Today I met with clients “virtually” via Zoom from the comforts of their home for a mortgage consultation. They’re getting ready to tour homes later today with their real estate agent and wanted to be prepared for what their options are in the event they find their next home. We discussed their preapproval and different strategies for homes they’re considering. [Read more…]
Here to help you on the weekends!
May 31, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Celebrating my 25 Years in the Mortgage Industry
April 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
25 years ago, I left my career in the title and escrow career to become a mortgage loan officer. I announced it on April fools day to the real estate agents that I was no longer going to be their title rep and that I was making the move to the mortgage side. Many were shocked as I had been in the title industry for 14 years and was pretty established. It was a big move! [Read more…]
It’s official! Mortgage Master Service Corporation on the radio
September 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment
You may have noticed hearing “Mortgage Master Service Corporation” mentioned on the radio lately. This is because Mortgage Master Service Corporation has recently welcomed Laura Kiel (MLO54744) and family to join our company. Not only do they advertise on the radio, her team also host weekly radio shows. I’m still surprised when I listen to the radio and hear an ad that mentions our company name. [Read more…]
Washington Association of Mortgage Professionals honors the “Best of the Best” Tonight
October 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Tonight the Washington Association of Mortgage Professional is celebrating their 25th anniversary with a formal awards gala recognizing individuals and companies who have been nominated by their peers as being the best in Washington.
I am honored to be one of four finalist for Outstanding Mortgage Originator and that my employer, Mortgage Master Service Company is one of three mortgage companies in the state being recognized as an Outstanding Retail Lender. Mortgage Master Service Corporation is owned and managed by my in-laws, so I’ll be attending tonight’s event with my sister-in-law and President of Mortgage Master Service Corporation, Marilyn Porter. The family affair continues as we’ll be sitting at my sister’s table, Nicole Christy, who’s an Account Executive for Kinecta Credit Union.
It’s going to be a special evening regardless of who leaves the event with an award.
WAMP’s Leadership Awards Gala begins tonight at 6:00 pm at the Renaissance Hotel in Seattle. More info here.
UPDATE: Mortgage Master Service Corporation WON!
Am I the Worst “Sales Person” in the World?
August 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I'm not a sales person. I never really have been. I will not cold call or push my business cards onto strangers, friends or family. I will not manipulate numbers or show fancy charts to pressure someone into a mortgage "right now". Hearing the word "leads" makes me cringe.
I used to debate Jillayne Schlicke over on old Rain City Guide posts whenever she would insinuate that I, and all mortgage originators, were sales people. I hate to admit, she's technically correct. We are "mortgage originators" and are paid to "originate mortgages". Pretty simple.
I prefer to view myself as someone who helps people make informed decisions about the financing of their home. My job, once someone decides to have me help them with their mortgage, is to guide them through the entire process. My goal is to have my clients have all of their mortgage questions answered BEFORE they're at the signing appointment. I think I feel strongly about this because of my years managing an escrow branch…a borrower should understand the terms of the mortgage before closing.I stay involved with my clients throughout the transaction. They're not pushed off to a coordinator or assistant so that I can focus on getting "more deals". Hopefully, if my clients are pleased with the level of service I provide them, they'll remember me when someone they know is considering buying a home or refinancing.
This is probably why I'm so passionate about blogging. I can help provide information to my readers and I'm fortunate that many of those who are buying or refinancing in Washington select me to be their mortgage originator. My business consists of those who find me from my social media efforts, returning clients and referrals from my clients, real estate professionals and financial advisers.
Yes, I originate mortgages but I won't "sell" you on one. I will provide you with a competitive rate and be dedicated to the successful closing of your transaction.
Gas Buddy may be my new Best Friend!
March 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment
One of my current favorite aps for my Droid has got to be Gas Buddy. Gas Buddy allows me to find the cheapest gas by grade in any area. It confirms that when I'm filling up in my neighborhood of West Seattle, that I'm not paying more than I need to. Gas Buddy helps me when I'm trying to find a gas station that won't ping my wallet more than it needs to.
Let's face it, gas is getting very expensive! Gas Buddy's heat map shows some scorching prices in various Seattle and Bellevue neighborhoods.
Here's some good news, you don't need to have a "smart phone" to use Gas Buddy. You can also find out who has the best deals by visiting their site online at www.gasbuddy.com.
We all need to do what we can to save money! What are some of your favorite tips?
The Mortgage Porter: Comment Policy
March 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Every so often, I start writing a formal comment policy and it seems to wind up on the back burner. A few years ago, I decided to have comments approved before being published on Mortgage Porter due to some very spammy, self-promotional comments that mortgage lenders were leaving. I welcome comments on my blog…but I will not tolerate spam, self-promotional comments or anything vulgar.
I reserve the right to edit comments if needed…typically this would be removing self-promotional. You do not need to add your url or titles–please use the links provided in your signature line of the comment for that. I may be adding advertising to this blog in the future and if you're interested in paying me to promote yourself, let me know.
I reserve the right to delete comments that are pure spam and that add no value to the conversation or that are vulgar.
In addition, as everything on this blog is my content, I will not tolerate plagiarism. If you wish to refer to my content or use an excerpt from one of my post, I'm flattered, just do so with a link back and proper credit to me. This blog and all content (text, photos, videos, etc.) is protected by US Copyright.
I've been writing Mortgage Porter since late 2006 and it's become a wonderful way for me to connect with readers and to work with new clients who are seeking a mortgage for a home in Washington State.
Bottom line, I would love for this blog to be a place for discussion and conversation. If you have questions, please contact me.
Be nice and we'll all get along.
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