Jeremy Forcier is Vice President of Mortgage Lending for Guaranteed Rate Mortgage in California, and one of the leading mortgage professionals in the country. I was recently able to sit down with Jeremy and ask him a few questions:
How long have you been in the industry?
“8 years.”
You were recently included as one of the top 200 mortgage professionals in the country by Mortgage Executive Magazine, how did it feel to receive such high accolades?
“It feels great to be one of the best in the country. The accolade means I helped a lot of people which is most important to me. I’m grateful to be able to serve people and help them achieve one of their most desired dreams; homeownership.”
How have you managed to defy the odds? Many people have struggled in the industry over the last few years and your business has continued to grow. Why is that?
“You know, about 4 years ago I decided to not to participate in the recession. I stopped watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper and just focused 100% on what I could control; my daily actions and attitude. I learned that I really didn’t miss much and if something important was happening, I always find out. This has really freed me to focus on my customers. Especially in my line of work, you here a ton of mortgage and real estate professionals always talking about how they can’t do this or that anymore; they waste all their time thinking about how all the change in the industry has made it ‘hard”. It is a lie. There is more opportunity than ever right now for real estate professionals and consumers in the current market.”
If you were giving advice to someone starting off in the mortgage/real estate business, what would it be?
“Be authentic. Want to genuinely help and serve your community. You don’t need to know all the answers. You just have to take massive action and know where to get the information you need. Don’t try to do it alone either; get a coach and keep your business plan really simple. If a fifth grader can understand your business plan, you are on the right track.”
How do you see the next few years in the industry developing?
“The market is going to be really good and healthy for buyers and sellers alike which is unusual. As far as the Mortgage and Realtor professions go, I believe the middle will continue to stretch into two categories; 1 – the individuals that are crushing it and breaking new records and 2 – the individuals that are barely surviving in the business. There is no more middle of the road mortgage or realtors; the gap just keeps getting bigger and bigger between those thriving and those dying in the industry.”
If you could change one thing about the mortgage process, what would it be?
“The disclosure process is a nightmare since the government got involved. I would change that process. It is harder for a consumer to look at disclosures and make sense of them than it was 20 years ago. Hell, it is hard for most professionals to make sense of them.”
I know you are based out of Sonoma County, but I also know you actually help a lot of people all over the state, how are you able to serve so many people all over California from your office in Sonoma?
“I have an amazing staff and my company, Guaranteed Rate Mortgage, has the best technology on the planet. A consumer can log onto my website, fill out a complete application, run a credit report, run underwriting, and lock in his/her own loan in 30 minutes. Pretty Amazing.”
What motivates you?
“This question – “did you give your best today?” I am obsessed with best and what it means to me. Giving 100% every moment in your life is hard and I rarely truly give 100% when I think about it. But I know that if I always focus on best 100% effort, I will help more people get what they want, be a great leader, Father, Husband and human being.”
Thanks for your time Jeremy.
“Thank you.”
If you need financing in California or you are an agent looking for a great mortgage professional, I highly recommend Jeremy. I have been working with him and his team for a few years now and they have always went above and beyond.
Contact Jeremy Forcier:
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
Jeremy.forcier@guaranteedrate.com
guaranteedrate.com/JeremyForcier
(415) 717-7155 x 104
NMLS # 290878
