Tina with Classic Bank
This month, I’m highlighting one of Bastrop’s trusted financial professionals, Tina Longoria with Classic Bank. With nearly two decades of experience and a heart for community service, Tina embodies the principles of relationship-driven banking that continue to strengthen Bastrop County’s local economy.
Tina, can you share how long you’ve been with Classic Bank and what initially drew you to the lending industry?
My journey started in a small community bank 18 years ago, where I worked part-time as a teller while pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. At the time, I envisioned a future in healthcare, but something unexpected happened—I fell in love with community banking. Driven by a desire to learn and grow, I immersed myself in every department I could—operations, loan assistant, loan processing, mortgage loan specialist, secondary market and beyond. Today, I specialize in consumer, commercial, and mortgage lending. I’ve spent the past three years growing with Classic Bank—a place that supports and shares my passion for community and customer service.
What sets Classic Bank apart from other local or national lenders when it comes to client service?
What I love most about Classic Bank is that we keep all our loans in-house. That means when you need help, our loan officers and personal bankers are just a phone call away. We service the loans we make ourselves, which allows us to build close relationships with our customers. As Bastrop continues to grow, so do we, but carefully without losing the character of a community bank. Through it all, we remain deeply committed to our mission statement and to the people we serve — “Building Lifelong Relationships by Exceeding Expectations.”
What’s one piece of advice you consistently give to homebuyers—especially those entering today’s market?
In fast-growing markets like Bastrop, one piece of advice I would give is to leave room in their budget for rising property taxes and homeowners insurance. Each year, during escrow analysis, many homeowners are caught off guard by the adjustments which can lead to increased monthly payments or lump-sum payments into their escrow account.
From your experience, how have interest rate trends influenced buyer behavior across Bastrop County this year?
While interest rates are slowly trending downward, consumers seem to be cautious with their spending. Many buyers seem to be waiting for a more dramatic drop in rates.
What does “community banking” mean to you in a growing market like Bastrop County?
I’ve called Bastrop home for 20 years, and boy has this town grown! I’ve watched children in our community grow up alongside my own. There’s something profoundly rewarding about helping them navigate their financial journeys within my community. Whether it’s guiding a young couple through their first home purchase or supporting a local entrepreneur in launching their dream business. Seeing huge smiles at a loan closing, hearing heartfelt thank-you’s, and knowing I played a role in their success—those moments are what fuel my passion for community banking.
When you’re not helping families finance their dream homes, how do you like to spend your time in Bastrop?
In my spare time, you’ll often find me attending or volunteering at local non-profit and chamber events, visiting school campuses, or catching up with friends and colleagues over lunch on Main Street. I also love unwinding with live music alongside my boyfriend at one of our favorite local spots.
It’s a privilege partnering with professionals like Tina who share a genuine commitment to Bastrop’s families, businesses, and long-term growth. Classic Bank’s community-first approach mirrors the same principles I strive to uphold in my own real estate practice – integrity, connection, and service rooted in relationships.