To help our members get to know one another, NRMLA publishes periodic Member Spotlights featuring professionals from across the reverse mortgage ecosystem.
Meet Amy Sanders, CRMP, a senior loan processor at Bay Equity Home Loans, based in Tucson, AZ. She got her start in reverse mortgages in 2013 as a loan officer assistant and transitioned to being a processor in 2018.
- When not helping seniors, Amy enjoys making new memories with her young daughter by baking new recipes and identifying local birds in southern Arizona.
- An avid volleyball player, both recreationally and competitively, Amy looks forward to teaching her daughter about her love of the game.
How did you get into the reverse mortgage world?
A back injury kept me from going through Air Force basic training, so I took a temp job at a mortgage company in the marketing department and managing the real estate continuing education school while the normal CE director went on maternity leave. During that time, I learned a lot about the real estate and mortgage world. I loved it so much that when my temp employment was up, I decided not to go into the Air Force and instead was hired by Glen Smart and Robin Loomis to be a loan officer assistant. He and Robin taught me all I know about reverse mortgages. Assisting our senior clients came naturally to me and I loved the freedom we were providing to clients. This was in 2013, and I have not looked back.
What reverse mortgage issues/topics are you most focused on now?
Repair work is a big topic for a lot of clients. It can be stressful for seniors to maintain their home, especially if repairs are needed. Assisting our clients post-closing with repair set-asides is something I have been focusing on.
What has been your biggest professional challenge/obstacle thus far? How did you overcome/handle it?
I am a single mother to a smart and beautiful seven-year-old girl. Balancing work full time while making sure Elealeh is excelling in school can be challenging but working a hybrid remote schedule has been the biggest blessing! It allows me to focus on our loans and clients while also not taking away from my parenting.
What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment to date?
Becoming a CRMP is definitely up there for me. I also pride myself on being thorough and efficient at processing loans. My fastest loan to date is six business days from the date the loan came to processing for a case number and appraisal until we were clear to close and ordering closing docs. I have even had a few purchases completed in seven business days.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who wants to get into the reverse mortgage world, what would it be and why?
Be willing to adapt to changes. Our reverse mortgage world has seen some big changes in the last decade. You must always be learning so you can best serve our clients.
Who has been a mentor to you in your career? How has their work impacted yours?
Not just one person but two: Robin Loomis & Glen Smart. I have been blessed to be part of their team for almost 12years now. They have taught me the ropes, helped me grow in my career, & shown me was true customer service is about! They always encourage me to step outside my comfort zone to improve & grow.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or pursuits?
I enjoy playing volleyball, going to movies with my daughter and visiting friends. I am lucky enough to have two of my childhood best friends in my life and we each have girls who are close in age. It is such a joy seeing our kids be best friends like we were growing up.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
I would say Diana Taurasi. She was my favorite college basketball player to watch growing up while she was at UConn. It would be amazing to be her for the day & play & train with the Phoenix Mercury.
Who inspires you?
My best friend, BreAnna, inspires me. She has always been a rock in my life with a positive mentality. She goes above and beyond for her family while maintaining her hairstyling career. She recently took in her nephew to help raise him. Truly one of the most generous and caring people I know.
What is your favorite food city? Favorite meal in said city?
Asadero Ballard in Seattle, WA. I had an Australian Wagu steak for my birthday while visiting my sister in Seattle. The restaurant is the only place in the U.S. that is permitted to sell this specific type of steak. It is unmatched.
What’s one item you can’t live without?
My daughter and a good book for us to read together.
