What are the top 3 misconceptions people have about the home loan process?
1. “It's a challenging, long, and stressful experience.” Our team works hard to make your experience the best it can be. GR provides tools to allow us to be the best of the best and we seek to make it a quick and painless process for all our clients. All we ask of you is good communication and send us what we request!
2. “Refinancing is too costly.” Let’s investigate your situation with you! We strive to minimize the amount our clients pay at closing. Everyone has different means, goals, and capacity; however, we want to see how we can properly support you.
3. “I like this home and the location a lot, but it’s crammed kitchen, dated bathrooms, bland bedrooms, poor layout, etc. are stuck how they are.” ABSOLUTELY NOT. With our excellent Renovation Loan programs, we work with you to create the home you and—more importantly—that you deserve. Between FHA 203k, FannieMae HomeStyle, VA Renovation, and Jumbo Renovation I am confident we can guide you toward make that property into the place you dreamt “home” would be. My Renovation Loan Specialist and I are happy to discuss your options.
What resources could you recommend that borrowers use to learn more about the mortgage process and how to ensure a successful home closing?
I think their best resource is their cell phone. Anyone can look up loan programs that are unique to their situation, such as renovations to a property, future education plans through our CollegeSave partnership, or VA loans if you or your spouse has served in the military. You can call your partner, friends, and family to hear their take on what worked for them in the past. And best of all, you can type NOTES into your phone and add to them so you don't forget your ideas. Let's face it: thoughts come and go, so why not keep them accessible for when you would like to revisit them?
What provides you with the most satisfaction in your job as a Loan Officer?
I mean think about it. Each day I get to help someone get into that place they call "home," where they can earn passive income in to enhance their financial situation, or are excited to visit as a second home! I know what our team does matters right now and down the road—for both our clients and realtors we serve. It's exciting to be a key player in the largest financial decision of one's life, and making it an easier process through excellent communication lowers stress levels for everyone.
What do you enjoy doing most in your spare time when you are not helping people with their home loans?
Improve…in every sense of the word. I want to get better at everything I do. I'm kind of obsessed with it. I welcome frank feedback, personal development books and speeches, as well as motivational series. I want the world to be a better place because I was here, so I want to do what I can to make it happen. I enjoy being someone to lean on and planning long-term goals for myself and others, too. I love what I do and I'm lucky to be here. And, I’m a big fan of Chicago’s football and baseball teams and who loves to travel. Last November, my sisters and I met up in Thailand to climb through the rainforest, scuba dive, kickbox, and enjoy the awe-inspiring nation.
Tell us something that makes you unique or something wacky, yet interesting about you?
*I cried at a butterfly exhibit when I was 10. I don't remember why though. *I'm scared of heights and I went skydiving in Colorado. *I was called ConDad/RadDad in college because I'm seen as a father figure with my leadership roles. *I will dance to just about everything, especially if my sisters are there—not well, but I feel the music.
