We have banked here since around 1984 when it was Kern Schools. We have had mortgages, auto loans,…read moreetc. Ever since it changed to Valley Strong we have had problems. Our account has been compromised twice during the last few months and getting it taken care of with new cards, etc. has taken MONTHS each time. The last time we were told we would be mailed new cards and we STILL haven't received one of the cards and that was MONTHS ago. Just today when I got a text that I'm thinking might be from fraud and I call the bank I'm told I'm "Caller number 50" I have been on hold twice, each time over 30 minutes. WHO has time for that every time they call? Spoke to a customer service representative today and told her we would be closing our accounts. She said, "well I certainly can't talk you out of that and you're welcome to close your accounts if you like" Well THANK YOU for telling me I can close my accounts, sooooo helpful. Good-bye Valley Strong! Update: after receiving the response from Nicholas I did call the number he provided. No answer so I left a message. Ms. Whitmore called me back. She was apologetic and I believe sincere. She said the call would be reviewed and the customer service agent spoken to and gave me a direct line to a branch manager so if I had further questions/concerns I could call him directly instead of going through the call center. For now, I will keep our accounts and appreciate her willingness to resolve this.

UPDATE: Our account was compromised AGAIN on Feb 1st as someone took our routing numbers, about 26…read moredays later after this review was written. We had to obtain a whole different account. However, my husband spoke up and told the representative that it's unfair as customers we get penalized unlike banks. We were pessimistic that we would ever hear of them again. I just received a call from my husband that the branch manager refunded us the checks in full for the inconvenience. We were also able to open a Rocky Raccoon Account! We greatly appreciate that gesture as they still care. ---------- I've been a loyal customer for 12 years and used to genuinely love this bank. What stood out was the value it provided--not just in terms of competitive features, but also in how reliable and easy the services were to use. I could always get a representative quickly, and I felt like my loyalty was appreciated. Unfortunately, that sense of value has diminished over time. My husband's card has been compromised multiple times, even after getting a new number. Once, over 60 people at the branch were dealing with the same issue. This points to a breach on the bank's end, but there's been no transparency or clear resolution. It feels like security isn't being prioritized, which is concerning for customers like us who trust the bank to protect our finances. Then, there was the issue with my checks being sent to the wrong address--even after confirming the correct one several times. Now we're being told to close the account entirely and open a new one, which requires updating numerous autopayments. The inconvenience this creates is significant, and it's disappointing that no compensation is offered for the error. It would be nice to offer free checks for the inconvenience, showing they value the business and recognize their mistake. Even smaller things are becoming frustrating. Yesterday, I tried to open a Rocky Raccoon account for my son (such a cute idea!) but when I saved the application, it was marked 'abandoned' this morning, despite a 30-day save period. These things add up, with all occurred in the last 30 days, led me to creating this review. We've had issues for the past two years, but it's been overwhelming these past two months. This bank used to excel at providing excellent service and value by making things simple, reliable, and convenient. Now, it feels like they've outgrown their ability to maintain those standards. I hope they take steps to restore what made them great--valuing loyal customers and ensuring they deliver the quality we've come to expect.

I've worked with Daniel Estrada and the Estrada Team at CrossCountry Mortgage for years, and…read morethey've delivered for me and my clients every single time. Daniel really knows his stuff, but he also explains everything in a way that makes sense to people. My clients always tell me they feel a lot more confident after talking with him. His team offers a wide range of loan programs, and they truly work hard to make things happen, even on the tougher files. They don't give up easily, and that kind of effort makes a big difference in this business. What I appreciate most is their follow-up. They stay connected with clients long after closing. As a real estate agent, I'll admit my follow-up isn't always perfect, but Daniel's team keeps that relationship going for months and even years. It takes a lot off my shoulders and gives clients the ongoing support they deserve. Daniel Estrada and the Estrada Team are well established, highly reviewed, and completely dependable. I recommend them to anyone who needs mortgage financing and wants a team that actually cares.

was incredibly responsive and always made time for our questions, no matter how late it was. Their…read morecommunication was clear and concise, and they kept us informed every step of the way. We felt like they were truly invested in our success and made the entire process a pleasure."

Had the most amazing experience with Angie, who assisted me with obtaining a mortgage loan with…read moreCornerstone lending. She made the process super easy, and explained everything in detail, I would do the process with her again in a heartbeat.

I first contacted Bryan about refinancing our home and after going back and forth a bit he actually…read morerecommended not refinancing at that time. I really appreciated that he wasn't willing to put me in a loan that wouldn't meet my needs. About a year later the rates dropped and we ended up refinancing at a much better rate. Even then before we signed he actually asked me if we had plans to move in the next couple of years. He mentioned that if we were planning to move he suggested not refinancing as we wouldn't realize the cost savings over a short time. Again I appreciate that he's honest to the point of not making money on my loan if we decided against it. Having all the information makes the decision making less stressful. Once we decided to go ahead the process was quick and simple most things were done online via accu-sign. It's done, and we're happy, I would highly recommend!

Allyn provided excellent communication, was available every single time I had a question or needed…read moreto prepare an offer and we made several before our final purschase. Allyn also followed up on every detail of the entire process, provided me with an invaluable education on the loan process and got done what needed to be done with great haste and gusto! This is my second home purschase, my experience with Allyn frankly blew my socks off compared to my first experience years ago. I fully endorse Allyn as the ultimate professional and will be my go to referal for friends and family. Thanks Allyn!

I was reluctant to explore my options for refinancing because I thought it would be such a…read moreheadache. Allyn made the process super easy and in less than 24 hours laid out all my options in a very friendly and educational approach. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a hassle-free experience!

Signature Home Lending. The best experience with Joe Navarro & Jessica Peinado. They have been…read morealong every step of the way and TRULY know how to get a deal closed from A-Z. Our buyers introduced us to the Signature Home Lending team and we are very appreciative to have a successful close right on time and keeping all parties updated on getting a loan approval sooner than expected!... I am very lucky to have them help us and our clients. I really recommend their team to anyone & they helped our buyers save both time and money.

I was a first time home-buyer and Kelly Carrera (and her assistant, Cynthia) talked me through…read moreeverything. Kelly treats you like family from the moment you talk to her. I had been nervous but she automatically made me feel comfortable. I ask a lot of questions but she never made me feel like I was bothering her and she responded in a promptly manner. I will be recommending Kelly to any friends or family I have that will be looking for a home loan.

We have used Sasha and Todd many times over the years. Each time has been a pleasure. They get it…read moreright, the first time, and between the two of them and their team they make the process as painless as possible. In fact, on instances when I have been unable to get down to their office to sign docs, they bring the docs and notary to me - outstanding service. I should also mention that their team has always found me the best rate, without hidden fees. They are highly recommended.

Sasha Windes surpassed expectations. Working with her made buying a home a smooth and pleasant…read moreexperience. Her communication with me was pristine. She always made sure I understood everything along the way. I am extremely grateful for her efficiency throughout the process of purchasing a home. Sasha is pretty amazing. If anyone ever gets the pleasure of working with her you wouldn't be disappointed.

First I want thank Diana so much for getting us into our new home. We were definitely a tough case…read moreand she did a lot for us. The previous loan company that our loan fell through was horrible. It was a blessing in disguise. Diana was able to get us a better rate. I can't tell you how thankful I am to her.

As first time home buyers my family and I were a bit overwhelmed on finding that right person to…read moretalk to. We originally intended to seek a loan through Wells Fargo due to them being well known and trust worthy. Unfortunately, after speaking to one of their so called 'experienced' lenders; we left feeling even MORE overwhelmed, confused, & disappointed in the customer service we received. It felt like the lender could care less. After speaking with a close friend she referenced me to Guild Mortgage & to speak with Nicholas. She explained how this was the guy to talk to & how he would answer all the questions we had. I called Nicholas & he right away said he would meet with me. Within an hour we were already sitting in his office. Nicholas explained every possible scenario & went above and beyond to answer every single question we had. We left knowing exactly what we needed to do & felt comfortable in knowing we found a trust worthy lender. Highly recommended! My family & I look forward in doing future business with Guild Mortgage.

Arturo and his whole team were so supportive and awesome throughout our home buying experience. We…read morebought our house 3 years ago, we still call him with questions, and he is still as supportive as he was on day one. I recommend Mortgage Connection to all my friends who are searching for integrity, honesty, and reliability when it comes to buying a home.

I have used Art for the last two homes I purchased and I will use him and recommend him from now…read moreon. I originally found Art through my agent and there was nothing but great communication from start to finish. When you are buying a house you always want to know what is happening and receive as many updates as possible. I called literally every day for updates and I know I bugged Art to death but he was always reassuring and encouraging until I signed final docs and received the keys! Thank you Mortgage connection you have made a customer for life!

Tracy was fantastic and made sure I had everything completed and so that I could close early on my…read morehouse. She was super helpful and went far beyond anything I could have asked for! Highly recommended.

Was referred here by my realtor, and boy do I regret it. My wife and I took the time to gather all…read morethe required documents and send all the necessary information. Nicole stated on multiple occasions that she would contact us with updates/news on a certain day and never did. She never even contacted us back when we reached out to find out what was causing the delays, via phonecall and email. Communication was horrible and the professionalism was just not there. An absolute waste of our time. I will not be recommending this establishment to any of my friends or co-workers.

Tracy Gregg of Local Lenders Group has assisted our family on multiple home purchases and…read morerefinancing. Tracy has exceeded our expectations each time we have called upon her to help us navigate the sometimes difficult processes of home financing. She is experienced and trustworthy in all aspects of her profession. Tracy has our complete confidence and is our 5 star lender. We highly recommend her for your financing needs. Rene and Maggie Chow

This was our first time purchasing a home and Sasha definitely made the process easier than…read moreexpected. I had contacted several loan agents (both local lenders and national) prior to deciding to work with Sasha. What really sold me was her quick responsiveness through all mediums (text, phone call, and email), which persisted through the entire process. She was very willing and able to answer all questions that I had. I will gladly be looking to Sasha for future real estate needs.