Meet our North Conway group, a gaggle of native consultants devoted to understanding the banking wants of the Larger Mount Washington Valley area.
– Susan Perry, Senior Vice President, Business Mortgage Officer
– Will Perez-Moya, Department Supervisor
– Kathy Sanderson, Sr. Residential Mortgage Mortgage Originator (NMLS 409084)
– Thomas Rubino, Common Banker 1
We requested our group questions on their lives right here in MWV, their place on the financial institution, how they’re concerned locally and their ideas on the housing scenario within the space. We hope you take pleasure in attending to know them and studying extra about their ideas about dwelling right here in Conway!
How lengthy have you ever lived within the MWV, and what introduced you to this space?
Susan:
I’ve lived in Chatham, New Hampshire (1 mile from Conway) for 34 years. I moved to the realm after getting married, as my husband grew up on this space and lived right here his complete life.
Will:
I’ve lived in Conway for 2 years. The job alternatives and the realm’s stunning pure environment are what initially attracted me to this group.
Kathy:
Moved from Central Florida 20 years in the past to North Conway. We needed to have our daughter expertise 4 seasons in a slower paced rural setting.
Are you able to share your skilled journey in banking and the way you got here to work at Union Financial institution?
Susan:
I’ve been working in banking since 1989, beginning first as a teller at a financial institution on Congress Road in Portland, Maine, and them relocating to the previous White Mountain Nationwide Financial institution after I moved to the realm. I began with WMNB as a Buyer Service Consultant and moved round for a number of years, lastly ending up as a Credit score Analyst.
When WMNB was acquired by First NH, my job was eradicated so I moved to the previous Berlin Metropolis Financial institution as their first Credit score Analyst. I used to be with Berlin Metropolis (aka Northway Financial institution) for greater than 17 years, rising the credit score division from simply me to a big group. As well as, I established a small enterprise program often called the Northway Enterprise Categorical program the place we helped a whole lot of companies with working capital strains of credit score and tools purchases.
After 17 years, I used to be introduced with the chance to journey the nation and took a job in Software program Implementation for a Business Lending LOS system. I used to be chargeable for assembly with Banks throughout the nation to find out their wants with the software program they bought, then configured the software program to satisfy their wants. Over the 5 years that I did this job I helped greater than 100 banks implement this software program and enhance their efficiencies.
Six years in the past, Union Financial institution was trying to open a mortgage manufacturing workplace in North Conway, and I’ve been right here since.
Will:
I started my profession on the financial institution as a Common Banker, and since final June I’ve been serving because the Department Supervisor.
Kathy:
I began in Banking as a Teller and moved over shortly to New Accounts and after just a few years began my profession in Residential Mortgage Financing. My husband is self-employed as a Dental Lab Technician in North Conway.
Thomas:
I began my banking profession at Norway Financial savings Financial institution slightly over 5 years in the past now. My father and mom have been each in banking (father nonetheless is) and after just a few years in retail gross sales, I made a decision it was time to strive it out and see if that profession path was value switching to.
I wore many hats whereas I labored for Norway Financial savings Financial institution and when it got here time to maneuver to a very new city, I wanted to search out one thing nearer. Fortunately, the department supervisor on the time right here was a former co-worker from Norway Financial savings so it was an easy transition!
What do you take pleasure in most about working right here?
Susan:
My favourite a part of my job helps folks and companies obtain their dream of enterprise possession or enterprise development. I take pleasure in working at Union Financial institution as our selections are made domestically, however people who’re invested of their communities and the individuals who dwell there.
Will:
What I take pleasure in most is working with my improbable colleagues. We now have a supportive, customer-focused group, and it’s rewarding to be a part of such a collaborative setting.
Kathy:
I like working for a neighborhood Neighborhood Financial institution and the help I’ve at Union Financial institution in my position and outreach efforts in Mount Washington Valley.
Thomas:
I feel the factor that I take pleasure in probably the most about working right here is seeing the satisfaction coming from our clients after we’ve performed all we will to assist them with their banking wants.
There’s no higher feeling than seeing a buyer extraordinarily joyful after having a relationship transferred over to us or perhaps a new relationship, they usually reward the complete employees for all their exhausting work. It’s such an incredible feeling.
Do you might have any private or household historical past of rising up or attending college within the North Conway space?
Susan:
My husband grew up in Chatham and attended faculties in Fryeburg, Mainer. My youngsters additionally attended college in Fryeburg, each having graduated from Fryeburg Academy.
Will:
I grew up in a special nation the place I lived close to the mountains, about two hours from the coast. In that means, transferring to North Conway has felt acquainted, because the pure panorama right here jogs my memory of dwelling.
What do you consider the housing market in MWV? How has it modified over time?
Susan:
The housing market within the Mt. Washington Valley may be very powerful. The demand for properties to personal or lease far exceeds the availability of accessible models. Communities and builders work exhausting to search out alternatives to generate new stock, nonetheless, in latest instances, the fee is prohibitive, and the brand new development tends to lean towards the second householders or rich people.
Kathy:
In my twenty years dwelling in North Conway and being very concerned within the native housing promote it has change from a really rural setting to now a serious four-season vacationer space. There are a lot of 2nd properties being offered within the final 4 years which limits housing for the parents that work in our space. Housing costs have additionally soared upwards. This makes housing affordability for locals very tough.
What recommendation would you give first-time homebuyers in Conway or the encompassing areas?
Kathy:
Search out a mortgage skilled that may information you step-by-step for a future profitable dwelling shopping for expertise. It’s by no means too early to get educated!
Susan:
Be affected person, work on ensuring your private scenario is the very best it may be by eradicated bank card debt, and many others. Avoid wasting cash so you might have the funds wanted to buy a house and be open to dwelling in surrounding communities.
Will:
For first-time homebuyers in Conway, my recommendation is to be ready and act shortly. I lately made the error of not doing that, and it looks like my spouse and I missed the prospect to purchase our dream dwelling.
Ensure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage (with Union Financial institution, in fact) so you may make a proposal with confidence, as competitors is excessive. It’s additionally necessary to work with a neighborhood realtor who understands the precise market developments in Conway. Be versatile along with your wants and think about properties simply exterior of Conway, which can be extra inexpensive whereas nonetheless providing easy accessibility to the city’s facilities.
How does the financial institution assist clients navigate mortgages, particularly given the native housing developments?
Susan:
We now have a wonderful group of Mortgage Originators, particularly Kathy Sanderson, who cowl New Hampshire.
Kathy:
We companion with Housing Finance companies for Residence-buying lessons and availability for down fee help. We even have many mortgage packages for distinctive properties and supply construct mortgage packages that may accommodate homebuyers wants.
Will:
The financial institution presents customized mortgage companies to assist clients navigate the native housing market. We offer pre-qualification and pre-approval companies to present patrons a bonus in a aggressive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage mortgage originator helps educate patrons on the various kinds of loans out there, together with first-time dwelling purchaser packages, which could provide decrease down funds or higher phrases.
What native components, like price of dwelling or neighborhood developments, ought to homebuyers in MWV concentrate on?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway ought to concentrate on the rising price of dwelling, particularly with property costs and taxes growing. Moreover, North Conway’s robust tourism trade contributes to the native economic system, which might have an effect on housing demand, particularly for second properties or trip properties.
Consumers also needs to think about the provision of native facilities similar to faculties, healthcare, and the proximity to leisure actions, that are key to Conway’s enchantment. Latest neighborhood developments and the city’s concentrate on sustaining its allure also can affect property values, so maintaining a tally of native zoning adjustments and infrastructure initiatives is essential for long-term funding planning.
Kathy:
Learn as a lot as you possibly can concerning the native market and future alternatives they’re perpetually altering. Ask questions of your mortgage skilled. We’re right here to assist even at nights or weekends.
How do you keep engaged with the group exterior of labor?
Susan:
I’m the Secretary/Treasurer of the Mt. Washington Valley Financial Council, the treasurer of The Mom Seton Home and concerned with the Fryeburg Truthful.
When my youngsters have been rising up, I used to be very concerned of their faculties, rec packages, booster golf equipment, and many others. I used to be additionally concerned with the Crimson Cross once we had a neighborhood workplace within the Mt. Washington Valley years in the past.
Kathy:
I’m concerned with Memorial Hospital/Most important Med in North Conway. My membership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber retains me linked with enterprise leaders locally. My involvement with the White Mountain Realtors and Affiliate committees is a good what to remain linked with my referral sources. All of those sources present Union Financial institution with many advertising alternatives and relationships.
What do you’re keen on most about dwelling within the North Conway space? Are there any specific elements of the area you suppose make it a terrific place to dwell?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a good place to dwell. We now have fabulous meals choices, actions to maintain most individuals busy and cultural occasions similar to native theater productions.
Will:
What I like most about Conway is the unimaginable pure magnificence mixed with the welcoming group spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it excellent for outside actions, similar to mountaineering, snowboarding, and scenic drives. The city has a novel mix of small-town allure and vibrant tourism, so there’s all the time one thing happening whereas nonetheless feeling peaceable. The robust sense of group and native delight really make it a terrific place to dwell.
Kathy:
There may be by no means a scarcity of actions in MWV. Being a four-season resort space you might have many selections to benefit from the outside and inside actions or occasions.
Thomas:
I feel what I take pleasure in probably the most about dwelling on this space is the truth that you don’t need to journey far to go from bustling metropolis life the place each road nook is a special retailer to accommodate most wants, to driving simply 5 minutes out of city and you’re already immersed within the breathtaking mountain views and a brief drive into the nationwide parks. You actually do get the very best of each walks of life dwelling right here.
For brand spanking new residents trying to become involved, what native organizations, group actions, or occasions would you suggest they take a look at?
Susan:
Control the Conway Every day Solar and Social Media; there are such a lot of issues happening in and across the space to maintain most individuals engaged.
What are your favourite native spots to go to with household or buddies?
Susan:
There may be nothing extra calming that driving north on Route 16 and catching a glimpse of a snow-covered Mt. Washington within the background. There are such a lot of fabulous eating places within the space, and all are so good. Favourite eating places embody SeaDog Brewing, the WildRose at Stonehurst Manor, the White Mountain Lodge and Massive Dave’s Bagels. Procuring has modified over time, with many shops leaving the realm and new specialty shops taking their place. It’s typically tough to search out gadgets similar to a costume shirt for a special day, however entry to raised buying is barely a brief drive away.
Will:
A few of my favourite native spots embody Echo Lake State Park, the place you possibly can take pleasure in picnicking and mountaineering with beautiful views of Cathedral Ledge. For eating, I like stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for nice native meals. Procuring at Settlers Inexperienced can be a should, providing a variety of retailers and distinctive outlets that enchantment to each locals and guests alike.
Kathy:
I take pleasure in Schouler Park in North Conway. A lot of strolling and driving trails. Within the Winter cross nation or snowshoeing is offered to take pleasure in. My favourite restaurant is Black Cap Grill. Domestically owned and operated.
How have you ever seen Conway develop or change over time, significantly in areas like housing or native companies?
Susan:
The realm continues to develop and evolve; the Mt. Washington Valley is a vacationer vacation spot, and the expansion we now have seen is expounded to this trade. Space points of interest similar to Cranmore Mountain proceed to develop and enhance their operations to draw extra guests to the realm. We’d like housing for many who dwell and work right here and lodging for many who like to go to and play right here. The realm must discover a good steadiness between the 2.
Thomas:
I grew up in Bartlet NH which is simply down the street from Conway. I bear in mind when this whole space was so much much less busy and crowded than it’s in the present day.
I’d say the enterprise inhabitants right here has elevated tremendously since I used to be in my youth, visiting right here fairly repeatedly. The realm has introduced extra various enterprise that the realm on the time didn’t have so I’d say that the expansion this space has had was a blessing.
What would you suggest to somebody transferring to Conway concerning housing or settling into the group?
Thomas:
For somebody transferring to Conway, I like to recommend working with Kathy. She really understands the distinctive housing market right here. Whereas the housing stock might be aggressive, there are alternatives for those who’re affected person and ready. Get entangled locally early on by attending city occasions and visiting native companies—it’s a good way to really feel settled and meet folks.
Kathy:
Instantly become involved locally. Volunteering is a good way to remain linked and meet locals that may assist you to navigate your MWV expertise.
What are some native landmarks, companies, or occasions that maintain particular that means for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is expensive to my coronary heart.
We Look Ahead To Assembly You!
We hope this glimpse into our group has helped you get to know us higher. We look ahead to constructing a long-lasting relationship with you and supporting your monetary wants.
Union Financial institution is proud to serve North Conway with a devoted group dedicated to creating a constructive impression in our group. Whether or not you’re opening an account, searching for a mortgage, or looking for monetary recommendation, we’re right here to assist. Cease by in the present day or contact us to expertise the distinction we will make for you!
