Today we’d like to introduce you to Howie Coleman.
Hi Howie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been in the mortgage business for 34 years. During the early part of my career, I went from Loan Officer, to Sales Manger, to Vice President, to Branch President in 4 years. I ran the largest branch of our company at the time, and trained and managed loan officers, as well as managing the processing and other aspects of the company. This is invaluable experience for a Loan Officer to have. When in charge of other loan officers, I always had to have advanced knowledge of all programs so I could quickly provide assistance for the sales staff. I have always spent extra time taking specialized training in all areas whenever it was available, believing that knowledge is power, and I could better serve my clients if I were an expert it various programs.
Today I am a Mortgage Specialist and concentrate on providing the best service in the industry to my clients. I have always been known for having the skills and knowledge to get tougher loans done, and for spending as much time as necessary getting a client ready for home ownership. I am a “Certified Expert” in both VA and USDA loans.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If you have been in the real estate industry for any length of time, you’ll know it’s not a “smooth road.” The real estate market has always been a series of peaks and valleys. I survived the “mortgage crisis” years (2008-2013) when over 80% of the loan officers got out of the business. Then made it through the complete opposite type of market in 2021 and 2022 when you had more business than you could handle. The one thing I”m most proud of, is that my service level, and ours as a company, was just as great during the overwhelming business levels of 21-22, as it was when we were slow. Most lenders refused to staff for that business and many loan officers intentionally let clients go. During that time, I still spend hours and hours of my time helping people who weren’t even ready to buy a home, taking the time to prepare, educate and guide them towards being ready to own a home. And, to do that while closing unprecedented levels of business, and close all loans on time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As previously mentioned, I am a Certified Expert at VA and USDA loans. I believe our veterans deserve a better loan than anyone else, and HUD has provided that with the VA mortgage loan. But I also believe they deserve the best SERVICE while doing that VA loan. Many of the big banks and even the so called “veteran specialists” companies do not have expert loan officers or great service. I make absolutely certain that my veteran clients are getting the absolute best service, the most knowledgeable Mortgage Specialist, and the best experience. In 2023, HALF of the VA loans I closed were previously turned down by a company claiming to be a veteran focused lender!
I also specialize in USDA loans and this most often benefits first time buyers. I have buyers I’ve worked with as long as 5 years to get them ready to buy their first home, preparing, educating, working on credit, explaining budgeting and all the other factors needed to get them both qualified, and prepared to be successful homeowners.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Family vacations at Lake Cumberland! Many trips there, but boating and camping with the family were always the highlight of our summers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.callequitymortgages.com/howie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowieColemanMortgages/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howie-coleman/
