| Name: | Michelle Otte |
| Current Role: | Residential Mortgage Specialist (Mortgage Loan Originator), Harris®* |
| Location: | Chicago, IL |
| "I hadn’t considered banking – I’m glad I did." | |
With a B.S. in Education, my plan was to be a teacher; I hadn’t considered banking – I’m glad I did. TI met someone in the mortgage industry who told me about what they did, and I thought it might be a good fit with my math background so I decided to give it a try. I found that in addition to the numbers side of the business, I really enjoyed working with people and helping them get into homes. After two years in mortgage sales I moved to the credit side, where I spent eight years learning about the products that mortgage companies use. | |
| "I knew that Harris would be there for its customers even when markets get difficult." | |
Through my credit role, I came into contact with Harris and was invited to apply for a Mortgage Loan Originator position. I was drawn to Harris by the strong name it has in this market – brand recognition goes a long way in the mortgage business. I also had first-hand experience with Harris as a customer and had always been treated well. I knew that Harris would be there for its customers even when markets get difficult. | |
| "I feel as though I’m part of a team where people really want each other to move forward." | |
I’ve been a Mortgage Loan Originator for about five years now and one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to work with first-time homebuyers. It is incredibly satisfying to see their excitement when they close on their first home – especially when they didn’t think it would be possible and I was able to help make it happen. I love being able to help customers. The real estate market is constantly changing with new rules and regulations. The pace of change can be a bit scary, especially if you’re new to the job or the industry and are still learning the products. That’s why I’ve been so impressed by the way Harris supports its sales team. For example, I remember my manager sending me referrals to help me build my business, when I was new in my role. Because the managers go above and beyond, I feel as though I’m part of a team where people really want each other to move forward. | |
| "Customers rely on you for advice, so you need to know your products." | |
To enjoy this role and to be successful at it, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about your products as customers rely on you for advice. You also need good people skills – like patience and honesty, especially when you have to decline a customer’s loan. Success in this business means getting repeat calls from clients, so the ability to form and maintain good client relationships is essential. With experience, you can learn how to suggest alternative products or solutions; but you need the basic ability to deal with people from day one. | |
| "After 5 years, this role continues to keep me interested and challenged." | |
After five years, this role continues to keep me interested and challenged while allowing me to balance the needs of my young family. In the future, I may like to explore business development, building new relationships outside the Bank. Or I may return to my first love and integrate teaching into my career by helping to train new Originators. | |
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®* Registered trademark of Harris N.A., used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Harris is a member of BMO Financial Group.
