Mortgage Professional America: Can you tell me how, when and why you began within the mortgage industry?
Stephen Cardillo: I began in May 2003. A friend of mine worked for a mortgage company and thought I can be a great fit. I used to be initially nervous about going for a straightforward job, but there was no higher time in my life to try it, so I bet on myself.
MPA: What’s probably the most memorable deal you have ever made?
SC: My first deal was probably the most memorable, but not for the rationale you would possibly think. It was a refinance customer in Alabama that had closed down and was as a result of finance. Shortly after signing the contract, the husband decided that the mortgage was not right for him and walked out of the contract before it was financed. Being completely latest to the business and easy commission, this was an eye-opening experience. Soon after, I needed to pay for a customer quote. The next Monday, once I got here to work, the senior loan officer told me, “you may make it on this business.” Confused, I asked, “why?” He said, “the previous week would have caused most latest loan officers to resign, and you are still here.” I then refined my process and moved forward by becoming my client’s partner reasonably than an order taker. I’m here to assist them achieve THEIR goals, not mine. There I failed my first client and never forgot that lesson.
MPA: How do you stand out from the competition within the lending space?
