HACKENSACK, NJ, November 16, 2005 — Citizens Community Bank in Ridgewood, New Jersey, has announced the opening of their new Home Mortgage division, offering financial services to residents of Bergen County and beyond.

"We're here to serve the homeowners and would-be homeowners of northern New Jersey," stated Richard C. Lanza, President of Citizens Community Bank. "By now the area is familiar with our bank and the personal service we provide. Now we can add mortgage and related financial services to the list of things we do and do well."

Citizen's Home Mortgage division has named their program the "Move-In Forward" Home Financing Program. Under this umbrella name, the loan specialists can create the perfect loan at the perfect rate, to suit almost any homeowner's needs. Customers receive highly individualized attention, and their mortgage needs are handled with creativity and insight. The types of loans that the Home Mortgage division can generate include Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate, FHA loans, 100% financing loans, No-Doc loans, and more. Refinancing is another feature of the mortgage division, and homeowners may be able to save a considerable amount of money with the right refinancing loan.

For a limited time, a special offer is in place that will enable most new homeowners to receive a full refund of the Commitment Fee at closing—an offer that could save them $299. Details are available at the bank.

The senior loan officer is Art Heller, who came over from the Wells Fargo Mortgage division to helm Citizens' mortgage division. He brings with him a wealth of experience in both the real estate and financing fields, and looks forward to serving new customers. "We'll get them into the home they want," he said. "That's what we're here for."

About Citizens Community Bank: Based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Citizens combines today's technology with the friendly, personal service of yesteryear. The bank is committed to Ridgewood, and senior management are all hands-on, approachable, and present during the hours the bank is open, thus restoring the concept of banking based on personal service, personally delivered.