Laura Brandao
Equity Prime Mortgage Partners
Total LinkedIn connections:
12,270
Facebook Business Page Likes:
3,448
Total Instagram Followers:
1,698
What do you think is the most effective strategy for growing and maintaining a strong network in the mortgage industry?
If you want your connections and business relationships to get to know you, you need to be consistent and true to your brand, yourself, and your message. First, do you know who you are? Once you know what your message is and how you want others to “know” you, you need to “get” that message out there consistently. Use all modes available to you, not just social media platforms. Chat on the phone, call in person (video conference), or even utilize the “gold standard” handwritten notes to add a personal touch. Never underestimate the power of a personal connection.
What new trends or innovations in social media do you think will be particularly impactful for mortgage professionals, and how do you plan to adapt your strategy accordingly?
Video is key. Everyone should have a podcast with a consistent broadcast schedule. I host the Wednesday Wisdom podcast and have a regular audience; it has become one of the hallmarks of my brand. I encourage you to evaluate which social platform serves as the best resource to get the engagement you want. Focus on that platform the most, but also leverage the others (IG, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook). Be careful with AI and don't lose your “voice” and uniqueness.
What metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track to evaluate the effectiveness of your social media efforts in building and nurturing your network?
This is a self-care practice. Make sure you review your posts every week, see which ones have the most engagement and the most likes, and look for reasons why these posts rose to the top. It's important to pay attention to what gravitates towards the people you connect with so you can capture their attention with your future posts.
John Cady
President of Citywide Home Loans
Total LinkedIn connections:
27,629
Total Instagram Followers:
3,002
X Number of followers:
2,665
Facebook Business Page Likes:
2,300
Throughout his 35-year tenure in the mortgage industry, John Cady has approached his career as a lifelong learner, always seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Developing genuine connections and friendships is the foundation of his networking strategy.
He has always believed in the power of relationships both professionally and personally and has actively sought to expand his network by engaging with individuals and businesses across industries. As a result, his network has grown organically over the years to encompass professionals across a range of industries who share his passion for excellence and innovation.
What new trends or innovations in social media do you think will be particularly impactful for mortgage professionals, and how do you plan to adapt your strategy accordingly?
The most impactful trend on social media is personalized content creation and authentic engagement. While AI certainly shows promise, the real power lies in loan officers being active on social media platforms, creating personalized posts, and sharing their expertise through video content. By creating informative and engaging videos where loan officers speak directly to consumers, share educational content, and showcase their expertise, they can build trust and credibility as a mortgage provider. In an age where consumers value authentic interaction and expertise, becoming a trusted mortgage influencer on social media is crucial.
What metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track to evaluate the effectiveness of your social media efforts in building and nurturing your network?
Dissecting your social media presence gives you insight into who is truly listening and how your content is impacting your business. Our goal is to go beyond static and vanity metrics and leverage the time spent on social media to foster real connections and build a community around your brand.
Enrique Flores
Loan Officer, On The Shore Lending powered by ESHL
YouTube subscriber count:
10,100
Total Instagram Followers:
1,133
Total LinkedIn connections:
486
Tell us about your experience in the mortgage industry and how you’ve built your network over the years.
I've been in this industry for exactly three years now. I discovered it during the refinancing boom after graduating from UCSB in 2020. I was looking for a career where I could make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and most importantly, make an impact.
I saw an opportunity in the mortgage business in the sense that there was a great need for better service and education for consumers, but at the same time, there was an even greater opportunity for better education and training for loan officers.
As soon as I passed the exam, I started creating content (YouTube videos) for new loan officers on how to pass the exam, how to get licensed, how to apply, etc. Everything I learned in my business, I was sharing it then and there. If I learned something on a Tuesday, I made a video on it that weekend. Today, my YouTube channel has about 10,000 followers and averages 1,200 views every 48 hours, with 219,000 views per year.
What new trends or innovations in social media do you think will be particularly impactful for mortgage professionals, and how do you plan to adapt your strategy accordingly?
There are so many upgrades, innovations, and trends across technology and social media that it’s hard to predict what’s next or what will happen next, but one thing is for sure, we’ll see more and more progress towards transparency, education, and speed.
Social media has also become a living resume more than ever before. If someone wants to learn more about you, they go to Google, YouTube, or Instagram. Even if they don't see you, it says something about you.
Jonathan Fowler
Vice President of Business Development, American Financial Network Inc.
Total LinkedIn connections:
29,000
Facebook Business Page Likes:
7,300
Total Instagram Followers:
2,757
X Number of followers:
438
With over 30 years mortgage experience, Jonny Fowler has been helping to set up private mortgage administrator companies since 1998. His passion for the industry is apparent in everything he does, but the adoption of social media has helped him reach an even wider audience.
Fowler is always striving to bring value to both AFN's referral partners and loan officers. With his extensive knowledge of both industries, he has taught thousands of real estate agents how to use social media to transform their business. Fowler is also always available to brainstorm new ideas regarding lead generation and business. He is always there for anyone who needs help.
What new trends or innovations in social media do you think will be particularly impactful for mortgage professionals, and how do you plan to adapt your strategy accordingly?
Now, short-form videos are still very effective, but they should be used in more ways than just explaining your product. Use your reels or short videos to showcase yourself in and around your community, explaining how you solve common problems and help consumers.
What metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track to evaluate the effectiveness of your social media efforts in building and nurturing your network?
Engagement is important. Without engagement, your posts will not be seen. Pay attention to what you post and when you post. You need to know your audience and what they want to see. That will show in your engagement rate.
Josh Friend
Founder and CEO, Insellerate
Total LinkedIn connections:
21,000
Total Instagram Followers:
189
Josh Friend began his career as an LO in 1999. Over the past 25 years, he has trained thousands of LOs, processors, and managers and marketed to millions of consumers. With that experience, Friend has focused on building software for the mortgage industry and using Insellerate's CRM to help lenders close more loans.
Friend is dedicated to helping other lenders succeed through better relationships with borrowers. Through his technology company, Insellerate, he is transforming the borrower and LO experience, enabling lenders to achieve higher revenue goals while capturing lifelong customers.
Additionally, Mr. Friend is considered a thought leader in the mortgage and technology space and has been featured multiple times in leading real estate finance publications such as National Mortgage Professional, Tomorrow's Mortgage Executive, National Mortgage News, and Today's Lending Insight. He is also a featured speaker who regularly speaks at national and state mortgage association conferences. He has been a featured speaker at numerous events including Lead Generation World, HW ENGAGE Marketing, CMBA Innovators Conference, Rob Chrisman Market Updates, Fintech Hunting Podcast, and Lend, Laugh, and Eat Podcast.
David J. Hosterman
Citywide Mortgage Regional Manager
Total LinkedIn connections:
2,453
Facebook Business Page Likes:
974
X Number of followers:
469
Total Instagram Followers:
449
Over the past several years, David Hosterman has been nationally recognized as one of the top loan officers in the country and has been featured in national publications such as Forbes, CBS Money Watch, The Street, U.S. News & World Report, Lending Tree, Realtor.com, Credit Karma, Trulia, Nerd Wallet and MSN Money, and he also hosts two Denver-based radio shows on KDMT Denver's Money Talk 1690 AM.
What do you think is the most effective strategy for growing and maintaining a strong network in the mortgage industry?
As a Regional Manager for Citywide Home Loans, I am responsible for ensuring the mortgage process is smooth and easy. My team and I pride ourselves on excellent customer service and strive to be in constant communication with our clients, real estate agents and referral partners. You can rest assured that at every step of the process, my team and I will be accountable to provide honest and ethical service.
Anna Karapetian
Anna Kara Loans, Mortgage Broker
Total Instagram Followers:
24,800
Facebook Business Page Likes:
570
Total LinkedIn connections:
394
What do you think is the most effective strategy for growing and maintaining a strong network in the mortgage industry?
In the mortgage industry, traditional cold calling is being replaced by the warmth of social media interactions, where authenticity is paramount. Build trust through authenticity: Genuine personality resonates with people. Authentically sharing your passions and interests transforms you from a loan officer into a friendly ally. This authenticity is the foundation of trust and the foundation of a strong network. Combining the broad reach of social media with an authentic persona creates a mutually beneficial scenario. You can solidify your position as the go-to expert in the mortgage space while cultivating a network of connections that genuinely trust and value you. So say goodbye to outdated strategies. Authenticity is the new currency in the social media networking arena.
What new trends or innovations in social media do you think will be particularly impactful for mortgage professionals, and how do you plan to adapt your strategy accordingly?
Build a personal brand based on your expertise by producing high-quality content for multiple social media platforms. Build a community by providing value and fostering trust with your audience.
What metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track to evaluate the effectiveness of your social media efforts in building and nurturing your network?
Use our insights feature to see what content resonates with your audience and modify your strategy accordingly.
What strategies do you employ to portray your expertise and credibility as a mortgage professional on social media?
My main strategy is to always provide value, be honest, and act with integrity – I don't post for likes and shares.