Meet our North Conway staff, 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 staff 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 world 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 world’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 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 once I moved to the world. 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 staff. As well as, I established a small enterprise program generally known as the Northway Enterprise Categorical program the place we helped a whole bunch of companies with working capital traces of credit score and gear 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 answerable for assembly with Banks throughout the nation to find out their wants with the software program they bought, then configured the software program to fulfill 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 somewhat 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 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 progress. I take pleasure in working at Union Financial institution as our choices 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 unbelievable colleagues. We’ve a supportive, customer-focused staff, and it’s rewarding to be a part of such a collaborative setting.
Kathy:
I really like working for a neighborhood Group Financial institution and the help 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 performed all we will to assist them with their banking wants.
There’s no higher feeling than seeing a buyer extraordinarily glad after having a relationship transferred over to us or perhaps a new relationship, and so they reward the whole workers for all their arduous work. It’s such a tremendous feeling.
Do you will 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 colleges in Fryeburg, Mainer. My youngsters additionally attended college in Fryeburg, each having graduated from Fryeburg Academy.
Will:
I grew up in a unique nation the place I lived close to the mountains, about two hours from the coast. In that manner, shifting to North Conway has felt acquainted, because the pure panorama right here jogs my memory of residence.
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 items. Communities and builders work arduous to seek out alternatives to generate new stock, nevertheless, in current instances, the fee is prohibitive, and the brand new building tends to lean towards the second owners 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 numerous 2nd houses 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 encircling areas?
Kathy:
Search out a mortgage skilled that may information you step-by-step for a future profitable residence 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 so on. Avoid wasting cash so you will 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 rapidly. I just lately made the error of not doing that, and it appears like my spouse and I missed the prospect to purchase our dream residence.
Ensure 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 a neighborhood realtor who understands the particular market tendencies in Conway. Be versatile along with your wants and think about properties simply outdoors of Conway, which can be extra reasonably priced whereas nonetheless providing easy accessibility to the city’s facilities.
How does the financial institution assist clients navigate mortgages, particularly given the native housing tendencies?
Susan:
We’ve a wonderful staff 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 applications for distinctive properties and supply construct mortgage applications that may accommodate homebuyers wants.
Will:
The financial institution affords customized mortgage providers to assist clients navigate the native housing market. We offer pre-qualification and pre-approval providers to offer consumers a bonus in a aggressive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage mortgage originator helps educate consumers on the several types of loans out there, together with first-time residence purchaser applications, which could provide decrease down funds or higher phrases.
What native elements, like value of dwelling or neighborhood developments, ought to homebuyers in MWV pay attention to?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway ought to pay attention to the rising value of dwelling, particularly with property costs and taxes rising. Moreover, North Conway’s robust tourism trade contributes to the native economic system, which might have an effect on housing demand, particularly for second houses or trip properties.
Consumers must also think about the supply of native facilities comparable to colleges, 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 appeal can even affect property values, so keeping track of native zoning adjustments and infrastructure tasks is essential for long-term funding planning.
Kathy:
Learn as a lot as you may concerning the native market and future alternatives they’re without end 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 outdoors 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 youngsters had been rising up, I used to be very concerned of their colleges, rec applications, booster golf equipment, and so on. I used to be additionally concerned with the Pink Cross once we had a neighborhood workplace within the Mt. Washington Valley years in the past.
Kathy:
I’m concerned with Memorial Hospital/Essential 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 like most about dwelling within the North Conway space? Are there any explicit facets of the area you assume make it an awesome place to stay?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a good place to stay. We’ve fabulous meals choices, actions to maintain most individuals busy and cultural occasions comparable to native theater productions.
Will:
What I really like most about Conway is the unbelievable pure magnificence mixed with the welcoming neighborhood spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it good for outside actions, comparable to mountaineering, snowboarding, and scenic drives. The city has a novel mix of small-town appeal and vibrant tourism, so there’s at all times one thing occurring whereas nonetheless feeling peaceable. The robust sense of neighborhood and native pleasure actually make it an awesome place to stay.
Kathy:
There may be by no means an absence of actions in MWV. Being a four-season resort space you will have many selections to benefit from the outside and inside actions or occasions.
Thomas:
I feel what I take pleasure in essentially 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 unique retailer to accommodate most wants, to driving simply 5 minutes out of city and you might be 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 new residents trying to become involved, what native organizations, neighborhood actions, or occasions would you advocate they try?
Susan:
Keep watch over the Conway Day by 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 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 Huge Dave’s Bagels. Procuring has modified over time, with many shops leaving the world and new specialty shops taking their place. It’s typically tough to seek out objects comparable to a gown shirt for an important day, however entry to higher buying is barely a brief drive away.
Will:
A few of my favourite native spots embody Echo Lake State Park, the place you may take pleasure in picnicking and mountaineering with beautiful views of Cathedral Ledge. For eating, I really like stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for nice native meals. Procuring at Settlers Inexperienced can also be a should, providing a variety of shops and distinctive retailers that enchantment to each locals and guests alike.
Kathy:
I take pleasure in Schouler Park in North Conway. Numerous strolling and driving trails. Within the Winter cross nation or snowshoeing is out there 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, notably 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 we’ve seen is expounded to this trade. Space sights comparable to Cranmore Mountain proceed to broaden and enhance their operations to draw extra guests to the world. 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 steadiness between the 2.
Thomas:
I grew up in Bartlet NH which is simply down the highway from Conway. I keep in mind when this complete space was loads much less busy and crowded than it’s as we speak.
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 world on the time didn’t have so I’d say that the expansion this space has had was a blessing.
What would you advocate 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 might be aggressive, there are alternatives should you’re affected person and ready. Become involved 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 enable you to navigate your MWV expertise.
What are some native landmarks, companies, or occasions that maintain particular which means for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is expensive to my coronary heart.
We Look Ahead To Assembly You!
We hope this glimpse into our staff has helped you get to know us higher. We sit up for constructing a long-lasting relationship with you and supporting your monetary wants.
Union Financial institution is proud to serve North Conway with a devoted staff dedicated to creating a constructive influence in our neighborhood. Whether or not you’re opening an account, searching for a mortgage, or searching for 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!
