The Metro Milwaukee real estate market will likely remain competitive as we start the New Year. In 2018, for the most part, a property in reasonably good condition often received multiple offers, sometimes over asking price, and usually in the first few days on the market. 2019 may well bring similar circumstances, so we recently sat down with Katie Wakefield of Firefly Real Estate to gain some perspective on three ways buyers can best prepare themselves. 1. Shop Local Some of the best Real Estate agents focus on a particular market or two. If you’ve targeted a specific municipality or neighborhood, team up with a local expert. 2. Face-2-Face Though so much communication today is electronic – and efficient… Read the full article.
NMLS #1552626 Email Julie Quick facts: Stevens Point native Mom of three Has worked in the financial industry for five years One year with GMB in 2018 Three words that describe Julie: Honest, hardworking, and organized. Explain how you serve clients and build the client relationship as a Great Midwest Bank loan officer: When I think of customer service, it should exceed all customer expectations. Buying or building a home is a huge financial investment. I believe communication is key and taking the time to walk through the entire process so that there are no surprises. Showing GMB some love: I like that this is a family run business. It’s comforting knowing we have access to the VP of Underwriting and President… Read the full article.
NMLS #378631 Email Brenda Quick Facts: Milwaukee native Married for 30 years with two adult sons Has 20+ years of experience in the lending environment New to GMB in 2018 Three words that describe Brenda: Friendly, honest, and great at building relationships Explain how you serve clients and build the client relationship as a Great Midwest Bank loan officer: I will continue to serve clients as I have historically in banking. I take pride in my reputation in the community for providing excellent customer service and product knowledge. Listening skills, along with respect and humility are a great combination for helping customers achieve their goal. Showing GMB some love: I received such a warm welcome from everyone here! Being a… Read the full article.
NMLS #762386 Email Ginny Quick facts: Milwaukee native Graduated from UW-Whitewater with a BS in Business Has been in lending for 11 years and in the real estate field/lending/title for 27 years Joined GMB in January 2017 Three words that describe Ginny: Friendly, confident, and committed to helping others. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? I build relationships with my clients by taking the time to walk them through the entire process. I am best at building those connections and being a resource with a build. Many clients have told me they really appreciated my expertise in new construction lending because it made the process easier dealing with someone that could explain everything in a way that made… Read the full article.
NMLS #418530 Email Bob Quick facts: Milwaukee native Graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI Banking professional for over 20 years Two years with GMB Three words that describe Bob: Honest, hard-working, and humble. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? In my life, I don’t like bad surprises or bad experiences. So, in turn, I want to give my customers great customer service with no surprises. I do this by being available to answer questions through proactive communication. This, in turn, will eliminate any surprises and provide a smooth and easy experience for the customer. Showing GMB some love: I love working at Great Midwest Bank because of the access to the decision-makers. This allows me to… Read the full article.
NMLS #1008357 Email Melissa Quick facts: New Berlin native Current Wauwatosa resident UW-La Crosse grad with a degree in Business Finance Four years with GMB Three words that describe Melissa: Detailed, competitive, and personable. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? I think it’s all about customer service and the ease of using GMB. Buying a home is the biggest purchase someone is going to make in their life which can be a scary thing. So, I do my best to be very responsive throughout the process. I want to make sure that all their questions are answered and their minds are at ease at the end of the day. On top of that, all of our departments (underwriting, processing,… Read the full article.
NMLS #723392 Email Mark Quick facts: Born in Milwaukee Grew up in Sussex Attended Whitewater College for two years for general business Has been in the banking/finance industry for 34 years Mortgage lending for 26 years Almost two years with GMB Three words that describe Mark: Calm, loyal, and respectful. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? I try to always be accessible, return calls immediately, and pay strict attention to details. Showing GMB some love: The philosophy of common sense lending and keeping things simple. Great staff in every area and management that makes themselves available to open dialogue. Loan Officer life: I love helping customers that are making a major decision of purchasing a home and trying to make… Read the full article.
NMLS #967896 Email John Quick facts: Milwaukee native Raised in Wauwatosa and attended Tosa East Graduated from UW-Madison in 1991 with degrees in Finance and Real Estate Received his MBA from UW-Milwaukee in 2001 Has been in commercial and residential lending for over 20 years Two rounds with GMB: from 2003-2006 and 2012-now for a total of nine years Three words that describe John: Trustworthy, responsive, and hard-working How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? I try to give every client 100% of my attention when I am working with them. For clients looking to purchase a home, they have access to me 24/7 through text, email, and phone as they are out searching for homes. I take the… Read the full article.
NMLS #296387 Email Matt Quick facts: Grew up in New Berlin Graduated from Carroll College with a degree in Business Administration and a Communications minor 16 years in banking 11 years in mortgages with GMB Three words to describe Matt: Determined, competitive, and responsive. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? Service is taking the time to listen. Everyone has a different story/situation, so it is important to ask many questions to find out how we can assist. Showing GMB some love: I love working for Great Midwest Bank because of the family atmosphere. I feel part of a team that is working together to help our customers. We work hard, but we also have fun! Success! Earning the trust of… Read the full article.
NMLS #1544111 Email Dawn Quick facts: Grew up in Mukwonago Current resident of Genesee Three words to describe Dawn: Dependable, hard-working, and competitive. How do you serve and build relationships with GMB clients? I love the relationships we build with all of our clients! Buying or building a new home can come with stress, especially if you also have a home to sell… part of my job is to take some of that stress away from our customers and give them the security of knowing that their loan is solid. Showing GMB some love: Working for Great Midwest Bank is like being part of a big family. We all work towards the common goal of helping our customers and we… Read the full article.