By Alena Kairys
Sep 6, 2022Purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your life, and you shouldn’t entrust that task to just any lender. You want to be sure there are real, caring people working on your loan application who know what to do. With September being National Mortgage Professional Month, we’re taking a special inside look at a few of the amazing people who make mortgages happen at NFM Lending.
Danny Allbritton, Loan Originator, NMLS#1618459
Introduce yourself and what you do at NFM.
Hello! My name is Danny Allbritton, and I have been at NFM now for about six years now. I am a Mortgage Loan Originator located in Columbus, OH, and I am currently licensed to originate mortgage loans in Ohio and Maryland and am looking to expand to many other states soon!
What does your average day look like?
My average day consists of prioritizing all of my tasks to fit in a day. I start my day about 4-5 times a week at 4:15 am to workout at 5:00 am. Doing this has really helped me mentally prepare for what each day will throw at me. Being in sales, you can only plan your day so much before multiple impromptu events happen. I make a to-do list each night so I know what my priorities are for the next day. When I get to the office, I review my list and prepare for any meetings I have for that day. I will call new clients in the morning, as well as touch base with all my real estate partners to provide them with updates on any communication I have had with their clients. My number one job is to help more families get into their homes while alleviating as much stress as possible. Whether that be a first-time homebuyer or a repeat buyer, it brings me joy to assist in the financing process for them. On a daily basis, communication is my number one priority for my clients and real estate partners. I average 3-4 hours per day on the phone to keep everyone updated and on the same page and to keep the ball rolling.
Matt Beard, Processor
Introduce yourself and what you do at NFM.
My name is Matt Beard, but all my work colleagues call me Matty. I started with NFM in 2016, with no mortgage or office experience. I was hired as a Junior Processor, which is a great entry level position for anyone looking to start a career in the mortgage industry.
I was extremely fortunate I had the opportunity to learn from 2 of the smartest people I know in the mortgage industry, my branch’s Sales Team Lead and Operations Manager. They are both a wealth of knowledge, and truly great people. Having great mentors really help to expedite my career growth, and I was promoted to Processor about 8 months after joining the team. Each branch has a different workflow, but for my particular branch, all the processors are contract to close. So once the contract comes over and the application is executed, we manage the file all the way through closing.
What does your average day look like?
I start my day by reviewing my top 5 priorities list, which I write down the day prior. We work in a very fast-paced environment, so it’s important to manage your priorities because new issues are always popping up, and it’s very easy for the day to get away from you. I then clear my new emails/voicemails from the day prior, which is typically in the range of 40+ emails. Not all of those will require a return action, but it’s important to get them cleared early because we want to make sure we reply to clients in a timely manner. Not to mention there’s a whole lot of new emails on the way.
Next, I like to concentrate on my approved loans so I can work on getting them back in to my Underwriter for the clear-to-close (CTC). The Underwriter’s SLA (Service Level Agreement) turn times have a 4pm cut-off, so I really like to get all my resubmissions in prior to 4pm so I no they will be reviewed the following day for CTC. I spend the last couple hours of the day working on new submissions. It’s typically a bit quieter and there are fewer interruptions, so it’s easier for me to properly review new loan files. I cannot speak for any other lenders, but for the processing position at my branch, we take the time to pre-underwrite the loan file before we submit to our Underwriting department.
NFM truly cares about each and every client. We want to put you in the best financial position possible and get you into your dream home, perfect second home, or great investment property. We are going to answer the phone when you call, and we take pride in thoroughly explaining the process and the “why” behind our documentation requests. If something comes up during the loan process and we run into a guideline issue that we cannot find a workaround on, we will help you find another lender that has more flexibility and can get you approved! We never want to lose a deal, but the most important thing is to make sure the customer is happy and that we are providing a WOW service to our clients and referral partners.
Vanita Singh, Underwriter
Introduce yourself and what you do at NFM.
I am a Level 1 Conventional Underwriter working remotely for NFM for the past year. I was in the mortgage industry many years ago as a processor and underwriter assistant. I left the business after the market crash in 2007. I spent the next few years working in risk management for an online bank and then took some time off to be a stay-at-home mom to my two boys.
What does your average day look like?
My typical workday includes reviewing at least two new loans for conditional approval. The review includes evaluating credit history, income documents, and assets. In that review, I am looking to see that the loan applicant is financially responsible and has the ability to repay the mortgage loan. I look for discrepancies or possible misrepresentation of facts. I spend some time researching information and then requesting explanations from the borrowers via their mortgage processors.
Many cases involve reading and interpreting guidelines to ensure the final approval is allowable under the rules set in place. Some situations that fall into a gray area need to be brought to senior underwriters and managers to come up with an out-of-the-box solution.
During the course of the day, I also respond to emails from processors, closers, and team leads to make sure loans get closed and funded in a timely manner. The remainder of the time is spent reviewing conditions on approved loans such as property appraisals, title work, explanations for discrepancies, additional assets, and income.
Sarah Rogers, Closer II
Introduce yourself and what you do at NFM.
My name is Sarah Rogers, and I am a Closer with NFM Core. I have been in the finance industry for 14 years, of which the past six have been in the mortgage industry as a Closer.
What does your average day look like?
On an average day, I receive multiple communications on loans, inclusive of notification a loan is clear-to-close and ready to finalize. I review each file to ensure accuracy by reviewing data, conditions, and figures to insure we have all items needed before closing. I communicate with the title company to complete the final numbers and review that we are meeting program guidelines, as well as state and federal regulations. Once NFM balances with title and agrees on the final numbers, the closing disclosure is sent to the branch for their review and approval. Once this final step is complete, the closing package is prepared and sent to the title company.
These are just some of the passionate, friendly, and hard-working people who make up NFM Lending. Throughout our many branch locations and at our corporate headquarters, there are numerous people essential to the mortgage process who care about the needs of borrowers. We hope this glimpse into the daily life these mortgage professionals has demystified what happens behind the scenes and shown how NFM strives to create a personable mortgage experience.
If you have questions about becoming a homeowner, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you’re ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!
These blogs are for informational purposes only. Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-to-Income and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. Should you have any questions about the information provided, please contact us.