The Oakleaf Group, a mortgage consulting firm, announced that Michael Ehms has joined the company as Managing Director of Business Development. In his new position, Ehms will work on business development for Oakleaf’s Mortgage Services teams. “I’m incredibly excited to join the Oakleaf executive team,” he said. “Oakleaf’s expertise and capabilities combine to create the perfect opportunity for market solutions to support all aspects of our clients’ needs. I’m thrilled to add my experience and knowledge to the team and help take Oakleaf to the next level.” Ehms brings more than two decades of financial services and industry sales experience to the role. Throughout his career, he worked in the mortgage transaction services industry, vendor-related product support, and end-to-end fulfillment.…
Jim Janczy joined NewFed Mortgage as EVP-Chief Production Officer, the company announced in a press release. In his new role, Janczy will be responsible for NewFed’s sales and marketing. He is known for success in startups and building territories, as well as client service that leads to long-term, trust-based relationships. Janczy has received several “Top Producer” awards, and “has earned an impressive loyal following of clients along with a vast network of professional relationships,” the release noted. Janczy brings more than two decades of experience to the position. His most recent role was at Home Point Financial, and his previous experience includes Wells Fargo and Envoy Mortgage. “We are extremely excited to have Jim as part of our company growth…
Nations Lending has opened a new branch in Summerville, South Carolina, the company announced. Hunter Jackson will head the branch, servicing borrowers in Summerville and the Greater Charleston region. “The people at Nations and the commitment the company makes to employees’ success are the biggest reasons I joined,” said Jackson. “The company culture is second-to-none and I’m excited to make a splash. It’s amazing the ways that they support the relationship with real estate agents. I can’t wait to show my referral partners the great new things that I now have to offer!” Jackson has sixteen years of real estate experience across the spectrum of homebuying, having worked as a lender, manager, and realtor. He specializes in VA loans. His…
A new Motto Mortgage Affiliated office has opened in Libertyville, Illinois, the company announced. Motto Mortgage Affiliated is located outside of Chicago and serves all markets in that metropolitan area. The brokerage was established by Michael and Amy Kite. They bring nearly two decades of real estate experience to the business. “Motto Mortgage Affiliated offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Chicagoland,” said Michael Kite. “We provide the scope, scale, and support of a large retail lender while offering the flexibility, autonomy, and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market.” Desmond Lawe, an industry veteran with ten years of experience,…
Dustin Wells has been named Co-President of Stronghill Capital as it expands into residential lending, the company announced in a press release. Wells, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, will head a new executive team focused on expanding Stronghill’s business from commercial into the non-QM, non-agency jumbo, and investor residential spaces. His leadership experience includes many executive-level roles, including COO at Wesley Mortgage, Head of Lending at Knock, and EVP, Mortgage Director at Keystone Bank. “We have a clear purpose as we grow into the Non-QM space and I look forward to bringing depth to Stronghill’s market presence at the residential level with this dynamic leadership team,” said Wells. “This crossover empowers our industry partners by…
First Home Mortgage is launching a rate discount program for first-time homebuyers, the company announced in a press release. The program, First Home Advantage, gives eligible first-time homeowners access to lower interest rates. “We are excited to provide such a timely program,” said First Home Mortgage founder and CEO David Waters. “The First Home Advantage program levels the playing field for those who may have been overlooked in the past due to credit score issues.” Eligibility is based on annual income and geography, with different income limits in different areas. Borrowers in high-cost regions could be eligible with incomes as high as $168,600 a year. First Home says it created the program because more than 40% of loans it originated…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS Leaders at Guild Mortgage have partnered with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The association is dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership for the Hispanic community in America with a network of over 40,000 professional members and 100 local chapters nationwide. Jorge Montoya, a branch manager at Guild in Reno, Nevada, recently sat down with The Mortgage Note. He said the key to improving Hispanic home ownership is education. “We’ve really focused on educating the Latino clientele about it’s not just getting a mortgage, but it’s getting a mortgage with a plan, and what is that plan? Is this going to be a forever plan? Is this…
Both Movement Mortgage and Homepoint introduced new, speed-focused home equity products as homeowners continue to seek out ways to access cash without compromising their mortgage rates. Homepoint, a wholesale lender, launched a new, 100% digital HELOC in 38 states and Washington, D.C., available through its mortgage broker partners. The company said it will expand to more states within months. Its HELOC requires “minimal uploading of income and asset documents” and, in some cases, may provide same-day approval and funding within five business days. It lets borrowers access $20k to $400k of their home’s equity as a line of credit with either a 5-, 10-, 15-, or 30- year term and 2- to 5-year draw terms. They maintain at least 15%…
Ravi Shankar has joined Freddie Mac as senior VP and head of Single-Family Portfolio and Servicing, the GSE announced in a press release. Shankar is returning to Freddie Mac, having served as an executive for the GSE from 2013 to 2019. In that period, he served as SVP for Single-Family Portfolio Management and deputy head of Investments and Capital Markets, respectively. He is a member of the company’s senior operating committee and reports to its president, Mike Hutchins. “Ravi Shankar brings substantial experience to the company as a respected financial services leader, portfolio manager, and Freddie Mac alum. I am pleased to welcome him back to the company,” said Mike Hutchins, President of Freddie Mac. “I look forward to working…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS Leaders at Lenders One Cooperative are planning to open branch locations at select Walmart stores in seven states. The company, established in 2000, is a national alliance of independent mortgage bankers, banks, and credit unions managed by a subsidiary of Altisource Portfolio Solutions. President Justin Demola said in a recent interview with The Mortgage Note that opening branches inside Walmart stores makes sense for their members and customers who will have access to lending services in the same place they shop. “Walmart is an interesting opportunity for us and our members,” Demola said. “The timing has lined up nicely. This project started almost two years ago when the mortgage market was buzzing. Interest rates were super low…
