First Federal Lakewood - Concord

"Beware. Very odd bank to work with. I did a mortgage with them and the SBA 10 years ago and First Federals part had a balloon after 10 years. They called and said they would renew the balloon since I had been a loyal customer and never missed or was late on a payment. The balance was only $191,000 and the property is worth $700,000 so it would seem like good business to keep things going. Then abruptly I got a call from the original person saying they didn't want to renew they just wanted the cash to pay the balance off. He then said I would get a call from some other gentlemen to go over my options. They set up a Zoom meeting and they start the meeting off with "How are you going to pay off the balloon?" I was like oh, I thought this was a meeting to go over options. it seems it was a meeting to ask me that one question which could have easily been communicated without wasting my time. They offered a 60-day extension from the 12/01 deadline, which would have been nice to get me into the new year and into my busy season. After some weeks they emailed and said the committee which meets once a month only approved a 30 day extension. So basically they wanted it paid off on New Year's Eve. that's very inconvenient and awkward dating. I decided I didn't trust, nor want to deal with this bank any longer requested a payoff and wiring instructions. they responded with a 1-day payoff quote. Basically, it made me drop everything and run to Huntington to wire them the money immediately to avoid additional interest charges. As a consumer or a business owner, I would think long and hard about dealing with such impersonal employees and a bank that hides behind faceless committees, that show no loyalty to good-paying local customers. maybe they should just stay in Lakewood and leave this area altogether."

"First Federal of Lakewood handled my mortgage for most of the years until I paid off my house. They were wonderful to work with. Always professional and followed up with calls."

"met with John and Martin (no Abraham :)) and received some good advice on investments including IRA's, annuities, and rollover opportunities to increase yields. Very professional."

"Celebrating the best bank in the entire Cleveland area. When I go there I feel like I’m going into my grandmothers house. That’s how warm the feeling is. They give gifts and support me like their own. Love First Federal of Lakewood bank! In Brunswick. Happy birthday!"

"They are very rude and unprofessional. Managers have spoke very rude in person and on phone. Seems like a lot of people there drop the ball on their work and can’t keep stories right about paper work and what’s going on with peoples’ money."