The mortgage department at Pelican State Credit Union is a team of mortgage professionals ready to discuss your home financing options. They take the time to figure out the best option for your individual situation. Pelican’s mortgage team strives for excellent member service to give you the best home buying experience possible.
Financing for a home isn’t just what Pelican’s mortgage team offers, too. They also provide a number of products designed to fit your needs as a home buyer or home owner.
We got the chance to talk with Pelican Mortgage Representative Angela Welch to learn more about what it’s like working as a part of Pelican’s mortgage team. She also shares with us some member stories that are near and dear to her heart.
Here’s what she had to say:
How long have you worked at Pelican? What brought you to the company?
I started working at Pelican in October of 2015. I came to the company after my friend, Misty, who works in Pelican’s Risk Management department, encouraged me to become a part of the Pelican family. She had been telling me for years what a wonderful place Pelican was and that I should at least consider applying for an open position.
A part-time position became available in the call center, and the timing seemed perfect for me to go ahead and apply. I interviewed for the position, was offered the job, and made the career switch!
I never realized the happiness that the switch would bring me. When I came to Pelican, I couldn’t believe how great it really was! Pelican makes it easy for me to be happy where I work. I work with individuals that truly care about our jobs and lives. We are a family! I feel valued every day and enjoy coming to work.
I worked in the call center for almost a year, and then the flood happened.
Once the flood of 2016 happened, the mortgage department became extremely busy helping members through such a difficult and trying time. Misty brought to others’ attention that I had over ten years of mortgage experience and that I would be a good fit to help out in a time of need. I transitioned from the call center to the mortgage department, and the rest is history!
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The best part of my job is helping direct our members to realize their dreams of home ownership. I also get a huge sense of accomplishment when we help members refinance their home so they can get in a better position financially. I really enjoy answering the phone, speaking to our members, and advising them on all mortgage-related topics.
A discussion that comes up a lot when speaking to members is the “when.” The “when” is whether they should apply for a home loan now or if they have a little homework to do first. At times, I even recommend members, depending on their situation, to meet with one of our credit counselors for expert advice when it comes to credit. It is nice to know that we have our financial outreach program available to our members for life’s biggest challenges.
Thinking about applying for a mortgage?
Click here to find out everything you’ll need during your mortgage application process so you can be as prepared as possible!Is there a specific story that stands out to you of when you helped a member buy a home?
When I first came to the department, some mortgage representatives were working on a loan for a couple in their fifties that were living out of their car. They had sold their home and didn’t have other options for housing.
After multiple hurdles, Pelican was able to work out financing for the couple. I didn’t personally help with the logistics of the loan since I had just started, but I was so glad that our team was able to get the loan closed so they could move into their new home.
What do you think the biggest challenge is being a Mortgage Representative?
I would say the biggest challenges I face have to do with time management. I feel like sometimes there is not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.
I work with the mortgage originators and processors every day by answering all of the incoming calls, emails, and service events for new mortgage inquiries. I advise the members of their mortgage qualifications, listen to their scenarios, and advise them to submit their application.
This frees up time for the originators to work on active loans with our members, getting them sent to underwriting, sending out their disclosures once they come out of underwriting, and then sending the file to process. Tasks like these, especially in mortgage, take a lot of time to finalize.
What’s the question you get the most from members?
The question I hear the most when speaking to members is “What do I need to qualify for a mortgage loan?” There’s a lot that goes into answering this question, so there are often more questions to follow.
Check out this video explaining how your credit score can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan:
I am the ears of the department. I listen to every question or story and help our members every day by advising them of what options are available to them.
If you could go back in time to your first home buying experience, what advice would you give yourself?
My first home buying experience was very smooth because I was already working for a mortgage company and knew what to expect. Not everyone is so lucky, however.
The biggest piece of advice I would give is to be prepared to provide a lot of personal documentation and information. The company you choose to go with should be willing to guide you in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
A mortgage process can take as little as three to six weeks on average, but once it is complete and your documents are signed, it’ll feel like a huge weight lifted off your shoulders!
Do you have any questions or comments about mortgages? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll answer them!
Once a Pelican State CU member, always a member—through life’s milestones, we’ll always be there to help you with your financial needs. Your Financial Family for Life. Give us a call at 800-351-4877.
