Q&A with Jennifer Smerek

June 18, 2024 – St. Louis, MO –

June is National Homeownership Month! To honor the occasion, we interviewed loan officer and Vice President Jennifer Smerek for her insights on today’s mortgage industry. Gershman Mortgage knows that the dream of homeownership has gotten exponentially trickier over the past few years. It’s our goal to help our customers make this dream a reality, no matter the obstacles in the way.

Q: Why should I get pre-approved with Gershman Mortgage?

A: Gershman has longevity in the mortgage world. Not just the company, but a lot of our employees have been with the company for several years. Management has provided their loan team with a great back-office support system, even on weekends, to better equip them to serve you. Getting a pre-approval from Gershman Mortgage means giving yourself the best possible chance at getting your dream home.

Q: How will I know which type of mortgage is best for me?

A: At Gershman Mortgage, we understand that each customer’s mortgage needs are unique. That’s why we start with a comprehensive loan application and a credit check. This allows our loan officers to tailor different loan options to your specific goals. We prioritize your comfort and understanding of the loan terms and details, especially for our first-time homebuyers.

Q: When should I contact my local lender in the home-buying process?

A: You should contact your lender before you start looking at homes. You would hate to fall in love with a home and find out it’s not the right financial fit for you. Once you’re under contract, your loan officer and their team of experts will reach out to you during the process with updates. At this point in the loan process, you shouldn’t make any big purchases or take out any new debt. You should always reach out to your lender if anything changes with your financial picture during the process. We’re always here to help.

Q: Are there any financial-related options to help a first-time homebuyer achieve their dream of homeownership?

A: Depending on credit scores and income, several programs are available to first-time homebuyers to assist with down payment and/or closing costs. Your loan officer will be able to walk you through the different options. First-time homebuyers are very special customers to us, and we want their first mortgage experience to be positive. We’re offering a $250 lender credit promotion for first-time homebuyers who get pre-approved by Gershman by July 31st, 2024, and close on your purchase by November 1^st, 2024.*

Jennifer Smerek has worked for Gershman Mortgage for 27 years and has worked in every facet of the industry, giving her vast expertise. She always achieves the goal of closing customers’ loans on time. Jennifer has over 350 customer reviews, averaging a score of 4.95 out of 5. More information about Jennifer can be found by visiting her webpage, which is located here.

About Gershman: Communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do at Gershman Mortgage. Our founding principles are based on the core values of honesty, integrity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and putting our customers first. We are passionate and committed to customer service and strive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers. We are a customer-centric company devoted to creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships.

NMLS #138063 16253 Swingley Ridge Road Suite 200 Chesterfield, MO 63017 (800) 457-2357 Equal Housing Lender.

*This is for informational purposes only and not an offer to lend or extend credit. Subject to credit and income approval. Terms and conditions are subject to prior notice. http://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/. Equal Housing Lender. Restrictions apply. Subject to borrower pre-approval issued by 07/31/2024 and purchase transaction closed with Gershman by 11/01/2024. Includes individuals purchasing a primary residence and have not owned a home in the past three years. Also includes displaced homemakers or single parents who previously owned a home with a former spouse. Maximum discount is $250 per loan and will be a lender credit at closing.