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Showing posts with label Northstar Mortgage Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northstar Mortgage Group. Show all posts

Friday, February 26, 2021

Top female loan officer in Maine for 2020 works for Windham’s Northstar Mortgage Group

By Ed Pierce

Kate DiBiase of Northstar Mortgage
Group in Windham has been recognized
as the top female loan officer in Maine
for 2020 by the real estate data collection 
agency The Warren Group.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
  

Officially ranked as the top female loan officer in Maine for 2020, Kate DiBiase of Northstar Mortgage Group in Windham says it is quite an honor to be recognized as such but prefers being known as someone who tirelessly goes above and beyond to help her clients complete the home financing experience as smoothly as possible.

DiBiase was recently ranked by The Warren Group as the number one female loan officer in the state and said she’s humbled, however it’s not going to change how she approaches her duties one bit.

“I just like helping people,” DiBiase said. “Those going through the process of buying a home can experience such mixed emotions and some nerves along the way. Sometimes I have to help them overcome the anxiety that can occur. But being there for them at the end of the process makes it all worthwhile.”

As a senior loan officer with Northstar, DiBiase helps homebuyers complete mortgage applications and then works with partners to try and find the best possible fit for them.

Originally from Hollis, DiBiase joined Northstar Mortgage Group because of her best friend, Northstar owner Leigh Gagnon. She attended Bonny Eagle High School and graduated from Thornton Academy before going on to earn a degree in business from Husson University.

She’s been with the company for 10 years now and says she’s constantly reviewing changes that can affect her clients.

“You have to stay up to date on guidance changes because they are always evolving.” DiBiase said.

According to DiBiase, her job occupies most of her time.

“It does seem like all I do is work. I’m always on from the time I wake up until when I go to sleep,” she said. “In my job, there is no shutting off.”

All the hard work and long hours pays off for DiBiase though and she believes it’s been the basis for her being ranked as the number one female loan officer in Maine for 2020.

“I’d say I achieved this rank because I’m passionate about what I do,” DiBiase said. “I have a large referral base of people I have helped and based upon their good experience, they tell others and refer them to me. Word of mouth is so important, and I’m blessed that so many people refer me to their friends and family based on what I’ve been able to do for them.”

Gagnon said that DiBiase is well deserving of this recognition.

“Kate is the hardest working person I know,” she said. “What sets her apart is she is passionate about what she does; this isn’t just a job to her. Her clients become friends and are not treated as transactions, they are treated like family.”

DiBiase said that she truly owes thanks to her team, partners, community, friends and family.

“That’s what’s helped me to reach my goals,” she said. I don’t take that for granted.”      

DiBiase lives in Windham with her three dogs and when she’s not working, she enjoys going to spin class, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Based in Peabody, Massachusetts, The Warren Group is the premier provider of real estate data in the nation’s housing market. For more than 150 years, The Warren Group has been a trusted collector and distributor of regional real estate data. Our comprehensive approach provides accurate and timely real estate sales information updated weekly to help identify new opportunities to expand your bottom line. Warren Group collects and compiles data on real estate sales and ownership. <

Friday, April 14, 2017

Windham loan officer is recognized for being in the Top 1 percent across the country by Lorraine Glowczak


There is the best. Then there is the best of the best. Congratulations go to Kate Virgie, Senior Loan Officer with Northstar Mortgage Group for being recognized by nationwide investor as top 1 percent of loan officers across the country. 
 
Kate Virgie holding her award

Based upon volume, the top 1 percent is an award that is granted to a loan officer who has closed on the largest amount of home loans within one year. For Virgie, this means she closed more home loans with nationwide investor than loan officers across the U.S., competing against big population areas such as Dallas, San Francisco, Chicago and New York City. Although the Greater Lakes region is one of the most beautiful spots in the country, where many purchase their dream home, it certainly does not compare in size to other regions in the U.S. How did she close more home loans than other officers in larger demographics?

It begins with her ability to be of service 24/7. Often in the office until past 11 p.m., Virgie never leaves until her work is completed. “One thing that separates me from other loan officers is that I am always available when people need me,” Virgie said. “I will drop anything I am doing and will be there immediately.”

However, she doesn’t have to be at the office to continue her work - she takes it with her wherever she goes. Whether it’s a late-night dinner with friends, getting a manicure or shopping at Target, she is never “closed” for business.

“Recently while having dinner with a friend one Saturday evening, I discovered she knew someone who was in the market for buying a home,” Virgie explained. “We called her friend who happened to be home. That night after our dinner, we went to her house and within the hour I pre-qualified her for a home loan at 9 p.m.”

The stories do not end there. She also tells of the time she was getting a manicure: Overhearing another client expressing her frustration about being accepted for a home loan, Virgie told her she could help. While both were getting their manicures, Virgie got enough information needed and before they both walked out of the nail salon, the individual was on her way to pre-qualification.

“I have even pre-qualified a customer in the Target parking lot,” Virgie laughed. While standing in line to pay for purchases at Target, Virgie had a conversation with the woman behind her about home mortgages. “I can help you,” Virgie told the woman, who left Target with not only the purchases from the department store but her future home as well.

“She realizes the importance of being available as a Real Estate professional,” stated Leigh Gagnon, owner of Northstar Mortgage Group. “She is driven by helping people and making the process fun and stress free.” Kate does not view her loans as transactions . . . they are relationships, families and friends. This is what has made her so successful in our industry.”

So that’s how Virgie does it. She goes that extra ten miles. No wonder she is the best of the best.