Roma Bank has always provided loan services for its customers, but starting in 2009 it brought in its own home mortgage consultants (HMCs) to provide personalized, expert service directly to its customers at its branches.
“Since then, we’ve expanded to seven HMCs, and expect to hire eight more by the end of the year,” said Residential Loan Production Manager Joseph Barnaba. “These are experienced loan officers who walk our customers through the entire process.”
The HMC answers questions from the borrower or borrowers about processing, underwriting, appraisals, credit reports and everything related to the loan process. In addition, the HMC coordinates with attorneys and/or title companies to schedule closings, helps clear loan conditions prior to closing and accompanies the borrower to closing.
Barnaba says it’s important for customers interested in a mortgage to sit down and talk with a mortgage professional. HMCs are uniquely qualified to review a customer’s finances, credit and employment history and to suggest a reasonable mortgage amount that for which the borrower may qualify.
“One of the most important functions an HMC handles is pre-qualifying customers for mortgages,” Barnaba explained. “When a customer is pre-qualified, it lets the realtor know that person is serious about and capable of buying a house.”
HMCs also assist customers with refinancing which, according to Barnaba, is alive and well at Roma Bank. With fixed rates still below 5 percent, adjustable rates are starting to come back into play.
“Refinancing is not dead,” Barnaba noted. “And some of our adjustables are hovering just around 4 percent, with no points.”
Customers interested in speaking to a Roma Bank HMC may call the Mortgage Department at 609-223-8200.
Roma Bank currently is hiring HMCs. Loan professional with one to two years of experience may email a resume to employment@romabank.com.
Roma has served the banking needs of its neighbors and friends since 1920, and recently celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Roma Bank operates 24 offices in Mercer, Burlington, Ocean and Camden counties. Products and services offered by Roma Bank can be found by visiting its website www.romabank.com. Roma Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roma Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: ROMA) with assets of $1.45 billion as of June 30, 2010.
Roma Bank. 2300 Route 33, Robbinsville. Mortgage Department: 609-223-8200.
www.romabank.com, joseph.barnaba@romabank.com
