The C-Suite

THE C-SUITE

AMY MOSER

VP of Mortgage Services | Mountain America Credit Union

What is the most rewarding thing about your position?

Helping borrowers do more than just dream about owning a home and instead make it a reality. That’s the end goal. But it’s not just about closing a loan; it’s about making the process easier and faster, for both borrowers and employees, making it enjoyable. It’s no secret that it is challenging to put all the pieces together for a mortgage loan AND make it a pleasant experience. We do that for our members and it’s immensely rewarding.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the mortgage banking industry currently?

The pandemic and housing inventory are the biggest challenges. During the next several months, any headline relative to a cure and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is likely to cause volatility in the markets. Mortgage rates should remain low through 2021, which encourages purchase activity.

Unfortunately, housing demand far outweighs inventory which is driving home prices up at a rapid pace. The rapidly rising cost of housing and lack of quality homes in desirable markets will discourage some buyers and put them back on the sidelines. Additional increases in lumber costs and other building materials will also contribute to rising home prices in 2021.

What time do you get up?

I’m an early riser as I only need four to five hours of sleep at most. It’s not uncommon for me to get up around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. to start my day.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

I try and take a few minutes to clear my mind and mentally review what is on my schedule for the day and if there is anything left to prepare for. I also check the news (local, national, and international) for updates on politics and the economy. The world is so connected so it’s vital to understand what’s going on in the world.

What is your mantra?

Never give up and always do your best.

What is on your desk?

My laptop is usually front and center with a space to take notes at the ready. I always have ice water.

What time do you go to bed?

I usually go to bed around 10:30 or 11 p.m.

What is your best habit?

Having a proactive approach. I don’t procrastinate and I’m very organized so that allows me to continually move forward with purpose.

What is the last thing you do at night?

I usually listen to music to clear my mind. My mind is busy and constantly working on problems, so music helps me relax and unwind.

AMY MOSER

JASON BATEMAN

Head of Mortgage | Redfin

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Helping people put a roof over their heads, providing security for themselves and their loved ones, and establishing roots in a community where they can grow and thrive. There are three necessities of life: food, water, and shelter. Providing society with the first two is considered noble; the third unseemly. Unfortunately, our business is often portrayed in a negative light because of bad actors, but we have an opportunity to right the ship and put the mortgage business back in good standing with society.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the mortgage banking industry currently?

Mortgage bankers have worked tirelessly to make the process of buying a home easier and easier. We take care of matters that if left to the borrower would frighten most buyers away. We make sure their house isn’t in a flood zone, is actually owned by the seller, and is worth what they are paying for it. However, in doing so, we have made the lending process so opaque to the typical buyer that it now seems like ‘black magic’. We need to make this more understandable to the fireman and teacher who don’t have time to learn all this complexity.

As an industry, we must also responsibly expand homeownership opportunities to people who have been left out, ensuring more people can benefit from the physical, emotional, and financial security that comes from owning a home.

What time do you get up?

5 a.m.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Exercise

What is your mantra?

Do good and do well.

What is on your desk?

Three monitors and a keyboard.

What is your best habit?

Only hiring people smarter than me.

What is the last thing you do at night?

Read.

What time do you go to bed?

11 p.m.

JASON BATEMAN