When Joanne joined Homestead Financial Mortgage in March 2020, she brought with her a unique blend of scientific curiosity, marketing savvy, and a deep interest in property rights and real estate. With a dual master’s degree under her belt and a desire to truly understand the real estate industry from the inside out to help her real estate investing, she saw becoming a loan officer as the perfect way to dive in—and she’s never looked back. In this Q&A, we catch up with Joanne to hear about her journey so far, the lessons she’s learned since joining Homestead, and how she’s using her knowledge and drive to provide clients with a transparent, supportive, and educational lending experience.
Q: Having kicked off your mortgage career with Homestead in 2020, what was the biggest hurdle you faced when starting as a loan officer?
A: When I kicked off my mortgage career with Homestead, one of the biggest hurdles I faced was familiarizing myself with the loan software. The licensing exam is entirely focused on regulations and compliance, but it doesn’t teach you the real-world processes of structuring a loan, managing underwriting requirements, or navigating loan origination systems. Coming from a background in B2B sales and science, I had to quickly adapt to the fast-paced nature of the mortgage industry, especially during the refinance boom of 2020. Learning the ins and outs of the software, from inputting applications to understanding how different loan scenarios play out, was a steep learning curve. However, once I mastered the technology, it became second nature and allowed me to focus on what really matters—guiding my clients through the home financing process with clarity and confidence.
Q: What made you decide to get into the mortgage business, and how did Homestead play a part in your decision?
A: I was at a transition point in life. My department was recently laid off at my previous employer; I was finishing my master’s degrees, had some inheritance and severance, and was about to jump into real estate investing. Jayson Hardie overheard me talking to his wife and suggested becoming a loan officer to help understand the financial and regulatory side of the business.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Homestead, and what makes it different from other places you’ve worked?
A: The family-style culture at Homestead is built on support, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making homeownership accessible. Unlike other places I’ve worked, there’s a strong sense of teamwork—whether it’s underwriting, processing, or fellow loan officers, everyone is invested in each other’s success. Leadership is approachable, and there’s a focus on continuous learning and improvement, which helps me provide the best service to my clients. It’s not just about closing loans; it’s about building relationships and making a real impact.
Q: Reflecting on our mission statement of “Making lives better, one home at a time.” How has working at Homestead helped make your life better?
A: Working at Homestead has given me the opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve homeownership. Seeing first-time buyers get the keys to their home or helping an investor build long-term wealth is incredibly rewarding. Beyond that, the support and culture at Homestead have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve built strong relationships, expanded my expertise, and found a career that aligns with my passion for helping others succeed.
Q: If you could give advice to someone considering joining Homestead, what would it be?
A: If you’re considering joining Homestead, be ready to work hard, learn constantly, and be part of a team that genuinely cares about your success. The support system here is unlike anywhere else—whether it’s leadership, processing, or fellow loan officers, you’ll always have someone willing to help. Take advantage of the in-house resources, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on the team.
At Homestead Financial Mortgage, we know that supporting our team is just as important as supporting our clients. By creating a positive, growth-focused environment, we empower our employees to reach their full potential—both personally and professionally. When our team members feel confident and equipped, they’re able to better serve the families who rely on us during some of life’s biggest financial decisions. It’s this commitment to both client and employee success that continues to drive everything we do.