Speed Plus
Quality Equals Mortgage Express
- Principal Broker
April 2007
By: Heather Strang
In an industry that’s constantly changing, an efficient and
productive mortgage company is invaluable. Mortgage Express was
founded in September 1999 to offer exactly that. Their focus is
lightening speed mortgage transactions, coupled with quality
service.
"We’re a privately held company, so we’re very competitive," says Allan Mohr, mortgage consultant at the Portland office. "The focus is always customer first. If our in-house bank doesn’t have it, we'll go the extra mile to find the best product for our customers." Over 50 percent of Mortgage Express loans are funded by their in-house bank. They underwrite, fund and fully complete the loan process, often within one week's time. The goal is to offer a streamlined and seamless process for both the Realtor and customer.
"It’s a no-brainer," says Mohr. "Owner Kevin Hancock has created an in-house bank that’s viable, aggressive and a staff that can connect the dots in an efficient and quick manner." A powerful element of their process is the ability to begin a mortgage transaction on a Monday and within the same week have customers signing loan documents. Mortgage Express is determined to consistently "wow!" realtors and customers with their swift turnaround and effective process.
"I’m within 30 feet of my underwriter, funder and doc drawer," says Mohr. "There’s no phone tag. We are very hands-on and it’s a close knit group."
Mortgage Express also offers Realtors an excellent tracking resource that assists the lending process. Weekly Status Reports are sent each week to both realtors and customers via email. The purpose of the report is to provide updated loan details, such as; appraisal results, estimated closing dates and when the loan has funded. This way, the customer and realtor know exactly where the loan stands. It also protects the realtor and customer from any surprises.
"Realtors love to use us," says Scott Munds, mortgage consultant for the Sunset branch. "We have low fees and costs, we’re easy to reach, we have online applications and they can call us 24/7. Our in-house bank allows us to provide customized, one-on-one service and to turn transactions around in a matter of days. We have everything a big bank has, but with faster turnaround and great service."
These "low fees and costs" mean customers have more money to spend on their home, instead of drowning in exorbitant closing costs. In addition, all mortgage consultants are accessible on nights and weekends to both customers and realtors. This "24/7" policy isn't something all mortgage companies practice. However, flexibility and accessibility are important elements in the mortgage process for Mortgage Express.
"We understand that most real estate transactions are not done Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm," says Owner and Mortgage Consultant, Kevin Hancock. "We work hard to always be accessible to our Realtors."
With over 100 employees and three locations, Mortgage Express is continuing to grow. Employing top notch talent is imperative to Hancock. A number of Mortgage Express employees worked with him previously at Mortgage Market and were thrilled when he started Mortgage Express. "I was excited to work with Kevin again. We wanted to create a company that did things right by going back to what truly makes a mortgage business successful," says Munds.
That success has resulted in increasing the number of high-quality mortgage consultants within the last year. Hancock knows that excellent employees translate into solid business relationships with Realtors and satisfied customers. "Kevin has surrounded himself with key employees who are experienced and understand what it takes to get business done from start to finish. Mortgage consultants are in an environment where they set up to succeed," says Mohr.
"I'm surrounded by people who know the ins and outs of the industry," says Munds. "We have a superb network of top-producing brokers. Successful people rub off on you." Mortgage Consultants also have the freedom they need to run their own business, without the confines of being micro-managed. Hancock himself, while the owner of Mortgage Express, continues to originate loans, working as a mortgage consultant. "My decisions as the owner are made also as a consultant. I know what its like want to provide my employees with an experience that benefits both parties," says Hancock.
The combination of a fun, collaborative work environment with the competitive edge of an in-house bank provides a mortgage consultant with the best of both worlds. "Bottom line - this is a great place to work. The compensation plan is excellent. I love the people I work with, they're like family. Not to mention, our offices are centrally located, so we can meet customers and Realtors where it's convenient for them," says Munds.
A professional, resourceful and supportive group of employees also means helping one another out when needed. "We can send out email to all of the consultants if we need help structuring a loan. It really expedites the process and new consultants aren't forced to constantly reinvent the wheel," says Laurie Hansen, mortgage consultant at the Vancouver branch.
This non-corporate, team approach lends itself to a great working environment. And it’s exactly what Hancock set out to create. "It makes you want to come to work everyday and do your best," says Hansen
To find out more about Mortgage Express, email Marketing Director, Peter Seeley at: info@mtgxps.com
