The Beginning...

Why a Blog?

As a mortgage broker, I study the mortgage market and in turn, the bond market. My clients and business contacts can benefit from the research I do, and a blog is a logical way to spread the information!

How Are You Qualified to Provide This Information?

My professional career began when I practiced law. I worked in house for a Fortune 500 company, addressing corporate compliance and ethics issues. My responsibilites included tracking legislation impacting publicly traded companies, and subsequently assessing needs and implementing practices and controls to ensure compliance.

While practicing law, I started a real estate business, and began investing in rental properties. My first purchase was a duplex in 2002, and I have since added properties at a measured pace.

After practicing corporate law for several years, I decided that it was time to follow my passion: Real estate and finance. I made a transition into the mortgage world, and haven't looked back, as I now spend my days helping my clients achieve their dreams. I am now a mortgage broker, and am proud to be part of KLM Mortgage Group Inc., based in Wauwatosa Wisconsin.

What Services Do You Provide?

As a mortgage broker, I work on behalf of my clients to find the best mortgage product available to them. My mortgage practice focuses on three areas: first time home buyers, divorce and mortgage planning, and investors.

First Time Home Buyers

I'm amazed when I meet with a client who is a repeat home buyer or a refinance customer. Why? Because frequently, they don't know what type of mortgage they have, and if it is not an A Paper product (meaning the best available at the time), why they didn't qualify for A Paper. When I meet with my first time home buyer clients, I get to know them. I want to help them define what success means to them. Is it owning a home free and clear in XX years? To have a low mortgage payment so they can aggressively invest in the stock market? To own a home now as they continue paying off credit card debt? I take time to educate a first time home buyer on how credit works, and how the mortgage process works. By taking the time to get to know first time clients, I have found that I am priviledged to have long relationships with clients, and we stay in touch over the years. It's not uncommon for a client to call me to ask for a reference for a contractor when their home needs work, or for recommendations for other finance professionals who can help them obtain their financial goals. I enjoy working with first time home buyers, as I love their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Divorce and Mortgage Planning

Along with my colleagues at KLM, I have worked to develop a process to help people who are going through a divorce. While children are the most important consideration for a divorcing couple, the homestead also very important. We work with each divorce client to do an honest assessment of their financial position, and discuss priorities in housing for after the divorce. By examining budgets and priorities, I have found that divorce clients can put a plan in place to maximize the value of their housing dollar. My background as an attorney allows me to work with the attorneys who represent my divorce clients in the divorce proceeding. By assessing mortgage options early in the divorce process, I work to lower the amount of stress involved in transitioning to a new life as a single person.

Investors

As a real estate investor, I have networked with many other investors. My goal with these clients is simple: I want to help them grow their rental business. By providing high quality service and closing purchases on time, I have helped investors grow their business, whether it be purchasing their first or tenth property. My investor clients grow to be friends, as we may find each other at the closing table together several times a year.

Stick Around!

Please watch this site, as it will evolve to become a one stop information center for anyone who is in the market for a mortgage, or is involved in a related industry. I welcome your comments and feedback, and look forward to you visiting my blog again soon!