready to buy a home?”
It’s a question nearly every homebuyer asks, often while reviewing listings or doing the first round of notebook math. With homebuying comes complex financial concepts, evolving rates and sometimes the fear of making a mistake, so the process can feel intimidating. It’s easy for homeowner hopefuls to think they’re supposed to have everything figured out before they ever reach out to get started.
But many homebuyers have been finding relief by adopting a different approach: to begin exactly where they are and ask lenders questions right away to get upfront help with the learning curve.
Juan Martinez, a mortgage loan officer (MLO) at American National Bank (ANB), sees this shift firsthand. He recently met a young couple who knew what their main goals were, but weren’t sure where to begin, so they contacted him. They wanted to understand how pre-approvals work, how much they could afford and what maintenance might cost.
Martinez says the first conversation between a loan expert and a potential homebuyer often shapes the entire experience. It sets the tone for transparency, responsiveness and support.
“There’s no need to feel behind or apologize, because your homebuying experience is unique to you,” Martinez said. “When you’re our client, we’re committed to providing the insight you need to feel ready for every next step.”
The ANB team encourages questions at any stage and works with buyers long before an application is submitted. They say this mindset helps buyers turn uncertainty into confidence.
American National Bank’s headquarters at 90th and Dodge
As a bilingual lender, Martinez also serves Omaha’s Hispanic community, providing one-on-one guidance in Spanish. He says being able to explain terms, answer questions and build trust through conversations in their first language reduces overwhelm and provides clarity about options to help make informed decisions.
“There’s a phrase that sums up how a lot of us feel when starting something new: ‘I don’t know what I don’t know.’ We’re here to turn that feeling into assurance,” said David Wetig, sales leader and lender at ANB. “The more we talk to and collaborate with our clients, the more we can understand their goals, meet them where they are and work at their pace.”
Martinez and Wetig meet buyers in all stages of the buying process, whether someone is just trying to understand the basics, refine their budget and compare options, or are ready to finalize an offer. They say their approach to help buyers start from wherever they are contributed to American National Bank being recognized as one of the Best Mortgage Companies in the Omaha World Herald’s Omaha’s Choice Awards.
“Everyone deserves a partner in this process,” Martinez said. “When buyers feel informed and empowered, they make sound decisions. And that’s why we’re in banking, to help our neighbors achieve their financial goals.”
“Feeling helped matters,” Wetig said. “Every buyer deserves someone who’s available, listens and takes the time to explain the ‘why’ behind every step.”
Learn more about American National Bank’s mortgage services at american.bank/mortgage.
