Nationwide Mortgage 8-7-17 by Top Agent Magazine

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

AMEERA AMEERULLAH

PATRICK BRUNNER

FOREST GREEN

MELINDA A. HARLEAUX

SCOTT MILLER

DAN PEÑA

TIM WEBER

TOM SHERMAN

Senior Loan Officer Tim Weber’s finance background puts him in a unique position to counsel home buyers on debt and wealth building. From earning his bachelor’s degree in economics at UC Berkeley to working at the Chicago Board Op TIM WEBER JEREMY STYBEL ROBERT WILKERSON tions Exchange, Tim’s career reached new heights upon entering the mort gage business for borrowers in the Denver area in 2000. “In financial sales, I was helping highnetworth individuals make smart decisions on their stock market activity. This piqued my interest and led me to discover other ways that I could help my

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NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

ROBERT WILKERSON

AMEERA AMEERULLAH

PATRICK BRUNNER

FOREST GREEN

MELINDA A. HARLEAUX

TIM

Senior financ unique buyers From in eco workin tions E SCOTT MILLER DAN PEÑA TOM SHERMAN JEREMY STYBEL TIM WEBER new h gage b Denve sales, I was helping highnet decisions on their stock mar interest and led me to discover clients.DO A coworker 4) LONG TERM GOAL SETTING 18) 5 THINGS YOU CAN TO and good f mortgages. Before I knew it, I VISION=PERSPECTIVE=BETTER ACHIEVE YOUR BIGGEST GOALS in the mortgage industry beca DECISIONS positive results of how my wo 21) 4 QUALITIES OF personal level.”

CONTENTS

9) 8 THINGS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO

EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEES Tim’s office is in the Denver br

however, he works with bor Colorado Spring to as far north 25) TURNING YOUR PROFESSION in between. Most of his busi 15) 5 REASONS WHY YOU INTO A PASSION He moved to M2 Lending Sol NEED A MENTOR when he noticed that his volume toward larger volume,” he said REALTORS® referring buyers numerous attorneys, CPAs and to himself, his team includes a Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 two processors, an underwriter mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com has further honed his skills in th planning degree that allows hi No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine working with clients. His com is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, knowledge of finance allow him Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change class experience for his clients. address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S. 2

“People can tell that I am th providing high quality loan Top AgentaMagazine REALTOR® requests somethin and beyond to provide more tha

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Long Term Goal Setting Vision=Perspective=Better Decisions By Barry Eisen

You’ve heard the saying, “The average person spends more time planning a vacation than planning the rest of their life.” It’s probably true because planning a pleasurable escape is easier and more comfortable than planning change, and whatever discomfort (fears?) may be associated with it. 4

Most companies you’d consider investing in or working for have long term, short term and, in most cases, daily goals as benchmarks of performance. However, independent contractors associated with large focused corporations, usually don’t do the planning to create their own comfortable future. Top Agent Magazine

The “whys?” don’t matter. The back story may be very interesting and compelling, but does “why?” solve the problem of an erratic business or personal life? Most all independent contractors either sit down with the owner/broker/ sale manager/boss at the beginning of the year or as solopreneurs, by themselves, and go over goals and business/game plans. But like New Year’s resolutions, by January 15th, they lose focus and end up playing a smaller and more chaotic game than anticipated. This is not just about the business of business, but it’s also about the personal areas of life, as well. And this is not just about business and personal lives, but ultimately about the way they see themselves (self image/self esteem) and create the lifestyle that matches that perception...self fulfilling prophesies.

There are so many ideas and systems about goal setting. Every speaker, sales manager and trainer has an approach. Know what? They all probably work, if the follow-through is committed to. Huge “IF” (I FEAR). Here’s my ofering at setting long term personal and business goals. The best way to predict the future is to create it.

1. Select a target year by which your long term (more than 1 year) goals will be completed. Giving a target date, even 3-5 years down the road, creates at least a small, but real, sense of urgency. Just the act of writing goals down starts a level The “whys?” don’t matter. The back of thought and commitment beyond story may be very interesting and having good intentions. Write the compelling, but does “why?” solve target year across the top of a blank the problem of an erratic business or piece of paper. personal life? The question, “What DO you want instead?” is a good 2. Along the left hand column, going starting point. Not what you Don’t down the page, write the categories want. Describing what you DON’T of your life that represents the want doesn’t give information as to balance and self image areas that actions to be taken to move forward. comprise all of our lives. In her book, Goals are not just targets, they’re Passages, Gail Sheehy lists Physical, guidelines. Financial, Emotional, Educational, Top Agent Magazine

Family, Social and Spiritual. Unless you have something else---go with these.

makes sense to you... in a draw under your socks or underwear, taped to the back of a closet door etc.

3. On the right hand side of the page, opposite each of the categories, write down 2 or 3 goals for each category. If you choose to not set goals in all areas, great! Do what feels right for you. There are no rules.

5. Look at the list every once in a while (daily, weekly ???) and let it reinforce the actions that will bring you to those, down the road, purposes. Spaced repetition is how you learn most of what you do.

If you have difficulty looking ahead and projecting results, for a moment look back at your previous 3-5 years. What have you done in that time to move ahead in each of these 7 areas? “If you continue to do what you’ve been doing, you’ll continue to get what you’ve been getting.” The reality beyond that often used saying is that in the future, Mother Nature will smack us all around a little harder, gravity will tug on us all a little bit heavier, business slumps will become more pronounced, memory becomes more challenging and spiritual connections become even more distant, etc. What do you want instead?

6. Update your list periodically to reflect new directions and adjustments.

4. Put this goals list in a place that

Accomplishing longer term goals not only gives the rewards of whatever the goals are about, but on a higher level creates the positive self esteem and confidence of accomplishment. Confidence comes from creating victories. Those in therapy, or should be in therapy, experience control issues (usually a lack of control). When you’re in control of your life you generally make better decisions, feel more alive and healthy and usually become a more compelling figure to those around you. Copyright©, 2015 Barry Eisen. All rights reserved.

Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing rEAltorS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@lA.twcbc.com 818-769-4300 6

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ROBERT WILKERSON 7

ROBERT WILKERSON Robert Wilkerson always had an interest in real estate, but it wasn’t until he graduated from college that he discovered his passion for the financing side of the industry. After earning a degree in rea estate from The University of St. Thomas, Bob began a career in financial planning, which ultimately served as his entry point to the mortgage industry. Working alongside a mortgage broker, Bob quickly discovered he had both a knack and a passion for mortgage lending and since then, he’s never looked back. Today, Bob is at the helm of an inspiring career, having cultivated a professional reputation characterized by forthright communication and in-depth expertise. Primarily serving the Twin Cities booming market, Bob is on a team of two, though he works individually on all his transactions. Together, he and his partner act as a professional support system for one another, bolstering their business with an additional knowledge base to ensure the success of their respective transactions. Bob’s loan products run the gamut, including a range of standard and specialty products such as VA, USDA, FHA, and Fix and Flip loans, in addition to loan consolidation services. He takes a personalized approach to his realtor relationships and establishes clear lines of communication from the outset of every transaction. As part of his abiding professional philosophy, Bob promises honest communication—especially when deals are difficult—and also dedicates himself to keeping all parties informed on the status of a file, whatever issues might arise, and why. This practice give agents and borrowers alike a sense of calm and clarity, and Bob has accordingly become a trusted advisor to many of his clients for years to come. “I’m always thinking ahead,” he explains. “When I sit down to do a pre-approval, I consider every angle—what can go wrong, how we can get around it—and I’m always prepared for the worst before the worst happens.” With the proficiency of a tried-and-true expert, Bob creatively problem-solves and works with efficiency to ensure closings happen smoothly and most importantly: on time. In pairing with realtor referral partners, Bob markets his services through mailers and fliers at open house events. To add exposure within the community, he also sponsors and participates in local golf tournaments to benefit charitable causes. Mindful expansion of his network ranks as a high priority to Bob, and he makes it a regular practice to out to new up-and-coming agents to establish new business partnerships and add his valuable expertise. In fostering these relationships, he offers his realtor referral partners a free home warranty on every purchase loan, saving them hundreds on every deal. Whether he’s serving real estate agents or first time home buyers, Bob recognizes that buying a home is more than just a purchase. “It’s not a transaction for me, it’s a relationship,” he explains. “It’s about the people and their stories. I help my clients Copyright Top Agent Magazine 8

navigate the mortgage process, which isn’t always fun and carefree, but I can at least make it as easy as possible.” Extending his hand of service to the local community, Bob supports an organization called Spare Key, assisting families in crisis or financial distress in making their mortgage payments until their lives stabilize. He also volunteers with the local Boy Scout troop—the same one he was in as a child—to help the scouts earn finance-related merit badges. When he manages to find some free time, an early morning round of golf is one of his favorite pastimes. As a family man, married for six years, Bob loves to spend time with his wife, two (soon to be three) children, and especially enjoys taking his four-year-old daughter fishing. Every once in a while, he and his family are able to retreat to a cabin up north to relax and enjoy the weather. With an eye toward the future, Bob has hopes to expand his production volume as well as his team. Knowing that some loan officers in the industry nurse bad habits, Bob plans to step into a training role, bringing on new, inexperienced loan officers and guiding them on the best practices in lending to ultimately expand the reach of the company. Grounded by a surefire dedication to service and to the success of his clients and his team, the future is sure to yield continued triumphs for Robert Wilkerson at Finance of America.

To learn more about

ROBERT WILKERSON, visit FOAMortgage,com/RWilkerson, e-mail rwilkerson@financeofamerica.com, or call (763) 913-1760 http://

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Things Successful People Never Do

There always seems to be people around you who find success with ease, but trust me, that is NOT the case. Although luck can often times play a role in someone’s success, most of the time it’s due to hard work and avoiding bad habits. The best way to find your own success is to implement some of qualities you see in people you admire into your own life. The hard work part is still up to you, but by shifting your perspective a bit, and NOT doing some of the following

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things, that success might happen a little quicker.

DON’T JUST WING IT

Successful people plan everything. Not only do they have yearly goals, but weekly and sometimes daily ones as well. By giving your time a purpose, and a clearly defined goal, you’ll eliminate the time you spend haphazardly doing things that might not be a priority. It will also make you feel less scattered, which is always a good thing.

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THEY DON’T TAKE ON MORE THAN THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Successful people take on what they can do well, and no more. That all starts with a daily ‘do to’ list. They always make sure their list is manageable and then they don’t sleep until that list is completed. If you find yourself not finishing your list, assess whether it was too much or if you slacked off. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you finish your list. Not finishing will bring you down, so make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.

THEY DON’T WORK HARDER, THEY WORK SMARTER

Yes, having a strong work ethic is key, but that doesn’t mean you should waste time on things that will have less of an impact on your success. Focus on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. Better to spend the majority of your time there, than spread yourself thin on numerous tasks.

THEY DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

This might seem like a bad call in business, but successful people know when to cut your loses and move forward. Anything or anyone, that frustration into your life, is never a good thing.

REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES

Similar to not trying to please everyone, successful people are also diligent about accepting when something isn’t working 10

and moving on from mistakes. Yes, you learn from them, but don’t repeat them. Part of being innovative is trying new things, that will keep you fresh and energized, but learning how to let go is an equally important part of the equation.

GO FOR THE SHORT RUN SOLUTION

Successful people are in it for the long haul and therefore thinking long term. When you have a plan for success and the patience to see it through, while you might have a slow start, you’re establishing a foundation for long term success. Going for the easy fix, usually doesn’t pay off.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE NAYSAYERS

Lets face it, we all have people in our lives who might be a little more pessimistic than is healthy to be around. You can’t change them, all you can do is not let them drag you down into their ‘glass half full’ mentality. Have your plans and goals, be confident about them. When you’re insecure, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to those types of people.

THEY NEVER QUIT

That doesn’t mean letting go of things that aren’t working. It means having an end goal. Whatever obstacles or challenges come up, you take them on, always with that end goal in sight. Successful people know that adversity and overcoming those challenges, is how you grow, and will ultimately make you a better business person.

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AMEERA AMEERULLAH The professional life of Ameera Ameerullah is a case study in fortunate contrasts. She is at once an entrepreneur, a business owner and a selfmade woman, while also a tireless advocate for people who live on the fringes of society. She is a mortgage broker who helps families achieve dreams of homeownership while simultaneously finding creative ways to bolster the businesses of REALTORS® and builders. She is a mentor to her successful staff who also educates young people on the importance of managing finances. And she is both a licensed mortgage administrator and a social worker. In 2001, when Ameera transitioned to mortgages from a role with a law firm, each of her motivations came back to her desire to help people in need. In particular, she wanted to open orphanages and homes for the elderly. That’s because Ameera, the founder of Canada Mortgage and Financial Group (CMFG) in Mississauga, Ontario, has long aspired to help the most deserving populations. She also founded CMFG Equity Fund Corp., a unique program for investors to obtain returns on an interest-free basis and be repaid on a profit-share component, moving their projects to site plan approval or completion. With CMFG at the foundation of all her work, Ameera is filling the gap and making dreams come true including underprivileged or at-risk youth, the homeless, the elderly and more. Ameera opened CMFG for the several reasons. She wanted to educate people and fill a gap for borrowers; to provide growth opportunities for her staff; and to put all profits toward charity. “Financial stress can be depressing,” says Ameera. “Making a difference or coming through for someone gives us great satisfaction,” she says. “And when it comes to our team or the agents we work with, I like to help people grow and succeed.” Ameera adds that she personally does not take a “cut” of company’s profits. “Everything goes back into the charity work that we do and into educating people.” In fact, eight years after becoming a broker, Ameera earned her designation as a social worker. “I volunteer with the youth criminal justice system,” she explains, describing her long-

time fight for youth services and human rights through which she helps with a number of organizations. “I make myself available wherever there’s a need.” She even founded a handful of nonprofit foundations to benefit children dealing with abuse, neglect, HIV/AIDS or mental illness; as well as some that serve the homeless, the elderly and people with disabilities. On the business side of CMFG, Ameera and her 11-member team are known for their exemplary communication and their 100% funding ratio. “We acknowledge our phone calls and emails with same-day response time,” she says. “I will respond to an email from home at 11 pm if I see it!” The team’s correspondence is impeccable; they make sure everyone knows up front what is possible and what is not possible. As a result, all of their loans are funded. Ameera also devised some cutting-edge programs at CMFG. Among them, a Deposit Program for people who want to purchase from builders. “It’s an exclusive program available in Canada that I created in 2016,” she says. “People were looking to purchase from a builder, but didn’t have the 20% to put down, so they’d end up losing that home.” Through CMFG’s Deposit Program, purchasers make deposits toward down payments. In turn, the program helps builders show higher amount of pre-sales and can obtain institutional financing instead of costly private funds for construction. “It benefits both purchasers and builders.” Ameera’s aspirations for herself and for CMFG include building affordable housing options for middle and lower-class families. “And I still want to open that orphanage!” she says. She and CMFG also want to start a credit union, partnering with funders to provide more niche products. “For me it’s not about money, but about doing what’s right, associating with the right people, empowering others and being transparent to build relationships on integrity.” She laughs when asked about her personal hobbies. “I joined a yoga class and went once; it’s been a month!” While she does her best to take care of herself, Ameera and her networks are happiest when she’s sharing her abundant energy, ingenuity and generosity.

To learn more about Ameera Ameerullah, visit cmfg.ca, email ameera@cmfg.ca or call 647-494-9885 www.

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PATRICK BRUNNER Fresh from college, Pat Brunner was trying to find his way in the world. After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in economics, he decided to move to Denver to follow his love of skiing and happened to get a solid job as a recruiter. Back on the east coast, his father had fallen ill. To return home, Pat transferred to a position back east, where he discovered that a couple of his friends from college had joined a mortgage firm. Witnessing his friends’ successes and daily ability to directly serve others, Pat decided to switch gears and pursue a career in the industry. After co-founding and leading his own successful practice for ten years, Pat recently completed a merger with Finance of America, rounding out his sixteen-year career to date. Today, he is at the helm of a thriving career as Branch Manager at Finance of America, grounded by an ethos of accessibility, responsiveness, and consistent follow-through. In the last year alone, he and his team closed an impressive $30 million in volume, while his office netted $70 million in volume and are currently on track to break that record in 2017. Primarily serving the borderland area of Pennsylvania and Delaware, Pat’s typical territory includes Newark and Wilmington, Delaware, to Philadelphia and West Chester, Pennsylvania and all areas in and around. He also serves clients as far afield as the coastal regions of Delaware and New Jersey. As the head of his tightknit team, Pat offers a variety of loan products, with specialty options including loans for doctors and investors that streamline and simplify the lending process. “It’s always been a focus for me to make sure we’ve got whatever loan product and solution that’s required to get a transaction done,” Pat explains. Considering a sizable majority of his business is driven by repeat and referral clientele—consisting of a large share of realtors—Pat’s ability to deliver on his professional promises is woven into the fabric of his business. “My realtor referral partners know that they can call me anytime, any day of the week and I’ll pick up the phone and solve problems for them,” he says. “A lot of people can put numbers in a deal together, but we want to create a wow factor for our clients that leaves them feeling excited about their experience working with us.” Realtors look to Pat for his creative problem-solving skills, often hearing of him through word of mouth as a capable fixer of deals

that have experienced their share of bumps along the way. “I try to use my expertise to help people who really need it,” he explains. “If you have the ability to help somebody, then you should help them. That’s why we do everything we can to make sure that agents and borrowers are raving after they finish a transaction with us.” Likewise, Pat partners with agents on co-branding and co-marketing efforts on the leading online listing platforms, and is always eager to pass along qualified buyers in search for representation. He also participates in informative seminars about underwriting and the transactional process, empowering his agent referral partners through education. Considering his approach to the lender-client relationship, Pat prides himself on staying accessible and responsive during a transaction, always remembering that for the buyer in the midst of acquiring a property, the stakes are high. “I always try to remember what’s on the line for my clients,” he says. “Having gone through the home purchasing process three or four times personally, I understand what it feels like, so I do my best to be there and ready to answer question and address concerns any time that might arise.” Positioning his spirit of service toward his local community, Pat and his team give back regularly to charitable organizations in their area. Having lost both parents to cancer, Pat is an avid contributor to Fox Chase Cancer Society. He and his team give to the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware, with upcoming plans in place to throw a luncheon and participate in a kickball game with the organization’s kids. In his free hours, Pat enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family: seven-year-old Donny, five-year-old Beau, and two-year-old Jane, and is happily married to his wife Emily, who is a Catholic schoolteacher in their local parish. He also relishes the occasional round of golf when his schedule permits, while he and his wife also enjoy staying active at the gym. As for the future, Pat aspires to continue his business’s growth, with plans to bring on additional loan officers in the coming months while continuing to develop his substantial year-over-year volume. He also hopes to spend more time mentoring up and coming agents as they ascend the ranks, passing along his extensive insight and expertise earned over his lengthy career. Today, with close to two decades of winning industry experience and a decisive eye toward the future, the years still to come are bound to yield continued promise for Pat Brunner and his team.

To learn more about Pat Brunner e-mail pbrunner@financeofamerica.com or call (484) 352-4152 Top Agent Magazine

FOREST GREEN Forest Green has always had a passion for numbers, but he didn’t initially consider a career in the mortgage industry. “I started off in collections, and became very successful in that business, but it’s not an easy job. I started feeling like I wanted to do something that helped people. I had some friends doing well in the mortgage business and interviewed with Mortgage Elite expecting nothing to come out of it. No one was more surprised than me when I got the job. I just dove right in. It’s been a perfect fit and I’ve been passionate about what I do since starting.” Forest is currently a Branch Manager with Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, one of the largest independant lenders in the nation. Forest is licensed in Minnesota and California, and leads the St. Louis Park Group, a team that consists of five loan officers, a processor and full support staff and marketing team. Just before he started his branch a year and half ago, Forest decided he wanted to focus on a niche and found inspiration from a personal place. “My grandfather was a WWII vet and an instrumental influence in my life. He passed away shortly before I opened my branch, and I decided to honor his memory, by focusing on VA Loans. I’m really excited to have recently partnered with Wausau Homes, helping to build custom homes for veterans through our VA One Time Construction Close Program. It can be tough for disabled vets to find a home that is accessible, and we really wanted to help them so that they can have a home that meets their needs and share in the wealth of home ownership. I’m also involved with the Homes for Heroes program

which offers numerous discounts and rebates to veterans, teachers, police and firefighters. It’s an honor to serve those who serve us and keep our country safe.” Another distinct advantage that Forest offers his clients and referral partners is access to the state of the art technology and innovative marketing tools he has access to through his company. “I really did my research when looking for a company to join, and one of the things I love about PRMG was that their technology and marketing tools are truly second to none. I have the expertise and knowledge I’ve built up over the years, but the addition of that advantage really allows me to stand out.” Forest is equally passionate about giving back to the community and is involved in several ways to do just that. He is currently working with a team of local churches to create Starfish Homes, an organization that helps people get out of challenging situations, guiding them on the path to homeownership, as well as mentoring them on the road back to being a positive member of the community. When he has free time, Forest spends it all with his two children. Forest would like to continue to grow his branch, and plans on staying with PRMG for the long haul. “They have an amazing culture here. They really let you be yourself and support you 100% so that you can thrive. I have been a loan officer now for over 15 years and I love what I do. There is great self satisfaction knowing that I am progressively better in everything that I do. I’m in a career where I’m making a positive impact on people’s lives. It doesn’t get better than that.”

To learn more about Forest Green

call 612-306-8957 or email FGreen@PRMG.NET 14

5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide. But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor. Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the Top Agent Magazine

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need. When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t. They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out. A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 16

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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MELINDA A. HARLEAUX Melinda A. Harleaux hadn’t anticipated a career in the mortgage industry, but when she was transferred from her role as a bank teller to her branch’s lending department, she soon witnessed the excitement of her new colleagues and dove in. After learning the ropes, she swiftly discovered it was a natural fit and now, with nearly thirty years of experience, Melinda has mounted a successful career, keeping her client relationships and community at the center of her professional practice. With an office located in Ladera Heights, Melinda serves all of the Los Angeles area. There, she heads a team of dedicated loan officers and acts as the originating branch manager. Melinda offers a range of products, with a particular specialty in first-time homebuyer programs, as well as 203K Rehab and FHA loans—to name a few. Furthermore, Melinda brings a distinguished level of insight to her role as originating branch manager, with experience in roles including processing, operations manager, and underwriting. In approaching a deal, Melinda focuses foremost on developing relationships that last the long term, favoring straight-forward communication from the outset and fielding only the deals she knows she can close. She’s built an impeccable professional reputation rooted in these principals, and accordingly, her colleagues trust her advice and decision-making ability. Melinda doesn’t shy away from tough deals, and what’s more: she has earned a sizable rate of repeat and referral business—a testament to her proficiency in navigating the finer points of the transactional process. To ensure each of her clients’ homeownership goals become a reality, she thinks outside of the box, combining programs and layering financing options to a successful end. Melinda also applies a personal touch to each deal, often encouraging clients who feel that homeownership is an impossibility they can’t overcome. “It’s my passion to tackle the hurdle of getting someone into a home,” she says. “I pride myself on that.” To get the word out about her products and services, Melinda joins forces with her real estate referral partners in their

marketing efforts. Likewise, Melinda creates a natural bond with the community by hosting educational seminars for first-time homebuyers. She also works alongside the area’s faith-based organizations to equip potential homebuyers with the knowledge necessary to pilot the lending process successfully. To keep in touch with her sizeable network of clientele, Melinda sends out monthly e-mails and checks in during the holidays by sending out seasonal postcards. In considering what she loves most about her daily work, Melinda says: “Helping someone who didn’t think that they could afford a home, or guiding a family as they begin their next chapter is so rewarding. Whether I’m acting as a counselor and encouraging those who don’t think they have a chance at being a homeowner—every client reminds me of why I do what I do.” Professionally and personally, Melinda is avidly engaged in her local community. In addition to serving as a member of the Consolidated Board of Realtists of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the Southwest Board of Realtors, she also works with non-profit organizations empowering people through financial education. Melinda is a founding board member of the Randal D. Simmons Foundation, created in memory of her brother-in-law, the first SWAT officer killed in the line of duty. Because her late brother-in-law was a staunch advocate for mentorship in underserved urban communities, the organization carries on his legacy through the outreach, mentorship, and motivation of Los Angeles’ youth. In her free hours, Melinda relishes the opportunity to travel and explore new places, with recent destinations including Cancun and Jamaica. As for the future, Melinda plans to turn her efforts toward mentoring up and coming mortgage professionals, particularly the next generation of college graduates eyeing the industry. Today, with nearly three decades of hard-won expertise under her belt—along with an incisive eye toward the industry’s future—the years to come are bound to yield sustained promise for Melinda A. Harleaux and her team.

To learn more about Melinda A. Harleaux visit newamericanfunding.com, e-mail Melinda.Harleaux@nafinc.com, or call (800) 450-2010 ext. 4500 www.

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5 Things You Can Do To Achieve Your Biggest Goals If there’s one thing successful people can agree on, it’s that setting goals has been key to their success. Whether you’re creating a five year plan or just settling on what you want to achieve by the end of the day, setting goals gives you the focus and direction you need to complete even the biggest tasks. But there is a method to setting them. It’s a process that takes careful thought and consideration up front, which is then combined with the hard work necessary to implement your plan. Luckily there are proven methods to goal setting that you can start using immediately. 1. MAKE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC Yes, it’s fun to think in grand terms of where you want to end up in life and in your career, but it’s better to have a specific goal like “Increase my sales by 25%”, than “Get rich.” When a goal is clear and specific, it allows you to figure out the exact steps you need to take to accomplish it. The more general it is, the more paralyzed you might be when it comes to figuring out what to do since, the choices may be overwhelming. 2. MAKE IT ATTAINABLE Making attainable goals might seem boring, I mean afterall, you want to dream big! But you don’t want to suffer through the disappointment of not reaching your goal, something that may not even be possible at this stage in your life to begin with. One solution to that is creating goal levels. You can have the dream goal, but underneath that you have the realistic goals that are setting up a foundation for achieving the big one. Things that are attainable still take work and effort to achieve. Those small victories will keep you motivated and encouraged to go for the bigger dreams. And don’t forget, those 18

little goals may have been things you wouldn’t have gotten done if you didn’t set out to achieve them, so be proud! 3. PUT A PLAN OF ACTION IN WRITING Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. There is something about seeing things in writing and crossing them off the list that is oddly satisfying.The daily goals are especially important in regards to building up those good habits. The first few weeks of your plan of action are critical when it comes to your long term success. Reaching a goal is something you are doing every day, all throughout the day, in numerous ways. Achieving goals is all about creating good new habits. 4. MAKE IT MEASURABLE This is key, since you definitely want to reward yourself for a job well done, and having a goal that is measurable in some way is a sure way to know. Maybe it’s to increase your lead generation or to cut expenses, whatever the case, have a measurable test you need to meet, as well as a time frame. Then calculate what you have to do to reach that goal. Not only should your goal be specific, but the plan and the measure of success should also be set in stone. 5. ADJUST AS YOU GO You can have all the best laid plans, and you still might quickly realize that what you thought would help you reach your goal, might not be cutting it. Commitment to reaching your goals is good, but commitment to a plan you know isn’t going to work is not only a waste of time, but will be a devastating blow to your motivation. Sticking to a plan everyday means adjusting it accordingly.

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SCOTT MILLER Scott Miller not only wants to see eligible borrowers achieve the American Dream of homeownership, but he wants to help other professionals thrive in the industry just as he has. After 15 years succeeding in the mortgage industry, he recently joined Rouff Home Mortgage in Indianapolis, a transition that is setting him up for the next growth phase of his career. “I have surrounded myself with a superior team here,” he says, describing his sales assistant and his processor along with a top-notch management staff and collaborative coworkers. “Making sure you are part of a great team is what it takes to be successful.” Entering the mortgage business, for Scott, was a true leap of faith. After working in the travel industry for many years, in 2002 he followed the suggestion of a friend who had just opened a branch of a mortgage company. “When I saw the potential of what we could do, I took the leap and the rest is history!” He has over time built strong professional relationships with REALTOR® partners and other referral partners, with each relationships built on honesty, a straightforward approach and consistent communication before, during and after every transaction. Likewise, Scott has built a loyal base of repeat clients who appreciate his willingness to keeping them educated on current market conditions, interest rates and other reminders they find useful. “With REALTORS® and my clients, I put everything on the table all the way through the process and I stay in touch long after.” He is organized and provides good attention to detail, while also offering additional value to everyone he works with, whether he is educating a borrower or helping a REALTOR® partner build their business. Born and raised in the Indianapolis area and licensed the state of Indiana, Scott has for 15 years covered the greater India-

napolis area, with a focus on Marion County, including Indianapolis, and areas to the west and south including Hendricks, Putnam, Morgan and Johnson Counties. Having lived in Avon for many years, Scott and his wife recently relocated to downtown Indianapolis, giving him an opportunity to more closely serve the Marion County market. Even as demanding as the mortgage business is, Scott appreciates the flexibility the field allows him in having a home life that balances with work. “You have to make time for family,” he says. “My wife is my world; we have young-adult kids and love taking advantage of time with them, whether vacationing, riding bikes, watching movies or just hanging out.” After all, homes are made of families, which is all part of the American Dream. “The best thing about mortgages is the feeling when you close a transaction with your borrower and you truly see the excitement on their face, knowing you were able to take part in and help them with their American Dream.” Scott jokes that Helping make dreams come true even extends to New England Patriots fans. “Anyone you ask will tell you I’m an Indianapolis Colts fan,” he says. “So one time when new client walked in wearing a Patriots hat and took a look around at all my Colts gear, he said, ‘Are we still going to do business together?’ And I replied, ‘Absolutely!’” With Rouff Home Mortgage, Scott hopes to find new opportunities to collaborate with other talented, local loan officers. In addition to getting involved with his new community in Indianapolis, he wants to show other professionals how to enjoy the level of success he has achieved and plan for the future of the business. “I’m very blessed to have done so well and I want to help provide others with the tools to find the success I have,” he says.

To learn more about Scott Miller, visit ruoff.com/scottmiller, email scott.miller@ruoff.com or call 317.991.5432 www.

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DAN PEÑA Open, honest and direct. As Senior Vice President of National Joint Ventures for loanDepot, Dan Peña not only embraces those qualities himself but considers them essential to a good mortgage company. “loanDepot is the nation’s fifth largest retail mortgage originator and second largest nonbank consumer lender,” Dan says. “What sets us apart is our customer service. Whether we close 50 units a year for our builder or 5,000, we’re going to build a dedicated operations team that knows and understands its builder partner. We provide the customer experience and relationship of your small neighborhood lender, but the size and strength of an industry leader. With that comes the latest technology, ability to scale and all the benefits of a large company.” As a direct lender, loanDepot offers a full menu of options to ensure its customers have the right mortgage for their needs. From government programs that specialize in first-time homebuyers, foreign national programs, and USDA loans to a doctor program and the company’s own proprietary products, loanDepot has the ability to offer personalized options. It even offers bond and down payment assistance options. “Many lenders aren’t always interested in participating in those programs because they don’t bring in a lot of revenue,” Dan says. “The way we approach these programs is that we are helping the real estate community and our builder partners by offering a loan option to customers whom we believe should have the opportunity to own a home.” Dan began his career in the mortgage industry in 1994 doing refinances. He now runs the Joint Venture and National Account Division for loanDepot, serving on the operating boards for TRI Pointe Connect (a joint venture with the TRI Pointe Group), MTH Mortgage (a joint venture with Meritage Homes) and Polygon Mortgage (a joint venture with William Lyon Homes).

He’s proud of the high referral rate from his builder partners. “When you’re a public company, it’s crucial to understand what you have in your backlog,” Dan says. “They know what we’re telling them is accurate. We maintain a clean, honest backlog.” Dan’s teams meet weekly with his referral partners on a file level, quarterly for the C sweep, and regularly to report, either faceto-face or online. As a financial technology company as well as a mortgage lender, loanDepot recently debuted its proprietary mello™ technology, a digital lending platform designed to streamline operations and enable the lender to interact on any device the customer chooses. It also enables builders to pull documents digitally and acquire timely status updates. “We can be all things to all people,” Dan says. “For computer-savvy people, we can do everything online, but we also offer full-service ‘boots on the ground.’ We make it easy for people to work with us.” Relationships are everything, and Dan looks for builder partners who share the same goals he has. It’s an approach that has proven successful and led to a flourishing business, causing other builders to reach out. As always, he looks for openness, honesty and directness in his relationships. It’s Dan’s belief that a lot of lenders forget what their purpose is in this business. “At the end of the day, somebody gets to walk into a new home,” he says. He teaches his loan officers to stop trying to get new loans, and focus instead on how to help their partners sell homes. “Going forward,” Dan says, “we will continue looking for new ways to eliminate barriers to homeownership. Our industry is becoming more tech savvy and eventually will enable people to buy homes based on behavior and spending habits, rather than a one-time credit check. We’re proud of what we do here. We bring value to our communities.”

For more information about loanDepot and Dan Peña, please visit loanDepot.com or email DPena@loanDepot.com www.

4 Qualities of Exceptional Employees Hiring a new employee is one of the more stressful parts of being a business owner. After all, you’re taking someone on and trusting that they’ll not only be a valuable addition to the team, but won’t do anything to hurt your business’s hard earned reputation. Sometimes a person comes in and you click right away, and other times you might be blown away by an impressive resume. But there are things you should look for that might not be as obvious at first. Employees that have the following qualities are ones you should seek out, because they will definitely be well worth the time and energy you invest in them. Top Agent Magazine

1. They have the confidence to be innovative There’s a reason people are drawn to those who think outside the box. Not only do innovations often lead to an extremely profitable business, even when that thinking doesn’t pan out, creative thinking is something that will energize your business and will motivate more employees to start taking chances. Innovative thinkers also usually have great leadership skills. Ironically, you want an employee who isn’t afraid to speak up to authority and is someone who knows how to bend the rules without breaking them. They know that

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the success of the team and business is what’s most important, as long as it’s done ethically and with respect for everyone involved.

2. They are constantly reviewing their past performance A good employee looks forward, but they also look back. They are always evaluating what worked and what didn’t work in past performances and then adjusting their plans going forward accordingly. If they are coming off a big win, they know how to capitalize on that by using the momentum and cementing in everyone’s minds the value that they add to the team. If things didn’t go as planned, they assess what they can do better next time, and they don’t get bogged down in insecurity. They take responsibility and they have confidence that they won’t repeat past mistakes. They know that failure is a temporary state, and are able to learn lessons from their mistakes, that will make them a better employee going forward. While no one wants to fail, having the confidence to try something and fail will one day let you strike gold. Someone who lets failure shut them down, leads to a dead end and will soon make them a dead weight on your team.

3. They value teamwork Even though an exceptional employee might be a rising star, they realize that success is 22

not an individual endeavor, it relies strongly on who you’re working with. Exceptional employees make sure that everyone is contributing and valued for their input. They put the interests of the company above their own, and thrive in an environment where ideas and information are shared freely. Shared success is the ultimate goal for every project. Exceptional employees have the confidence to know that even when they’re not singled out for praise, they’re an irreplaceable component of a larger machine.

4. They are self-motivated learners A key thing to remember is that while experience is a valuable commodity, intelligence and intellectual curiosity is usually something that can’t be taught. Yes, you might request employees get additional training or attend seminars, but exceptional employees will be seeking out educational opportunities constantly. Even if they don’t have a lot of money for weekend retreats, they will be getting books from the library, downloading audiobooks, and most importantly, taking advantage of one their greatest resources, YOU. Exceptional employees know that the way to stay ahead is to always be at the forefront of new technology and systems. They don’t see educating themselves as a burden, they actually enjoy it. They realize that everything they take in, will one day make them not only an exceptional employee, but an exceptional boss as well.

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TOM SHERMAN Back in 1993, Tom Sherman was fresh from college and in search for a career path that would allow him to serve others while pursuing his talent for sales. Then, when a few friends involved in the mortgage industry suggested a career in lending would make for a good fit, he decided to take a chance. Twenty-three years later, Tom has never looked back. Today, he is at the helm of a storied career as the Originating Branch Manager at Benchmark Mortgage, having built a professional reputation on the principles of unselfish service and strategic follow-through. While he primarily serves the North Texas area, Tom is licensed to serve borrowers statewide and leads a talented team of loan officers at their home location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Likewise, his office is capable in offering niche loan products, though they are masters in government loans like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which constitute the overwhelming majority of their business. With close to 100% rate of repeat and referral clientele—with 60% of those comprised of Realtor referral partners—Tom and his team are resolute in their promises and impart a memorably positive experience to those they serve. In fact, Tom explains his working philosophy as one centered on selflessness, putting a client’s needs before his own and abiding always by the golden rule. “Our priority is to give more than we receive,” he explains. “From a customer experience and realtor referral partner experience, we want our clients to feel like they’re getting more out of the relationship than we are. That philosophy manifests itself as incredible service—from events we plan, co-marketing we conduct, leadership and coaching that we give. All those things combine to provide clients with meaningful added value.” What’s more, Tom and his team not only handle transactions with care and efficiency, but they also ensure that their clients are empowered through an overarching financial education. “Our priority isn’t simply to get our client a mortgage loan,” he says. “Instead we’re focused on a providing our clients a holistic view of their financial picture. We look at mortgages from the perspective of: how is this purchase going to help our clients reach their ultimate financial goals. That’s the bottom line of what we do.” To keep in touch with his office’s sizable sphere of influence, Tom and his team take a strategic approach. Using a systematic database, Tom gets in touch a few times a year by phone and through sending birthday and home anniversary cards. He and his team also throw quarterly client appreciation events to create meaningful face-to-face time with those they serve. For their top agent referral partners, Tom and his team offer one-on-one coaching on industry topics, ensuring their most valuable colleagues are endowed with unequivocal market knowledge. At the end of the day, Tom inspires in his office an ethos of integrity and culpability, never losing sight of the people at the heart of every deal done. Top Agent Magazine

“I’m a firm believer that if you put other people ahead of yourself, you’ll always win,” he explains. “What I love most about this business is that I’m able to serve people. There’s nothing like helping a client get into a home for the first time, when they didn’t think it was possible, or helping someone’s financial dreams become a reality. When I talk to a client and hear their stories about how they’re filling their home—with Bible studies, family gatherings, a community being built—it inspires me every day.” To extend his spirit of service to his local community, Tom and his team are active in a variety of civic and charitable causes. In addition to supporting his church’s missions on the local and global level, Tom is avidly involved in supporting the Children’s Hunger Fund and sponsoring events and causes that are close to his and his team’s hearts. In his coveted spare hours, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their loved ones. He also relishes the occasional round of golf, getting out to fish and hunt, boating on the lake, and staying involved in his family’s church. As for the future, Tom has plans to continue his business’s steady year-over-year growth, with hopes to position his role toward mentorship, guiding his team toward the success he’s been afforded as a result of his diligent career. Now, with more than two decades of experience in his arsenal—along with a heart grounded by faith and service—the years still to come are bound to yield continued promise for Tom Sherman and his team.

To learn more about Tom Sherman

NMLS#188788 Branch Manager/Sr. Loan Officer visit tomsherman.benchmark.us e-mail tom.sherman@benchmark.us, call (972) 218-0903 or (214) 680-1166 www.

3004 Communications Pkwy, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093

JEREMY STYBEL When Jeremy Stybel and Jason Yourofsky founded Atlantis Mortgage in 2002, they wanted the Farmington Hills-based firm to be a different kind of mortgage business—one that focused on exceptional customer service from expert originators. Jeremy began his professional career at a handful of mortgage companies—a local mid-size lender, a national company in Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and as a real estate office’s in-house lender—developing an intimate understanding of each facet of the industry. Having combined their experiences, Jeremy and Jason had all the fuel they needed to venture out on their own. “As brokers, we are a one-stop shop for anyone in need of a mortgage,” Jeremy says. “We have a multitude of lenders with a plethora of options to choose from.” Over the last 15 years, the Atlantis team has grown, but their commitment to closing on time and going above and beyond for their clients has never wavered. Leveraging his business degree and enterprising spirit, Jeremy began his career in the mortgage industry back in 1996, after graduating from Michigan State University. “Each transaction is a puzzle. I enjoy putting the pieces together to ensure my clients get the best deal possible,” says Jeremy. “For me personally, I’ve always enjoyed real estate as well as finances. That’s what drew me into the mortgage business initially.” Putting themselves in their clients’ shoes, the Atlantis team minimizes the stress that comes along with the loan process so clients can enjoy the home buying experience. They are dedicated to closing loans fast and ensuring excellent customer service so they get referrals from their clients’ families, friends, and coworkers. “We do the heavy lifting upfront. Before our clients spend a dime on an appraisal or inspection, we are reviewing all the documentation we need to make sure their approval letter is solid,” Stybel says. “When a local real estate agent sees an approval letter with the Atlantis Mortgage name on it, they know the deal will get done.” That name recognition means their clients consistently beat out the competition in landing their dream homes. “One of the most beneficial services we offer clients is our promise to monitor their mortgages,” Jeremy says. “Our job doesn’t end when their loan closes.” This is what Atlantis calls “our mortgages under management.” The goal is to ensure clients are in the

best program for their individual situation. On top of that, Atlantis’ specialty—the no closing cost loan— means saving money is nearly guaranteed. The entirety of Jeremy’s business is based on word-of-mouth. “This is a people-focused industry. It’s all about creating and maintaining productive relationships with people in a very personal way,” Jeremy says. “The result is referrals from past clients, other referral partners and, of course, real estate agents.” The Atlantis team has a comprehensive understanding of the tools agents need for their businesses to thrive. Atlantis hosts weekly agent mastermind webinars presenting insightful information and strategies agents can implement to harness their full potential, with topics ranging from farming their database to social media strategies to generate leads. Throughout the loan process, Atlantis uses a customized, six-stage video program to update both client and agent of each milestone. Their post-closing follow up is second to none. After closing, the team sends their clients a closing gift that stands out from the crowd and also hosts appreciation events. They send clients 25 mailers cobranded with their agent’s information over the course of five years. The mailers include things like birthday and recipe cards, all designed to keep both agent and Atlantis top of mind. Together with their team, Jeremy and Jason have built a trusted name for themselves in the community. Though licensed in 10 states, they are most often found serving clients in their own backyard of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb County. They stay actively involved as members of the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, and the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association. They have also begun donating a portion of each closing to the Rainbow Connection, helping children across the state battling life-threatening illnesses see their dreams come true. Free time means family time for Jeremy. “Family and mortgages—that’s my life. Our clients aren’t just numbers,” Jeremy says. “Every client is a part of the Atlantis Mortgage family, and that’s how we treat them. At the closing table, there’s nothing better than knowing everyone’s happy and that we got there together.”

To learn more about Jeremy Stybel, email jeremy@atlantismortgage.com, call 248-985-6000, or visit atlantismortgage.com www.

Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion. After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality Top Agent Magazine

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run. BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing. THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project? Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone. There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement. By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own. Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

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TIM WEBER Senior Loan Officer Tim Weber’s finance background puts him in a unique position to counsel home buyers on debt and wealth building. From earning his bachelor’s degree in economics at UC Berkeley to working at the Chicago Board Op tions Exchange, Tim’s career reached new heights upon entering the mort gage business for borrowers in the Denver area in 2000. “In financial sales, I was helping highnetworth individuals make smart decisions on their stock market activity. This piqued my interest and led me to discover other ways that I could help my clients. A coworker and good friend suggested that I look into mortgages. Before I knew it, I was hooked. I enjoy working in the mortgage industry because it allows me to see direct, positive results of how my work impacts people’s lives on a personal level.” Tim’s office is in the Denver branch of M2 Lending Solutions, however, he works with borrowers from as far south as Colorado Spring to as far north as Fort Collins and everything in between. Most of his business is from home purchases. He moved to M2 Lending Solutions more than six years ago when he noticed that his volume was increasing. “M2 is geared toward larger volume,” he said. In addition to the 50 or more REALTORS® referring buyers to him, Tim also works with numerous attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors. In addition to himself, his team includes another producing loan officer, two processors, an underwriter and a marketing specialist. Tim has further honed his skills in the industry by earning a financial planning degree that allows him to see the big picture when working with clients. His comprehensive team and extensive knowledge of finance allow him to provide a dynamic and fist class experience for his clients. “People can tell that I am thorough and that I care about providing a high quality loan experience. When a client or REALTOR® requests something from me, I strive to go above and beyond to provide more than what was initially requested.” says Tim. “If a potential client asks for an example of a loan, I’ll send three and review them all extensively with them.” Tim understands that underwriters will vet every detail so he endeavors to provide them with an accurate and allinclusive loan application. To ensure quality he personally takes every loan application and ask the necessary questions to make the process smoother and to help prevent 11th hour problems. He states, “I am committed to providing the best loan experience possible for both my client and the REALTOR®. Taking loan Top Agent Magazine

applications is time consuming, however, I find that it is time well spent. It allows to me to not only get all of the essential information, but also answer any questions my client might have right then and there. ” Tim appreciates that many borrowers, particularly Millennials, prefer to conduct business using technology rather than in facetoface meetings. “I’m always willing to communicate in the client’s and REALTOR’S® preferred method. If a person is comfortable, that allows me to engage and communicate effectively with everyone involved. I don’t want people just signing paperwork. I want to make sure that they fully comprehend what they’re signing. Open communication is key, and if someone responds better to one method over the other, then that is what I am going to use. I want them to know that I am accessible and that I work for them.” “The mortgage business can be extremely rewarding work for people who are in it for the right reasons,” says Tim. The fulfillment, he adds, goes far beyond a paycheck “Ultimately, I enjoy helping people achieve home ownership and I am proud that I’ve built an excellent reputation for myself and my business. I am driven to being a reliable person that borrowers and REALTORS® can trust. Tim is often heard saying, “I’m on it!” and that’s because he is. “People like working with me because they know I’m a bit of a workaholic! I love what I do. It is not unusual to receive email responses from me at 2:00 am, and I know that makes people wonder if I sleep at all.” All joking aside, he says that he goes to extremes because he cares. Although it may sound like he works 24/7, Tim makes sure to spend time with his family and friends enjoying the great outdoors in Colorado. “My wife Krista and I enjoy taking trips to the mountains with our 3 children to ski, hike and explore all the amazing activities and sports that Colorado has to offer. In addition to spending time with family, Tim also feels that it is important to give back to his community. “I try to get out there and go to the fundraisers and support causes such as The Golden Eagles (a hockey team for children with special needs) and C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocates) a group that advocates for abused and neglected children,” he says. “It’s a busy life but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” To learn more about Tim Weber and M2 Lending Solutions, visit http://www.M2Lending.com email Tim@M2Lending.com or call 720.529.1880 x20 (direct) or 720.394.1653 (mobile)

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