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‘A BUSINESS I CAN DO FOR A LONG TIME’

Timing is everything when it comes to a career change. When you’re a new mortgage loan originator, you need time to learn the business and figure out what’s important to you. For Joe Valenti, joining the wholesale channel provided him the best of what the business has to offer.

Joe spent 5 years in retail and moved up quickly, becoming a top producer and manager. When he was a newer loan officer, the structure of retail was appealing. But as time went on, he grew weary of the way he had to do things.

“They want to make sure you’re very front-end focused. You’re consistently working on getting that next sale,” said Joe. “So, I just didn’t feel like the client experience was that great.”

The experience as a seasoned LO wasn’t much better. Joe felt like he had little control over the loan process.

“A lot of times, unfortunately, I had to tell my clients ‘no news is good news,’ which really translated to, I have no clue what's going on with your loan,” said Joe.

He knew that if he was going to become a broker, the timing had to be right–and in the summer of 2024, it was.

“I was at a point where I felt like I was comfortable taking control,” said Joe. “I knew enough about loans and originating that the things that I was a little scared of were things I could figure out and overcome.”

 Not only has Joe found the control he was lacking in retail, but he’s also embracing all the different options he can offer his clients through the various lenders he works with.

 “Every time I talk to a client, I say, ‘Hey, it doesn’t really matter what your situation is. If someone’s going to have a product that fits your situation, it's going to be me.’  So, I can cater my products to exactly what the client needs,” said Joe.

 Joe has found everything he needs in the broker channel. For the first time in a long time, he feels like he’s growing, instead of coming to a standstill.

 “The broker side is significantly better and easier,” said Joe. “It’s exciting to feel like this is a business I can do for a long time.”