Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Donnell.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in the mortgage industry as a loan processor when I was still in college. My best friend had worked for a loan officer and moved to the Dallas area and was able to get a job easily. That same loan officer had a processing position open a few years later and I jumped at the chance to get into the finance industry.
Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t grow up with money and was never taught how to handle basic personal finances. Half of my family did not own homes, and I couldn’t even spell mortgage (that ‘t’ will get ya!). Like most college students at that time, I was offered credit cards without even having a job. Which is how I stepped into that mortgage processing job with one of the worst credit reports possible. I vowed to learn everything I could about credit and personal finance, and my desire to keep learning is something that has never changed. I’m still a student of finance and a sponge of self-improvement.
I have now been in the industry for a little over two decades. I have seen the industry go from giving a loan to anyone with a pulse (we call those sub-prime loans) to needing a blood sample to get a loan approved (not literally, but if you have gone through the home loan process, you get it). Because of this experience, I understand the rationale behind the entire process, and work to help people navigate it as efficiently as possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building my career has been one of the greatest journeys of my life, and I’m extremely proud of where I am today. This business has taught me invaluable lessons: from team building to people skills, from property law to IRS code, my job has taught me so much. This industry keeps you on your toes. No two days are the same. The rules change constantly, so you learn to adapt or drown. But I love it, because it keeps me on my toes!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wow, where to start? I work for The Home Loan Expert, a private mortgage firm focusing entirely on home loans. Our team is small enough to provide the personalized attention that the client deserves, but large enough to have access to a wide array of mortgage products and client-friendly technology that helps streamline the process. What sets us apart is everything this company stands for. All year long, we work to give back to our communities.
Personally, I have worked on thousands of loans. To say I am highly experienced would be an understatement. I have made a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for my clients and a streamlined, worry-free transaction for referral partners. I pride myself on up-front client education, an easy-to-follow loan process, and competitively-priced loans. I want every client to fully understand their options and walk away feeling empowered.
In my dedication to being the best lender in Austin, I maintain a high level of continuing education, far beyond what is required for my license. I stay up to date on guideline changes and new programs so I can offer the best option for each client’s individual needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all home loan, so it’s important to work with someone who has your unique needs and priorities in mind.
Most of my business comes through referrals from real estate professionals and happy customers, which is something I’m proud of. My goal is to earn your confidence and be deserving of the referrals of family and friends.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m always striving to improve myself, both personally and professionally. And I love audiobooks and podcasts! A few of the books I have really enjoyed are: Shut Up and Listen by Tilman Fertitta, Atomic Habits by James Clear, Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone, Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, and 10% Happier by Dan Harris. Those were all really easy reads with a kick-you-in-the-pants message!
When it comes to podcasts, I listen to a lot of mortgage and real estate content (which might put most people to sleep, but I find them riveting)! Some of my faves are: The Ed Mylett Show, We Study Billionaires, Tom Ferry, Brian Buffini, Todd Duncan, Mortgage Marketing Radio, Next Level Loan Officers, Finance Explained by Family Finance Mom, The Science of Success, and The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast.
Contact Info:
- Email: Stephanie@thehomeloanexpert.com
- Website: www.stephaniedonnell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestaustinlender/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestAustinLender/
- Youtube: https://bit.ly/3KnJHbK
- Other: https://bit.ly/3Abup50
Image Credits
Cory Powell Photography
