USA Mortgage

As Covid-19 gained traction and the nation realized there was significant employment uncertainty, the possibility of mortgage delinquency sparked liquidity concerns. The government acted quickly and while there were some short-term consequences, the mortgage industry and investors were fast to respond with changes to allow consumers access to financing needs.

While the pandemic created and continues to create challenges, the mortgage and real estate industry is in a much better position than during the last major economic challenge. With supply/demand dynamics at stable levels, prices at more favorable levels and regulation keeping much healthier debt on the books of banks, the housing and mortgage market is in a position to remain strong.

“Historically low interest rates and a strong housing market had mortgage companies poised for record volume, and while initially that sounds like a good thing, balancing surges of volume while maintaining standard of service can be a difficult task,” says Steve Kitrel, regional manager with USA Mortgage. The pandemic added an unforeseen layer as suddenly obtaining and training the staff necessary became more difficult.

“USA Mortgage was ahead of the curve in technology,” says Kitrel. “With a robust technology package already in place, we were prepared to offer a contact-free lending experience from day one.” With support from its IT department, USA Mortgage was able to quickly mobilize and give all employees the ability to work from home. “By keeping the safety of our team and clients the number one priority, we were able to seamlessly transition literally overnight.”

“I have to give all of the credit to my amazing loan officers and support team. I am fortunate to work with what I think is the best mortgage team on the planet. Our people are the number one asset at USA Mortgage,” says Kitrel. “Our 750+ owner-employees are an unmatched asset. Fewer than 1 in 200 companies in the US are employee owned. Having a real stake in ownership allows for every voice and every idea to be heard. This creates energized, empowered, entrepreneurs that are constantly working to improve the mortgage process, with the end result being a better experience for our clients.”

“Even with so much uncertainty USA Mortgage has not wavered in our dedication to community involvement during the pandemic,” says Kitrel. “DAS Gives, our community outreach program, allows our employees to give to the causes that are near and dear to their hearts.” Kitrel serves on the board of two local non-profits, The Price Cutter Charity Classic and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

As a full-service mortgage bank, USA Mortgage controls all aspects of the loan, from application and underwriting, to closing and funding. This ability, along with a large investor portfolio allows USA Mortgage the luxury of offering mortgage programs to fit clients’ needs in any climate.

USA mortgage is a full-service mortgage lender with nationwide volume expected to approach $4 billion in closed loan volume for 2020. The Kitrel Region, which consists of offices in Joplin, Springfield, Nixa, Branson, Kansas City and Rapid City, South Dakota is expected to top $160 million in closed loan volume.