Key takeaways
- Regions’ 5 for 5 employee mortgage benefit program helped one associate reduce her loan amount and build equity faster.
- A $5,000 forgivable, interest-free second mortgage, the Regions 5 for 5 loan lowers upfront costs and increases buying power for eligible associates to make homeownership possible for more associates.
- The program is one of many associate homeownership benefits the bank offers as part of its focus on associate wellbeing. These include a 1% mortgage fee discount that can be applied to origination costs or discount points, access to free homeownership counseling, and more.
- Employer-supported homeownership benefits can create stability and long-term financial growth.
Sarah Davis sought more than a job when she joined Regions Bank in 2015.
She wanted to put down career roots at a company whose care for associates matched its care for customers, and found that at Regions.
“I was looking for a job where I’d have room to grow and be supported,” Davis said. “I started as a teller and have worked in a couple different positions over the years. Everyone seems to genuinely care about each other here.”
A banker for Regions in Cookeville, Tennessee, Davis recently got another reminder of what makes Regions a great place to bank and to work.
In addition to a 1-percent discount off mortgage points or closing costs, she took advantage of one of Regions’ many financial well-being programs and resources — the 5 for 5 loan program from Regions Mortgage — to chart her own personalized path to financial health.
Turning benefits into opportunity
Davis had heard about the interest-free Regions 5 for 5 loan during internal meetings with mortgage loan officers. With the birth of a new child and her growing family needing more room, she asked Mortgage Loan Officer Jan Hale to share more about the benefit.
“The timing was perfect since I had just told the team about associate mortgage benefits in the morning huddle at the branch,” Hale recalled.
She worked closely with Davis to create a plan that aligned with the end date of her lease to make the transition from renting to first-time homeownership seamless.
How the Regions 5 for 5 program helps homebuyers
As part of Regions’ employee mortgage benefit program, the 5 for 5 loan benefit is designed to give associates a financial edge when buying a home.
The Regions 5 for 5 loan is a $5,000, interest-free second mortgage available to eligible associates who qualify for a Regions purchase loan. Rather than being paid out in cash, the funds are applied to eligible homebuying costs like the down payment or closing expenses.
The loan is forgiven in $1,000 increments each year over five years as long as the associate remains with Regions; if employment ends or the home is sold or refinanced before then, any remaining balance must be repaid.
What makes the 5 for 5 loan special, Hales said, is that it is a forgivable, $5,000 second mortgage. When associates stay at Regions for five years after taking the loan, they don’t need to repay it.
The program can:
- Reduce the amount of cash needed at closing
- Lower the overall loan amount
- Increase home equity immediately
“In her situation, the 5 for 5 loan reduced how much Sarah had to borrow for her new home,” Jan said. “Because of the no-interest feature of this associate benefit, it created more home equity for her at no cost.”
Finding the right home for her family
The loan assistance came at just the right time for Davis who had found a home.
“Size and location were the big things we were looking for,” she said.
The new house checked every box: close to family, convenient to town and large enough for her growing household.
“Now, we have enough space that we don’t feel so crammed together,” Davis said.
Even more importantly, she said, the house represents stability.
“It was important to me to get out of renting and have a place for my children to grow up and not have to worry about moving every so often,” she added.
A smooth and fast experience
Timing was critical, Davis said of the purchase.
“I reached out to her at the beginning of February and we were able to close by the end of the month,” Davis said. “Jan made the whole process incredibly smooth with her extraordinary service.”
Hale said what sets Regions’ employee mortgage benefit program apart is the combination of its features and the seasoned advice and guidance from mortgage loan officers.
The joy of homeownership
Today, Sarah and her husband and their children are settling into the new space and enjoying it every day.
“My kids’ favorite part of the house is the yard,” she said. “They are loving being able to go outside and play or ride their bikes.”
Her favorite spot offers a quiet moment each morning.
“I love my kitchen and the window that looks out into the backyard,” Davis said. “Almost every morning when I look out it, I can see deer in the field behind our home.”
Why employee mortgage programs matter
Programs like Regions’ 5 for 5 mortgage loan demonstrate how employers can support associates in ways that go beyond traditional benefits.
By making homeownership more accessible, an employee mortgage benefit program can help:
- Reduce financial stress
- Build wealth through home equity
- Create stability for families
“I’m very impressed that Regions offers this flexible and valuable associate benefit,” said Hale, who joined Regions Mortgage in August 2025.
Mortgage benefits for Regions associates
Regions wants to make it easier for its associates to achieve the dream of owning a home. That’s why the bank offers a variety of associate homeownership benefits to help make that happen. Learn more about benefits for Regions associates at regions.com.
Ready to build your career at Regions?
Associates are Regions’ most valuable asset. We are building the best team by empowering our associates to connect, belong, grow, achieve and thrive. Looking for a place to where you can thrive? Visit the Careers page on regions.com to view current job listings and to learn more about working at Regions.
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Frequently asked questions about employee mortgage benefit programs
What is an employee mortgage benefit program?
An employer-sponsored benefit that helps employees purchase or refinance a home through financial incentives or loan assistance.
What is the Regions 5 for 5 mortgage loan program for associates?
A $5,000 interest-free second mortgage loan available to eligible associates who qualify for a Regions purchase loan. Rather than being paid out in cash, the funds are applied to eligible homebuying costs like the down payment or closing expenses. The loan is forgiven in $1,000 increments each year over five years as long as the associate remains with Regions; if employment ends or the home is sold or refinanced before then, any remaining balance must be repaid.
How does the 5 for 5 program help?
It can lower the amount needed at closing or reduce borrowing, increasing equity from day one.
Who is eligible?
The program is available to qualifying Regions associates.
© Regions Bank, 2026. NMLS 174490. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
Note: Experiences and opinions stated by customers are their own and involved no compensation.