Bob DeWeese

Experience

My first job in lending was in 1991 as a mortgage loan consultant for a well-known Savings and Loan. A lot has changed since then – and yet a lot hasn’t. The mortgage meltdown of 2008 really forced lenders to get back to the basic lending principles that the industry was founded on. This, (and a bit of government regulation), ultimately led to a better quality loan product for lenders and a much safer borrowing environment for applicants. Now, more than ever, applicants need someone with experience who really understands the many loan products available, and who can match the right product for each situation.

Why Options Financial Residential Mortgage?

I operated my own branch for many years and had the chance to partner with Options Financial Residential Mortgage on many occasions. As result of that synergy, an opportunity presented itself that allowed me to combine forces with OFRM and further grow my business. I liked the direction of OFRM and saw it as a real “Win-Win” all the way around!

What would you say is the most fulfilling part of what you do?

Lending is anything but a “one size fits all” type of business. Lender programs establish checkboxes and guidelines – but that doesn’t mean that customers always fit neatly into those little “boxes”. In fact – they rarely do. But that challenge is also what makes the business so fun and interesting. A client may have a dream of purchasing a new home or of perhaps refinancing their current home to help send a child off to college. Simply put, I appreciate the opportunity to get to understand what the client wants to accomplish – and then to help them get there. What’s not to like about that!

How would you describe the role of education in the process?

Education is key to a successful transaction. I don’t think an individual can ever know too much about the mortgage process or of their options. One of my goals as a part of Options Financial Residential Mortgage is to meet and educate any would be borrowers – whether seasoned vets or first time home buyers. The mortgage process can seem daunting at first, but like many other things in life can be much less so with the help of a seasoned mortgage professional. A big part of what I do is to make the challenging aspects of borrowing money for a home seem easy to my clients.

When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite pastimes?

My kids are “mostly” grown up now and most of the time it’s just my wife and me. I enjoy spending time with her – whether it be hanging around the house, going out to dinner, or just for a quick bike ride. That said – and only when I can get away with it – I do enjoy a good video game! I grew up prior to the video console rage – and so I continue to be amazed at the eye popping graphics in modern day games. I also enjoy racquetball and water sports!