Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Andy.
Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began working in the mortgage industry as a Processor in 1998 for a small broker and then in early 2000 I transitioned to a Sr. Processor working on a large builder account for the D/FW area. During my time as a Sr. Processor, I worked towards receiving my Delegated Lending Authority (DLA) to underwrite FHA, Conventional and VA Automated Approvals as well as Closing/Funding those loans. I specialized in first time home buyers and manual FHA loans at that time. I eventually decided to move into Origination.
I started the transition from Processing to Originating in 2002 and went into full-time Origination in 2003. In 2011 I was promoted to Branch Manager over the D/FW territory for our builder account. During that time, life became out of balance and it was time to make a change. My team and I decided to make the move to InterLinc Mortgage in August 2012 where we have been able to focus on building high trust referral relationships and working with past clients. It was a big leap of faith because I was walking away from a multi-million dollar pipeline to start from zero, but it was the BEST decision I ever made.
InterLinc Mortgage has given me the autonomy and flexibility to build my business and my life in a manner that I define as successful versus constantly being pushed to be a top producer and go after more and more and more. I have been able to create work-life balance and enjoy working remotely most days which allows me to be more present with my family. My Regional VP has been an incredible mentor and source of encouragement as I grow my business in a very organic and natural way that works well with my personality and my desire to build relationships with my referral partners and my clients. I absolutely love helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. It is one of the most rewarding things I do aside from being a mother.
A little-known fact about me is that I moved 27 times before turning 19 so I especially understand the importance of being able to have a home to call your own and my desire is to help as many families as I can become successful homeowners. I work with all loan types – FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, First Time Home Buyer Bond Programs, Renovation Lending and Jumbo Financing up to $3MM. If there is a legitimate way to help someone get into a house, I will find it and I am always happy to help.
In my spare time, I enjoy studying the Bible, cooking, baking, painting/drawing, photography, playing soccer with NTCSA and being a sponsor of Fellowship Power Lunch North. I am happily married to my husband and have a 24-year old bonus daughter, a 17-year-old daughter, 10-year-old bonus son and a 6-month-old daughter in addition to an 18-month-old bonus granddaughter. Blended families are a blessing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, my journey in the mortgage industry has been smooth. I have had many great mentors as well as executive/life coaching through Building Champions. Building Champions helped me learn to set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-specific) goals, put together an action plan, execute each step in addition to teaching me how to set healthy boundaries both personally and professionally. They taught me the art of “No.”
These tools have helped me create a life that defines my idea of success. Over the years, I have certainly worked for some people that challenged me in a way that required I stand up for myself while others have encouraged me to grow. Each person that has been a part of my journey has taught me something about myself and others. I am thankful for each of them. The biggest struggle during the last 20 years was when I worked for the large builder account. There were several years where I allowed that to take over my existence and worked 80+ hours a week and never saw my family.
I finally reached a point that I had to branch out on my own even though it meant leaving all my financial security to start over. It was a big risk, but it has paid off in a big way. I never would have learned what I learned had it not been for all of those experiences. My biggest challenge was probably overcoming myself and my need to “please” everyone. I had to learn to set boundaries, say no to the good so I could yes to the great, and I had to realign my priorities to put God first, my family second and everything else after that.
You cannot please everyone and that is OK. You just have to be the best version of yourself and the right people will come along. Treat people the way you want to be treated whether it is in business or family or social relationships.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with InterLinc Mortgage Services – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
InterLinc Mortgage is a full-service mortgage bank with in-house processing, underwriting, closing and funding. Our commitment to our clients and referral partners is always “On Time and As Agreed.” We provide financing for FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, First Time Homebuyer Bond programs, Renovation Lending and Jumbo loans up to $3MM. My team is focused on providing a streamlined process with honest, accurate, consistent communication throughout the process.
Our customer service is excellent and is supported by 98.5% Customer Satisfaction rating based on customer surveys we send out after each closing. I think what sets me apart is my personality. I love to serve others and am always happy to help. Even if I cannot approve a buyer today, I take the time to advise them on the steps they need to take down the road to prepare themselves for homeownership. People are more than just a score on a piece of paper so treating everyone with respect has been an essential part of how my business has grown organically over the years with no advertising. My business is 100% referral based.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Business wise, I plan to continue taking care of my clients one referral at a time and helping as many families as I can achieve the dream of homeownership. In my personal life, I am planning a trip to Nigeria later this year with my husband to meet his family and see where he grew up. I have always wanted to travel the world and so we plan on some big adventures in our future.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7711 San Jacinto Pl, Suite 100
Plano, TX 75024 - Website: www.KAndyLoanApp.com
- Phone: 214-253-4216
- Email: kandy@lincloan.com
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