Jason Levine, of Advisors Mortgage Group of Freehold, NJ, can’t deny the fact that a mortgage consultant’s lifestyle can be busy, but it has its rewards; and that is helping to make a difference, firsthand, in people’s lives.
Being in the business for almost 20 years, Jason says this past year was “in his words” the wildest one I have ever seen. “You had rates as low as 2.5% on a 30-year fixed, and the housing market prices jumped almost 30% since 2020. Most buyers were waiving appraisals, inspections, and paying as much 20% over asking price! I saw one house have 23 offers on it in one day, all over asking! Then within in the blink of an eye rates jumped to almost 8.0%. The market became unstable, so most homebuyers took a pause. The good news is fast-forward to today rates have dropped, home prices seem more stable, and more importantly buyers are able to do inspections, get appraisals, and imagine this, even negotiate!
So, tell us about your path to this industry. “Wow that is one I haven’t heard, so what feels like a different lifetime, I started out as an accountant for Ernst and Young in 2002 and was certain that this was a career that I was going to stay in. It was a great company and it gave me the stability that I was looking for. However, after a visit, some twenty years ago, with my uncle who owned a mortgage bank in California, I felt I needed a shift in my career.
After working with the same mortgage company for 14 years in 2016, Jason took a position with Advisors Mortgage Group in Freehold where he has built up a name and reputation for himself as a CNJ Leader and expert. Jason has ranked among the top 2% of Mortgage Lenders for the past 6 years, and his career continues to grow. He now is the Sales Manager and Mortgage Consultant.
“I was with the same company for 14 years, which is a rarity,” Jason stated. “I was grateful for that experience. I learned a lot and value the hands-on experience I got while working there, which helped me obtain my position today of running a branch while also doing what I love, helping clients get in their home.
After meeting with clients and referral partners who work with Jason, they praise him for his creativity and analytical skills. They describe him as kind, patient, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. One of his referral partners, who has even worked with Jason for her own personal mortgages, describes him as “always available” and “going above and beyond” for buyers. Jason makes sure he is giving you the best program and services that fit your needs,” stated the agent.
What makes Jason different from the others is how much he cares about his clients. “First time home buyers hold a special place to me, as I know the nerves of buying that first home, whether it is $100,000 or $1,000,000. Also, I go to all my closings,” Jason stated, stressing the importance of experiencing, in-person, the close of a successful transaction. “After putting the time into these loans, it’s great to see people’s faces when they get to that all-important day of closing, whether it’s a new couple, a first-time buyer, or a family. That makes all the difference.” Jason likes to continue those relationships long after the closing, as well. “My number one goal is to make people happy through honesty, transparency, and a helping hand, they will always call when they have a mortgage question because they feel comfortable.”
Aside from work, Jason’s three children are his world. He stays busy with all of their activities and sporting events and devotes his time as an advocate for special needs children. “I also love going to the gym, as we know life can be crazy and we all need balance.” Jason appreciates how his dedication to in the mortgage industry holds personal rewards that fall in line with his priorities. “My goal is to grow 10% this year.” It’s a goal made possible through hard work in an industry that allows him flexibility to focus on what is most important, his family.