mentionable
Bringing
the
Dream
of
Home Ownership
to
L ife
Dwayne Stein WRITTEN BY JILL WILLIE PHOTOS BY TOM BALLANTINE
DWAYNE STEIN
vividly remembers what it was like when he purchased his first home more than 15 years ago. It was a time of nervousness, excitement and anticipation, but it was also one of anxiety and worry. It is a memory that has shaped the customer service philosophy at CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM). “We are in the business of helping people achieve their dreams,” he said. “Our goal is to make the experience of buying a home a positive one.” With the latest technological advancements and specialized educational training, Dwayne said the loan officers at CCM are pioneering the way that home loans and refinances are processed. “From providing up-to-date information on federal guidelines to real estate agents, to offering efficient loan approvals and closings, we strive to be a resource every step of the way.” On the front end, the “Purchase Pronto” program guarantees loan approval notifications within 48 hours of receipt. This enables the home buying process to begin in earnest almost immediately. Agents are able to make offers quickly and with the peace of mind that the processing will go through because an underwriter has already looked at the application. CCM is also committed to closing their loans quickly. Their loans close within 14 working days as compared to the national average of over 40 days. “Buyers are able to move on to the next phase of their lives in their new homes. And, agents are able to move on to the task of selling another home,” he said. As a 20-year veteran in the finance and lending industry, Dwayne explained CrossCountry has all the advantages of a local lender while also providing the security of a national company. Established in 2003 in Ohio, the company has grown to include branches in 48 states with applications pending in the remaining two. As the exclusive lender in Louisiana, Dwayne now has offices in Mandeville, Metairie, Slidell, Shreveport and Bossier City.
community
The St. John Fools of Misrule celebrated the beginning of Carnival with a bawdy procession through Covington’s historic St. John District on Saturday, January 10.
Photos by Rick King Photography
Created in 2011 to mark the 12th Night, festivities are led by a “Lord of Misrule” and a marching parade with flambeaux, brass band and a bevy of masqueraded “fools.” The organization’s mission statement is Vivere Vita Omnino! – Live Life Completely!
12 Sophisticated Woman | February 2015
#sophisticatedsocial
HIP IMPLANT SETTLEMENT
Stryker Orthopaedics Recently Announced Settlement to Compensate Eligible U.S. Patients Who Had Surgery to Replace Their Rejuvenate Modular-Neck and/or ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Stems. In addition, there are other hip implant models associated with defects including the Zimmer Durom Hip Cup and the Depuy metal on metal models. The FDA recently issued a statement warning that they are investigating all metal on metal hip replacements on the market. Manufacturers of metal on metal hip implants have orders from the FDA to further study the safety of their metal on metal devices in the future.
If you or someone you know has had an implantation and/or corrective revision surgery concerning a metal on metal hip replacement, you may be entitled to:
COMPENSATION
The lawyers of The Bezou Law Firm are here to help victims of defective metal on metal hip implants.
Jacques F. Bezou, Esq.
534 East Boston Street Covington, Louisiana 70443
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fashion
Emily Russell Bell sleeve tunic $42 Indigo textured leggings $29 Earrings $12 Headband $12 All available at Mainstream Boutique, 985-674-6600. Brown low-shaft booties $139 from ShoefflĂŠ, 985-898-6465. Boot-toppers $32 from Brown Eyed Girl, 985-626-0100.
28 Sophisticated Woman | February 2015
fashion
Gavin Laiche Red Gingham oxford $95 Denim slim jeans $175 Belt $100 All available at The Mix, 985-727-7649.
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fashion Hannah Beal Black linen dress $59 Accessories $28-$64 Two-tone cowboy boots $149 All available at Brown Eyed Girl, 985-626-0100.
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