Arizona Mortgage Company Leads National Trend in Hybrid Agents Real Estate Sales Professionals Double as Mortgage Loan Officers

(PRWeb) December 18, 2006 -- With more than 90,000 licensed real estate agents and brokers in the state of Arizona and a cooling market well entrenched, some of those professionals are considering new career options. JSSmith Mortgage has created a way for sales professionals to test the home loan business and continue working as a real estate agent. This "hybrid agent" is both a Real Estate Agent and a loan officer, streamlining the sales process and ensuring continuity for the home buyer.

"We are on the cutting edge of offering the training and mentoring for this new combination professional," said Jeffrey Smith, President of JSSmith Mortgage. The company has a training and mentoring program for real estate agents who want to explore the lending side of the industry while remaining an agent. Agents benefit by leveraging their industry contacts and client base to take advantage of a new revenue channel.

Smith is a national expert on establishing joint venture programs and strategic alliances with real estate brokerages and home builders. He has taken that concept to a new level by encouraging the hybrid professional. "Our business is a competitive one and the best way to service the customer is to create an environment where they can save money and enjoy a transaction that is professionally executed resulting in a smooth experience. That's the way to build that coveted customer loyalty," said Smith

Marcy Foster of Valleywide Premier Properties in Tempe, Arizona, works as an assistant with REALTOR Susan Allen. As a team, they service a variety of clients buying and selling homes. Now, Marcy is taking on the JSSmith Mortgage offer to learn about the mortgage side of the business, bringing improved service to their real estate clients. "We have a pool of leads of those interested in buying or selling homes. By offering them mortgage services as well we can increase our team's revenue, while offering a higher level of service to our customers," said Foster.

Valleywide Premier Properties associate Sue Tasso, also a hybrid agent, is excited about the opportunities. "I won't have to wait for outside loan officers to return my calls and let me know how large of a mortgage my clients can carry. I'll be able to make that determination and keep the process moving forward efficiently. This will bring greater continuity to the overall transaction," said Tasso.

Jim Decker is an Associate Broker with West USA Realty in Peoria, Arizona, who has embraced the hybrid position of serving as a loan officer, too. Real Estate Agents are often involved in making sure their clients are pre-qualified for a mortgage and a good agent will stay involved in the process to make sure the client is being served properly. "I got tired of seeing my clients getting the short end of the deal with some mortgage companies. Since my alliance with JSSmith Mortgage, I have done a number of mortgage transactions with my real estate clients where I've saved them money and provided seamless service," said Decker. He plans to launch his own real estate brokerage in 2007 and feels strongly about the client benefits of offering combined real estate and mortgage services. "I plan to keep this relationship with JSSmith Mortgage in my new venture," he said.

Real estate professionals interested in learning more about being a hybrid are welcome to visit the company's website at www.jssmithmortgage.com.

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