While new home sales and buyer confidence begin to rise again after the market downturn, Starkey Mortgage (WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146) has created a new division devoted entirely to helping home builders drive traffic to their communities by utilizing the most successful marketing, advertising and promotions.
The Texas-based mortgage company has aligned with community home builders and homebuyers through the economic downfall and understands that many home builders do not have the in-house resources or marketing departments required to help them effectively market their communities. Starkey Mortgage’s southeastern U.S. division developed the unique and innovative Builder Services program in response to this unfulfilled niche, which offers professional marketing assistance to small to mid-sized builders.
As a mortgage banker, Starkey Mortgage originates, processes, underwrites, closes and funds residential mortgage loans in the Starkey Mortgage name. This is an advantage over mortgage brokers who must rely on their investors to underwrite and close loans. Another benefit is the operations and underwriting is located in the branches with the loan officers. This “in-house” authority provides the company with increased control over the mortgage process, which results in superior customer service.
Debra Watt, Senior Vice President and East Regional Manager, explained, “The extensive support from the Builder Services Division allows our loan officers to focus on the homebuyers, resulting in a smoother sales cycle and a positive partnership between all parties for the long term.”
After a successful first year in the southeast region, the Builder Services Division has expanded nationally, developing and servicing relationships in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
To spearhead this division, the company recruited Randee Black in early summer 2012. With a background in marketing, graphic design and social media, paired with her mortgage-business expertise, she has been a tremendous asset to Starkey Mortgage’s success. “Being able to offer the tools and resources needed to successfully market to home builders allows us to become a part of the builder’s sales force through customized, co-branded solutions, on-site coverage and training to help generate traffic to the new home communities we service,” said Black. The Builder Services division has since grown, and provides full, in-house graphic design, communications and social media support.
With branch offices across multiple regions, the National Builder Division is able to facilitate clients locally, providing regional depth, area knowledge and consistent availability. With the uptick in housing starts, home values and employment growth, the Builder Services team continues to focus its efforts in North and South Carolina, and has built strong relationships with several builders primarily within the Triad, Raleigh, Charlotte, Columbia and Charleston markets.
Through the use of effective social media, digital and print marketing efforts, the National Builder Division strives to capture the builder’s message and help to transform it into a clear, concise message to homebuyers and real estate agents. Services include marketing, brand strategy, digital/online presence, media and press campaigns and marketing collateral with financing scenarios.
For more information on Starkey Mortgage’s Builder Services Division, please contact Randee Black at rblack@starkeymtg.com, 678-350-9041 or visit www.starkeybuilderservices.com.
Equal Housing Lender. Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee. 7000 Central Pkwy. NE, Suite 1440, Atlanta, GA 30328.