Danielle Bo
ote has been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. During that time, she has encountered just about every type of mortgage lending situation imaginable. This Ross Mortgage home lending specialist has successfully navigated her business over the past two decades through both hot and cold housing markets. And if one thing is for certain, this Caerusnet Member (since August, 2010) knows all about the importance of consistently being the voice of her industry on her virtually always maxed out (30 Members), Brighton Wednesday 1PM Showcase Caerusnet team.
Recently, Caerusnet had a chance to interview Danielle to gain some valuable networking insight from this veteran mortgage professional.
How did you get into the mortgage field? “In 1989, I took a job as a back-up receptionist while working my way through college. I started originating loans for a family Member that was a Realtor about 20 years ago and have never looked back.”
What is the best thing about your business/career? “I love being able to assist families with the purchase or refinance of their home. I love educating my clients about the mortgage process, so my borrowers are really well informed and making educated decisions about their finances. Many of my clients have also become personal friends of mine and I have attended their weddings, graduations and watched their children grow.”
What is it about the Caerusnet model that you like most? “I love not having to serve on a committee or having to personally manage the group like most Members of other structured referral teams have to. I have done that in the past and find that with a Caerusnet Facilitator running our team meetings, the Caerusnet model is a more effective use of my time in today’s world. Even though I don’t lead the group, I am still able to contribute to the group in a positive manner by passing referrals and inviting visitors.”
Share a success story about why giving referrals/bringing visitors are beneficial to you. “One of my greatest Caerusnet success stories is of a single mother who was renting. She came to me for mortgage loan pre-approval. She was a self-employed, independent contractor who also desperately needed help setting up her federal taxes properly. So, I quickly referred her to our team’s CPA (Susan Walton, Accurate Tax) who is one of my most trusted accounting resources. Susan was able to get involved so my client did not have any IRS issues and I was able to use her tax returns to document her income properly and get her approved for an amazing home loan for her growing family. By purchasing a home, she was able to lower her housing expense compared to what she was paying for rent. She’s also excited to now have a mortgage interest deduction as a home owner for the 2016 calendar year when she files her taxes.”
Any tips on learning how to find situations where you can create a referral or invite a visitor? “Just keeping your eyes and ears open all the time. It is not hard, if you pay attention to what is going on around you. I love helping connect local businesses who need effective word of mouth marketing to our referral team.”
What is your strategy
with your Member Minute and your Spotlight presentation? “I focus on what I am working on that week. I can always think of a relevant client situation or a recent success story. The Members appreciate timely information and I love being the voice of my industry.”
You’ve been a Caerusnet Member for over six years. Do you have any tips on how to be successful in Caerusnet? “Yes! My top three are: A) show up to meetings 80% of the time or more B) give as much as you can to the other team Members (and do not worry about what you are getting in return immediately, as the more you give the more you will receive in the long run) and C) Trust Builder Meetings are a fun and simple way to take advantage getting to know the other team Members better.
Want to get in touch with Danielle Boote from Ross Mortgage? Click here for Danielle’s listing on the Caerusnet Member Directory. *Pictured above from top to bottom is Danielle Boote (pics 1 and 2) and Danielle (pic 3) with Caerusnet Members from her 1PM Brighton Wednesday team at a year end Caerusnet Member Celebration party.