HomeTown Mortgage Loan Originator Brad Chambliss worked with his client Billy for over a year to help him with his credit repairs, so that he would be in a favorable position to buy a house.

"It was not an easy loan," said Brad, "but definitely one of the kind of loans that make you feel good about doing what we do when we get it done."

Billy was a senior, but this was his first home.

"The closing was a true celebration," said Brad, "because he thought it was not something he would ever be able to do."

Several months after closing, Brad and his team hosted a movie night for clients. Right before the event, Billy called Brad and asked if he could bring his whole family. Brad said yes.

"When he showed up at the theater and opened the door," said Brad, "his family just kept on pouring in. We lost count after 12."

Brad watched in awe from the registration table.

"I will never forget the strut he had as he walked over to me," said Brad. "He was over-the-top excited to introduce us to his family. I proudly shook hands with all of his kids and grandkids."

After introductions, Billy and his family filed into the theater.  About 30 minutes later, well before the movie was over, Billy came out to the lobby to thank Brad once again.

"He said he wanted to sincerely thank us," said Brad, "because we made him feel like a hero that day to his family."

Billy said that they had all met at his home to caravan up from Grayson County. He said that he never would have been able to do something like this for his whole family without HomeTown's generosity. It was a special day for Billy. He got to show off his house and treat his whole family. Brad remembered the moment as emotional.  

Earlier that week, Billy had received a serious diagnosis from his doctor.  He later found out that it was terminal. A couple months later, he passed away. 

Brad said that in the HomeTown office he and his colleagues often refer back to Billy, especially when they start thinking a loan or a borrower is getting a little too challenging. 

"No matter how hard it gets," said Brad, "it is worth the effort, and we never know how far the ripples will travel and the lives it will impact."