Bell Bank Mortgage and producing area manager Dee Jimenez are shining a spotlight on the transformative power of homeownership—celebrating the families who have achieved that dream and working to make it possible for even more Arizonans.
For Jimenez, who leads Bell Bank Mortgage operations in Goodyear, homeownership holds deeply personal meaning. “Homeownership is a moment to reflect on the families whose lives have been forever changed through it,” she said. “It’s also a powerful reminder of the work still ahead to help more families achieve that dream.”
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Under Jimenez and the Bell leadership team, Bell Bank Mortgage has expanded its reach in Arizona through five active branches and a commitment to community-driven lending. The company recently introduced a program that makes homeownership possible with as little as 1% down and continues to offer several 100% financing options to remove barriers for first-time buyers.
“Bell Bank empowers us with the resources, support, and flexibility to serve our communities in a real, meaningful way,” Jimenez said. “We hear from so many clients who never thought homeownership was possible—until they worked with us.”
That was the case for Maria Gonzalez, who closed on her first home with her husband in June after renting for more than 23 years and being turned away multiple times.
“Until we met Dee, no one had ever taken the time to sit down with us, review our credit and finances, and truly guide us through the process,” Gonzalez said. “She provided real solutions, and the day she handed us our keys was one of the happiest of our lives.”
Originally from Mexico, Gonzalez and her husband had long dreamed of buying a home for their children. Jimenez’s care, patience, and knowledge made the difference.
“Bell Bank’s programs have been the bridge between a dream and a dream realized,” said Jimenez. “For so many families, these resources lead to stability, pride, and a place to finally call home.”
According to the latest State of Hispanic Homeownership Report from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Latino homeownership continues to rise nationally. Stories like Gonzalez’s reflect this progress—and the work being done in local communities to keep it going.
Jimenez, recognized among the top Hispanic loan originators nationally, continues to advocate for programs that reflect the unique needs of Arizona families.
“This work is personal, and it’s purposeful,” she said. “We’re not just helping people buy homes—we’re helping them build legacies.”
