For most children, this week concludes a very unique year of schooling. Students and faculty were challenged like never before to work in remote environments and distant learning. Many were skeptical about the undertaking, but most were pleasantly surprised. So much credit is due to the teachers and administrators in every school for their tireless efforts and creativity in completing the school year. Thank you so much!
Long before the yard signs and bumper stickers that acknowledged the efforts of school teachers did we create a program to honor and reward them for their efforts. Our “Approved Heroes” program was created in 2019 to recognize the local hard-working Teachers and educators that contribute so much to our community and our lives. As we write on our website, “these heroes work selflessly to improve the lives of others, and should be recognized not only for their skills but their contributions.”
Having a “front-row seat” and being able to watch how my children’s teachers and administrators kept them engaged, enabled, entertained, and educated over these past few months was truly admirable. So much preparation and thought went into their daily lessons and classes, which was impossible not to recognize. As parents, we often take for granted the responsibility and expectations that we place on educators, without truly recognizing the work and commitment that consistently happens behind the scenes.
I could say the same holds true when it comes to “getting a mortgage.” This industry is extremely competitive, and flooded with options on where one can get a loan; So much so, that many home buyers and homeowners think that they merely need to “show up” and they will have everything that they need at their fingertips. Even during these times of “straight forward refinancing” where one merely needs to pick up a phone or send an email to request a lower rate, I continue to see daily as to how inaccurate that premise might be. There is so much work and diligence that goes on behind the scenes to truly enable a mortgage applicant with the proper resources and information to maximize their financial needs.
One cannot merely quote a rate and be satisfied that the client is receiving a lower payment. Proper care and understanding need to go into every scenario to make sure that we are empowering our clients with the best guidance and solution for their short term and long term financial objectives. We need to be educators and give options with guidance and clarity so that our clients are making the best-informed decisions Granted, a home is the largest asset that one obtains in their life, but conversely, a mortgage is the largest debt that one incurs in their lifetime, and it should be handled with care!
When it comes to some of the “heroes” that we recognize, those include, and are not limited to Teachers and Educators, but also Firefighters, Police, EMT, Medical Personnel, Military, Municipal Employees, Political Leaders, Clergy, to name a few. So why do we offer discounted fees and rewards for these heroes? The answer is simple. All of these individuals give of themselves to others.
Most of these individuals are people who treat the individuals and situations in front of them, in a unique and personal matter. Doctors, for example, do not give the same exact medical attention to each patient broadly, disregarding their personal conditions. Teachers do not interact with children in the exact same manner, knowing that the skill sets or competence is unique from one student to the next. The list goes on and on.
The personalized and customized financial solutions are unique to how we cater to our clients, and it is the pillar of our business practice. It is truly our pleasure to waive our fees for all Teachers and heroes who are working with us today. Shout out and a happy birthday to Michael Cantor, Ilana Erdfarb, Isaac Farbowitz, Aaron Moskowitz, and Andrea Nissel.
Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
