Danielle Boote 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 featuring some of our talented team members. This week, we introduce you to Danielle Boote, manager of our Brighton, MI branch.
Q: How many years of experience do you have in the mortgage industry?
I started my career in the mortgage industry as a backup receptionist when I was in college. After working my way up through other roles, I now have 26 years of experience in the industry.
Q: How did you advance your career? What motivational factors, goals and/or opportunities helped you get where you are today?
After being a receptionist in college, I quickly moved into the role of junior processor, then senior processor. I eventually became the operations manager for a busy production team. Honestly, it was purely an accident that I started originating, but it turned out to be a happy accident. I fell in love with being able to help clients directly purchase or refinance their homes.
Q: What are some of your most notable career accomplishments as a loan officer?
I love being able to help clients get loans that might be too difficult for other originators to handle. Having been on the back-end of the business, I have a strong understanding of mortgage guidelines, which many originators do not understand. In the past few years, I’ve been able to help many families who have recovered after a devastating financial event, such as a foreclosure or short sale. It’s a big deal to trust a lender again after having been through this. I make sure they are prepared and educated to make a wise financial decision to buy again and are comfortable with the process. It’s always heartwarming to give them the keys to their new house at closing.
Q: Why did you choose to join the Ross Mortgage lending team?
I found Ross Mortgage due to a friend working here. After the downturn in the industry and working for companies that were merged, closed and large banks, I was looking for a company that had traditional values, valued their employee contributions and would be around for a few more years. I was looking for an employer that I could trust and continue to build my career at.
Q: In terms of career opportunities, what sets Ross apart from other employers?
Ross Mortgage has supported me in maintaining a talented staff locally and growing my branch. Most companies have regionalized support, which I feel is a disadvantage for a local presence in a community. My clients are able to come in and meet with my staff and myself during the loan process. This helps provide a higher level of service to our clients and realtors. I also appreciate that Ross Mortgage is a Michigan-based lender with a long history. Ross has done a great job in keeping up with the changing times to stay current with all federal and agency changes to help us continue to be a leader in the industry.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting with my clients one-on-one is my favorite part of the job. I love being able to learn about my clients and build a relationship with them. I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with many of my clients and have maintained relationships over 15 years with some of them. I love watching their families grow.
Q: What can other lending professionals do to be more successful in their careers?
Be committed to learn and grow in the business and invest in your personal development. Creating a business plan is one of the greatest tools that I have used to grow my business. I also attend several conferences every year to continue learning. I am always a student in the industry and there is always room for growth and development.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to take their career as a loan officer to the next level?
Find a mentor or professional coach to hold you accountable and continue your growth and development. It is not an easy business to learn and grow in and you need continued support to make it through the challenging times.
