Thank you.

As many of you already know, I have been in this crazy business since 1986.  A little background.  In December, 1994, I had the opportunity to buy the company where I was then employed, which was Consolidated Mortgage.  I closed on the sale May of 1995.  Back then it was just me.  Originating.  Processing.  Closing.  Advertising.  Paying the bills.  You name it.  I incorporated in 1999.  I built the Company up, little by little, to the point where I had four loan officers and a processor.  I have been through many cycles of ups and downs through the years, but the mortgage business took a terrible turn for the worse in the beginning of 2007, and it further deteriorated in July.  Those "exotic" loan products and too loose underwriting came back to haunt the entire mortgage industry.  Wall Street and other investors lost their appetite for low grade high coupon mortgage backed securities and similar investment vehicles amid rising delinquency rates.  It also affected the "A" lenders.  The "mortgage meltdown" had begun.  Consolidated had 14 investors that we worked with.  Some really Big Players.  Bank of America Wholesale.  Greenpoint.  First National Bank of Arizona. Charter One.  Option One.   New Century.  BNC Mortgage.  Decision One.  Saxon.  Fremont.  Dollar.   And more.  Within 12 months, 10 of 14 either closed up completely or exited the wholesale business.  Those left tightened their lending guidelines to a point where what once were "slam dunk" common sense loans a year prior were impossible to get approved. 

After several months of me interviewing mortgage companies for prospective employment I decided early this year to accept an offer from Countrywide Home Loans as a Home Loan Consultant (an originator), and officially started with them in my new capacity  April 1, 2008.  Countrywide is the industry leader in mortgages, and they offer a vast array of products that I just did not have access to after my 10 investors closed.  I am proud to be associated with Countrywide, and will continue to provide the level of service that my customers have come to expect.  With the recent acquisition of Countrywide by Bank of America, in my opinion things will only get better.  Bank of America was my favorite wholesale mortgage lender, #1.  Having two giants join forces in any business is a good thing, but it is especially good in this mortgage marketplace.  The combined organizations will offer unparalleled service and a diverse array of mortgage products.

Owning a Mortgage Business has been a wild and wonderful ride, and I learned more than I could have ever imagined about the intricacies and nuances of mortgages, and running a small business. 

I am still here.  Still in this crazy business.  Now that I am with Countrywide I can offer a better mix of mortgage products than before.  Please give me the opportunity to serve your mortgage needs.  One thing hasn't changed.  And that is my passion for honesty and integrity, and top notch service.

Burt

Please Note: many of the loan products described on this site are no longer available. I am trying to get the site updated.  Please call me with your needs. bj