Whether they’re closing a first-time homebuyer loan on a starter home, helping a retired couple downsize, or navigating the intricacies of a VA loan, originators with military backgrounds have a unique advantage.
Whether it’s across town or across the country, the change that comes along with moving to a new place – and a new stage in life – is daunting. It can be one of the biggest stressors during the homebuying process, but it’s no match for these originators, who are well-equipped to calm those fears. Veterans understand intimately the challenges of transition, having once moved from military to civilian life themselves. They are an example for their clients to follow, and a fount of knowledge to rely on. Paired with their experience in the mortgage industry and familiarity with complex guidelines, it’s a recipe for success.
Many of these originators specialize in VA lending, bringing a deep level of understanding and empathy to the table for their military clients and fellow veterans. Their commitment to serving their communities – both military and civilian – is, in a way, a continuation of their service to our nation.
Each July, Scotsman Guide honors these service-minded originators by highlighting their achievements in our Top Veteran Originators ranking. Recognizing these originators is about more than their individual accomplishments; the collective impact of their work is massive. The 100 originators on the next two pages closed 12,227 loans in 2023 worth $4.4 billion. That’s over 12,000 families achieving the American dream with the help of American heroes.
Taking the No. 1 spot this year is Army veteran Jackie Wampler of Intercoastal Mortgage LLC, who closed 448 loans worth $136.6 million last year. With over 35 years in the business, Wampler is well-versed in many loan types; she closed a significant number of both VA and FHA loans in 2023 and had a nearly even split of refinance and purchase loans. To read more about her in this month’s Featured Top Originator.
In a close second place is Army vet Patton Gade of UMortgage, with $134.2 million in volume across 268 loans. Scotsman Guide interviewed Gade last July, and he broke down the common misconceptions around VA loans. To read his interview, visit scotsmanguide.com.
Rounding out the top 5 are Kasey Adams of Better Mortgage ($122.7 million), Ray Shanahan of TowneBank Mortgage ($113.7 million) and Jason Smith of CrossCountry Mortgage LLC ($112 million).
We’d like to thank our Top Veteran Originators, and all the veterans not recognized here, for their service. You continue to make an impact, and with your help, families all over America are building better, brighter futures.
Next month, we’ll take a brief break from the rankings. Our usual August ranking, Top Emerging Stars, will now appear in December. We’ll see you again in September for the Top Mortgage Brokers rankings, but until then, have a great Fourth of July and a wonderful summer!
