Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maureen Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In 1998, I was introduced to the business by my best friend, who encouraged me to join her on her journey to become a loan officer. Ironically, despite my brother and sister both being loan officers, I had never explored the profession until then. It wasn’t until my mom pointed it out that I realized it was the same career path my siblings had taken.

Entering the field was a challenge, especially coming from a background in Psychology. While a math driven business wasn’t my first choice for a career, my ability to work with people was definitely a strength of mine. I started by selling second mortgages and later transitioned to first mortgages as interest rates began to drop. Despite the industry being predominantly male at the time, I was highly motivated and determined to succeed.

It intrigued me that women in the office were typically in operations roles, while men dominated sales. Although I didn’t fully grasp the dynamics back then, I’m proud to share that, after 25 years in the business, now with my current company, the top three loan officers are all women. Times have indeed changed.

What sets me apart from my competitors is my genuine care for my clients. Perhaps I care ‘too much,’ if that’s even possible. Throughout every step of a transaction, I maintain a laser focus on the details. I’m meticulous in setting realistic expectations for my clients and strive to anticipate any challenges that may arise, ensuring minimal to no surprises along the way. The home-buying process can be daunting, especially for first-time buyers, making care and precision crucial for a positive customer experience.

One of my proudest achievements over the last 25 years of my career is the positive impact I’ve had on thousands of people. Few individuals can claim to have made such a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and it brings me immense pride. My genuine enjoyment of my job is reflected in my personality and the way I collaborate closely with my clients.

The proof of my success is evident in the consistent return of clients, a testament to the trust they place in my services. A particularly rewarding aspect is when I begin working with the next generation of a client’s family. It’s truly fulfilling to contribute to the creation of generational wealth for families. Knowing that I’ve played a part in shaping their financial future is incredibly satisfying and adds another layer of meaning to my work.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Adaptability is a way of life in this business. When I initially entered the industry, I began selling second mortgages due to soaring interest rates. As the market evolved, I transitioned to a popular loan program called a negative amortization loan, which was all the rage in the early 2000s. As the popularity of those loans diminished, I shifted towards adjustable rate loans and developed expertise in Reverse Mortgages for seniors over the age of 62.

The landscape took a significant turn in 2008 with the mortgage crash, prompting me to pivot once again. I honed my skills in traditional financing, specializing in Agency Loans such as conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo financing. Recognizing the changing dynamics, I strategically expanded my business into the purchase market as refinances began to decline. This ability to adapt to market shifts has been crucial in navigating the dynamic and ever-changing mortgage landscape.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I strongly believe that referrals are the best source of new clients and agents. Providing excellent service at a fair price creates a foundation of trust that is hard to beat. At one of my previous companies where I had worked many years back, there was a strong emphasis on the ‘high trust sale,’ a concept that didn’t align with my values. as it emphasized in getting into the hearts and minds of the clients so that one could offer any rate available aka, a higher rate. The margins at that company were high, and the company expected that we pass those margins on to the clients, which didn’t sit well with me. I’ve always approached my business with the belief that honesty and quality service speak for themselves. There’s no need for tricks or deception; genuine care, quality service, and fair pricing are the keys to success. Needless to say I didn’t stay very long at that company once I was onto their strategy! ;)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sandiegohomelender.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lendingbalance/reviews
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maureen-martin-san-diego-4
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-US&gl=us&q=Maureen+Martin,+2878+Camino+del+Rio+S+UNIT+402,+San+Diego,+CA+92108&ludocid=16824122314408091412&lsig=AB86z5XN2062EDO3KSFrNQv0p4l9#lrd=0x80dc019ad0e23575:0xe97b4a1b60045f14,1

Image Credits
I have permission on all photos uploaded. I either paid for them myself or got permission from the clients directly when they were taken.