Meet our North Conway workforce, a gaggle of native specialists devoted to understanding the banking wants of the Higher 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 workforce 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 residing 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 neighborhood.
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 surroundings.
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 once 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 workforce. As well as, I established a small enterprise program generally known as the Northway Enterprise Specific program the place we helped tons of of companies with working capital traces of credit score and tools purchases.
After 17 years, I used to be offered 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 a couple of 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 had been each in banking (father nonetheless is) and after a couple of years in retail gross sales, I made a decision it was time to strive it out and see if that profession path was price 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 totally new city, I wanted to seek 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 a very simple transition!
What do you take pleasure in most about working right here?
Susan:
My favourite a part of my job helps individuals and companies obtain their dream of enterprise possession or enterprise progress. 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 stay there.
Will:
What I take pleasure in most is working with my implausible colleagues. We now have a supportive, customer-focused workforce, and it’s rewarding to be a part of such a collaborative surroundings.
Kathy:
I like working for an area Neighborhood Financial institution and the assist I’ve at Union Financial institution in my function and outreach efforts in Mount Washington Valley.
Thomas:
I feel the factor that I take pleasure in essentially the most about working right here is seeing the satisfaction coming from our clients after we’ve accomplished all we will to assist them with their banking wants.
There’s no higher feeling than seeing a buyer extraordinarily completely happy after having a relationship transferred over to us or perhaps a new relationship, and so they reward the complete employees for all their arduous work. It’s such an incredible feeling.
Do you have got 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 kids 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 method, shifting to North Conway has felt acquainted, because the pure panorama right here jogs my memory of house.
What do you consider the housing market in MWV? How has it modified over time?
Susan:
The housing market within the Mt. Washington Valley could be very powerful. The demand for properties to personal or lease far exceeds the provision of accessible models. Communities and builders work arduous to seek out alternatives to generate new stock, nevertheless, in current occasions, the price is prohibitive, and the brand new building tends to lean towards the second householders or rich people.
Kathy:
In my twenty years residing 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 numerous 2nd houses being offered within the final 4 years which limits housing for the oldsters that work in our space. Housing costs have additionally soared upwards. This makes housing affordability for locals very troublesome.
What recommendation would you give first-time homebuyers in Conway or the encircling areas?
Kathy:
Hunt down a mortgage skilled that may information you step-by-step for a future profitable house shopping for expertise. It’s by no means too early to get educated!
Susan:
Be affected person, work on ensuring your private scenario is one of the best it may be by eradicated bank card debt, and many others. Avoid wasting cash so you have got the funds wanted to buy a house and be open to residing in surrounding communities.
Will:
For first-time homebuyers in Conway, my recommendation is to be ready and act rapidly. I not too long ago made the error of not doing that, and it appears like my spouse and I missed the possibility to purchase our dream house.
Be sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage (with Union Financial institution, after all) so you may make a proposal with confidence, as competitors is excessive. It’s additionally necessary to work with an area realtor who understands the precise market developments in Conway. Be versatile along with your wants and contemplate properties simply exterior of Conway, which can be extra reasonably priced whereas nonetheless providing quick access 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 superb workforce of Mortgage Originators, particularly Kathy Sanderson, who cowl New Hampshire.
Kathy:
We accomplice with Housing Finance companies for House-buying courses and availability for down fee help. We even have many mortgage applications for distinctive properties and supply construct mortgage applications that may accommodate homebuyers wants.
Will:
The financial institution provides customized mortgage providers to assist clients navigate the native housing market. We offer pre-qualification and pre-approval providers to offer patrons a bonus in a aggressive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage mortgage originator helps educate patrons on the various kinds of loans obtainable, together with first-time house purchaser applications, which could provide decrease down funds or higher phrases.
What native components, like price of residing or neighborhood developments, ought to homebuyers in MWV concentrate on?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway ought to concentrate on the rising price of residing, particularly with property costs and taxes rising. Moreover, North Conway’s robust tourism trade contributes to the native financial system, which may have an effect on housing demand, particularly for second houses or trip properties.
Consumers must also contemplate the supply of native facilities comparable to faculties, healthcare, and the proximity to leisure actions, that are key to Conway’s attraction. Current neighborhood developments and the city’s deal with sustaining its appeal may also affect property values, so keeping track of native zoning modifications and infrastructure initiatives is essential for long-term funding planning.
Kathy:
Learn as a lot as you’ll be able to in regards to the native market and future alternatives they’re endlessly 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 neighborhood 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 Honest.
When my kids had been rising up, I used to be very concerned of their faculties, rec applications, booster golf equipment, and many others. I used to be additionally concerned with the Crimson Cross after we had an area workplace within the Mt. Washington Valley years in the past.
Kathy:
I’m concerned with Memorial Hospital/Important Med in North Conway. My membership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber retains me related with enterprise leaders locally. My involvement with the White Mountain Realtors and Affiliate committees is a superb what to remain related 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 residing within the North Conway space? Are there any specific features of the area you assume make it a fantastic place to stay?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a superb place to stay. We now have fabulous meals choices, actions to maintain most individuals busy and cultural occasions comparable to native theater productions.
Will:
What I like most about Conway is the unbelievable pure magnificence mixed with the welcoming neighborhood spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it excellent for outside actions, comparable to climbing, snowboarding, and scenic drives. The city has a novel mix of small-town appeal and vibrant tourism, so there’s all the time one thing occurring whereas nonetheless feeling peaceable. The robust sense of neighborhood and native pleasure actually make it a fantastic place to stay.
Kathy:
There’s by no means a scarcity of actions in MWV. Being a four-season resort space you have got many decisions to benefit from the open air and inside actions or occasions.
Thomas:
I feel what I take pleasure in essentially the most about residing on this space is the truth that you don’t need to journey far to go from bustling metropolis life the place each avenue 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 one of the best of each walks of life residing right here.
For brand new residents trying to get entangled, what native organizations, neighborhood actions, or occasions would you suggest they try?
Susan:
Regulate the Conway Every day Solar and Social Media; there are such a lot of issues occurring in and across the space to maintain most individuals engaged.
What are your favourite native spots to go to with household or pals?
Susan:
There’s 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 embrace SeaDog Brewing, the WildRose at Stonehurst Manor, the White Mountain Lodge and Massive Dave’s Bagels. Purchasing has modified over time, with many shops leaving the realm and new specialty shops taking their place. It’s usually troublesome to seek out objects comparable to a costume shirt for a special day, however entry to higher purchasing is just a brief drive away.
Will:
A few of my favourite native spots embrace Echo Lake State Park, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in picnicking and climbing with beautiful views of Cathedral Ledge. For eating, I like stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for nice native meals. Purchasing at Settlers Inexperienced can also be a should, providing a variety of shops and distinctive outlets that attraction to each locals and guests alike.
Kathy:
I take pleasure in Schouler Park in North Conway. A number of strolling and using trails. Within the Winter cross nation or snowshoeing is on the market 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 providers?
Susan:
The realm continues to develop and evolve; the Mt. Washington Valley is a vacationer vacation spot, and the expansion now we have seen is expounded to this trade. Space sights comparable to Cranmore Mountain proceed to increase and enhance their operations to draw extra guests to the realm. We’d like housing for many who stay and work right here and lodging for many who like to go to and play right here. The realm must discover a good stability 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 once lots much less busy and crowded than it’s as we speak.
I might say the enterprise inhabitants right here has elevated tremendously since I used to be in my youth, visiting right here fairly recurrently. The realm has introduced extra various enterprise that the realm on the time didn’t have so I might say that the expansion this space has had was a blessing.
What would you suggest to somebody shifting to Conway relating to housing or settling into the neighborhood?
Thomas:
For somebody shifting to Conway, I like to recommend working with Kathy. She actually understands the distinctive housing market right here. Whereas the housing stock may be aggressive, there are alternatives when you’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 individuals.
Kathy:
Instantly get entangled locally. Volunteering is a good way to remain related and meet locals that may aid you navigate your MWV expertise.
What are some native landmarks, companies, or occasions that maintain particular that means for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is pricey to my coronary heart.
We Look Ahead To Assembly You!
We hope this glimpse into our workforce has helped you get to know us higher. We look ahead to constructing an enduring relationship with you and supporting your monetary wants.
Union Financial institution is proud to serve North Conway with a devoted workforce dedicated to creating a optimistic influence in our neighborhood. Whether or not you’re opening an account, in search of a mortgage, or in search of monetary recommendation, we’re right here to assist. Cease by as we speak or contact us to expertise the distinction we will make for you!
