We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Marva Brewington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Marva, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
My business, Vision-4-Life, in partnership with Capital Federal Credit Union, is dedicated to helping underserved communities achieve the dream of homeownership.
In the past, many minority communities, especially African Americans, were denied the chance to own homes due to a practice known as redlining. This discriminatory practice meant people were refused mortgages simply because of where they lived, creating huge barriers to building wealth and securing a stable future.
Homeownership is about more than just having a place to live. It’s about creating stability, building wealth, and having something to pass down to future generations. When people are denied this opportunity, it affects not only their financial well-being but also their sense of security and belonging.
At Vision-4-Life, we’re working to change this. We focus on making homeownership more accessible to those who have been historically marginalized. We offer mortgage products and financial education tailored to the needs of these communities.
One story that stands out to me is about an older lady in her 60s who recently closed on her first home loan. She had always dreamed of owning a home for herself and her disabled daughter, but she struggled with credit issues, lower income, and finances. Despite these challenges, she never gave up hope.
When she came to me, I took the time to understand her situation and worked closely with her to point her in the right direction to help remediate her credit and navigate the mortgage process. After years of renting and feeling like homeownership was out of reach, she was finally able to purchase her first home. The joy she experienced was truly unforgettable. For her and her daughter, this wasn’t just about buying a house; it was about finding stability and a place they could truly call their own.
As a Mortgage Loan Officer, I see these barriers firsthand, and my passion is to break them down and open up pathways to homeownership for everyone, regardless of their background. Each success story fuels my commitment to this mission and reminds me why my work is so important.
Through Vision-4-Life and our partnership with Capital Federal Credit Union, we’re not just providing loans; we’re offering hope, stability, and opportunity to communities that need it the most.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Above all, I am a child of God, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. These roles are the heart of who I am and what I’m most passionate about. Professionally, I’ve been an educator for over 20 years, and my passion for education and helping others learn has been a constant throughout my life.
When I discovered a business opportunity to become a federal Mortgage Loan Officer, I was immediately drawn to it. The idea of helping families across the country become homeowners, especially in underserved communities, was a no-brainer for me. It felt like the perfect way to merge my passion in my day job as an educator with a new field where I could make a significant impact.
Through my business, Vision-4-Life, in partnership with Capital Federal Credit Union, I get to help individuals and families achieve the American dream of homeownership. We offer a wide range of loan products to meet the diverse needs of our clients, including FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible, Home Equity loans, Refinance options, and Non-QM loans, just to name a few.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities. Historically, many people have been denied the opportunity to own homes. At Vision-4-Life, we are dedicated to breaking down these barriers and providing pathways to homeownership for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has the chance to achieve the American dream of homeownership, and we tirelessly work to make this a reality for those who have been historically marginalized.
What I’m most proud of is being able to help people who have faced numerous obstacles achieve their dream of owning a home. At the end of the day, it’s this mission that drives my passion and commitment to this work. I want potential clients and followers to know that Vision-4-Life is not just about providing loans; it’s about offering hope, stability, and opportunity. We’re here to support you every step of the way and to help you achieve your homeownership dreams, no matter where you started.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and genuine engagement. From the beginning, I knew that to reach and serve underserved communities effectively, I needed to establish a strong online presence.
Consistency in Marketing:
One of the key factors in building my audience has been consistent marketing. I made it a priority to post regularly, sharing valuable content about homeownership, financial literacy, and success stories from my clients. Consistency not only helps in keeping your audience engaged but also builds trust over time. People start to look forward to your posts and see you as a reliable source of information.
Authentic Engagement:
Engaging with my audience has been just as important as the content itself. Responding to comments, answering questions, and even reaching out to followers directly has helped create a sense of community. People appreciate when they feel heard and valued, and this has significantly contributed to the growth of my audience.
Valuable Content:
Providing content that is genuinely helpful and informative has been a cornerstone of my social media strategy. Whether it’s tips on improving credit scores, explaining different loan products, or sharing inspirational stories of clients achieving their homeownership dreams, my goal is to offer real value to my followers.
Advice to Beginners:
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple:
Be Consistent: Regular posting is crucial. It keeps you on your audience’s radar and helps build momentum.
Be Authentic: Show your genuine self. People connect more with real stories and honest interactions.
Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just post and disappear. Engage with your followers, respond to their comments, and make them feel heard.
Provide Value: Focus on creating content that is informative, helpful, and relevant to your audience. This will keep them coming back for more.
Building a social media audience takes time and effort, but with consistency and genuine engagement, it can become a powerful tool for connecting with and serving your community. Through Vision-4-Life, I strive to make a positive impact, and social media has been an invaluable platform in achieving that goal.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One important lesson I’m still learning is to not go into a client relationship with set expectations of the outcome. This realization has come from my ongoing experiences working with various clients.
Initially, I used to have a certain set of expectations when starting a relationship with a new client. I would anticipate how things should go and what the outcomes should be. However, I’ve come to understand that this approach isn’t always effective. Each client brings their own unique story, challenges, and past experiences that they may or may not fully share.
I’ve noticed that their reactions and conversations are often influenced by factors that I might not be aware of. These unknown factors from their past experiences shape how they interact and respond. For instance, a client might be hesitant or skeptical not because of anything I’ve done, but because of previous negative experiences they’ve had.
By working on letting go of my expectations and approaching each client relationship with an open mind, I’m learning to better understand and meet their needs. It’s about being present, listening actively, and being adaptable to their individual circumstances.
This lesson is an ongoing journey for me. It’s teaching me the importance of empathy, patience, and flexibility. Every client is different, and by acknowledging and respecting their unique journeys, I aim to provide better support and build stronger, more trusting relationships. It’s a continuous process, and I’m committed to growing and improving in this area every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vision4lives.com
- Facebook: @DrMarva Brewington
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarvabrewington/
