Branch Locations

Partnership Program

What our Partners have to say about us:

“The administrative support is great, willing to help out with projects on short notice. The Marketing is always there to help with very creative ideas and great customer service.

First Choice is still a small enough company that each branch makes a difference in its overall success.  I like knowing I can try something new or different and not have to deal with the corporate red tape. 

Having a funding company makes all the difference. We fund all of our conforming and some of our non-conforming with FCF. They are a great group to work with, always willing to get that last minute closing package out to the closer.  Teaming with FCF sets us apart from the smaller broker shops that don't have a funding company. 

Lastly, the management team within First Choice Mortgage is highly respected in the industry.  Becoming an FCM Partner has been a very positive experience for me, and my staff and I look forward to a very bright future with FCM.”

-Dave Leeder, Branch Manager
Madison, WI 

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What makes First Choice Mortgage different?

Our philosophy now and in the future will be to provide the best service to our customers and partners with the highest level of honesty and ethics.

Background

First Choice Mortgage was established in Waukesha, Wisconsin by our President, John Knowlton, in 1993. First Choice Mortgage has grown across the Midwest and is now expanding into other regions. This remarkable growth rate is attributed to many different resources: quality employees, cutting edge technology, and solid belief in doing right by the customer. Throughout its tremendous growth, First Choice Mortgage remains committed to extraordinary customer care.

Vision for the Future

First Choice Mortgage will continue to emerge and progress through superior customer service, outstanding professionalism, and uncompromising integrity. Ethical and honest business practices are essential to building long lasting relationships. First Choice Mortgage has made a commitment to uphold the highest values, and will continue to adhere to that promise in the future.

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 What services do Partners receive?

First Choice Mortgage can assist you with…

Services:

  • Human Resources – Handles all benefits and recruitment needs.
  • Legal - Have legal relationship for any issues that may need advice or approval
  • Compliance – We have a full-time department dedicated to quality and compliant loan production. State and Federal laws are monitored regularly so that we maintain familiarity with the impact and importance of these laws in our area of responsibility. We have policies in place that address audit procedures, post funding quality control and fraud prevention. All critical areas of production are reviewed regularly to stand the tests of a rapidly changing industry.
  • Accounting - payroll administration, bookkeeping, & accounts payable
  • Marketing - The Marketing Department offers hundreds of ideas and many marketing materials from flyers to multi-media presentations.
  • Technology - A professional Web site, state-of the-art LOS, Help Desk support, tracking systems, e-mail, database management and personal loan consultant Web sites.
  • Training - Stay up-to-date by attending training seminars and educational meetings to enhance product knowledge or personal marketing skills.
  • Funding - We offer a full-service Funding Department which includes product and pricing software, a full-service lock desk, great underwriting relationships and a convenient closing process. We aim to provide the flexibility you need.

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What benefits are Partners eligible for?

Benefits:

  • Full medical coverage
  • Dental plan
  • Life insurance
  • 401K plan – with matching contribution
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • P.O.P. plan

In today’s world these benefits are valuable to you and also serve as a recruitment tool for you as you build your branch with quality people.

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FAQ’s

You have questions…
First Choice Mortgage has answers!

Q: What constitutes a Partnership with First Choice Mortgage?

A: A Partner branch is a full service branch of First Choice Mortgage. We are by no means a “Net Branch Company,” but we do retain that entrepreneurial flair.

Q: What type of products does First Choice currently have available?

A: A wide variety of products include:

  • Conventional loans
  • FHA, VA, WHEDA Loans  
  • Non Conforming Loans
  • Constructions Loans
  •  Reverse Mortgages
  • Lines of credit

Q: Are there production guidelines set for FCM Partners?

A: FCM works with each partner to determine reasonable production goals.

Q: Can I still use the same lenders I use now?

A: Yes! The majority of our loans are done by our very own Funding Department. Although not required, over 70% of our total monthly loans are funded through our own department!  However, if you would like to broker your own loans, we are currently approved with most major lenders, and will add additional lenders as needed.

Q: Do I choose where to work?

A: Yes, you decide! You can work from a home office (should State law allow), executive suite or a traditional office set-up.

Q: OK, so what are the start-up costs?

A: There are NO up front or out-of-pocket fees! FCM pays all necessary costs to open your office.

Q: What does First Choice Mortgage charge?

  • $450 per file on all 1st mortgages.
  • $200 per file on stand alone 2nd mortgages and HELOCS (no charge on 2nd for Combo loans)

Q: How does processing work?

A: You can hire your own processor or you can have your files processed for the nominal fee of $275, or $300 for FHA, VA and Reverse files.

Q: What real resources will I have to help grow my business?

A: First Choice Mortgage offers ALL of the below services and support for no ADDITIONAL fees!

Administration Support – Payroll, benefits, licensing, compliance, accounts payable, and all bookkeeping are handled for you!

Marketing Support – In addition to helping you create flyers, develop a direct mail campaign or place an ad, the Marketing Department also delivers an exclusive marketing newsletter via email monthly, packed with tips, ideas and materials to grow your business.

Technology – We have a fully staffed IT Department and Help Desk available to assist with all of your technology related issues. The technology related services we offer include:

  • A state-of-the-art loan origination software system, Encompass™ (for more information, please visit www.elliemae.com).
  • A corporate Web site packed with loan product and program information for your clients PLUS your very own customizable branch page! (We also have individual Web sites available for an additional fee.) Each branch and individual site has the capability for clients to apply directly online, through a secure and automated application system.
  • A custom, online learning center providing approved training courses to meet each state’s continuing education requirements, online collaboration with all FCM branches and access to national mortgage news resources.
  • An enterprise instant messaging system
  • An employee intranet

Q: Why should a mortgage professional consider becoming a First Choice Partner?

A: There are so many reasons!

  • Established – have relationships with realtors, builders, banks, and financial planners.
  • Independence – run your own business - you make the decisions and keep the benefits!
  • Multi-State Access – licensed in WI, IA, IL, MN, MI, and FL and growing quickly.
  • Products – access to programs with 100’s of lenders
  • Support – full support system allows you to focus on what you do BEST! Leave the Technology, Marketing and HR headaches to us!
  • Benefits – full medical, dental, life insurance, 401K, long and short term disability
  • Banker or Broker? You get to choose for yourself
  • Pending RESPA regulations no longer a threat

A better question might be why not Partner with FCM?

Q: What is your compensation policy?

A: Paid promptly twice a month

Q: How are loan officers and office staff compensated?

A: As the branch manager, you determine how your staff will be paid.

Q: What if I want to terminate the agreement:

A: Either party can terminate the arrangement with little hassle.

Q: How long does it take to get started as a new Partner?

A: It depends on your particular situation as well as state requirements.

Q: How do I get started?

A: For more information, please contact:

Jim Krantz, Business Development Director - 262-650-9545 ext.116

or

Joe Ramis, Branch Recruitment Director - 262-650-9545 ext.115

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Take the Next Step

Are you ready to take the next step? Please print off and fax back the following forms and your resume to 262-513-9857 or simply contact us.

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