NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Aug. 5, 2009
Media Contact
Dana Smith, 720-413-8979
dana.smith@q.com
Universal Lending Opens Lakewood Office
Well-known Jefferson County Mortgage Expert to lead ULC team
DENVER - Universal Lending Corporation, one of Colorado's largest mortgage banks, opened a Lakewood branch in order to better serve the community in Jefferson County. With 30 years of experience serving families and individuals in metro Denver, Universal Lending will bring its special brand of knowledge, experience and professionalism to the doorstep of Jefferson County residents.
"While other mortgage companies have come and gone over the years, Universal Lending continues to thrive and serve the community because we are committed to helping families achieve home ownership over the long term," said Pete Lansing, Universal Lending president.
Universal Lending has one of the highest rates of repeat customers in the mortgage business and offers many loan choices, including FHA,VA and a variety of conventional loans.
Lansing hired well-regarded Jefferson County mortgage expert Susan Gumm to serve as the new Branch Manager. Gumm has 35 years of experience in mortgage banking and has been a top producer in the business for several firms. In addition to originating mortgages, Gumm worked as a construction lender, and she also owned and managed a residential mortgage brokerage firm and closing company.
She is also extremely active in the Jefferson County community and in dealing with issues relating to real estate finance. In addition to her involvement in the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association and the Colorado Association of Realtors, Gumm has been a board member of the Colorado State Housing Board, a Commissioner with the Clear Creek County Planning Commission and recent graduate of Leadership Jefferson County.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Universal Lending family because I believe so strongly in their way of doing business – working closely with families to get to know them, educating them about the process and helping them make informed decisions that will set them on the path to home ownership and financial stability," Gumm said.
"Susan is an expert in working with first-time homebuyers and self-employed borrowers," Lansing said. "She takes pride in the long- term relationships she builds with her clients, and that's why she's a great fit for our team."
Gumm has developed a team of the best loan officers in Jefferson County and continues to look for experienced, customer-focused loan officers to grow the business. Her current team includes:
• Kelli Strott comes to Universal Lending with more than 11 years of experience in mortgage banking and a strong commitment to helping people. She has held many positions, including closer, processor, loan officer assistant and loan originator.
• Michelle Oddo has more than 15 years of experience as a mortgage lending professional. She strives to educate her clients on the best loan option available to them, building trust that results in long-term relationships with her clients. She gives back to the community as a member of the Kiwanis and the West Chamber of Commerce.
• Heather Dirchl has 9 years of mortgage banking experience and 12 years of experience in the construction industry. She believes in good old fashioned hard work and strives to earn her clients' trust and repeat business. She is involved in the Jefferson County Association of Realtors and the West Chamber of Commerce.
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Denver-based Universal Lending Corporation, one of Colorado's largest mortgage banks, has been helping families from every walk of life achieve home ownership for nearly 30 years. Universal Lending Corporation currently operates branches in Central Denver, Westminster, Lakewood, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Texas and Montana.
