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Assurance Financial Ranks in Top for Customer Satisfaction in 2023
BATON ROUGE, LA – June 14, 2024
Assurance Financial is proud to announce that we have been named the #1 Mortgage Company in our small division category for the 2023 Top Performers in Customer Satisfaction!
We’re also pleased to announce that six of our originators have been placed in the country’s top 1% of Loan Officers for customer satisfaction.
Merrell Johnson of Columbia, SC, Micah Garrett of Troy, AL, Rob Stewart of Lafayette, LA, Lauren Tylock of Lafayette, LA, Matthew Hunter of Aiken, SC, Willie Tucker of Huntsville, AL
Amongst the multitude of reviews from over 50,000 loan officers representing hundreds of companies nationwide on the Experience.com platform, Assurance Financial stands proud of our loan officers for their role in elevating our standing.
“While it’s an honor to have earned the #1 overall ranking for customer satisfaction in the 2023 Experience.com small division category, it comes as no surprise to me. We have a seasoned team of Mortgage Loan Officers and the best fulfillment team in the business, who take great pride in delivering a ‘second to none’ experience for our clients. For nearly 25 years, our success has been built on sales and operations working together in the best interest of the customer,” Assurance Financial CEO, Kenny Hodges, said. “Receiving this recognition is a rewarding testament to our team’s dedication.”
According to Experience.com, the results are based on survey completion rates, the number of reviews, and the star ratings submitted to the platform by verified customers.
Read more about the Experience.com 2023 Top Performer’s awards here.
Assurance Financial Announces Internal Promotions
to Drive Continued Growth and Excellence
November 27, 2023
Baton Rouge, LA – Assurance Financial, a leading provider of innovative mortgage solutions, is pleased to announce a series of internal promotions aimed at strengthening the company’s leadership team and supporting its commitment to excellence in the mortgage industry.
The following individuals have been promoted to key positions within the company:
- Steve Ward has been promoted to President, Chief Operating Officer. In Steve’s expanded role as President, he will lead the day-to-day operations of the company, including Risk, Underwriting, Servicing, Post-Closing, Compliance, Licensing and Fulfillment.
- Courtney Henson has been promoted to Chief Administrative Officer. In Courtney’s new role as CAO, the following departments will fall under her leadership: Human Resources, Marketing, IT, and Corporate Council.
- Scott Alexander has been promoted to Chief Risk Officer. Scott’s essential job functions will include managing all company risk policies, as well as overseeing all company products and programs. He will also oversee the Underwriting, Compliance and Construction departments.
Kenny Hodges, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “These leadership changes reflect Assurance Financial’s commitment to deliver exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a best-in-class mortgage experience to the clients we serve.”
Download the press release here. For media inquiries, please contact Lindsi Flynn, Director of Marketing at lflynn@assurancemortgage.com
Assurance Financial Originators are in Experience.com’s Top 1% for Customer Satisfaction in 2022
BATON ROUGE, LA – August 21, 2023
Assurance Financial is proud to announce that six of our originators have been placed in the country’s top 1% of Loan Officers for customer satisfaction.
- Barbara Gaston of Florence, AL
- Damian Cook of Atlanta, GA
- Lauren Tylock of Lafayette, LA
- Renee Carughi of Baton Rouge, LA
- Stephen Magyar of Shreveport, LA
- Willie Tucker of Huntsville, AL
Amongst the multitude of reviews from over 50,000 loan officers representing hundreds of companies nationwide on the Experience.com platform, Assurance Financial stands proud of our loan officers for their role in elevating our standing.
“While most lenders boast great technology and the ability to close loans promptly, what truly distinguishes the Top Performers is their willingness and eagerness to remain accessible. They are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure that their borrowers and referral partners are well-informed about every aspect of the transaction,” Assurance Financial CEO, Kenny Hodges, said. “I take pride in knowing that our team collaborates harmoniously to provide an exceptional customer experience.”
According to Experience.com, the results are based on survey completion rates, the number of reviews, and the star ratings submitted to the platform by verified customers.
Read more about the Experience.com 2022 Top Performer’s awards here.
Assurance Financial Expands to
Dallas, Texas Area
BATON ROUGE, LA – June 10, 2020
Assurance Financial is now in the Dallas, Texas area, expanding its reach and lending ability in the southwestern region of the country.
The new branch will be manned by Julie Perkins, branch manager, and Mason Clinesmith, loan officer. Julie Perkins joins Assurance Financial with nearly 10 years of mortgage industry experience, and she is ready to jump in and help our borrowers close on the homes of their dreams.
“I am so excited to work with all of the technology at Assurance Financial, and to be able to offer it to my borrowers. I look forward to helping them close their loans on time, every time,” said Perkins.
Being a lender in the digital mortgage movement, Assurance Financial offers a 15-minute online application that borrowers can easily complete on their mobile device. Also, their lightning-fast closings include the ability to preview and sign closing documentation before the closing.
“Assurance Financial intends to continue growth even in light of the recent pandemic as our strength lies in liquidity and nimble servicing due to our technological advancements,” says Kenny Hodges, President and CEO.
Based out of Baton Rouge, La, Assurance Financial boasts licenses in 44 states.
Assurance Financial Expands to
San Antonio, Texas
BATON ROUGE, LA – May 18, 2020
Assurance Financial is now in San Antonio, Texas, adding a second brick and mortar presence and the ability to assist Spanish speaking borrowers to the Lone Star State.
The new branch will be manned by San Antonio natives, Robert Rodriguez, branch manager, and David Martinez, loan officer. Rodriguez joins Assurance Financial with over 15 years in the mortgage industry and is thrilled to be part of the Assurance family.
“I am thrilled to be able to offer my borrowers the latest technology in lending, easing their burden when searching for a mortgage. I look forward to closing their loans on time—every time, and giving them world-class customer service with each transaction,” said Rodriguez.
Being a lender in the digital mortgage movement, Assurance Financial offers a 15-minute online application that borrowers can easily complete on their mobile device. Also, their lightning-fast closings include the ability to preview and sign closing documentation before the closing.
“Assurance Financial intends to continue growth even in light of the recent pandemic as our strength lies in liquidity and nimble servicing due to our technical advancements,” says Kenny Hodges, President and CEO.
Based out of Baton Rouge, La, Assurance Financial boasts licenses in 44 states.
The beginning of the mortgage loan process is filled with confusion. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and conventional loans are among the most common mortgage programs for new homebuyers! Both loans have their unique advantages, and understanding your options will help you make the best decision.
Down Payment
In the past, FHA loans required the lowest down-payment, typically sitting around about 3.5% down. Now, conventional loans offer a 3% down payment option for qualified buyers. In some cases, lenders offer even lower rates.
Property Standards
FHA loans require at least one of the owners be a primary resident within sixty days of closing. Investment properties or homes being sold within 90 days of the prior sale aren’t eligible for FHA loans. With a conventional home, you’re allowed to purchase a vacation home, an investment property, or a primary residence. FHA home appraisals are incredibly detailed. The property is assessed for value, safety, soundness of construction and local restriction standards.
Loan Limits
Jumbo loans, which are loans that are bigger than the loan limits set by Fannie and Freddie, fall outside of the limits of FHA and conventional loans. FHA loans must follow county-level limits, which are based on a percentage of the county’s median home price. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee loan limits for single-family homes are $424,100 in most of the country. Depending on the county and area of the country, loan ceilings can reach much higher.
Credit Score Requirements
FHA loans are much easier to qualify for thanks to a low bar for credit scores. In most cases, a credit score of 500 or above is all that is needed for approval. Conventional loans typically require a credit score of 620 or above. For most home buyers, the lower your credit score, the higher your mortgage interest rate.
Debt-to-income ratios
To qualify for an FHA loan, the potential homeowner must have a debt-to-income ratio of 50% or less. A recent study revealed the average debt ratio for FHA loans is about 42%. Conventional loans typically require a debt to income ratio no higher than 45%. The average debt ratio for conventional loan borrowers is 34%.
Do you have more questions about how to choose the right mortgage program for your needs? Contact Assurance Financial today! Our team of home loan experts are ready and prepared to answer any of your questions. Click here for more information!