Who is your typical customer and what questions do they typically have?
My typical customers I work with are first-time buyers and veterans. Most just want to know the ins and outs and how to qualify for a home loan and find ways to track down the perfect mortgage that makes the home affordable for them and their families.
What specific steps do you use to help your customers find the best home loan for them?
I thoroughly counseled them on credit and budgets. Most do not understand how the breakdown is, so I really enjoy educating them and helping them to decide on the right price, the right loan, to ensure long-term homeownership.
What are the top 3 misconceptions people have about the home loan process?
I would say the top three misconceptions buyers have about the home loan process are:
1) The Internet is not always right!: There's so much misinformation out there, or outdated. That's why they need to stay in constant communication with their Lender and Realtor. It's our job, our duty, to always stay up to date with relevant changes in the market and industry. Come to us first.
2) HG TV: Buying a home is not like a TV show, it takes a lot more than 30 minutes and filling out a few forms. It's funny when people say why is there so much paperwork I'm just buying a house, I am good for it. Not realizing that they are borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's not as easy as it was in the past, and that's why more than ever you need a professional.
3) Budget and Cost: Most people don't understand the total cost or monthly cost of most home loans. They don't understand the dozens of people it takes to close alone and/or real estate transaction. So in many cases, they underestimate how much money they'll need, and due to the Internet most don't understand what a monthly payment of the house really is. That's why it's very clear to me is going over the customers budget day one, it's not about how much we can get them qualify for, it's about what their budget is where their family can live a comfortable life and not be above their means. Not only do I want to help them purchase a home, I want them to be able to save, build equity, and long-term wealth.
What resources could you recommend that borrowers use to learn more about the mortgage process and how to ensure a successful home closing?
First and foremost, hire a seasoned professional to do your mortgage loan, second hire an amazing real estate agent. These two professionals should handle all the heavy lifting, communication, and education throughout the process. I know there's Google, they can explain a lot, but nothing is better than being educated by the person that you hired to represent you and look out for your best interest. Third, check out more information on our website, we have tons of information on the entire buying process and know that were always here for questions and answers.
What provides you with the most satisfaction in your job as a Loan Officer?
I remember the first time when I bought my home, the day someone handed me my keys to something that I worked so hard for, I was ecstatic! I was the first person in my family to own a home, now all my family owns homes! So really I enjoy helping clients feel that same way and seeing the excitement on their family's faces when they finally achieve the dream of homeownership. I know I was successful when the refer their family to become homeowners also, that's the best feeling.
What do you enjoy doing most in your spare time when you are not helping people with their home loans?
In my family love to go to the movies, board games, swimming and hanging out with our pets. We really love traveling, which we do every summer. We usually take a long road trips throughout the country. Driving in the car for hours on end, are some of my best memories I have with my family. We are all confined in a little space, and we have to get along, LOL, that's what makes us love each other more.
Tell us something that makes you unique or something wacky, yet interesting about you?
I love hanging out with my family, going to the movies, swimming, and we love playing board games. Call me a square but one of my favorite games is Scrabble, which is crazy, because I pride myself in being great at Math(As a lender you would expect, LOL), but I'm terrible at spelling, LOL. It's funny how that's one of my favorite games, maybe I'm trying to improve my vocabulary! One of my favorite quotes I love telling clients is you never have to check my math, but if you see some misspelled just let me know and I'll get it fixed, LOL.
