Tim Merritt Shares What It Takes To Be a Top Loan Officer At Ross Mortgage
To help you learn more about the career opportunities available at Ross Mortgage, we’re kicking off a new employee profile series featuring some of our talented team members. This week, we introduce you to Tim Merritt, an experienced member of our Livonia, MI branch.
Q: How many years of experience do you have in the mortgage industry?
A: Three years ago, I started my career as a Mortgage Consultant at Ross Mortgage. I came to the company with more than 20 years of experience working in the mortgage industry and attribute my professional growth within Ross Mortgage to the invaluable experiences I acquired throughout my career.
Q: How did you advance your career? What motivational factors, goals and/or opportunities helped you get where you are today?
Looking back, there is not one reason in particular that I can hold out as a testament to my success. It is the accumulation of years of dedication, hard work and a continued investment in my personal and professional growth. However, I believe it is critical to align yourself with respected professionals who challenge you to be the best you can be. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside some incredible individuals. It is through Ross Mortgage’s long-standing reputation as one of Michigan’s top mortgage companies that I have been able to further enhance my own personal reputation in the marketplace. My family is also a main motivation. I have four kids, and couldn’t be more proud about sending my oldest off to college at Loyola University in Chicago.
Q: What are some of your most notable career accomplishments as a loan officer?
Earlier this year, I received the Silver Lender Award at Ross Mortgage’s Annual Sales Meeting. This designation is given to loan officers who close more than nine million in loans over the course of the calendar year. Since the start of the year, I’ve been working toward earning the President’s Club Award and expect to increase my production levels by more than 20 percent.
Q: Why did you choose to join the Ross Mortgage lending team?
In 1989, I began my career with Lambrecht Company, a mortgage banking firm that opened its doors in Detroit in 1926. Upon deciding to make a career move, it was important to me to find a company that had the same strength and presence in terms of longevity. I was captivated by Ross Mortgage’s reputation in the marketplace. Since the company first opened its doors in 1949, Ross Mortgage has been committed to earning the trust and respect of its clients and it shows. The fact that Ross Mortgage has stood the test of time is a testimony to the way the company treats its customers and employees.
Q: In terms of career opportunities, what sets Ross apart from other employers?
Ross Mortgage makes you feel as though you’re part of a team—a team that has been around since 1949. The company is invested in the success of its employees and provides an array of marketing tools and continuing education opportunities.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: The satisfaction of closing a loan for a first-time homebuyer! There’s no greater feeling than getting feedback from clients who had a great home buying experience. When you hear them express how grateful they are that you could help them get a loan when no one else could, you’re on top of the world.
Q: What can other lending professionals do to be more successful in their careers?
Know the guidelines! The devil is in the details. The more educated you are on program guidelines and regulatory changes, the more equipped you’ll be to assist homebuyers and provide them with options when no one else can.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to take their career as a loan officer to the next level?
If you think you have what it takes to be a top loan officer at Ross, don’t be shy. Connect with us! Follow the company on LinkedIn. Take the time to do your research and learn as much as you can about our culture and the vision for the company. Start forging connections and aligning yourself with key players within our company.
If you, or someone you know, has what it takes to build a successful career at Ross Mortgage, send us a message. Tell us why you feel a connection with our company and what experiences make you a great fit for our lending team.
