I have been mortgage consultant for Commonfund Mortgage for the past ten years. Commonfund Mortgage has been owned and operated by a Syracuse Family for over 20 years. . We originate, process, underwrite and close all of our loans in our office located at 717 Erie Blvd. W. This gives the company the flexibility to utilize all of it's expertise when dealing with a more difficult situation or unusual circumstances. We have a "hands on" attitude, having access to the file gives us the advantage to anticipate a problem and deal with it quickly.

Prior to employment at Commonfund Mortgage, I was employed at the New York State Office of Developmental Disabilities. It was in this work environment that I had the opportunity to learn 3 of my most important skills. The first is the ability to listen with both my eyes and ears. Very often, what people are saying is not what their body language is expressing. Many times people have conflicting ideas of what choice to make. They want to be financially astute, yet they have emotional needs that are trying to be met. When sitting with buyers or sellers, I try to incorporate both in the choices of mortgage products that we are choosing from. After all, what is more emotional than our HOME!

The second asset that I was taught was to be proactive. Put the problems on the table and deal with them now, rather than have them nip you later. Yes, at times, I've been labeled as being blunt, but I'd rather that than waste time and emotional energy for the persons involved in the transaction. I am more than happy to tell someone how to get to his or her goal and deal with his or her individual issues.

The third and most important skill that was given to me was to not judge. Life is difficult at times and unfortunately that is reflected in a person's credit rating, job stability and money available to purchase. Divorce, death, job loss, bankruptcy, the inability to handle money - it is a reality of both life and my work.

I am able to offer buyers a range of products that will oversee this setback and have a long-term plan of getting back to "square one". The ability to be nonjudgmental also applies to people's lifestyles and how they live. I am an open person and am there for anyone regardless of their individual lifestyle.

I love my profession and see it as a reflection of myself. In the mortgage business there are rules for everything. I know the rules, know how and when to bend the rules and know not to break the rules. I often think of a willow tree when I visualize this concept - freely blowing with the wind, while being careful not to bend so far that the branch breaks.

I enjoy problem solving and being creative. I feel great when I sit with a buyer(s) who was told that they couldn't qualify and not only come up with a solution but to come up with one that allows them to get their finances in order and start on a new path. I can offer a wide range of programs to avoid mortgage insurance, while purchasing the home for very little money.

I want people to feel good about the mortgage product that they choose. It should incorporate their lifestyle and their values. The product that they choose at the time of application should taking into consideration where they anticipate being in the next three to five years. By offering choices, information and listening, I feel that I am worthy of the profession I have been given.