Top Mortgage Companies 2021

Consider these agents and companies when preparing to make your next real estate transaction.

Mike B. Pietsh
President & Chief Operating Officer, Title Guaranty Hawaii

Q: What stands out for you as you look back over 125 years?

A: “When I look back at the milestones that Title Guaranty has celebrated over the last 125 years, one of the notable takeaways is the pace of change”, said Title Guaranty President, Mike B. Pietsch. “In our company’s younger years; major advancements, growth and tech innovation came somewhat gradually over time. Our business rose and fell with the cycles and we responded as best we could to lead and grow through anticipated obstacles. As Hawai‘i’s business grew, we grew along with it. 125 amazing years later, we remain passionate and committed to helping Hawai‘i’s people get into homes of their own.

Q: Where does TG Hawaii go from here?

A: 2020 drastically changed the game for all of us. As world events accelerated the pace of change, TG continued to pivot their resources to align with the current need. “I’m really proud of the many operational upgrades we made to our workflow over the last 18 months. I feel like we’re stronger because of it and our clients have responded positively to the changes.” Mike shared. “But even more importantly, I’m optimistic about how we’re changing the way we manage and lead our respective internal teams. In these unique times, compassionate leadership seems to be the only path to success. Employees have a lot to juggle with school closures, home-office life, and ongoing workflow changes. We’re building a foundation of understanding and innovation that will take us through whatever life throws our way in the future.”

Title Guaranty Hawaii
17 Branch Locations Statewide
Visit: tghawaii.com
Follow: @tg_hawaii

Shane Irish
NMLS #1160004
Mortgage Loan Officer, Loan Depot

Being born and raised in Hawai‘i, Shane Irish has a great understanding of the place he calls “home.” Shane is a graduate of ‘Iolani High School and Oregon State, with degrees in Economics and Business Entrepreneurship. Shane returned home in 2013 where he began his career in finance at Hawaii National Bank, a place he is thankful for because it allowed him to grow and find his strengths.

Shane is currently a mortgage loan officer for loanDepot. He was part of the team that opened its first retail branch in the state. The company has since gone public, partnered with MLB and had the Miami Marlins stadium named after it. He jokes that’s all due to him joining the company.

Q: What do you attribute your achievements to? 

A: I love that Gatorade ad, “You get out what you put in.” There are few lines of work where this saying still holds true, this is one of them, so I try to put in a lot. I arrive each day prepared to give a great deal of energy and commitment to the realtors and clients I work with.

Q: Why do clients value working with you?

A: I think it’s authenticity. Not being afraid to show people who you are, then selflessly giving yourself to them. And secondly, that my sole purpose is to help. When it genuinely starts there, I’m confident to let the chips fall as they may.

Q: How to stay connected? 

A: Each Friday I post the average 30yr fixed rate and chart to my Instagram @Mortgage_Hawaii. It’s an easy way for followers to stay in tune with our mortgage market. I also throw in 30-60 sec. informational videos – those might just turn the light on for a buyer or provide a realtor that nugget that impresses their client.

loanDepot
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 3-400
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 384-1146
loanDepot.com

Rachel Willis
NMLS #1844650
Branch Manager, Aligned Mortgage

Rachel Willis, Aligned Mortgage’s Branch Manager, was born and raised in Hawai‘i and has 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry.

Rachel is an extremely passionate advocate for homeownership and has been particularly focused on First Time Home Buyers and the many specialty programs offered to them. Rachel is well versed in all financing programs, though VA and USDA loans are among her favorites. Rachel takes pride in educating Hawai‘i’s homebuyers and Realtors on the value of and options for homeownership and regularly teaches classes for the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Rachel brings dedication, experience, and an eagerness to serve to Aligned Mortgage.

Q: What are your favorite loan programs? 

A: My favorite loan programs are VA & USDA hands down. VA is the best product on the market as well as it should be since this program is specifically for those who have served or are serving our country. Like VA, the USDA program offers low-interest rates, amazing rebates to help with closing costs and it’s also 100% financing which allows people to get into the door of homeownership.

Q: Is it easier to qualify for the USDA program compared to other loan programs? 

A: Yes, it’s fairly easy to qualify for the USDA program. The minimum we require at Aligned Mortgage is a 600 FICO score. Along with that, there are certain income requirements such as $144,750 for a family of 1-4 and $191,050 for a family 5-8 on O‘ahu, which you will need to be at or below to qualify.

Q: What makes Aligned Mortgage Hawaiʻi’s #1 VA Purchase Lender? 

A: Our founder, Tony Dias, a prior service Marine has been educating Veterans since 2005 – holding monthly Seminars. These Seminars continue today on Zoom. We have educated over 150,000 Veterans. We are also a ‘no fee’ lender, helping Veterans save thousands on their purchase. We have Veteran Loan officers who are serving fellow Veterans, knowing all too well what their needs are. We simply have a passion to ensure that all those who have sworn to defend our country have an opportunity to own a piece of it.

Aligned Mortgage
94-539 Puahi St.
Waipio, HI 96797
(808) 677-5626
www.AlignedMortgage.com