Towne Mortgage

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Rick Goldbach, Towne Mortgage

"The game has changed," says Rick Goldbach, speaking of selecting the right mortgage lender, today's critical step in home ownership. Goldbach is the regional sales manager for Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas.

"Consumers are no longer looking toward the national players, rather toward the local community lender, a lender that understands the market.  Understanding credit is more appropriate today. It is no longer about rate, but about service levels." Goldbach should know what he's talking about, having begun his career in Cleveland and then matured it to executive level here in North Carolina, one of the leading states in moving and mortgage activity.

"It's important that people adjust to the recent market changes. In 2006, there were 400,000 national mortgage originators, but today there are less than 150,000. The good news is that the best people are still standing.”

"The appraisal and underwriting process have changed over the last year - from 'drive by', automated underwriting, to a live human being visiting, gathering, reviewing and documenting. In the past, if you had a 700 type credit score, you were automatically approved. Not now. Supporting documentation is 40% more than 12 months ago. The process takes longer than in the past. A good-outcome mortgage is a labor-intensive process."

Goldbach offers this advice. "Today, a mortgage lender needs to bring key values to the consumer.One iseffective communication because there is a certain amount of insecurity in the market today. Choose the mortgage lender who can give/provide the personal service levels demanded in today's new mortgage landscape."

"Mortgage leaders have to initiate platforms that are valuable assistance for consumers.  Our company has developed an innovative department that lets the consumer assess their credit score.  It is an educational tool that helps consumer enhance their credit and gives a better understanding of what is needed to achieve better scores.”  Goldbach is referring to their Home Ownership 101 program.

For additional information, contact Towne Mortgage at 919-877-8899 (Toll Free: 877-638-3839), email: , or visit our website at www.townecarolinas.com.