Helping Home Dreams Come True

Centier Bank is Indiana’s largest family-owned bank. How did it start and grow to be so successful? 

Bley: Centier Bank was founded in 1895 by Henry Schrage as Bank of Whiting. Since then, the bank has grown with each generation of family ownership. The Schrage family has been instrumental in establishing the community infrastructure of Whiting, Indiana, and in building much of northwest Indiana’s economic development. Mike Schrage, Centier’s president and CEO, has grown the bank to 10 counties throughout the state of Indiana. We currently have 52 locations and $3.1 billion in assets.  

How do your values as a local Indiana bank influence your mortgage and real estate services?

Bley: Residential lending is a heavily regulated business. However, at Centier, our approach is very personal. We review every loan with the intent on helping each family move into something they can afford. Because of the care we take with our clients and their loans, our mortgage clients were not as severely impacted by the subprime mortgage crisis. 

What mortgage and real estate services do you offer? 

Bley: We offer a full suite of mortgage products and services, including conventional, FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veteran Affairs), Lot Loans, Construction Loans, Jumbo and Super Jumbo mortgages and more. 

How do Centier’s services compare to other company and bank offerings? 

Bley: We retain our mortgage servicing. As a result, clients can make payments at any local branch and discuss questions about their loan with a representative. During the origination process, we have local processing, underwriting and closing. It’s our corporate commitment to preserve Indiana community banking and keep jobs in Indiana.

With the challenges of our current economy, what advice do you have for potential home buyers?

Bley: Homeownership is attainable and there are many programs available to assist with the home buying process. Save for a down payment, monitor your credit usage and take advantage of low rates. Rates have dipped recently, putting us closer to another record low-rate environment. It’s a great time to purchase or refinance a home.

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