We were thrilled when Matt Dickens joined the Homestead Family in 2022, bringing his passion and energy to the team. From the start, we’ve loved watching him grow—not just in his business, but in his confidence as a lender and in his ability to connect with people, both in person and through social media. His dedication to building relationships and helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams has been inspiring to see. Now, as we catch up with Matt, he shares his experiences with Homestead so far and what it’s been like working here, reflecting on the journey that has shaped him into the professional he is today.
Q: How has your experience with us so far compared to your expectations?
A: My experience at Homestead has easily exceeded my expectations. I love the company culture, the family environment, the 1-1 access to managers and owners, and the infrastructure that engineers my loans to arrive at the closing table with ease.
Q: What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time here?
A: One lesson I’ve learned is that the company you work for matters. As a young loan officer building my business in an ultra-competitive market, so many things need to align to have success. The managers and owners of Homestead have listened to my aspirations, challenged me to aim higher, and provided tangible resources that actively enable me to achieve my goals. Not every company does this or follows through with its promises, but I’m grateful that the integrity of Homestead matches how it was presented to me when I was originally considering joining the team.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Homestead, and what makes it different from other places you’ve worked?
A: Industry associates occasionally ask me how I like working at Homestead, and I find that I can never fully capture how impressive this company is. The strength of this company is not siloed to one department; our marketing team is top-notch and ahead of trends, underwriting and operations are timely and accurate, management is in tune and supportive, and the owners are attentive and resilient.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or success story that made you feel you truly belong here?
A: Instead of pointing to just one example, the evidence that helps me understand that I belong is the honest check-ins that I have with the owners. Whether it’s a weekly call or monthly strategy meeting, it’s common to have an owner take time out of their day to see how my business is going, report on any projects I’m working on, and, more importantly, ask about my personal life.
Q: If you could give advice to someone considering joining Homestead, what would it be?
A: Trust the testimonies of the loan officers who work here. This place is truly special, and any loan officer who is serious about growing their business would be happy to be a part of the Homestead family.
At Homestead Financial Mortgage, our mission goes beyond helping people achieve homeownership—it’s also about empowering and uplifting our employees. Just as we guide our clients through significant milestones, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where our team feels appreciated, supported, and equipped for success. We believe that when our employees thrive, they can make an even greater difference in the lives of the families they serve, creating lasting impacts in both their careers and their communities.