RAFFIE KALAJIAN. Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Transcription

1 RAFFIE KALAJIAN

2 RAFFIE KALAJIAN Raffie Kalajian, a second-generation mortgage banker, was born to work in the mortgage industry. Growing up, while other kids were out playing, he spent much of his time at his mother s office. His mother, who had worked for the industry since 1976, started her own mortgage company in Raffie returned home after graduating from Cranbrook in Detroit, Michigan, to attend the University of Southern California.

3 Soon after his return, Raffie joined his mother s team, and it has been full speed ahead ever since. In 2015 their team joined New Penn Financial, one of the largest mortgage banking firms in the United States, to expand their West Coast presence. The satisfaction of helping people is what keeps Raffie moving and growing: I work with all types of borrowers, ranging from investors who are used to the process to first-time home buyers who experience a range of emotions, from anxiousness when wondering about qualifying, to true joy on signing day... I truly enjoy helping first-time home buyers who didn t think they could achieve the American dream of home owner - ship, who are skeptical at the onset, who give me a deep sense of satisfaction when their loan closes. When I show them our different loan programs, get them approved, and give them the keys that s when I get a smile on my face. Over his fifteen years in the industry, Raffie has developed his business

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5 to the point that most of his clients are referrals. Branding and name recognition are important. Raffie par ticipated in three radio talk shows for a number of years in Los Angeles, where he coached and advised on ways to achieve home ownership. Raffie was recognized by Mortgage Executive Magazine for being among the top 1 percent of mortgage originators in the nation for two years. Today, Raffie continues to take extra steps to differentiate himself from the competition. For starters, Raffie is licensed to originate loans in four states. His slogan Be honest, work hard for your clients has helped him to be successful: My job is to tell my clients what they are getting into, to clearly identify the product terms, making sure they understand the process, all the way from getting preapproved to closing the loan, and even after they move into the property. While New Penn Financial is one of the largest direct lenders in the nation, with its

6 The most amazing and satisfying feeling is when Raffie s clients (both consumers and REALTORS ) call him years later to buy or refinance, or to refer family members. corporate office in Pennsylvania, every step of the transaction starts and ends in the Pasadena office. He is available around the clock and not only considered an expert in sales but also knowledgeable about every aspect of the loan process. So what does Raffie do after hours? There s not much time left for recreation, but he does love to play golf, watch hockey, and spend time with his wife and two daughters, ages two and four. He and his wife are involved in their daughters school: It s a way for us to bond with our children and contribute to their school and the community, he says. With two children and a flourishing business, Raffie applies the same focus and intensity of his hockey days to his work. He wants to continue expanding his team while maintaining the integrity of his honest, customer-oriented service. I want to show REALTORS that working with independent mortgage bankers is the most effective way to do business. I want them to realize that having that personal touch with a company like ours is the way to go. For more information about Raffie Kalajian (NMLS ID# ) of New Penn Financial, Pasadena, California, please visit call or raffie@newpennfinancial.com