A Day in the Life of a Ross Mortgage Closer
As part of our “A Day in the Life” employee profile series, we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Beatty, a mortgage closer based at our headquarters in Royal Oak, MI. Find out how she got started in the mortgage industry and why she loves going to work everyday.
What is your title at Ross Mortgage and how many years of experience do you have in the mortgage industry?
My official title at Ross is Mortgage Closer. I started working in the mortgage industry in 1991 as a receptionist for Kelley Ross at the St. Clair Shores office. So, that would make it 22 years that I’ve been in the industry now.
What were some of the major influences that led to your decision of becoming a mortgage closer?
After moving on from my role as a receptionist in 1994, I started processing and closing loans for five different loans officers. But, I really wanted to specialize in one area and be good at it, so that’s when I decided to become a full-time mortgage closer. Although it can be a challenge to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction are on the same page and working in unison to meet the client’s expectations, it’s an awesome feeling when you hear the sight of relief in a borrower’s voice upon hearing their closing date has been set.
What does your typical day look like and what are your key responsibilities?
I don’t think there is a typical day in the life of a mortgage closer. Every day and every closing is different. I start my day by ensuring all wire transfer funds are requested and reconciling settlement statements as they come in. After doing that, I’ll complete another closing package and finish uploading documents to the system. As far as my key responsibilities go, I’m responsible for ensuring the closing process goes as smoothly as possible. This means making sure the client has their required investment ready, all of the mortgage documents are correct and the borrower receives their funds to close in a timely fashion.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My job requires me to work well with a lot of different personalities, and I love working with all of the different people involved in the closing process—loan officers, support staff and title companies. I also enjoy working alongside the great team of people we have here at Ross. We all work together like a well-oiled machine in order to get the job done. But, my favorite part is hearing feedback from clients who have had a great closing experience. I must say, I also enjoy the month-end crush. There is nothing like the adrenaline rush you get when you are balancing multiple closings at one time. It’s exhausting but exhilarating at the same time!
How do you stay updated on trends within the mortgage industry?
Being well informed of the changes in this industry is so important! Everyday, the rules, regulations and guidelines change, so I count on management to keep us abreast of changes as they come up.
Where do you see the mortgage industry heading in the next five years?
It is hard to say where the industry is heading. I have seen the ups and the downs over the years. Hopefully the next five years (and 50 more) will be prosperous for everyone in the industry.
What attributes and personality traits must one have to be a mortgage closer?
You must be flexible, dedicated and focused, because changes happen quickly. Whether is it a change on a HUD or a change in the closing date, you must be prepared to adjust and work toward the end goal.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career as a mortgage closer?
It can be a demanding job, but knowing that you played a role in fulfilling someone’s dream of homeownership is a very rewarding feeling! It’s definitely worth going the extra mile. People will recognize that you go above and beyond and appreciate you for it.
What makes Ross Mortgage a great company to work for?
I work with a wonderful group of dedicated and hard-working people—many of whom have inspired me not only in my professional life, but in my personal life as well!
Do you enjoy working with people and going above and beyond to satisfy clients’ needs? We’d love to have you on our closing team. If you’re interested in learning more about the careers available at Ross Mortgage, please visit our career opportunities page, or leave a comment below.
