As a new Loan Officer at Homestead Financial Mortgage, Kyle Budde has quickly discovered the power of collaboration and strong leadership. From day one, he found a team that is approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping one another succeed. In just his first few months, Kyle has embraced the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and treating every client interaction with care. In this Q&A, he shares how his experience has exceeded expectations, the advice that has shaped his early success, and why Homestead’s culture creates an environment where new professionals can thrive.
Q: How has your experience so far compared to your expectations?
A: My experience here has far exceeded my expectations. Whenever I need assistance, whether it’s a quick question or guidance on handling a file, there is always someone ready and willing to help. The level of collaboration and teamwork here is truly impressive.
What stands out most is the leadership. Leadership consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to our success and always acts with our best interests in mind. That kind of support makes a real difference and reinforces why this is such a great place to work.
Q: What is the best advice you received as a new Loan Officer?
A: The best advice I received was to treat every new lead like a golden opportunity. Approach each one with focus and urgency, as if they’re your most important client, because that mindset helps you stay motivated, bring your best effort, and build strong relationships from the start.
Another great piece of advice was to never stop learning. The mortgage industry is always evolving, so staying curious, asking questions, and learning from every challenge will make you stronger in your role and more valuable to both your clients and your team.
Q: How would you describe the culture here at Homestead?
A: The culture is collaborative, supportive, and welcoming. Everyone is approachable and genuinely invested in each other’s success, which creates an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. When you need focus, you have the space to work efficiently, and when you’re looking for connection, the team is always ready to engage and help.
Q: What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your first six months with us?
A: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration and asking questions. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always something new to learn, and being willing to reach out for support can make all the difference.
I’ve also learned how important mindset is. Challenges will come, but staying positive, confident, and solution-focused helps you grow and succeed in this role.
Q: If you could give advice to a college student considering mortgage lending after graduation, what would it be?
A: I’d encourage them to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Mortgage lending is a fast-moving industry, and success comes from staying informed, staying curious, and never being afraid to ask questions. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and improve.
I would also recommend building strong relationships early on. This business is as much about trust and communication as it is about numbers. Treat every client and colleague with respect and focus on creating a positive experience. The connections you make will be the foundation of your long-term success.
Kyle’s perspective highlights what makes Homestead such a strong place to begin and grow a career in mortgage lending. With leadership that leads by example, teammates who are always willing to help, and a culture that values curiosity and collaboration, he has found the support needed to build confidence and momentum. His advice to future loan officers is simple and impactful. Stay curious, ask questions, and focus on building meaningful relationships. At Homestead, those principles open the door to long term success.