How long have you been in the mortgage business and what inspired you to get into it?
I have been in the mortgage business since 1996. I have always been interested in homes and architecture and liked the idea of helping people buy their new home.
Who is your typical customer and what questions do they typically have?
I work with a wide range of customers. Most of my customers are repeat customers moving to a new home or friends and family of previous customers who are buying their first home. New home buyers have more questions. I spend a lot of time helping to educate new home buyers. Repeat customers typically don't have a lot of questions since they have been through the process before. They come back because they trust me and my team and they know they are getting an extremely competitive rate.
What specific steps do you use to help your customers find the best home loan for them?
The most important thing is to spend time with the customer asking their financial goals and their goal for their new home. We offer great rates but most importantly, we want to make sure that the borrower knows all of the options that may fit their situation so that they can choose their best loan product and down payment amount.
How long have you been in the mortgage business? What awards have you won?
I have been in the mortgage business since 1996. I have received Guaranteed Rate's 100% customer satisfaction award. I have been honored as one of the top 200 originators in the United States in total loan volume for the past 8 years.
What are the pros and cons of a fixed rate mortgage versus an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?
There are pros and cons with a fixed rate mortgage versus an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), especially for first time homebuyers. The low initial cost of adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, can be very tempting to home buyers, yet they carry a degree of uncertainty. Fixed-rate mortgages offer rate and payment security, but they can be more expensive. With the right information, whether it is a refinance or a new home purchase, I can help my customers pick the best mortgage that meets their financial goals.
What advice would you give new or first time home buyers?
The best advice is to take the time to educate yourself about mortgage options. You will likely have a lot of choices. Be sure you know your options so you can choose the mortgage that is your best fit.
What can borrowers do to ensure a smooth mortgage underwriting process?
Borrowers can provide all of their documentation at the time of the application.
Summary of where you grew up: family, affiliations, college, high school, etc.
I grew up in Bartlett Illinois. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois after transferring from Elgin Community College.
What provides you with the most satisfaction in your job as a Loan Officer?
I love helping first time buyers purchase their first home and help families purchase homes that fit their changing family.
What do you enjoy doing most in your spare time when you are not helping people with their home loans?
I enjoy mountain biking and traveling.
